RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay: Pier, Tender and Costs (2026)

Where these numbers come from

Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas changed in 2026. Carnival Corporation renamed the island RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and added a pier, beach club and tram. Both Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line still call there, but the two lines reach the sand in different ways, and that affects how much of your morning you spend waiting.

Carnival guests now walk off at a new pier on the north side that holds up to two ships. Holland America guests still tender to the south side, which a June 2026 visitor guide put at about 20 minutes. Cruise Critic reported that the pier would end the tender system for Carnival and let its largest ships visit for the first time. Sailing schedules change, so check which side your ship uses before you plan the morning.

Much of the day costs nothing. The beach, loungers and umbrellas are open to everyone. A lunch buffet with barbecue items, salads and desserts is included, along with water, lemonade and iced tea. A tram and walking paths link the areas. You do not need local money because purchases go on your shipboard account, so a day with no paid extras really does cost nothing on the island itself.

Paid items are modest at the low end. A single kayak is $32.99 an hour and a paddleboard is $39.99. The Stingray Adventure is $54.99, snorkeling by boat is $65.99 and a jet ski is $125.99. For comfort, a clamshell shade for two is $64.99, a daybed starts at $149.99 and a cabana starts at $799.99. A locker is $11.99.

Worked example, couple on a budget. Stay on the free beach and lunch and pay $0. Add a locker ($11.99) and a clamshell ($64.99) and the day is $76.98, or about $38.49 each. Worked example, active family of four. Four stingray passes at $54.99 come to $219.96. One hour on a single kayak adds $32.99, so the total is $252.95 before drinks.

Do not confuse this island with Celebration Key, Carnival's separate Grand Bahama destination; Carnival said its 2026 itineraries would feature both. For other private islands, see CocoCay and Castaway Cay, then use the cruise excursion budget calculator.

Sources

• Eat Sleep Cruise: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay guide (updated 2026-06-04)
• Cruise Critic: Half Moon Cay renaming and pier news
• Cruise Mapper: Half Moon Cay port schedule

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.