Half Moon Cay is going to look a little different when Holland America Line returns to the Caribbean this fall. While Carnival Cruise Line has been developing a new section of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on previously unused land, Holland America has been upgrading the original side of the island its guests have been visiting for nearly 30 years.
When Nieuw Amsterdam arrives on October 17th for Holland America’s first Half Moon Cay call of the 2026-2027 Caribbean season, passengers will find a new Beach Club, a new food pavilion, upgraded cabanas, refreshed bars and restaurants, additional daybeds and other improvements. Holland America guests will continue tendering ashore to the traditional side of the island, while Carnival’s new section is served by a pier capable of accommodating up to two ships.
New Beach Club Coming in October
The biggest addition is a new Beach Club offering dedicated waiter service, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, included beach accessories and specialty food and beverage options.
Guests purchasing a Beach Club pass will also receive priority tendering from the ship to the island, which could be one of the most useful perks on busy Half Moon Cay days.
Pricing has not yet been announced, with reservations expected to open in early October. As soon as rates are released, I’ll have a separate update with the cost and exactly what’s included.
New Food Pavilion and Beach Upgrades
Holland America is also adding a new complimentary food pavilion serving an island-inspired barbecue menu, while existing bars and dining areas are being renovated.
Cabanas are being upgraded, more daybeds are being added, canopy loungers are being refreshed and additional beach chairs are coming to the island. Four pickleball courts added last season will also remain part of the experience.
For my November 9th visit aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, Holland America is currently showing a Private Cabana Package at $639.95 per party, an Island Retreat Daybed Rental at $149.95 per party, and a Clamshell Sunshade Rental with two chairs at $69.95 per party.
Those prices can vary by sailing, but they give a good idea of what passengers can expect to spend for reserved beach space.
Carnival and Holland America – Not the Same Experiences
One of the most important things to understand is that the new Carnival development and the traditional Holland America area are not the same experience.
Carnival’s new section occupies previously undeveloped land and includes its own pier, arrival area and amenities. Holland America guests will continue using the original side of Half Moon Cay, which is now getting its own major refresh rather than being replaced.
That means HAL passengers should expect a more polished version of the Half Moon Cay they already know, not a completely redesigned private-island experience.
Beginning November 8th, I’ll be aboard Nieuw Amsterdam for the start of a long Holland America run that continues through January 5, with time aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Volendam.
I’ll have several stops at Half Moon Cay during that stretch, which should give me plenty of opportunities to see the upgrades first hand.
