Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line jointly announced a name change for Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas. The award-winning exclusive destinations will be renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The name change brings focus to the peaceful experience and enhancements guests can expect in the island paradise.
The partnership between the two cruise lines will include north and south welcome plazas, an expanded beachfront experience, lunch venues, and more. As announced in August 2024, there will also be a newly-constructed northside pier allowing Carnival’s Excel Class ships–Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee–to visit the island for the first time.
“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. “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. The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”
Those visiting the island will arrive at distinct welcome plazas on the south and north sides. The south side of the island will be upgraded with a new beach club, an updated lunch venue and new facilities with a Bahamian refresh. The new north side of the island will have two new lunch venues and various island-themed bars. The island will feature a new tram service allowing guests to navigate the island easier. Lounging areas and cabanas will be added along with a new shore excursion pier. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are committed to preserving the natural beauty of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, including the architecture of the new buildings.
“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. “Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, providing guests with complimentary experiences enjoying both idyllic and ultimate beach days.”
The renovations will begin by summer 2026 and be completed by year’s end.