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Halfmoon Cay Preparing for New Features

  • Writer: Henry Hernandez
    Henry Hernandez
  • Dec 12, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Dec 18, 2024


As cruise lines continue to enhance their private island destinations, Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are joining forces to unveil an exciting new chapter for Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, which will now be known as RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.



Beautiful, crystal clear waters and powder soft sand beaches.  The Perfect Sign!
Beautiful, crystal clear waters and powder soft sand beaches. The Perfect Sign!


The new name reflects the island’s focus on offering serene, peaceful experiences while highlighting its natural beauty as a tranquil paradise. "By renaming this idyllic destination RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, we’re reinforcing our commitment to preserving the very qualities that make the island so special, while expanding access and welcoming more guests to its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Major enhancements are planned for the island, including new north and south welcome plazas, a refreshed beach club, upgraded dining options, and more. A new tram service will improve transportation, and popular cabanas will be expanded to offer more relaxing spaces. This announcement comes on the heels of the August 2024 reveal that a new pier will be built, allowing Carnival’s Excel-class ships—Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee—to dock directly at the island. While additional upgrades were previously mentioned, guests can now look forward to exciting changes coming to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Both cruise lines are dedicated to ensuring that the island’s new developments blend seamlessly with its authentic natural beauty.


The South Arrival Plaza is currently where cruise ships tender.  The new North Arrival Plaza will facilitate the arrival of guests on larger ships, eliminating the need to tender.
The South Arrival Plaza is currently where cruise ships tender. The new North Arrival Plaza will facilitate the arrival of guests on larger ships, eliminating the need to tender.

"Holland America guests have long appreciated Half Moon Cay’s untouched splendor since it became a port of call in 1997," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. "The south side of the island, which has always been part of our experience, will remain the secluded paradise our guests cherish, while new features like the beach club and updated dining areas will enhance the experience without compromising the island’s pristine charm."


A view of Halfmoon Cay from the tender as it arrives at the dock on the South Side of the island.
A view of Halfmoon Cay from the tender as it arrives at the dock on the South Side of the island.

Renovations are expected to begin in phases by the summer of 2026, with completion set for the end of that year. Starting in 2026, both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line will feature visits to the upgraded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in their itineraries. Guests are especially excited about the prospect of larger ships being able to dock at the island, as the previous need for tendering and limited capacity had restricted these vessels from calling at Half Moon Cay.



Carnival’s inclusion of multiple private islands in the same itinerary will offer guests exclusive, unforgettable experiences. "Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy two unique and memorable beach days," said Duffy.

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