RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay: Everything You Need to Know in 2026 (We Just Visited!)

If you have a cruise calling at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, now is a great time to go. Carnival Corporation’s beloved private island in the Bahamas has a new name, a new pier, and several enhancements that make it better than ever for both Carnival and Holland America guests.

We just attended the grand opening of Carnival’s latest Paradise Collection addition and want to share everything you need to know about RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay — from what’s included and how to get ashore, to the new spaces, the upgraded dining, and what makes this crescent-shaped slice of paradise one of the best private islands.

What Is Relax Away, Half Moon Cay?

Half Moon Cay is one of the 700 islands that make up the archipelago of The Bahamas. This small island is located approximately 100 miles southeast of Nassau. It covers 2,400 acres with a 700-acre natural lagoon, though only about 3% has been developed into an exclusive beach resort for cruise passengers. The rest of the area remains a wildlife habitat.

Also known as Little San Salvador Island, the destination takes the name Half Moon Cay from its crescent-shaped beach. And now, its official new name is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

Half Moon Cay is privately owned by Carnival Corporation. Holland America Line purchased the island back in 1996 and its official opening was in December 1997. For decades, it served as one of HAL’s signature ports of call. Recently, Carnival Cruise Line partnered with Holland America for a major enhancement project that transformed the destination for guests — including a newly constructed pier on the north side that allows Carnival’s Excel-class ships to visit the island for the first time.

What’s New at Relax Away, Half Moon Cay in 2026

The rename to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay comes with some major updates to the island. Don’t worry though: the pristine natural landscape hasn’t changed, it’s just been expanded. Half Moon Cay maintains its chill vibe in contrast to Carnival Celebration Key’s more lively atmosphere.

The original Half Moon Cay, on the south side of the island, is still intact with some enhancements. However, there is now a large expansion that is brand-new on the north side of the island. The island’s size creates natural separation, and it will offer two distinct guest experiences.

Depending whether they visit on a Carnival or Holland America ship, guests now arrive at distinct welcome plazas. The south side, long home to Holland America guests, received a Bahamian refresh with a new beach club, updated food and beverage venues, and renovated facilities including the addition of pickleball courts. The newly developed north side features two lunch venues, a variety of island-themed bars, expanded lounging areas along the beautiful white-sand beach, cabanas, and a dedicated shore excursion pier.

Additionally, a new tram service makes getting around the north side of the island easy and convenient.

Getting to Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

As mentioned above, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a cruise line private island, so the only way to visit is to book a cruise that calls there. Much like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay or Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, it is exclusively for Carnival Corporation guests sailing on Holland America Line or Carnival Cruise Line.

The experience of getting ashore depends on which cruise line you are sailing. Holland America guests will still tender to the south side of the island, a process that takes about 20 minutes. If you are sailing on one of Carnival’s ships, you will dock directly at the new pier on the north side, making getting ashore quick and seamless. This pier can accommodate up to two ships.

There will be a maximum of three ships in port at a time. On occasion, when no Holland America ships are calling on the island, a third Carnival ship may tender.

Once on the island, guests can either walk or take a complimentary tram.

From the north side pier, the tram has 6 stops: Arrival Plaza, Mango, Lime, Pineapple, Guava, and Avocado. There is also a paved walking path that runs from the Arrival Plaza to the Avocado tram stop with some fun photo ops along the way. The approximate walk times are as follows:

• Arrival Plaza/Coconut to Mango tram stop- 15 minutes
• Mango to Lime tram stop- 15 minutes
• Lime to Pineapple tram stop- 5 minutes
• Pineapple to Guava tram stop- 10 minutes
• Guava to Avocado tram stop- 15 minutes

If arriving via tender to the south side of the island, walking is the easiest way to get around. If you are tired of walking or are unable to walk long distances, there are complimentary trams that run from the Welcome Center to the food pavilion.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Map

Understanding the layout of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is helpful before you arrive, especially since the island now has two distinct areas depending on which cruise line you are sailing.

