RelaxAway Half Moon Cay: What We Learned From Carnival’s Announcement

December 10, 2024 Randy Young

We’ve known for a while now that Carnival Corporation’s private island, Half Moon Cay, was going to be getting some upgrades. Now, Carnival has announced more details as well as a new name. See everything we learned from Carnival and Holland America’s press release.

What is Half Moon Cay?

Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by Carnival Corporation and used by Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line ships. The island, technically known as Little San Salvador Island, is located in The Bahamas, about 100 miles southeast of Nassau.

Unlike private islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Half Moon Cay is more about natural splendor. You won’t find massive waterparks, zip lines, or freshwater pools here. Instead, you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches and a natural reserve area.

Half Moon Cay Will Be Renamed to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

people walking on a natural path on RelaxAway with carnival ship in the background

As part of the upcoming enhancements to the island, Carnival and Holland America have announced a new name for the destination: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The name is meant to signal that this won’t be a “theme-park” private island destination but a relaxing oasis.

RelaxAway Will Add a New Pier

One of Half Moon Cay‘s biggest enhancements is adding a pier on the island’s north side. Currently, all ships visiting Half Moon Cay must dock offshore and tender, a process that can take hours to get on and off the ship. It also limits the size of ships that can visit. With the new North Arrival Pier, Carnival’s largest Excel Class ships will finally be able to visit the island.

Some Ships Will Still Tender at Half Moon Cay

When the original plan for a dock at Half Moon Cay was announced, many people assumed all ships would use the new dock to visit the island. However, in the renders provided by Carnival, the South Arrival Plaza will still be accessed through ship tenders/water taxis.

Introduction of a New North Arrival Plaza

Connected to the North Pier, this new arrival plaza is a fresh development. It’ll feature two lunch venues and several island-themed bars. Adjacent to the North Arrival Plaza will be a smaller excursion pier for guests who book experiences through Carnival and Holland America.

South Arrival Plaza Makeover

The South Arrival Plaza, where guests currently arrive at the island, will get a “Bahamian touch-up” as well as a new beach club and updated lunch venue. Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, 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.”

Eco-Friendly Architecture

The enhancements on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are meant to emphasize the beauty and nature already found on the island. You won’t find a three-story, larger-than-life sandcastle like there is on Celebration Key or massive pools with DJ music thumping. Instead, the new buildings are designed to blend with the natural atmosphere of the island.

New Cabanas and Lounging Areas

Currently, only the southern part of Half Moon Cay is developed. The expansion of the island will add more lounging and cabana opportunities along the 1-mile stretch of white-sand beach.

Tram Service Provided

Walking from one end of the island to the other is quite the hike—over a mile. As part of the enhancements, the tram service will make it easier for guests to reach the new destinations.

RelaxAway Will Open in the Second Half of 2026

According to the press release, RelaxAway will “begin to be completed by summer 2026.” That means if you are one of the first people to visit in the summer and fall, you won’t get the full experience. Construction will continue throughout the remainder of 2026, according to Carnival.