For nearly three decades, Half Moon Cay has been one of the most celebrated private island stops in the cruise industry. Today, June 1, 2026, it officially entered a new chapter.
Carnival Cruise Line — not Holland America Line, which technically owns the island — marked the completion of a major expansion, welcoming the first guests ashore on the newly opened north side via a brand-new pier. The ship that earned the honor of being first? The Carnival Sunrise.
Oh, and the island has a stupid new name. Carnival is calling it RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay now. Make of that what you will.
The History of Half Moon Cay
The island now known as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay wasn’t always a beach paradise — at least not a developed one. Originally known as Little San Salvador Island, it sits midway between Eleuthera and Cat Island in the Bahamas, roughly 100 miles southeast of Nassau. The name was changed to reflect the crescent-shaped beach at the island’s western end — and, not coincidentally, to honor the Half Moon, the ship belonging to 17th-century explorer Henry Hudson, whose name is woven into Holland America Line’s own logo.
Norwegian Cruise Line originally acquired the island, but it didn’t stay in Norwegian’s hands for long. The island was sold in 1996 for $6 million to Holland America Line, which is part of the Carnival Corporation family. HAL went on to spend more than $16 million building infrastructure including electrical generators, water and sewage treatment plants, a marina for tender operations, and everything needed to turn the island into a private beach resort.
Half Moon Cay was officially opened as a port of call on December 12, 1997. From that point forward, it became one of the most loved stops in the Caribbean — voted the #1 private island 20 years in a row.
Up until now, Half Moon Cay operated as a tender-only destination. Ships anchored offshore and guests rode small boats to the beach. The island’s south side was the developed zone — the beach, the lunch venues, the cabanas. The north side sat largely untouched. That changes today.
What’s New at Half Moon Cay: The North Side Opens
As part of a series of enhancements jointly announced by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line, a new pier on the north side of the island now allows Carnival’s Excel-class ships to dock there for the first time. Prior to today, the island’s shallow waters meant those larger ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee — couldn’t call on Half Moon Cay at all.
In addition to the pier, guests can now enjoy new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, reservable cabanas and daybeds for added comfort, and new and upgraded food and drink venues including Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack, and Lil’ Tiki Bar — each offering island-style meals, full buffets, and plenty of cold beverages. A new tram service connects all areas of the island, and the new Papaya Pathway offers a scenic walking route for those who prefer to explore on foot.
The existing south side of the island is also being refreshed with new design elements and food and beverage venue upgrades.
The North and South: Open to Everyone
Here’s something that goes against what most people expected: both the north and south ends of the island are open to all guests regardless of which ship they arrived on. The speculation going into today was that Carnival ships would use the new north side and pier while Holland America’s guests would continue to tender to the south side and keep that area to themselves. That’s not how it played out, at least not on day one.
The island map released today — which you can see below — shows amenities spanning both ends of the island. Whether that remains the operating model when Holland America ships return to the Caribbean this winter is an open question. HAL tends to carry far fewer passengers than Carnival’s mega-ships, and the dynamics of sharing a now-much-larger island with Excel-class ships carrying 5,000+ guests will be interesting to watch, especially since there is a MAJOR (can’t emphasize that enough) difference in the age and type of passenger Holland America attracts compared to Carnival. Whether HAL ships will use the new pier or continue tendering is also still unconfirmed, though the map’s layout raises some interesting possibilities.
Half Moon Cay: A Venue-by-Venue Breakdown
Based on the official island map, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is organized around a tram line with six stops running from the pier arrival area on the north side to the existing south end, plus a separate water shuttle arrival area for tendering guests.
Guests arriving by pier enter at Stop 1 — Arrival Plaza/Coconut Line Tram Station, which serves as the island’s main hub. Here you’ll find the Guest Services and Shore Excursions Desk, a gift shop, an artisan market, restrooms and lockers.
Moving down the beach, Stop 2 — Mango Tram Stop is home to the Orchid Beach Grill & Bar, along with daybeds, beach rentals, and restrooms.
Stop 3 — Lime Tram Stop features the Lil’ Tiki Bar, cabanas, a gift shop, beach rentals, and restrooms.
Stop 4 — Pineapple Tram Stop hosts the Stay Awhile Beach Bar, with cabana and daybed rentals available alongside beach rentals and restrooms.
Stop 5 — Guava Tram Stop brings you to the Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar, with daybeds, a gift shop, beach rentals, restrooms, and one of the island’s first aid stations.
Stop 6 — Avocado Tram Stop is the final stop on the tram line, home to the Luna Tide Beach Bar and cabana and daybed rentals.
The Water Shuttle Arrival area — the historic south side — remains packed with amenities. This is where you’ll find the Welcome Center, Island Market Grill, Lobster Shack, The Beach Club, Rum Runners Bar, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, On the Rocks Bar, Bell Bar, a gift shop, straw market, daybeds, cabanas, two-story villas, a Private Oasis area, beach rentals, restrooms, and a first aid station.
