RelaxAway Half Moon Cay guide: Everything to know about Carnival's expanded private island
Is relaxing on a private island one of your favorite things to do when on a cruise? Here's the good news: One of the world's most famous cruise line private islands just got a major upgrade.
On June 1, cruise giant Carnival unveiled a massive redevelopment of Half Moon Cay — the private island in The Bahamas it has long shared with sister brand Holland America.
Renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the island is now home to an all-new beach resort area that is for the exclusive use of passengers arriving on Carnival ships.
Located along the previously undeveloped northern end of the spectacular, two-mile-long crescent beach that is the defining feature of the island, it boasts thousands of loungers and umbrellas facing the water, waterside eateries and bars, and every sort of water toy that you can imagine.
Meanwhile, the previously existing development on the island, located at the southern end of the same beach, is also getting a bit of a makeover that will be finished later this year. Going forward, this area — until June, regularly visited by both Carnival and Holland America ships — will mostly be for the use of passengers arriving on Holland America ships.
The beach is so long and huge that, as I saw during a visit to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on the day the new Carnival resort area opened, there's room for both of these side-by-side developments.
In effect, they will act as two separate private island destinations located along the very same beach.
Here, a guide to everything you need to know if you'll be visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Carnival ship (that is, if you're arriving at the Carnival side of the island).
Where is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is located in The Bahamas. It's about 100 miles southeast of Nassau, the most visited cruise port in The Bahamas, and 277 miles southeast of Miami.
Officially known as Little San Salvador Island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has been owned by Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Carnival and Holland America, since 1996. Purchased for $6 million, it is the largest private island owned by a cruise company in The Bahamas, measuring about 2,400 acres.
Even after Carnival's recent resort area expansion on the island, only a small portion of the island's footprint has been developed — at last count, less than 100 acres.
Most of the island has been preserved as a nature area and bird sanctuary.
Related: The ultimate Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and more
Which cruise ships go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Nearly every Carnival and Holland America ship that operates in The Bahamas and the Caribbean stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on at least some if not all sailings in the region.
For the coming year, this includes 22 of Carnival's 29 vessels and six of Holland America's 11 vessels.
In Holland America's case, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a stop on every Caribbean sailing.
For Carnival, stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are particularly common on Bahamas sailings out of Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida. But you'll also find them on Bahamas cruises out of Baltimore, Maryland; Galveston, Texas; Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida; New York City; Mobile, Alabama; New Orleans; and Norfolk, Virginia.
In general, Carnival ships visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay far more often than Holland America ships. Carnival ships sail to the island year-round, whereas Holland America ships mostly only visit from the fall through spring. Holland America ships generally spend the period from spring through fall in Europe and Alaska. Carnival also has far more ships than Holland America.
How do you get around RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
How you get around RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay depends on which cruise line takes you to the island.
As part of its massive development at the northern end of the island's long crescent beach, Carnival added a large dock that can accommodate up to two ships at a time — the first-ever dock at the island. This allows Carnival passengers to walk right off their ships to a new Arrival Plaza where they will find a tram system (also new) for getting around.
This new tram system has two loops — the Green Line and the Yellow line. Both start at the Arrival Plaza and head southward along the portions of the beach that are within the Carnival development. The Green Line makes three stops (stops 2, 3 and 4) at the closer areas of the beach. The Yellow Line offers direct service to two further-away stops (stops 5 and 6) along the beach.
These five stops offer easy access to all of the eateries, bars, cabanas and other guest venues and services on the Carnival side of the beach so you don't have to do too much walking. Or you can just walk along the pathways that arc around the island's one long, curving beach.
There is also a tram to take passengers directly to a hub for shore excursions.
Should you arrive at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Holland America ship, you will be landing two miles to the south of Carnival's Arrival Plaza at the previously developed portion of the beach.
As there is no dock in that area, you will tender from your ship (which will anchor just off the island) to land by water shuttle — just as all arriving cruise visitors on both Carnival and Holland America ships did for decades. Once there, you can walk to the beach, eateries, bars and other venues on that side of the island or take one of the open-air shuttles that connect the various venues.
Note that there may be some (initially relatively rare) times when Carnival sends three ships to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a single day. In such cases, the two largest of the ships will dock at the northern end of the beach, at the new Carnival arrival area, while the third (and smallest) Carnival ship anchors off the southern part of the beach that is typically reserved for Holland America ships.
On those sorts of days, the Carnival ship anchoring to the south will use the beach facilities, eateries and bars located at that area.
What are the best things to do at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
As noted above, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay's main feature is a truly stunning crescent beach that is two miles long — so long that it really feels endless.
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in The Bahamas, it offers powdery-soft, white sand and is fronted by crystal-clear turquoise water.
For many visitors, a beach day at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is all about enjoying this wonderful beach.
