RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay aerial shot

Holland America Line's Private Island Paradise

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is Holland America Line's award-winning exclusive private island destination in The Bahamas. Esteemed for its pristine beauty, idyllic atmosphere, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it has been voted the #1 private island for 20 years in a row.

Acquired by Holland America Line in 1997 as a port of call, this enchanting paradise is your dedicated playground for the day, accessible only to guests sailing with Holland America Line. Holland America Line, in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, is currently undertaking significant enhancements and expansion of the island. These improvements aim to welcome even more guests to its breathtaking shores, while carefully preserving its natural beauty and tropical appeal.

Island Delights: Food, Drink & Activities

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ was created to offer guests the perfect blend of blissful Caribbean relaxation and thrilling adventures, with a diverse selection of food and drink options, including complimentary beachside barbecue to enhance your day in paradise.

Iconic venue Lobster Shack RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Complimentary Dining Options

On RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, guests can indulge in a variety of delicious food options designed for a perfect beach day. Satisfy your cravings at Tropics Restaurant food pavilions, offering beachside barbecue and local favourites like Caribbean jerk chicken. For seafood lovers, the Lobster Shack restaurant serves up succulent grilled lobster and crunchy lobster rolls, available for a cover charge. You can also find Island BBQ featuring Caribbean flavours, jerk chicken, and chilli-fried rice.

Iconic venue Lobster Shack RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Relaxing with a coconut cocktail on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Drinks & Beverage Packages

The island features several bars to keep you refreshed. Cool down with a cocktail from the largest bar, On the Rocks Bar, or snap a photo at the aptly named "I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever" Bar. The Island Last Stop Bar provides a final toast to your Caribbean cruise before you depart. Look out for roaming Aperol Spritz Tricycles and Bacardi Beach Buggies for convenient refreshments anywhere on the island. It is important to note that onboard Holland America Line beverage packages do not extend to the island. However, you can purchase a Half Moon Cay beverage package for around $30, which covers 15 drinks including beers, spirits, wines by the glass, and cocktails on the island.

Relaxing with a coconut cocktail on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Horse riding in the sea at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Thrilling Activities & Relaxation

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ offers a diverse array of activities for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can lounge on two miles of powdery white sand beaches, finding ample lounging areas with complimentary hammocks, beach loungers, and towels. For a serene experience, consider a massage in a cooled, oceanside cabana. Water sports rentals are available for the adventurous, including snorkelling to discover tropical fish, personal watercraft rides, kayaking across Bonefish Lagoon, and sailing a Hobie® Cat. Unique experiences include a narrated glass-bottom boat tour, a guided nature trek to abandoned ruins, and biking to Pegasus Ranch or on a water bike. A true bucket-list experience is horseback riding through the surf. For family fun, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ Waterworks provides a multi-level play structure with water slides, and Kids Club offers supervised activities.

Horse riding in the sea at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Enhanced Island Luxury: Cabanas & Villas

For guests seeking an even more elevated experience and privacy, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ offers the option to rent private cabanas or luxurious two-story beach villas. These exclusive retreats are perfect for your crew, allowing you to relax in ultimate comfort and seclusion. Available to book as shore excursions, these enhanced accommodations provide a dedicated space to unwind, the perfect way to upgrade your beach day on this private paradise.

A Holland America Line ship tendered at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

What Makes RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ Different?

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ stands out as Holland America Line's private island for several compelling reasons. It is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and idyllic atmosphere, consistently being voted the #1 private island destination. Holland America Line has owned the island since 1997, ensuring a consistent and high-quality guest experience. The island also boasts two miles of pristine beach and a natural 700-acre lagoon, with only a small portion developed to preserve its wild bird sanctuary.

While traditionally accessed via tender boats from the cruise ship to the island's shore, a significant future enhancement is the newly-constructed pier on the north side, which will allow ships, including Carnival's Excel class vessels, to dock directly. This means quicker, more convenient access for guests. Expect to discover enhancements such as expanded beachfront experiences, new lunch venues, additional bars, and a new tram service to make getting around easy and convenient.

The south side, where Holland America Line has always visited, is set to remain the secluded paradise its guests are accustomed to, with a refreshed Bahamian touch-up, a new beach club, and renovated facilities, all designed with nature in mind.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay - Top 5 Paramount Picks

Bucket-list horse riding experience at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Gallop into the Ocean

Saddle up for a truly unique adventure on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. Experience the thrill of riding your trusty steed along picturesque island trails, ascending to breathtaking panoramic ocean views. The ultimate highlight? Guiding your horse directly into the sparkling turquoise waters for an invigorating, once-in-a-lifetime swim. This "true bucket-list" excursion is the perfect blend of natural beauty and exhilarating activity, making memories that will last forever in this Bahamian paradise.

