It’s official: on June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the expanded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas. This short clip is from that grand opening celebration, and you’ll hear Carnival talk about what’s new on the island, from the pier and the tram to the new food halls, cabanas and bars.
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay opened June 1, 2026 with a ribbon cutting led by Carnival president Christine Duffy, plus a look at the new pier and beach.
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Key Takeaways
- Half Moon Cay now goes by RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and this ceremony marked the grand opening of the expanded island.
- Carnival Sunrise was the first ship to bring guests ashore using the island’s brand new pier.
- Ships can now dock right at the pier and guests simply walk off, and the pier can handle Carnival’s largest Excel class ships for the first time.
- A new tram system opened the same day to take guests from the pier to the beach.
- The beach got lots more loungers and umbrellas, plus cabanas and daybeds if you want a more private spot.
- There are two new food halls serving full buffets, along with several new bars around the island.
- The old favorites are still here: snorkeling, kayaking and the horses on the beach.
Good to Know
Half Moon Cay has been one of cruising’s most loved private islands since Holland America Line opened it in 1997. The big change with this expansion is on the island’s north side, where the new pier means no more tendering in for ships that dock there.
Beyond what’s mentioned in the speeches, the expansion also includes new beach bars and grills, expanded cabana and daybed areas, and a scenic walking trail called the Papaya Pathway. If you’d rather not walk, the complimentary tram is there to get you to the beach.