Is enjoyable on a personal island one among your favourite issues to do when on a cruise? This is the excellent news: One of many world’s most well-known cruise line non-public islands simply bought a serious improve.
On June 1, cruise large Carnival unveiled a large redevelopment of Half Moon Cay — the non-public island in The Bahamas it has lengthy shared with sister model Holland America.
Renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the island is now house to an all-new seaside resort space that’s for the unique use of passengers arriving on Carnival ships.
Situated alongside the beforehand undeveloped northern finish of the spectacular, two-mile-long crescent seaside that’s the defining function of the island, it boasts hundreds of loungers and umbrellas going through the water, waterside eateries and bars, and each kind of water toy imaginable.
In the meantime, the beforehand present improvement on the island, situated on the southern finish of the identical seaside, can also be getting a little bit of a makeover that can be completed later this 12 months. Going ahead, this space — till June, recurrently visited by each Carnival and Holland America ships — will principally be for using passengers arriving on Holland America ships.
The seaside is so lengthy and big that, as I noticed throughout a go to to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on the day the brand new Carnival resort space opened, there’s room for each of those side-by-side developments.
In impact, they are going to act as two separate non-public island locations situated alongside the exact same seaside.
Right here, a information to every little thing you want to know should you’ll be visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Carnival ship (that’s, should you’re arriving on the Carnival facet of the island).
The place is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is situated in The Bahamas. It is about 100 miles southeast of Nassau, essentially the most visited cruise port in The Bahamas, and 277 miles southeast of Miami.
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Formally often known as Little San Salvador Island, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has been owned by Carnival Company, the mum or dad firm of Carnival and Holland America, since 1996. Bought for $6 million, it’s the largest non-public island owned by a cruise firm in The Bahamas, measuring about 2,400 acres.
Even after Carnival’s latest resort space enlargement on the island, solely a small portion of the island’s footprint has been developed — ultimately depend, lower than 100 acres.
A lot of the island has been preserved as a nature space and chook sanctuary.
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Which cruise ships go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Almost each Carnival and Holland America ship that operates in The Bahamas and the Caribbean stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on no less than some if not all sailings within the area.
For the approaching 12 months, this consists of 22 of Carnival’s 29 vessels and 6 of Holland America’s 11 vessels.
In Holland America’s case, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a cease on each Caribbean crusing.
For Carnival, stops at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay are notably widespread on Bahamas sailings out of Miami and Port Canaveral, Florida. However you will additionally discover them on Bahamas cruises out of Baltimore, Maryland; Galveston, Texas; Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida; New York Metropolis; Cell, Alabama; New Orleans; and Norfolk, Virginia.
On the whole, Carnival ships go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay much more usually than Holland America ships. Carnival ships sail to the island year-round, whereas Holland America ships principally solely go to from the autumn via spring. Holland America ships usually spend the interval from spring via fall in Europe and Alaska. Carnival additionally has much more ships than Holland America.
How do you get round RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
The way you get round RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is dependent upon which cruise line takes you to the island.
As a part of its huge improvement on the northern finish of the island’s lengthy crescent seaside, Carnival added a big dock that may accommodate as much as two ships at a time — the first-ever dock on the island. This permits Carnival passengers to stroll proper off their ships to a brand new Arrival Plaza the place they are going to discover a tram system (additionally new) for getting round.
This new tram system has two loops — the Inexperienced Line and the Yellow line. Each begin on the Arrival Plaza and head southward alongside the parts of the seaside which can be inside the Carnival improvement. The Inexperienced Line makes three stops (stops 2, 3 and 4) on the nearer areas of the seaside. The Yellow Line affords direct service to 2 further-away stops (stops 5 and 6) alongside the seaside.
These 5 stops provide quick access to all the eateries, bars, cabanas and different visitor venues and providers on the Carnival facet of the seaside so you do not have to do an excessive amount of strolling. Or you may simply stroll alongside the pathways that arc across the island’s one lengthy, curving seaside.
There may be additionally a tram to take passengers on to a hub for shore excursions.