The Elephant in the Room: What About Holland America?
Holland America Line built this island and owned it for nearly three decades. HAL president Beth Bodensteiner said the south side of the island, where Holland America has always visited, will remain a secluded paradise for HAL guests and a marquee destination for nearly every Caribbean cruise. But the reality of what happens when a 5,000+ passenger Excel-class ship shows up at the same island a HAL ship with 2,000 guests has historically had to themselves is yet to be seen. We’ll be watching closely when HAL’s Caribbean season cranks back up.
Half Moon Cay Ribbon Cutting
Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony with remarks by Carnival Cruise Line president, Christine Duffy:
Your RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to the questions you’re probably asking yourself right now, besides who the marketing genius was who decided on the whole “RelaxAway” thing:
Do I need to take a tender to get ashore?
It depends on your ship. Ships that dock at the new north-side pier can walk off directly — it’s about a 5-minute stroll to the Arrival Plaza. Some sailings will still anchor offshore, in which case you’ll take a water shuttle that drops you right at the destination’s entrance near the Welcome Center on the south side.
Is there a tram? Do I need to reserve a spot?
Yes, complimentary trams run continuously around the island with no reservations needed. Trams arrive every few minutes, but seats are first-come, first-served. Each tram stop is roughly 10-15 minutes apart at a moderate walking pace if you’d rather stretch your legs — and there’s now a dedicated scenic walking path called the Papaya Pathway for those who want to explore on foot.
What's included in my cruise fare?
Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are set up throughout the island. Lunch is also included for all guests at the beach grills. No outside food or drinks from the ship are permitted.
Can I use my drink package at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
No. Your beverage package does not extend to the island. All drinks ashore will be charged to your ship card or paid by credit card or cash at smaller vendors. This applies to Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, and all other brands that call on the island.
What's the best way to pay on the island?
Use your ship card card at bars and gift shops. Bring some cash or a credit card for the artisan market at the Arrival Plaza. There is no ATM on the island — use the ship’s ATM before you disembark.
Can I reserve a cabana or daybed in advance?
Yes. Book through the app before your sailing, or visit the Shore Excursions desk, Guest Services, or at the rental kiosks on the island itself.
What water gear can I rent or bring?
Beach mats, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, flotation devices, and noodles are all available to rent. You’re welcome to bring your own small personal floaties and snorkel equipment. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are there lockers at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes, day lockers are available for rent at restroom locations throughout the island and near the beach rental kiosks. They’re sized for small purses, drawstring bags, or wet/dry bags. You can access your locker as many times as needed throughout the day.
Is there Wi-Fi on the island?
This is new and a welcome addition! If you have an active onboard internet plan, it carries over to the island seamlessly. If you don’t have a plan, you can purchase one onboard before heading ashore. Packages aren’t sold on the island itself. The individual cruise line apps work on the island regardless of whether you have an internet plan.
Will my cell phone work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Coverage varies by carrier. Many guests will have roaming in the Bahamas, but check your carrier’s international rates before you go to avoid any surprise charges on your bill.
Is there food for guests with dietary restrictions?
Yes. Each beach grill offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and nut-free options. Let your server know about any allergies before ordering.
Can I bring a cooler or snacks from the ship?
No. Outside food and beverages are not permitted on the island. Complimentary lunch is served at the beach grills for all guests.
Is there shopping on the island?
Yes. The Arrival Plaza has an artisan market and a souvenir shop, and additional retail is scattered throughout the island. Note that purchases won’t be delivered to your ship — you’ll carry everything back yourself, so plan accordingly for anything fragile or bulky.
Are there age or weight restrictions for activities?
Some water activities and shore excursions have height, weight, or age restrictions. Check the the app or ask at the Shore Excursions desk for specifics before your sailing day.
Is there entertainment at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes — entertainment teams run family-friendly beach competitions throughout the day including sandcastle building, sports tournaments, and other beach games. There’s something going on for all ages.
Are there massages or spa services on the island?
Not at this time. Spa services are not currently offered at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. There’s no shortage of peaceful beach spots to unwind, though.
Can I get married at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Weddings are available on the island. Contact your specific cruise line for details on packages and availability.
Are drones allowed on the island?
Only in designated areas with prior approval. Standard consumer drone use is not permitted.
What items are prohibited at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Glass containers, portable speakers, and alcohol or food brought from the ship are all prohibited. Smoking — cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vapes, and pipes — is permitted only in designated smoking areas marked on the island map.
Can I bring my service animal ashore?
Yes. Certified service dogs may come ashore but must remain leashed at all times. Notify Guest Services in advance. Emotional support animals are not permitted under cruise line policy and destination regulations.
Are scooters allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their scooters ashore. There are no designated charging stations on the island, so make sure your scooter is fully charged before you disembark.