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This private island's makeover is so expansive, it's getting a new name

Dec. 11, 2024
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4 min read
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
This private island's makeover is so expansive, it's getting a new name
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If your 2026 cruise includes a visit to Half Moon Cay, you’ll have some exciting changes to look forward to.

Half Moon Cay is set to undergo a massive glow-up. Enhancements include more food and beverage venues, a bigger beachfront and a new name: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

The private island destination in the Bahamas is jointly owned by sister brands Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America, and the two lines will partner in the renovations.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay's north side will be home to a brand-new pier big enough to welcome larger vessels, such as Carnival’s Excel Class ships, which will visit the private island for the first time in 2026. While the south part of the island is designated for Holland America passengers and the north side is dedicated to those sailing with Carnival, currently, vessels for both lines arrive on the south portion of the island.

Additionally, a new shore excursion pier will provide a launching point for island tours and recreational activities. Other enhancements to the area will include two new lunch spots and a handful of island-themed bars.

A new beach club, updated facilities and a renovated lunch spot are among the refreshes planned for the south side of the island.

The north and south sides of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay both will feature enhanced oceanfront welcome plazas that will stretch over 1 mile.

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Cruise passengers can also look forward to more lounging areas with a greater number of cabanas. Thanks to a new tram service, getting around the island will be easier, too.

If you’re worried the renovations might upset the unspoiled vibe of the island, take heart. The lines say they intend to preserve the private island’s essence and natural allures.

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“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.

Some updates will be made by the summer of 2026, with a target to complete the enhancements by the end of 2026.

Half Moon Cay began welcoming cruise ships in 1997. The 2,400-acre island was originally leased and used exclusively by Holland America, Carnival’s sister brand. Over the years, it became a stop for Carnival cruises, too. The two lines became part of the parent company Carnival Corp. when Carnival bought Holland America in 1989.

Related: Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don’t make these 11 mistakes

In 2026, the revamped RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will welcome Carnival cruise passengers sailing seven-night Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries out of Miami and six- and eight-night cruises to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston, Texas.

Holland America itineraries for the summer of 2026 haven't been released yet, but the line has 50 calls to the private island scheduled for the spring of 2026.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Featured image by CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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