Sarah Bretz, ContributorCarnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line have announced that their private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, is being renamed and enhanced.
The island’s name will now be RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The two lines are partnering on enhancements to the property, which will include an expanded beachfront experience, lunch venues, a variety of bars, and other features that will reinforce the destination’s natural beauty. A newly-constructed pier on the north side will allow ships to dock, including Carnival’s mega Excel-class vessels which will be visiting the island for the first time.
Guests will arrive at welcome plazas on both the island’s north and south sides, spanning over one mile of white-sand beach. The existing development on the south side will receive a Bahamian touch-up, a new beach club, an updated lunch venue, and renovated facilities. The newly-developed north side will include two lunch venues and a variety of island-themed bars.
There will also be a new tram service, making getting around easy and convenient. In addition, lounging areas will be expanded, cabanas added, and a new shore excursion pier on the north side that will connect guests with recreational activities. All upgrades are being designed with nature in mind, including architecture that complements the island’s authenticity.
“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “The south side of the island, where Holland America has always visited, will remain the secluded paradise our guests are accustomed to and a marquee destination for almost every cruise visiting the Caribbean. The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”
“Calling this piece of paradise RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reinforces our commitment to preserve the attributes that make the destination so appealing as we expand access and welcome more guests to the destination’s crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush landscapes,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, providing guests with complimentary experiences enjoying both idyllic and ultimate beach days.”
Half Moon Cay’s enhancements will start to be completed by summer 2026 and will continue through the end of the year. More details will be announced in the coming months.
Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are both part of Carnival Corporation. Half Moon Cay, which is also known as Little San Salvador Island, is located between Eleuthera and Cat Island in the Bahamas. Holland America Line bought the island in 1996 and renamed it Half Moon Cay in 1997.
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