Download the PDF version of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Map here.

What’s Included at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

When you think of a cruise line private island, you probably envision stretches of beautifully manicured beaches. Half Moon Cay is exactly that, offering a stretch of approximately 2.5 miles of soft, sandy beachfront.

Access to this prime beach area is included during your stop as are the loungers and umbrellas for both Carnival and Holland America guests. There are over 4,500 umbrellas and double that number of chairs. Be sure to bring beach towels from the ship, though. Cabanas, day beds, and clamshells are available to rent for an up-charge.

Unlike some other private islands from competitor brands, there is no pool or waterpark-like attractions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. It’s meant to preserve the original relaxed, nature vibe.

Food is complimentary on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay for both Carnival and Holland America guests. The tropical buffets includes items such as burgers and hot dogs, island favorites, a salad station, and a dessert station.

However, guests will have to purchase beverages while ashore. Neither Carnival’s nor Holland America’s ship drink packages work on the island. Basic non-alcoholic beverages like water, lemonade, and iced tea are available.

Your ship WiFi package will work on Half Moon Cay when sailing with Carnival Cruise Line but will not work if sailing with Holland America Line. If you have international cell phone coverage, Bahamas rates will apply.

Food and Drinks at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

A complimentary lunch buffet is available on both sides of the island. Carnival’s north side has two pavilions: Orchid Beach Grill & Bar (Mango tram stop) and Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar (Guava tram stop). This open-air buffet provides all your beach BBQ favorites, basic non-alcoholic drinks, and desserts.

Holland America’s Island Market Grill features similar offerings. However, if you’re looking for an upgraded lunch, you might want to try the Lobster Shack. This menu is available for a la carte pricing and includes items like chowder, lobster, and lobster rolls.

While not included in your ship drink package, what’s a beach day without some frozen cocktails? Luckily, there are plenty of bars to quench your thirst.

On the north side of the island, guests can grab cocktails at Lil’ Tiki Bar (Lime), Stay Awhile Beach Shack (Pineapple), Luna Tide Beach Bar (Avocado), and Rum Time Bar Shack (Arrival Plaza/Coconut).

On the south side of the island, the most visible bar is the On the Rocks Bar, shaped like a pirate ship. There’s also the Bell Bar, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, Rum Runners Bar, Aperol Spritz tricycles, and Bacardi Beach Buggies.

Carnival RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Menus:

Orchid & Hibiscus Beach Grills | Rum Time Bar Shack | Lil’ Tiki Bar | Stay Awhile Beach Shack | Luna Tide Beach Bar | Orchid & Hibiscus Beach Bars

Things to Do at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

If you are looking for other activities besides the complimentary offerings at Half Moon Cay Bahamas, the cruise lines both offer plenty of shore excursions for additional costs.

Horseback riding is one of the most popular shore excursions on the island. This fun and unique tour includes both a land and a sea ride with these majestic animals.

Some examples of shore excursions (and approximate prices):

• Floating Mat- $21.99
• Snorkel Gear- $21.99
• Big Dipper Noodle- $10.99
• Half Circle Inner Tube- $21.99
• Paddleboard- $39.99 per hour
• Single Kayak- $32.99 per hour
• Double Kayak- $50.99 per hour
• Waterbike- $48.99 per hour for two people
• Hobie Catamaran- $49.99 per hour
• Eco Lagoon Tour- $48.99
• Eco Bike & Hike- $43.99
• Stingray Adventure- $54.99
• Horseback Riding- $136.99
• Jet Ski Adventure- $125.99
• Snorkeling by Boat- $65.99
• Historic Nature Walk- $26.99
• Kayak Adventure- $59.99
• Island Bike Tour- $26.99
• Clamshell Rental- $64.99 for two people
• Daybed Rental- $149.99+
• Cabana Rental- $799.99+

There are also local artisans and shops where guests can purchase Bahamian goods and logo merchandise.

