Why Can’t Cruise Lines Build Private Islands in Europe?

Why do cruise private islands only seem to exist in the Caribbean? And why has a destination like Perfect Day at CocoCay never appeared in Europe?

In this video, we break down the real reasons cruise private islands work in the Caribbean — and why the same model simply wouldn’t translate to European cruising.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has become one of the most recognisable destinations in modern cruising. Owned and developed by Royal Caribbean, it represents a new era of cruise private islands: controlled environments, curated experiences, and cruise-line operated beaches, excursions and attractions. For many passengers, it’s the highlight of a Caribbean cruise.

But here’s the question: Could a destination like Perfect Day at CocoCay ever work as part of a Mediterranean cruise itinerary?

We examine:
• The economics behind cruise private islands
• Why cruising in the Caribbean is built around repetition and consistency
• The role of year-round weather in making private islands viable
• How Mediterranean cruising differs in passenger expectations
• Why culture, history and independent exploration are central to European cruise itineraries
• Whether cruise lines could realistically build a “Perfect Day” style destination in Europe
• And what would be lost if they tried

Cruising in the Caribbean is often about sunshine, beaches and predictable climate. Cruise private islands thrive in that environment because ships return week after week, all year round. But Mediterranean cruising operates differently. Passengers book a cruise in Europe for cities like Rome, Barcelona, Athens and Naples — places shaped by centuries of history and culture.
Would replacing that with a private island experience enhance the cruise? Or would it fundamentally change what makes European cruising appealing?

This isn’t an attack on Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s an honest look at why cruise private islands are concentrated in one region, and why the cruise industry hasn’t replicated that model elsewhere.
If you’re interested in cruising trends, the future of cruise private islands, and how destinations shape the cruise experience, this video breaks it down clearly and factually.

Let us know in the comments:
Would you want to see a Perfect Day at CocoCay style destination in Europe?
Or does cruising in the Mediterranean work precisely because it’s different?

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