MSC Cruises has a new private island in the works, and — unlike other cruise line's private isles — it's not in the Caribbean. Starting in December, MSC Fantasia will begin docking at Sir Bani Yas Island, just off the southwest coast of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

The 1.5-mile-long area will become a tropical resort, with cabanas and lounge chairs on the sand. There will be six beach bars, as well as an area just for families. If you aren't content to sit in the sun, excursions will range from mountain biking to 4x4 trips into the desert plus water sports such as snorkeling and paddle boarding.

The area is also home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, a reserve with more than 13,000 indigenous animals. Cruisers will be able to book safari-style trips here to see animals — such as giraffes and cheetahs — in their natural habitat.