Half Moon Cay Guide
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is a private destination in the Bahamas visited by Carnival and Holland America. It offers a beach day with optional excursions and upgrades. A new pier opened in June 2026, while tender arrangements can still apply to some visits. Confirm your ship's plan rather than assuming every visitor arrives the same way.
Which lines call here
Carnival and Holland America both feature the destination. Fathom Fares now tracks both lines. Check the actual itinerary for your sailing. The Half Moon Cay page lists covered sailings.
Plan a beach day
Choose between time on the beach and a booked activity. Check the current map and your arrival point before paying for a cabana or excursion.
Getting ashore after the expansion
Carnival announced the new pier and facilities on June 1, 2026. The pier allows docking and visits by Excel class ships, but it is not limited to that class. Some itineraries can still use tenders. Check the instructions for your sailing and ask the line about the full transfer if mobility is a concern.
Where tendering applies, allow for boarding queues and the final boat back. Our Grand Cayman guide explains similar timing considerations.
Horseback Riding and Stingray Encounters
Half Moon Cay runs a couple of excursions you do not see everywhere, including horseback riding that takes you into shallow water and a stingray encounter similar in concept to what Grand Cayman offers. These are paid add ons booked in advance, and spots are limited, so what costs extra on a cruise is worth a look for how this kind of pricing usually works.
What to pack
Bring sun protection, suitable footwear and a cover up. Check your line’s towel arrangements and any equipment needed for a booked activity.
Food and Facilities on the Island
Carnival’s June 2026 expansion added new dining and bar venues, complimentary loungers and umbrellas, and a tram connecting island areas. Check your line’s current map for dining, bathrooms and the route back to the ship rather than relying on a map from before the expansion.
Making the Most of a Half Day
Choose a beach area and check the walk or tram journey from your arrival point. Leave time for lunch, any booked activity and the return to the ship. If your cruise also stops at a more built up private island, our Great Stirrup Cay guide and Perfect Day at CocoCay guide cover other private destinations.
Frequently asked questions
Which cruise lines stop at Half Moon Cay?
Carnival and Holland America both include Half Moon Cay on selected itineraries, and we now track both lines. Check the full itinerary for your date rather than assuming every Bahamas cruise calls here. A destination name in a line’s marketing does not mean it appears on every ship’s route.
Does the ship dock at Half Moon Cay or use tenders?
The new pier opened in June 2026 and permits docking, including visits by Carnival’s Excel class ships. It does not mean only Excel ships can dock or that every other visit uses tenders. Check your ship’s current arrival instructions, especially if a tender transfer would affect accessibility.
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