Ten beautiful islands that you can only visit on a cruise

Finding a peaceful haven to call your own is often all you need for an idyllic holiday but when you're sharing a ship with 2,500 other passengers it's no easy feat. That's where the private islands come in. Offering exclusive access to cruise passengers, there are paradise islands in the Bahamas, French Polynesia and Abu Dhabi that are reserved for just you and your fellow cruisers.

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The beautiful islands offer all the luxuries you could seek from a tranquil beach getaway, from crystal-clear waters and coral reefs for snorkelling, to massages on the beach. Then there are the activities for those after some action. Swim-up bars for cocktails in the sun, zip lining across the islands and 4x4 excursions all make for an exciting island experience.

Eating in these remote locations is a treat too, with delicious barbecues on the beach, restaurants with views and even an 8,500 square-foot beach buffet.

There's plenty to keep you occupied when you're not sunning yourself on the glorious beach. On Norwegian Cruise Line's Harvest Caye, for instance, you can browse the shopping village, which features popular name-brand retailers as well as local Belizean craftsmen. And Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay is a haven for families, with its floating platform featuring water slides and water cannons, beach parties and hammocks for relaxing.

Be inspired by these tropical island retreats that are only open to cruisers.

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