RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Holland America’s private island in The Bahamas, with a two-mile crescent beach, a new Beach Club and a fresh look for its 30th anniversary. Here’s what’s included and what costs extra.
A beach day, done simply
Half Moon Cay is now called RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and it’s still the stop built around one thing: a long, soft, white-sand beach on clear, shallow water. Most of the 2,400-acre island is left wild as a nature area and bird sanctuary, so the developed part feels low-key. There are no waterslides or theme-park extras here, just loungers, lunch and the sea.
The island has grown into two separate areas. A new pier and beach area opened on the north end in 2026, while Holland America guests arrive by tender at the original south end, which Holland America has refreshed for the 2026-27 season with a new Beach Club, a food pavilion, upgraded cabanas and four pickleball courts.
Free, or worth the upgrade
There’s no fee to go ashore. Anything marked extra charge is booked with the cruise line, and prices vary by sailing; your advisor can pull yours.
| Included in your cruise | Extra cost |
|---|---|
| The crescent beach, loungers, hammocks and towels | The Beach Club: day pass with drinks and waiter service |
| Barbecue lunch at the new food pavilion | Cabanas: upgraded private cabanas on the beach |
| Beach volleyball, basketball and soccer | Deluxe Beach Villas: two-story villas with butler service |
| Four pickleball courts | Excursions: horseback riding, stingrays, lagoon kayaking |
| Lifeguarded swimming areas, restrooms and showers | Umbrella, snorkel, kayak and water-toy rentals, plus drinks |
Explore Half Moon Cay
The Beach Club
Holland America’s newest addition, opening to guests in fall 2026. The day pass includes priority tendering from the ship, dedicated waiter service, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beach accessories and specialty food in a relaxed, open-air setting. It’s the easy way to skip the tender line and have everything brought to you.
Cabanas & villas
Private cabanas line the beach and have been upgraded for this season, and more daybeds and canopy loungers for two have been added. For the full treatment, the two-story Deluxe Beach Villas come with butler service. Both are booked like a shore excursion, and prices vary by sailing.
The beach & lunch
The heart of the day: loungers, hammocks and complimentary towels along calm, clear water. A new food pavilion serves a free island-only barbecue menu, think jerk chicken and chili-fried rice, and the refurbished Lobster Shack sells seafood chowder and fresh lobster. Roaming drink carts and renovated bars sell cocktails, and umbrellas are available to rent.
Into the wild side
Most of the island is protected habitat, and the excursions take you into it. Ride horseback along the beach and into the water, snorkel with the southern stingrays at Stingray Cove, kayak the mangroves of Bonefish Lagoon or see sharks, rays and reef from a glass-bottom boat. Book them with Holland America.
Worth booking ahead
The Beach Club day pass
Extra charge. New this season and limited by design. Priority tendering alone makes it worth a look, especially for anyone who would rather not wait in line for the tender.
Cabanas & Deluxe Beach Villas
Extra charge. The island has a set number of each, and the villas in particular go early. Reserve as soon as your Holland America booking is in your planner.
Before you go ashore
- Book as soon as you can. Beach Club passes, cabanas and villas are limited. Reserve in your Holland America planner, or ask your advisor to do it for you. If the price drops later, you can usually cancel and rebook at the lower price. Just know it could sell out in between, so check it’s still available before you cancel.
- Plan for the tender. Holland America guests reach the island by tender boat, and like any tender port, the visit can be cancelled if seas are rough. If stepping between boats is a concern, let us know when you book and we’ll share what to expect.
- Your drink package stays on board. Onboard beverage packages don’t cover drinks on the island. The Beach Club day pass is the one option that includes drinks ashore.
- Traveling with mobility needs? Tell your Harr Travel advisor about your mobility needs when you book. Our accessibility specialist can request the right cabana, rentals and cruise-line support before you sail.
Plan with Harr Travel
Ready for your island day?
We’ll find the right Holland America sailing and help you book the upgrades worth having before they sell out. There are never any booking or consultation fees.
Compare the private islands
Each cruise line runs its private island its own way. Here’s how the others compare.
