Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are teaming up to rebrand their Bahamian private destination as "Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay" and load it with more features, including a pier to accommodate Carnival's Excel-class ships.
The Carnival Corp.-owned lines expect to complete some of the enhancements by summer 2026, with work on remaining projects continuing through the end of that year.
The partners will develop the north side of the destination with a new pier that can accommodate their largest ships, along with two lunch venues, island-themed bars and a shore excursion pier.
The existing development on the south side will get a new beach club, an updated lunch venue and renovated facilities. Lounging areas will be expanded and cabanas added.
A new tram service will make getting around the island easier, said HAL and Carnival.
Guests will arrive at distinct welcome plazas on the island's south and north sides. On the south end of the destination, guests will continue to arrive via tender boats from the cruise ship. In between the plazas will be over one mile of white-sand beach.
The lines said all upgrades will be designed "with nature in mind," including architecture that complements the island's authenticity.
Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner said the island's south side, where HAL has visited since Half Moon Cay opened in 1997, "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."
In addition to upgrading Half Moon Cay, Carnival is opening Celebration Key, a private destination in Grand Bahama, next July. There will be cruises that call at both private destinations, said Carnival president Christine Duffy.