Must you arrive at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Holland America ship, you’ll be touchdown two miles to the south of Carnival’s Arrival Plaza on the beforehand developed portion of the seaside.
As there isn’t a dock in that space, you’ll tender out of your ship (which can anchor simply off the island) to land by water shuttle — simply as all arriving cruise guests on each Carnival and Holland America ships did for many years. As soon as there, you may stroll to the seaside, eateries, bars and different venues on that facet of the island or take one of many open-air shuttles that join the assorted venues.
Be aware that there could also be some (initially comparatively uncommon) occasions when Carnival sends three ships to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a single day. In such instances, the 2 largest of the ships will dock on the northern finish of the seaside, on the new Carnival arrival space, whereas the third (and smallest) Carnival ship anchors off the southern a part of the seaside that’s sometimes reserved for Holland America ships.
On these types of days, the Carnival ship anchoring to the south will use the seaside amenities, eateries and bars situated at that space.
What are the perfect issues to do at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
As famous above, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s most important function is a really gorgeous crescent seaside that’s two miles lengthy — so lengthy that it actually feels infinite.
Thought-about some of the stunning seashores in The Bahamas, it affords powdery-soft, white sand and is fronted by crystal-clear turquoise water.
For a lot of guests, a seaside day at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is all about having fun with this glorious seaside.
As I noticed firsthand throughout my go to, the beachfront areas on the northern finish of the seaside developed for Carnival passengers (the primary focus of this information) is lined with almost 10,000 new lounge chairs and almost 5,000 new umbrellas — all obtainable to be used at no further cost. There are also a number of extra-charge cabanas, daybeds and clam shells with lounge seating obtainable for renting by the day (extra on these in a second).
The quantity of seating is so intensive that even on days when two Carnival ships are docked on the north finish of the island, there must be loads of spots for everybody to lounge in consolation.
So as to add to the expertise, you may lease a floating mat ($21.99 for the day) to drift within the luscious-looking water or snorkel gear ($21.99 for the day) to see what’s down beneath.
Additionally obtainable for lease:
Stand-up paddleboards ($39.99 per hour)Single kayaks ($32.99 per hour)Double kayaks ($50.99 per hour)Huge Dipper noodles ($10.99 per day)Hobie Catamaran sail boats ($49.99 per particular person)
Along with all of the above for beachy enjoyable, you will discover seaside volleyball courts unfold across the seaside for group play, often on the high of the seaside.
What are the perfect excursions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
You will discover greater than half a dozen extra-charge excursions at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and Carnival executives inform TPG that extra may very well be coming quickly.
One of the best RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay excursions at present obtainable embrace:
Historic Nature Stroll ($26.99 per particular person). This guided stroll takes you alongside nature trails all through the over 90% of the island that is still undeveloped, to be taught the native wildlife.Island Bike Tour ($26.99 per particular person). This guided bike tour takes you round accessible areas of the island for a glimpse of things like the island’s stables, church and lagoon.Stingray Journey ($54.99 per particular person). Snorkel with stingrays on the island’s Stingray Cove, the place stingrays are at all times current.Tropical Kayak Journey ($59.99). This guided kayak outing takes you into the 1,400-acre lagoon within the nature space of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.Horseback Using by Land and Sea ($136.99 per particular person). This tour is a guided horseback journey across the island that features a horseback stroll into the ocean.Snorkel by Boat ($65.99 per particular person). This group boat journey will get you out onto the crystal-clear waters round RelaxAway Half Moon Cay with a cease for snorkeling.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay provide cabanas to lease?
If you wish to reserve a personal house alongside the Carnival portion of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay seaside entrance, you will discover 22 all-new non-public cabanas obtainable which can be designed for teams of as much as seven folks.
Often known as RelaxAway Cabanas, they comprise a semi-private coated construction with a espresso desk, a three-seat couch and two armchairs, in addition to two loungers in entrance of this construction which can be shaded by an umbrella. As well as, the cabanas include a protected the place you may safe your private belongings whereas out and about across the island.
