Surf and Turf: A Look at Six of the Cruise Lines' Private Oases

In 1977, Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the majority of the Bahamas' Great Stirrup Cay from an oil company and turned the former military outpost into an oasis for its passengers. Since then, other cruise lines have followed suit, either leasing or buying entire islands (or pieces thereof).

And just as the race has been on to see who can build the most amenity-laden ship, the cruise lines' ocean-edged retreats have received their share of enhancements, including aqua parks, horseback riding and even Barbie Escalades.

As a result, these patches of white sand and barbecue buffets have become favorites of ship passengers, because they give guests a taste of untrammeled island life -- well, less trammeled than sharing a port of call with three or four other boatloads of people.

Here's a look at six of the cruise lines' private Caribbean hideaways, including what they offer, where they are and what you can do when you get there. Plus, we suggest a few tips to make your stay on the islands a little more pleasant. You'll have to grab that hammock in the shade yourself.

Note: While all offer the ability to charge float rentals and libations to your stateroom card, bring cash along for shopping in the markets. Or don't. Who says you have to shop everywhere you go?

-- Christine Koubek