Carnival Cruise Line Experience at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

The Carnival Cruise Line experience at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has been completely transformed following the recent expansion and upgrades to the island. Instead of sharing space with Holland America guests, Carnival cruisers now have their own dedicated amenities on the north side of the island.

With the addition of a new pier able to accommodate up to two ships, including the largest vessels in the fleet, Carnival will now sail 22 ships to the destination. And the best news is that guests no longer need to tender ashore.

Amenities available for Carnival guests to enjoy include:

• Food: Orchid Beach Grill and Hibiscus Beach Grill serving burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, nachos, salads, & more (included in the cruise fare)
• Beverage: Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack, Lil’ Tiki Bar, and Rum Time Bar Shack, each with at least one signature drink
• Tram Service and Papaya Pathway: Tram service connects all areas of the island and a scenic Papaya Pathway offers guests a picturesque walking route
• Welcome Plaza: A new welcome plaza features local crafts and souvenir stores
• Upgraded Experiences: Clamshell, daybed, and cabana rentals are available for a fee
• Recreational Amenities: volleyball courts

However, unlike Celebration Key, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay does not have any adult-only areas on the island.  

Guests are welcome to bring their scooters to the port. There are designated accessible trams available but no scooter charging stations. 

The Carnival Cheers package does not work on the island; however, WiFi packages do work while ashore.

Holland America Experience at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Enhancements on the Holland America south side of the island are focused on elevating the dedicated experience with highlights including a new premium beach club, upgraded food and beverage venues, and expanded recreation offerings.

When ships from the Holland America fleet return to the Caribbean in October 2026, guests will see upgrades to the overall beach experience, including refreshed cabanas, new daybeds, and expanded beach seating with loungers and umbrellas.

Amenities available for Holland America guests to enjoy include:

• Food: Island Market Grill serving Caribbean-inspired flavors (included in the cruise fare) and refurbished Lobster Shack ($)
• Beverage: On the Rocks Bar, Bell Bar, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, Rum Runners Bar, Aperol Spritz tricycles, and Bacardi Beach Buggies
• Welcome Plaza: with expanded shopping venues and Straw Market
• Premium rentals: 15 private cabanas with fresh paint, new decking, umbrellas, and loungers; 2-story beach villas to be renovated in winter 2026; and Private Oasis Cabana (1,620 square feet perched partially overwater for up to 12 guests)
• New Beach Club: with waiter service, priority tendering, exclusive food and beverage menu, upgraded hammocks and beach loungers, and indoor and outdoor seating with stunning ship views
• Enhanced Recreational Facilities: including four new pickleball courts

Neither Holland America’s drink packages nor WiFi packages work on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay FAQ

Are beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas available at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay? 

Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary and can be found throughout the destination for both Carnival and Holland America guests. Beach towels should be brought from the ship.  

Does the drink package work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

No, your onboard drink package does not work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay regardless of which cruise line you are sailing. Guests can purchase drinks à la carte on the island using their shipboard account. Basic non-alcoholic beverages such as water and lemonade are complimentary at the food pavilions.

Is there WiFi at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

WiFi is available on the north side of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and your onboard WiFi package will work on the island if you are sailing with Carnival. For Holland America guests, WiFi access is not included in current updates on the south side of the island.

Is there food included at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes, a complimentary (and unlimited) lunch buffet is included for all guests on both Holland America and Carnival ships. The open-air food pavilions serve beach BBQ favorites. For an upgraded meal, the Lobster Shack is available for an additional cost on the south side of the island. At this time, there are no premium food offerings on the north side of the island.

Are lockers available at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Day lockers are available for rent throughout the destination for $11.99. Lockers are located at each of the public restrooms or by the welcome center. Guests may access their locker as many times as needed throughout the day. 

Can you still walk the whole area at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Yes, guests are free to walk and explore the north and south sides of the island. However, the tram service does not extend across both sides. Your keycard will only work for purchases on your cruise line’s desiginated side as well.

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