Half Moon Cay, the private island paradise in the Bahamas that has long been a beloved stop for Holland America Line guests, is about to get even better! With new enhancements on the horizon, including a highly anticipated pier, the island is ready to welcome a wider array of ships, including Carnival’s groundbreaking Excel-class vessels.
If you’ve ever visited Half Moon Cay, you already know that it’s a slice of paradise with its powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush natural landscapes. It’s no wonder it consistently ranks as one of the top private island destinations among cruise travelers. However, a long-standing challenge for the island has been the need to use tenders—small boats that shuttle passengers from the cruise ship to the island. This tendering process, while scenic, can be a bit cumbersome, especially for guests eager to get to the beach ASAP.
Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line, has announced that a new pier will be constructed at Half Moon Cay. Not only will it streamline the debarkation process by allowing cruise ships to dock directly at the island, but it will also open up Half Moon Cay to larger ships that previously couldn’t visit due to the tendering limitations. Specifically, Carnival’s Excel-class ships—Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee—will soon be making their maiden visits to Half Moon Cay.
Alongside the construction of the dock, the island is set for an expansion that includes an extended beach area, enhanced dining and beverage options, and more activities for guests to enjoy. More details on these developments will be coming soon, but for now, just imagine more room to spread out on the beach, sip on tropical cocktails, and dive into fun water sports!
Carnival Corporation to Utilize Half Moon Cay More Than Ever Before
With these exciting enhancements, Carnival Corporation is ready to make Half Moon Cay a highlight for even more of its itineraries. Currently a favorite stop for Holland America guests, the island will become a staple destination for Carnival Cruise Line ships as well. This increased usage of the island is excellent news for Carnival’s Excel-class ships, which have been dazzling passengers with their innovative features, eco-friendly design, and endless fun since their debut.
Once the new dock is operational, these larger ships will be able to dock Half Moon Cay, allowing guests to enjoy more time on the island without the hassle of tendering. As a result, you’ll start seeing Half Moon Cay pop up on more itineraries from Carnival Cruise Line ships departing from key U.S. ports. Let’s take a closer look at some of these itineraries that will bring you to this revamped island paradise.
New Carnival Cruise Line Itineraries Featuring Half Moon Cay
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a slew of new itineraries for its ships sailing out of Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, and Baltimore in 2026 and 2027. With the addition of the pier at Half Moon Cay, expect more opportunities to experience this idyllic destination on your next cruise vacation.
From Miami on Carnival Celebration
Carnival Celebration will be setting sail from Miami on a range of seven-day cruises exploring both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Along with stops at destinations like Nassau, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, St. Thomas, and San Juan, Carnival Celebration will also make visits to Half Moon Cay. Guests sailing from Miami can look forward to multiple opportunities to bask in the enhanced beauty of this private island retreat.
From Port Canaveral on Mardi Gras and Carnival Venezia|
Port Canaveral will see its own share of sailings to Half Moon Cay with the popular Mardi Gras leading the charge. Mardi Gras will embark on a variety of seven-day cruises to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Itineraries will feature stops at Half Moon Cay alongside other favorites like Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Nassau, Cozumel, and Mahogany Bay.
Carnival Venezia, a ship that brings “Carnival Fun Italian Style” to the seas, will also be sailing from Port Canaveral seasonally with a mix of seven- and 14-day cruises. These itineraries include stops at Half Moon Cay, giving guests another fantastic opportunity to experience the island in all its glory.
From Galveston on Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze
Carnival Jubilee, the newest of the Excel-class ships, will offer a variety of six- and eight-day cruises that explore the Western Caribbean and The Bahamas, with itineraries that include stops at Half Moon Cay. Whether you’re looking for a shorter getaway or an extended adventure, you’ll have the chance to soak up the sun at Half Moon Cay on these exciting new sailings.
Carnival Dream and Carnival Breeze will also be setting sail from Galveston with new itineraries featuring Half Moon Cay. Carnival Dream, in particular, offers a range of six-, seven-, and eight-day cruises that include this stop, giving guests a taste of both the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
From Baltimore on Carnival Pride
For those sailing from Baltimore, Carnival Pride will offer week-long voyages to the Bahamas that include stops at Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, along with Nassau and Carnival’s new exclusive destination, Celebration Key. These itineraries provide the perfect blend of beach time and cultural exploration, with something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan of Holland America or a Carnival cruiser looking for a new favorite destination, Half Moon Cay is ready to welcome you with open arms (and a freshly made piña colada).