Key Aspects:
- RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay celebrated its major expansion on June 1, 2026, following a massive renovation.
- Guests will find expanded beach facilities, new dining venues, and upgraded amenities across the island.
- The project added a new pier that allows Carnival Cruise Line’s largest ships to visit.
One of the Caribbean’s most recognizable private cruise destinations just got its biggest makeover in nearly three decades.
On June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the completion of a series of upgrades at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, with a ribbon cutting that included Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.
The project introduces a collection of new amenities, expanded beachfront space, and upgraded transportation infrastructure at the private Bahamian destination, which has been a fixture on Carnival itineraries for years.
Among the most significant additions is a new pier, ending one of the destination’s long-standing challenges. Until now, some guests arriving at Half Moon Cay were required to tender ashore. The new facility will allow ships to dock directly, significantly increasing the number and type of vessels able to visit the island.
The pier also opens the destination to Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Those vessels have been unable to call regularly because of tendering limitations.
Visitors will also find a broader range of beach amenities, including new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, as well as cabanas and daybeds for guests looking for a more private experience.
Several new food and beverage venues are now open as well. Orchid Beach Grill and Hibiscus Beach Grill serve buffet-style meals, while Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Sack, and Lil’ Tiki Bar offer additional places to grab drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Getting around the island has also become easier. A new tram service connects different areas of the destination, while the newly added Papaya Pathway provides a scenic walking route for guests who prefer to explore on foot.
Work has also been completed on upgrades to portions of the island’s south side, including refreshed design elements and improvements to existing food and beverage facilities.
“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination,” said Duffy.
She added, “We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters.”
The first vessel arriving to the newly completed destination was Carnival Sunrise, which docked at the pier at 8:00 a.m. on June 1, departing at 4 p.m.
Carnival Sunshine is arriving on June 2 from Norfolk, Virginia, and Carnival Dream and Carnival Pride will visit on June 3, from Miami and Baltimore, respectively.
Half Moon Cay’s Growth
The upgrades to Half Moon Cay come as cruise lines continue investing heavily in private destinations throughout the Caribbean, including Norwegian Cruise Line, which is expanding its Great Stirrup Cay destination, and Royal Caribbean, which is expanding its successful Perfect Day at CocoCay to other Caribbean destinations.
But long before private islands became a major battleground among cruise lines, Half Moon Cay was setting the standard.
The destination first opened in December 1997 after being developed by Holland America Line on Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. The island quickly earned a reputation for its wide beaches and undeveloped landscape.
Today, Half Moon Cay is shared by several brands within Carnival Corporation, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. Carnival says 22 ships from its fleet currently visit the destination, with sailings departing from homeports across the US.
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Carnival Corporation first announced plans to enhance the destination in 2024, focusing on improvements while maintaining the natural character that made the island popular in the first place.
Half Moon Cay is part of the company’s Paradise Collection, which also includes Celebration Key, which opened on Grand Bahama in 2025, and Mahogany Bay in Honduras.