As I saw firsthand during my visit, the beachfront areas on the northern end of the beach developed for Carnival passengers (the main focus of this guide) is lined with nearly 10,000 new lounge chairs and nearly 5,000 new umbrellas — all available for use at no extra charge. There also are lots of extra-charge cabanas, daybeds and clam shells with lounge seating available for renting by the day (more on those in a moment).
The amount of seating is so extensive that even on days when two Carnival ships are docked at the north end of the island, there should be plenty of spots for everyone to lounge in comfort.
To add to the experience, you can rent a floating mat ($21.99 for the day) to float in the luscious-looking water or snorkel gear ($21.99 for the day) to see what's down below.
Also available for rent:
- Stand-up paddleboards ($39.99 per hour)
- Single kayaks ($32.99 per hour)
- Double kayaks ($50.99 per hour)
- Big Dipper noodles ($10.99 per day)
- Hobie Catamaran sail boats ($49.99 per person)
In addition to all the above for beachy fun, you'll find beach volleyball courts spread around the beach for group play, usually at the top of the beach.
What are the best excursions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
You'll find more than half a dozen extra-charge excursions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Carnival executives tell TPG that more could be coming soon.
The best RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay excursions currently available include:
- Historic Nature Walk ($26.99 per person). This guided walk takes you along nature trails throughout the over 90% of the island that remains undeveloped, to learn the local flora and fauna.
- Island Bike Tour ($26.99 per person). This guided bike tour takes you around accessible areas of the island for a glimpse of such things as the island's stables, church and lagoon.
- Stingray Adventure ($54.99 per person). Snorkel with stingrays at the island's Stingray Cove, where stingrays are always present.
- Tropical Kayak Adventure ($59.99). This guided kayak outing takes you into the 1,400-acre lagoon in the nature area of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
- Horseback Riding by Land and Sea ($136.99 per person). This excursion is a guided horseback ride around the island that includes a horseback walk into the ocean.
- Snorkel by Boat ($65.99 per person). This group boat ride gets you out onto the crystal-clear waters around RelaxAway Half Moon Cay with a stop for snorkeling.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay offer cabanas to rent?
If you want to reserve a private space along the Carnival portion of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay beach front, you'll find 22 all-new private cabanas available that are designed for groups of up to seven people.
Known as RelaxAway Cabanas, they comprise a semi-private covered structure with a coffee table, a three-seat sofa and two armchairs, as well as two loungers in front of this structure that are shaded by an umbrella. In addition, the cabanas come with a safe where you can secure your personal belongings while out and about around the island.
The cabanas (all located near tram station 3) also come with several amenities that are normally an extra charge on the island:
- Chips and fresh fruit
- Water and soda
- Floating mats (four per cabana)
- Snorkel gear
Pricing for cabanas is set on a per cabana basis not per person, with dynamic pricing that will vary depending on demand (on the day I visited, the cost was $799.99 per cabana).
Other extra-charge options for a private space at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay including 48 all-new Luxury Daybeds. These are plush two-person daybeds covered with a canopy that offers protection from the sun, plus two more traditional lounge chairs with an umbrella just in front of the daybed. In theory, that means they offer room for four people (two on the daybed and two in the lounge chairs). They are typically priced starting around $149.99 per unit.
Clamshell Sunshade rentals also are available, typically priced at $64.99 per person.
Cabanas and daybeds can be reserved in advance of sailing through Carnival's Cruise Planner. If spots remain, you can also reserve cabanas and daybeds once on board your ship through the onboard Carnival HUB app, the Shore Excursion Desk, or Guest Services. Additionally, if space remains, you can reserve cabanas and daybeds once on the island at the Guest Services and Shore Excursions kiosk, and the rental kiosks that are located across the island.
Is food included at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes, two eateries along the Carnival portion of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay beach front serve a complimentary barbecue lunch.
The two eateries are Hibiscus Beach Grill (located at tram station 5) and Orchid Beach Grill (located at tram station 2). Both of these serve lunch during the midday hours (typically from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) with stations for hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs, grilled chicken, slow-roasted pulled pork, salads, nacho bars and all sorts of sides.
Both have drinks stations with complimentary water, lemonade and tea, and a bar where you'll find alcoholic drinks and sodas for an extra charge. Desserts include chocolate brownies, apple crumble and cookies.
Similar eateries are located on the Holland America side of the island.
Does my drink package work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
No. Whether you're arriving at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Carnival or Holland America ship, your onboard drink package won't work on the island. The length-of-cruise drinks packages sold by both Carnival and Holland America only are valid when you are onboard your ship.
This is notably different than what you'll find at some other cruise line private islands including Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. At the latter, drinks packages work the same as onboard.
Should you want a drink while on the island, you'll pay a la carte prices that are similar to what you'll find on board ships (cocktails are $12.50) — and have no shortage of options.