The cabanas (all situated close to tram station 3) additionally include a number of facilities which can be usually an additional cost on the island:
Chips and contemporary fruitWater and sodaFloating mats (4 per cabana)Snorkel gear
Pricing for cabanas is about on a per cabana foundation not per particular person, with dynamic pricing that can differ relying on demand (on the day I visited, the price was $799.99 per cabana).
Different extra-charge choices for a personal house at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay together with 48 all-new Luxurious Daybeds. These are plush two-person daybeds coated with a cover that gives safety from the solar, plus two extra conventional lounge chairs with an umbrella simply in entrance of the daybed. In concept, meaning they provide room for 4 folks (two on the daybed and two within the lounge chairs). They’re sometimes priced beginning round $149.99 per unit.
Clamshell Sunshade leases additionally can be found, sometimes priced at $64.99 per particular person.
Cabanas and daybeds may be reserved upfront of crusing via Carnival’s Cruise Planner. If spots stay, you can even reserve cabanas and daybeds as soon as on board your ship via the onboard Carnival HUB app, the Shore Tour Desk, or Visitor Providers. Moreover, if house stays, you may reserve cabanas and daybeds as soon as on the island on the Visitor Providers and Shore Excursions kiosk, and the rental kiosks which can be situated throughout the island.
Is meals included at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Sure, two eateries alongside the Carnival portion of the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay seaside entrance serve a complimentary barbecue lunch.
The 2 eateries are Hibiscus Seaside Grill (situated at tram station 5) and Orchid Seaside Grill (situated at tram station 2). Each of those serve lunch throughout the noon hours (sometimes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) with stations for hamburgers, cheeseburgers, veggie burgers and sizzling canine, grilled hen, slow-roasted pulled pork, salads, nacho bars and all types of sides.
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The Hibisicus Seaside Grill. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Each have drinks stations with complimentary water, lemonade and tea, and a bar the place you will discover alcoholic drinks and sodas for an additional cost. Desserts embrace chocolate brownies, apple crumble and cookies.
Related eateries are situated on the Holland America facet of the island.
Does my drink bundle work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
No. Whether or not you are arriving at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Carnival or Holland America ship, your onboard drink bundle will not work on the island. The length-of-cruise drinks packages offered by each Carnival and Holland America solely are legitimate if you end up onboard your ship.
That is notably totally different than what you will discover at another cruise line non-public islands together with Royal Caribbean’s Good Day at CocoCay. On the latter, drinks packages work the identical as onboard.
Must you desire a drink whereas on the island, you will pay a la carte costs which can be just like what you will discover on board ships (cocktails are $12.50) — and don’t have any scarcity of choices.
On the Carnival facet of the island, bars may be discovered at tram stops 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Is there procuring at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
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Three new present outlets on the island provide souvenirs and sundries. GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY
Whether or not you are searching for souvenirs or want to select up the sunscreen or swim goggles you forgot to pack, you could find what you are searching for at one among three present outlets alongside the Carnival portion of the seaside situated at tram stops 1, 3 and 5. There’s additionally a small Artisan Market on the Arrivals Plaza the place native Bahamians promote their wares.
The present outlets solely settle for cost through your ship Signal & Sail card (and thus no matter you cost will present up up in your last cruise invoice). On the Artisan Market, you may pay with money or bank cards however not your Signal & Sail card.
What extra facilities will I discover at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Restrooms and seaside showers are scattered all through the island and are nicely marked on maps. You will additionally discover designated smoking areas, lockers and first assist stations.
Locker use comes with an additional cost.
One factor you will not discover on the island is a seaside towel station. You’ll find seaside towels in your cruise cabin that you must deliver with you to the island for the day. After which do not forget to deliver them again as towels will not be meant to remain on the island.
Seaside wheelchairs with extra-thick tires for navigating RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s sandy shore can be found to borrow all through the island.
Can I keep in a single day at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Alas, you may solely calm down away at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay throughout the daytime.
Whereas there are some fairly good cabanas on the island with loungers the place you simply may go to sleep for hours, you may’t lease them in a single day. Regardless of when your cruise ship arrives, it can sail away later the identical day, and the one individuals who spend the evening on the island are employees members.