Bucket-list horse riding experience at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Lobster Shack meal at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Savour Island Flavours

Indulge your taste buds at the renowned Lobster Shack, a culinary highlight of your visit to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. Treat yourself to succulent grilled lobster and crunchy, flavourful lobster rolls, prepared fresh and Caribbean-style. This beachside gem offers a delightful taste of the island's fresh seafood, making it an essential stop for any food enthusiast seeking authentic Bahamian delights amidst the stunning coastal scenery. It is the perfect way to refuel and relax by the sea.

Lobster Shack meal at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Snorkelling in the crystal clear waters at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Dive into Adventure:

Immerse yourself in the kaleidoscopic underwater world surrounding RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. Rent snorkel gear and discover a remarkable array of tropical fish, from playful clownfish darting through anemones to graceful stingrays gliding over the ocean floor. Explore beginner-friendly spots near the Welcome Centre or venture further to vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. This exhilarating activity offers a fantastic way to connect with the island's natural beauty beneath the surface, promising spectacular sights for all ages in its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Snorkelling in the crystal clear waters at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Enjoy the beautiful beaches of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Golden Sands & Azure Waters

Immerse yourself in ultimate relaxation on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™’s pristine, powdery white sand beaches. Consistently hailed among the finest in the Caribbean, these idyllic shores meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. Sink into the incredibly soft sand, stretch out on a complimentary lounger, or simply stroll barefoot along the two-mile shoreline. It's the perfect setting to bask in the sun and let the gentle waves wash your worries away in this Bahamian paradise.

Enjoy the beautiful beaches of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay

Family fun at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ Waterworks

Splash & Play

For families seeking exhilarating entertainment, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ Waterworks is a must-visit. This fantastic multilevel play structure boasts exciting water slides and captivating climbable sea creatures, promising hours of splash-filled fun for children and adults alike. It is the perfect spot for kids to unleash their energy in a safe and engaging environment, allowing parents to relax nearby while knowing their little ones are enjoying an unforgettable day of aquatic adventure in this private island paradise. The island's gentle waves make it heaven for any swimmer.

Family fun at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ Waterworks

Ready to experience this enchanting private island paradise? Book your next Holland America Line Caribbean cruise today and discover the blissful relaxation and thrilling adventures awaiting you at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™!

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™: Frequently Asked Questions

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is Holland America Line's exclusive private island in The Bahamas, offering a secluded paradise for cruise guests with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of activities for relaxation and adventure. It was formerly known as Little San Salvador.

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is a private island that can only be accessed from a Holland America Line cruise ship. While previously requiring tender boats, a newly-constructed pier on the north side will allow ships to dock directly, with enhancements beginning to be completed by summer 2026.

The island features two miles of powdery white sand beaches and a natural 700-acre lagoon. Only a small portion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is developed, with the rest serving as a sanctuary for wild birds.

No, onboard Holland America Line beverage packages, such as Signature or Elite, are not included for beverages purchased on RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™. However, you can purchase a specific Half Moon Cay beverage package for around $30, which covers 15 drinks.

The island offers a wide range of activities for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can lounge on pristine beaches with hammocks and complimentary towels, get a massage in an oceanside cabana, or rent a Clamshell Sunshade. Adventurous options include snorkelling, personal watercraft rides, kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, guided nature treks, biking, horseback riding through the surf, sailing a Hobie® Cat, and wading with stingrays. For families, there's RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ Waterworks (a multi-level play structure) and a Kids Club.

Yes, guests can reserve private cabanas or two-story beach villas for an exclusive retreat, available to book as shore excursions. Massages are also available in cooled, oceanside cabanas. These are not exclusively for Suite guests, but provide a luxury experience.

Yes, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™ is noted as a perfect setting for a dreamy destination wedding, featuring sublime beaches and a small church. Wedding packages are available.

New features include a newly-constructed pier (allowing direct docking), expanded beachfront, new lunch venues, additional bars, a new tram service, expanded lounging areas, and more cabanas. The south side will also see a refreshed Bahamian touch-up and a new beach club.

The destination's enhancements will begin to be completed by summer 2026 and will continue through the end of the year.

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