On the Carnival side of the island, bars can be found at tram stops 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Is there shopping at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Whether you're looking for souvenirs or need to pick up the sunscreen or swim goggles you forgot to pack, you can find what you're looking for at one of three gift shops along the Carnival portion of the beach located at tram stops 1, 3 and 5. There's also a small Artisan Market at the Arrivals Plaza where local Bahamians sell their wares.
The gift shops only accept payment via your ship Sign & Sail card (and thus whatever you charge will show up up on your final cruise bill). At the Artisan Market, you can pay with cash or credit cards but not your Sign & Sail card.
What additional amenities will I find at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Restrooms and beach showers are scattered throughout the island and are well marked on maps. You'll also find designated smoking areas, lockers and first aid stations.
Locker use comes with an extra charge.
One thing you won't find on the island is a beach towel station. You will find beach towels in your cruise cabin that you should bring with you to the island for the day. And then don't forget to bring them back as towels are not meant to stay on the island.
Beach wheelchairs with extra-thick tires for navigating RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay's sandy shore are available to borrow throughout the island.
Can I stay overnight at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Alas, you can only relax away at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay during the daytime.
While there are some quite nice cabanas on the island with loungers where you easily could fall asleep for hours, you can't rent them overnight. No matter when your cruise ship arrives, it will sail away later the same day, and the only people who spend the night on the island are staff members.
What's the weather like at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
The Bahamas has great weather year-round. Expect highs in the low 80s during the winter and low 90s during the summer.
The rainiest months in the Bahamas are June, August and September. In addition, hurricane season runs June through November, with the peak time for storms from August through October. Your ship will not call on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay if conditions are unsafe.
All that said, don't worry too much if you see a forecast for rain on the day you're supposed to visit. Like in other tropical destinations, rain showers tend to pass quickly and you can see them coming. If it does start raining, maybe used the time to head to the covered areas at the island's eateries and bars for lunch, a snack or a cocktail. By the time you're done, it might just be sunny again.
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RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay FAQ
What else do you need to know about RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay? Here's an FAQ with fast facts.
Is smoking allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is for the most part a smoke-free destination. You can't smoke at cabanas, eateries, bars, shops or along the beach front. The only places where you can smoke are at a handful of designated smoking areas tucked away in inconspicuous spots.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Passengers who have bought a Wi-Fi package through Carnival will find that they will be able to access internet while at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as well as the Carnival HUB app. This is a change that came with the island's redevelopment in 2026. Before that, Wi-Fi was not available.
Are there lifeguards at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Every beach area has a lifeguard station that is manned by a lifeguard at all times when passengers are on the island.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have a pool?
Unlike many cruise line private islands, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay does not have a pool.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have an adults-only area?
As of now, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay does not have an adults-only area. But Carnival executives have hinted to TPG that an adults-only area might be something they do in a later phase of development on the island.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have a waterpark?
No. Carnival has very deliberately designed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as a destination for a relatively quiet, relaxing beach day, not a theme park-like experience. The company says it has no plans to add a waterpark or other big family resort attractions of the sort found at some other cruise line private islands.
Is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay all-inclusive?
No. While food at the island's eateries is free, you'll pay extra for drinks on the island. You'll also pay extra for excursions, cabanas and water play toys including snorkeling equipment and floating mats. That said, there is no charge to use lounge chairs and umbrellas.
How old do I have to be to drink alcohol at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
You must be 21 years old or older to purchase alcohol at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Will Carnival and Holland America ships visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay at the same time?
Yes. There will be times when both a Carnival ship and a Holland America ship are visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay — at the northern and southern ends of the island's long beach, respectively. But Holland America only sends ships to the island seasonally from fall to spring. On many days, it'll just be Carnival ships visiting.
Can all Carnival ships visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. The new dock has made it possible for even the biggest Carnival ships such as the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and 5,362-passenger Carnival Celebration to visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. That wasn't the case before.
In addition, the dock is big enough for two Carnival ships to tie up at the same time.
Can I walk from the Carnival development on the island to the Holland America development?
Yes. There is nothing stopping you from walking from the Carnival resort area at the northern end of the island's long crescent beach to the Holland America resort area at the southern end. But the two areas are far apart. The beach is roughly two miles in length from end to end.
Note that the tram service on the Carnival side of the beach does not extend all the way to the Holland America side.
Can I have my wedding at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Weddings are currently available at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. To arrange a wedding at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, call Carnival Weddings at 800-933-4968 or visit Carnival's wedding planning webpage.
Are mobility scooters allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Passengers are welcome to bring their scooters to the port. Be advised that there are no designated scooter charging stations.
Can I bring my service animal to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Certified service dogs may come ashore at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. You must notify the Guest Services desk on your Carnival ship in advance, and dogs must remain leashed at all times. Emotional support animals are not permitted under cruise line policy and destination regulations.
Can I see the map for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Here is the map for the Carnival portion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay:
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