Lines stopping in castaway cays reserved for guests are on rise

The appeal of cruise holidays has traditionally focused on visiting a wide variety of places. But an increasing number of firms are choosing to drop anchor at exclusive destinations in idyllic locations.

- BY SARAH MARSHALL

Private island stops are becoming a highlight of itineraries, with big players investing heavily in castaway cays reserved for their guests.

Holland America Line, part of the Carnival Group, recently revealed a revamp of their popular Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

A new pier will allow more ships to dock at the destination - soon to be named RelaxAway island, hinting at the investment planned for more laid back leisure facilities.

Other lines have equally big ideas. Expanding beyond The Bahamas - where most island escapes have been based to date - Royal Caribbean is hoping to develop a new Perfect Day project in Mexico (due to open in 2027), while MSC has announced plans for an Abu Dhabi private island experience in the Middle East. And why not? - discovering a secret island is, after all, the stuff of childhood dreams.

Here are some of the fantasy islands where it’s already possible to set sail.

Great Stirrup Cay, The Bahamas