What do you get when you add another half to Half Moon Cay? You get a private island complex big enough for both Carnival and Holland America ships to comfortably visit daily, says Carnival Corp. which owns both cruise lines.
The planned expansion of the private island previously used only by Holland America will feature an expanded beachfront on the north side of the island along with more lunch spots and bars. The full Half Moon will be rebranded RelaxAway private island, with Holland America Line passengers using the existing south side of the island in the Bahamas while Carnival Cruise Line ships will dock at a new pier to visit expanded beaches on the north side. HAL ships will still tender guests ashore to an upgraded entry dock. Passengers will arrive at distinct welcome plazas at each side, which each feature a mile of flour-soft white-sand beach.
The renovations due to be ready in the summer of 2026 will include two new lunch venues and a variety of island-themed bars. A new shore excursion pier and a motor tram will connect cruisers with recreational activities.
“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,” Carnival president Christine Duffy said. She added that many Carnival itineraries in 2026 and beyond will feature both Relaxaway and another new private island, Celebration Key which is also due to open in 2026. The expansion project was first planned in 2020 but shelved due to the pandemic.
The north dock will be large enough for Carnival’s largest Excel-class ships, which can carry up to 6,000 guests. Tendering to Holland America’s south side dock is done in large vessels run by a private contractor and the restaurant venues on the island are staffed by Bahamians.
“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said new HAL president Beth Bodensteiner. All RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay upgrades are designed with nature in mind, including architecture that complements the island’s stunning authenticity, she said. “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.”
Further details are expected in the coming months.
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