Holland America Line is giving its popular private island a major refresh, with a new Beach Club, food pavilion, upgraded cabanas and several other enhancements coming to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
The updates are being completed ahead of the destination’s 30th anniversary in 2027, and cruise passengers will begin experiencing many of the changes during the 2026-2027 Caribbean season.
More than two dozen Holland America Caribbean itineraries visiting between October 2026 and April 2027 are expected to call at the enhanced private island.
A New Beach Club Is Coming to Half Moon Cay
One of the biggest additions is an exclusive new Beach Club.
The Beach Club will have a relaxed Caribbean-inspired design featuring Holland America’s signature blue, orange and cream colors, along with natural textures and open-air spaces.
Guests will need to purchase a day pass to access the Beach Club, with reservations expected to open in early October.
Beach Club passes will include several additional perks, including:
- Priority tendering from the cruise ship to Half Moon Cay
- Dedicated waiter service
- Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Beach accessories
- Specialty food and beverage offerings
- Additional surprise experiences
Pricing for the Beach Club has not yet been announced.
This is an interesting addition for Holland America, particularly as cruise lines continue to introduce premium areas and upgraded experiences at their private destinations.
New Complimentary Food Pavilion
There will also be a new food pavilion available to cruise passengers visiting Half Moon Cay.
Unlike the Beach Club, the new pavilion will be complimentary.
According to Holland America, it will feature an island-inspired barbecue menu created specifically for the destination.
Existing restaurants and bars around Half Moon Cay are also being renovated as part of the project.
This could be one of the more noticeable improvements for returning visitors, especially since dining ashore is a big part of a private-island day for many cruisers.
More Cabanas, Daybeds and Beach Seating
Holland America is also making changes to the beach areas.
Existing cabanas are being upgraded, while additional daybeds and beach chairs are being added throughout the island.
There will also be upgraded canopy loungers designed for two people.
The additional seating should give cruisers more options for spending the day at the beach, whether they prefer a basic beach chair or want to pay extra for a more private space.
Clamshell loungers are also being refreshed.
Pickleball Comes to Half Moon Cay
For cruisers who want to do something a little more active than lounging on the beach, Half Moon Cay now has four pickleball courts.
The courts were introduced during the previous season and will continue to be part of the expanded island experience.
Considering how popular pickleball has become on cruise ships, bringing it ashore seems like a natural extension.
Although personally, a beautiful beach and a cocktail might still win that competition.
Half Moon Cay Approaches Its 30th Anniversary
Half Moon Cay has been a favorite private-island destination for nearly three decades.
The island is known for its long stretch of white-sand beach and turquoise water, and these latest upgrades appear to focus on adding amenities without completely changing the relaxed feel of the destination.
“Every enhancement at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is centered on creating an even more exceptional experience while building on everything guests already love about the island,” Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner said in announcing the changes.
The improvements will lead into a yearlong celebration of Half Moon Cay’s 30th anniversary in 2027.
More Holland America Caribbean Cruises Will Visit
Cruisers will have plenty of opportunities to see the changes.
More than two dozen Holland America Caribbean itineraries sailing between October 2026 and April 2027 will visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
The cruise line is offering Caribbean sailings ranging from seven-night vacations to longer itineraries that combine popular Caribbean destinations with smaller islands, historic ports and Panama Canal voyages.
Several holiday cruises will also visit the region during the 2026 Christmas and New Year season.
What Cruisers Can Expect at the Updated Half Moon Cay
For passengers who have visited Half Moon Cay before, the island should still feel familiar.
However, the new Beach Club, food pavilion, upgraded cabanas and expanded beach seating will give cruisers more choices for how they spend their day.
The biggest change may be the addition of another premium experience.
Private islands have increasingly become destinations of their own, with cruise lines adding waterparks, beach clubs, restaurants, adults-only areas and other paid experiences.
Holland America appears to be taking a slightly more relaxed approach with Half Moon Cay, adding new amenities while keeping the beach-focused atmosphere the island is already known for.
The upgraded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will begin welcoming Holland America guests in October 2026, with additional celebrations planned as the destination marks its 30th anniversary in 2027.
Will you be sailing to Half Moon Cay? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan