Carnival Cruise Line opens new amenities at Half Moon Cay
Shortly after opening a new resort-style pool area at its exclusive destination in Roatán, Honduras, Carnival Cruise Line kicked off the summer cruise season by welcoming the first cruise passengers to its newly enhanced private island in The Bahamas - RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Carnival shares the passenger-favorite escape with sister cruise line Holland America Line, which has long visited the island's pristine south side. Carnival recently built a new cruise ship pier on the north side of the island that will expand access, allowing Excel-class cruise ships to visit the destination for the first time.
The cruise line also increased accessibility with a new tram service connecting all areas of the island and enhanced comfort with new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, plus reservable cabanas and daybeds. Other enhancements to the island experience include new and upgraded food and drink venues, an expanded beachfront, and a new scenic Papaya Pathway walking trail.
In addition to the new amenities that Carnival added to the north side, the existing south side of the island is getting a refresh to elevate relaxation while preserving the island's natural beauty.
Doug Parker shared a look at the RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay updates in a special edition of Cruise News Today filmed live during the grand opening event on June 1.
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Carnival Cruise Line opens enhanced Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas
Cruise News Today Half Moon Cay Transcript:
From Half Moon Cay, this is Cruise News Today on location with Doug Parker.
I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today at the grand opening of Carnival's enhanced private island, Relax Away, Half Moon Cay.
On Monday morning, the ribbon was cut and guests on Carnival Sunrise were the first to experience the unveiling of Carnival's latest project in The Bahamas.
Carnival President Christine Duffy: "We are really excited to have this addition. As you know, Half Moon Cay has always been one of the most popular destinations that we bring our guests to."
Half Moon Cay gets new dining venues, bars, cabanas, and more
Now added to the already popular destination are two new self-serve dining areas, a tram line connecting the entire island, new bars and watering holes, cabanas, daybeds, chairs with umbrellas, and of course, the white sandy beaches that Half Moon Cay is known for.
Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald: "I think you just have to look at, rather than my words, the smiles of everybody. As everything we do with this Paradise Collection, it's fabulous."
While developing RelaxAway, Carnival did focus on preserving nature while still offering the same excursions like horseback riding and snorkeling that the island is known for.
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Christine Duffy: "This is still going to be the place where you come and relax and chill in what you imagine the perfect idyllic Bahamian beach to be."
And if you're wondering how it will work when two cruise ships are visiting on the same day, up to two Carnival ships can dock at the pier behind me, and Holland America Line ships will continue to use the water shuttle.
On RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 7:07 AM.