What is the climate like at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
The Bahamas has nice climate year-round. Anticipate highs within the low 80s throughout the winter and low 90s throughout the summer season.
The rainiest months within the Bahamas are June, August and September. As well as, hurricane season runs June via November, with the height time for storms from August via October. Your ship won’t name on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay if circumstances are unsafe.
All that mentioned, don’t be concerned an excessive amount of should you see a forecast for rain on the day you are supposed to go to. Like in different tropical locations, rain showers are inclined to move shortly and you may see them coming. If it does begin raining, perhaps used the time to move to the coated areas on the island’s eateries and bars for lunch, a snack or a cocktail. By the point you are achieved, it’d simply be sunny once more.
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RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay FAQ
What else do you want to learn about RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay? This is an FAQ with quick details.
Is smoking allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is for essentially the most half a smoke-free vacation spot. You’ll be able to’t smoke at cabanas, eateries, bars, outlets or alongside the seaside entrance. The one locations the place you may smoke are at a handful of designated smoking areas tucked away in inconspicuous spots.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have Wi-Fi?
Sure. Passengers who’ve purchased a Wi-Fi bundle via Carnival will discover that they are going to have the ability to entry web whereas at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in addition to the Carnival HUB app. This can be a change that got here with the island’s redevelopment in 2026. Earlier than that, Wi-Fi was not obtainable.
Are there lifeguards at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Sure. Each seaside space has a lifeguard station that’s manned by a lifeguard always when passengers are on the island.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have a pool?
Not like many cruise line non-public islands, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay doesn’t have a pool.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have an adults-only space?
As of now, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay doesn’t have an adults-only space. However Carnival executives have hinted to TPG that an adults-only space could be one thing they do in a later part of improvement on the island.
Does RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay have a waterpark?
No. Carnival has very intentionally designed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as a vacation spot for a comparatively quiet, enjoyable seaside day, not a theme park-like expertise. The corporate says it has no plans so as to add a waterpark or different large household resort points of interest of the kind discovered at another cruise line non-public islands.
Is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay all-inclusive?
No. Whereas meals on the island’s eateries is free, you will pay further for drinks on the island. You will additionally pay further for excursions, cabanas and water play toys together with snorkeling gear and floating mats. That mentioned, there isn’t a cost to make use of lounge chairs and umbrellas.
How outdated do I’ve to be to drink alcohol at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
You should be 21 years outdated or older to buy alcohol at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Will Carnival and Holland America ships go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on the similar time?
Sure. There can be occasions when each a Carnival ship and a Holland America ship are visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay — on the northern and southern ends of the island’s lengthy seaside, respectively. However Holland America solely sends ships to the island seasonally from fall to spring. On many days, it will simply be Carnival ships visiting.
Can all Carnival ships go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Sure. The brand new dock has made it doable for even the most important Carnival ships such because the 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and 5,362-passenger Carnival Celebration to go to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. That wasn’t the case earlier than.
As well as, the dock is sufficiently big for 2 Carnival ships to tie up on the similar time.
Can I stroll from the Carnival improvement on the island to the Holland America improvement?
Sure. There may be nothing stopping you from strolling from the Carnival resort space on the northern finish of the island’s lengthy crescent seaside to the Holland America resort space on the southern finish. However the two areas are far aside. The seaside is roughly two miles in size from finish to finish.
Be aware that the tram service on the Carnival facet of the seaside doesn’t lengthen all the way in which to the Holland America facet.
Can I’ve my marriage ceremony at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Sure. Weddings are at present obtainable at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. To rearrange a marriage at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, name Carnival Weddings at 800-933-4968 or go to Carnival’s marriage ceremony planning webpage.
Are mobility scooters allowed at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Sure. Passengers are welcome to deliver their scooters to the port. Be suggested that there aren’t any designated scooter charging stations.
Can I deliver my service animal to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Sure. Licensed service canine might come ashore at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. You could notify the Visitor Providers desk in your Carnival ship upfront, and canine should stay leashed always. Emotional help animals will not be permitted underneath cruise line coverage and vacation spot laws.
Can I see the map for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Right here is the map for the Carnival portion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay:
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