Carnival's private island gets a major overhaul

Carnival's private island in the Bahamas has undergone a significant transformation, with the cruise line unveiling a luxurious new resort area called RelaxAway. Located on the previously undeveloped northern end of the island's stunning two-mile-long beach, RelaxAway boasts thousands of loungers and umbrellas, waterside dining and bars, and an array of water toys.

While the island's southern end, which has been a shared space for Carnival and Holland America passengers, is also getting a makeover, the new Carnival resort area is exclusively for those sailing on Carnival ships. This means that Carnival passengers can enjoy a more secluded and upscale beach experience.

Named after the idea of escaping the everyday, RelaxAway aims to provide a serene retreat for guests. Despite the resort's modern amenities, the island's natural beauty remains a major draw, with most of its 2,400 acres preserved as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary.

Carnival passengers can expect to find nearly every Carnival and Holland America ship that operates in the Bahamas and Caribbean visiting RelaxAway at some point in their itineraries.

Cruise ship options

For the upcoming year, this includes 22 of Carnival's 29 vessels and six of Holland America's 11 ships in the region.

While RelaxAway offers a range of amenities, it's not an all-inclusive destination. Guests will need to pay for drinks and some activities, but food at the island's eateries is complimentary.