Quick answer: Half Moon Cay, now called RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, is a private island in the Bahamas shared by Carnival Corporation brands. The big news is a new pier that opened in 2026, so Carnival ships now dock on the north side, while Holland America ships have tendered to the south side. Beach access, loungers, umbrellas and a lunch buffet are included, and stingrays, horseback rides, watersports and cabanas cost extra. Check which side your ship uses before you plan your day.
Half Moon Cay has long been a favorite of Holland America guests, and it has just been through its biggest change in years. It got a new name, a pier for larger ships and new venues. The beach is still the main event, but the logistics are different from older guides, so read this before you plan.
- Location: Little San Salvador Island, Bahamas, roughly 100 miles southeast of Nassau
- Who visits: Carnival Corporation brands, including Carnival, Holland America and Princess
- Arrival: A new pier serves Carnival ships on the north side, while Holland America guests have tendered to the south side
- Included: Beach access, loungers, umbrellas, a lunch buffet and trams
- Extra cost: Excursions, watersports, cabanas, daybeds and alcohol
- Best for: Beach days, families, easy relaxation and snorkeling
What Has Changed at Half Moon Cay
Holland America opened the island in 1997, and for years it was a tender stop with a fairly simple setup. Carnival Corporation has since renamed it RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and expanded it. A ribbon cutting for the new pier took place on June 1, 2026, and the first Carnival ship docked that day, according to Cruise Hive's report on the upgrade. Here is what is new:
- A pier on the north side: Larger Carnival ships, including Excel class vessels, can now call and dock instead of tendering.
- New food and drink venues: Orchid Beach Grill and Hibiscus Beach Grill serve buffet style meals, and several beach bars offer drinks and snacks.
- A tram and walking route: A tram connects areas of the island, and a scenic walking path called Papaya Pathway has been added.
- More cabanas and daybeds: The beach space was expanded to add more private options.
- A refreshed south side: This side was updated for Holland America guests, with a premium beach club reported.
Because these changes are recent, details may keep shifting. Confirm the specifics for your sailing in your cruise line's app before you go.
Getting Ashore: Pier or Tender?
How you reach the island depends on your ship. Carnival ships dock at the new pier on the north side. Holland America ships have been tendering to the south side, a ride of about 20 minutes. If you are on a tender, read our guide to what a tender port is, because lines can form quickly.
- Go early: The earlier you get ashore, the better your choice of chairs and shade.
- Excursion priority: Guests with booked ship tours are usually called first.
- Keep an eye on the weather: Rough seas can slow or pause tendering, so listen for announcements.
- Know your side: Your keycard has been reported to work only on your own cruise line's side, so stay on the side your ship uses.
Never cut the return too close, and read what happens if you miss your cruise ship.
The Beach
The beach is the main event. The island has a long curve of soft white sand and calm, clear turquoise water, with about two and a half miles of beachfront reported. Only a small share of the island is developed, so it still feels natural. Beach access, loungers and umbrellas are included, but chairs are first come, first served. The water is shallow and calm near shore, which is good for families. Bring your own beach towel if you can.
Cabanas and Daybeds
If you want guaranteed shade and a private base, you can reserve a cabana, daybed or similar upgrade. They sell out fast, so book as soon as reservations open for your sailing. Prices have been reported from about $150 for a daybed and from about $800 for a cabana, but they vary by ship and date, so confirm in the app. For a group of four or more, a cabana can be worth the cost. A couple who does not mind moving around may be fine with a free lounger.
Activities on the Island
- Snorkeling: Gear can be rented, and guided snorkel trips by boat are also offered for an extra fee.
- Stingray adventure: A guided encounter with southern stingrays in a shallow lagoon. It is popular, so book ahead.
- Horseback riding: A long running signature activity, with rides along the beach and into the water. Space is limited.
- Kayaks, paddleboards and catamarans: Rentals are available, and the calm water suits beginners.
- Eco lagoon tour and jet skis: Offered as separate paid excursions.
- Games: Volleyball courts and, on the south side, new pickleball courts have been reported.
Prices change, but recent guides list stingrays at about $55, a boat snorkel trip at about $66 and horseback riding at about $137. Always confirm current prices in the app, and compare ideas on our shore excursions page. See our Half Moon Cay port page for more detail.
What Is Included and What Costs Extra
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Beach access, loungers and umbrellas | Cabanas, daybeds and clamshells |
| Lunch buffet | Snorkel gear, floating mats and watersports |
| Basic non alcoholic drinks | Alcohol and specialty items |
| Trams and walking paths | Stingrays, horseback riding and tours |
One point that surprises people: drink packages have been reported not to work on the island, so alcohol is bought separately. Policies can change, so check with your cruise line before you sail. See our Holland America drink packages guide for the current rules, and our gratuities guide for how added charges work. You can also use onboard credit to offset island costs.
Accessibility and Getting Around
The island has trams and walking paths, and the distances between areas can be 5 to 15 minutes on foot. If you have mobility needs, ask Guest Services before the day to confirm what transport and beach wheelchairs are available on your side of the island. The island has no adult only area and no pool or waterpark, since it is meant to feel natural and relaxed.
How Half Moon Cay Compares With Nassau
At a port like Nassau, you step into a busy city with vendors and taxi drivers competing for attention. Half Moon Cay removes all of that. You walk onto a managed beach set up for the day, with nobody negotiating with you. For passengers who have done Nassau several times, that simplicity is often the highlight.
Tips for Your Half Moon Cay Day
- Book extras early. Cabanas, stingrays and horseback rides sell out.
- Pack reef safe sunscreen and a rash guard. The Bahamian sun is strong, and shade can run short.
- Check your WiFi plan. Not every ship's package works on the island, so see our cruise WiFi guide.
- Prepare for the sail. If rough water worries you, read our seasickness tips.
- Plan your budget. Use our cruise budget calculator to set a spending limit before you go.
Plan the Rest of Your Bahamas Cruise
- All Bahamas ports of call
- What to do at Princess Cays
- What to do at Great Stirrup Cay
- What to do at Ocean Cay
- What to do at Castaway Cay
- Celebration Key, Carnival's private island
- Perfect Day at CocoCay
- Inside cabin vs balcony
- Solo cruising and single supplements
- Cruise planning FAQ
Half Moon Cay FAQs
Is Half Moon Cay still called Half Moon Cay?
It is now called RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. It is also known as Little San Salvador Island.
Do you have to pay to use the beach at Half Moon Cay?
No. Beach access, loungers and umbrellas are included. Cabanas, daybeds, excursions and watersports cost extra.
Do ships dock or tender at Half Moon Cay?
Carnival ships dock at a new pier on the north side. Holland America ships have tendered to the south side. Check which one applies to your sailing.
Are the cabanas at Half Moon Cay worth it?
For groups and families, a cabana gives you dedicated shade and a guaranteed base. A couple traveling light can often manage with a free lounger. Book early, because they sell out.
Do drink packages work at Half Moon Cay?
Drink packages have been reported not to work on the island, so alcohol is charged separately. Policies can change, so confirm with your cruise line before you sail.
