Carnival Expands RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay With New Pier, Beaches and Dining

Carnival Cruise Line completed their major expansion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, by adding a new pier, expanded beachfront areas, additional dining venues and improved transportation around one of its most popular private island destinations in The Bahamas.

The enhancements allow Carnival’s largest Excel-class ships to visit the island while giving guests easier access to beaches, dining and shore activities.

Located on Little San Salvador Island in The Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has long been a favorite stop for both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line passengers.

Unlike some private cruise destinations that focus on water parks and large attractions, Half Moon Cay built its reputation on wide white-sand beaches, turquoise water and a more natural island atmosphere.

New Pier Changes the Arrival Experience

For nearly 30 years, every visit to Half Moon Cay began with a tender ride from ship to shore.

The newly completed pier changes that experience for Carnival guests. Carnival’s new north-side development allows ships, including the line’s Excel-class vessels, to dock directly at the island.

Holland America ships are expected to continue using the traditional south-side arrival area and tender operation. The south side of the island is also being refreshed, while maintaining the quieter atmosphere that many Holland America guests have enjoyed for years.

Carnival says 22 ships across its fleet now call at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.

Expanded Beachfront and More Places to Relax

The centerpiece of the expansion remains the island’s beach, which stretches for more than a mile along the shoreline.

Guests will find:

• Complimentary beach loungers
• Complimentary beach umbrellas
• Reservable clam shells
• Daybeds
• Private cabanas
• Beach villas

According to reports from the grand opening, the expanded area includes dozens of cabanas, daybeds and clam shells available for reservation.

For guests seeking extra comfort and shade, rental prices vary by sailing and season. Clam shells typically start around $30 to $60, daybeds often range from $80 to $150, while cabanas can cost several hundred dollars depending on demand and location. Prices are subject to change and may vary by cruise.

New Restaurants and Beach Bars

The expansion introduces several new food and beverage venues across the island.

New dining venues include:

• Orchid Beach Grill
• Hibiscus Beach Grill

Both offer complimentary buffet-style dining for cruise guests. Orchid Beach Grill serves breakfast while Hibiscus Beach Grill is the primary lunch venue.

New and upgraded bars include:

• Luna Tide Beach Bar
• Stay Awhile Beach Shack
• Lil’ Tiki Bar

Guests will also find additional beverage stations and snack locations throughout the developed areas of the island. Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks are available for purchase.

New Tram System Makes Exploring Easier

One of the most practical additions is a complimentary electric tram system that operates throughout the day while ships are in port.

The tram serves multiple stations located throughout the new north-side development. Stops are located near beaches, restaurants, bars and activity areas, making it easier for guests to move around the island without long walks in the Bahamian sun.

The new transportation system should be especially welcome for families, older travelers and anyone with mobility concerns.

Papaya Pathway Offers a Scenic Walking Alternative

Guests who prefer to explore on foot can follow the new Papaya Pathway.

The landscaped walking route links the various beachfront areas, restaurants and activity zones while providing ocean views and directional signage along the way.

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers wandering at your own pace rather than hopping on transportation, the pathway offers a pleasant way to explore the island while still having the tram available whenever needed.

Horseback Riding Remains a Signature Attraction

One thing that has not changed is Half Moon Cay’s most famous shore excursion.

Horseback Riding by Land & Sea continues to be offered and remains one of the island’s most popular experiences. The excursion takes riders for a walk along the beach before leading horses into the shallow Caribbean waters for a unique ocean ride.

Other available activities include:

• Stingray Adventure
• Snorkel by Boat excursions
• Glass-bottom boat tours
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Aqua Trax personal watercraft tours
• Deep-sea fishing
• Nature walks and eco-tours
• Bike and hike excursions

Prices vary by sailing, but many excursions generally range from about $30 for a stingray encounter to more than $100 for horseback riding or fishing trips.

A Different Kind of Private Island Experience

Half Moon Cay has always been more about the beach than the attractions.

Guests come for the turquoise water, soft sand and laid-back atmosphere rather than water slides or amusement-style experiences. That focus remains intact despite the new development.

Long-time cruisers may remember when every visit to Half Moon Cay began with a tender ride and a walk to the beach. The new pier, tram system and expanded facilities represent one of the biggest changes in the destination’s history, yet the island still feels very much like the Half Moon Cay that cruise passengers have enjoyed in the past.

RelaxAway, with the addition of the new pier, expanded beachfront facilities, additional dining options and easier transportation around the island, will enhance Carnival’s guest experience while preserving much of what made Half Moon Cay a favorite destination in the first place.