Half Moon Cay (RelaxAway)

Best time to go

In 2022 Holland America said all of its Caribbean cruises include a call here. Carnival lists 22 of its ships that sail here, and Princess names Enchanted, Caribbean, Sun, Coral, Regal and Sky Princess among the ships that call.

Hurricane season normally runs June 1 to November 30. The expansion's new north-side pier lets Carnival's biggest ships (Excel class) visit for the first time.

Ship tour or go independent?

Half Moon Cay is a private island run by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line, so every paid activity here (stingrays, horseback rides, snorkel boats, watercraft, cabanas) is sold by the cruise line. There is no independent tour market on the island. The upside: the beach and lunch spots cost you nothing, so you can have a full day without spending a dime. If you like booking your own tours for more choice and smaller groups, save that for ports like Nassau, Freeport or Key West.

• For the horseback ride, plan on a minimum age of 10, a 225 lb weight limit and a 54-inch height minimum. The ocean part depends on sea conditions.
• For the Stingray Adventure, guests must be at least 6 and able to swim, and everyone wears a snorkel vest.
• Carnival starts cleaning its beach cabanas 90 minutes before the ship leaves, so plan to wrap up early.
• Holland America notes that Bahamas excursion prices include a 10% VAT.

Getting around

• WalkPrincess describes the island as walkable, with the beach, dining and activity areas within easy reach.
• TramTrams cover the longer stretches, such as the ride out to the horse corral. A new tram service was part of the expansion Carnival and Holland America announced in December 2024.

Money, tipping & phones

Money

US dollars work across The Bahamas, and the Bahamian dollar is pegged one to one with the US dollar. Excursions and cabanas are bought through the cruise line.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in The Bahamas, typically 15% for servers, but many places add the gratuity to the bill, so check first.

Must-sees

• The beachWalkableMore than a mile of white sand along the north and south welcome plazas.
• Stingray AdventureWalkableA paid, guided hour in waist-deep water with southern stingrays, in a netted cove of a 700-acre lagoon. Ages 6 and up; must be able to swim.
• Pegasus Ranch horseback rideRide neededA paid trail ride from Pegasus Ranch (45 minutes on Carnival's listing), then a swim with your horse. A short tram takes you to the corral.
• Bonefish LagoonRide neededA mangrove-lined lagoon you can explore on a guided kayak trip sold by the cruise line.
• Half Moon Lagoon Aqua ParkWalkableHolland America lists a children's water park; this is where maps place it.

Free & cheap near the pier

• The beachFreeOver a mile of white sand split between the north and south welcome plazas.
• LunchFreeCarnival lists new complimentary lunch spots. The expansion plan gave the north side two lunch venues and the south side an updated one.
• Nature pathA scenic walking path through the island's greenery. Ask on board if any part needs a ticket.

Eat like a local

• Complimentary lunch spotsFree lunch on the beach; Princess describes Caribbean flavors and beach favorites in open-air dining.
• Lobster ShackSeaside bites, named by both Holland America and Princess. Ask on board whether it costs extra.
• Island-themed barsSeveral island-themed beach bars, including a tiki bar. Cabana rentals include soft drinks and water.

Rainy-day backups

• Straw MarketBrowse the Straw Market near the main beach and bars if a shower rolls in.
• Weather-dependent ridesThe ocean part of the horseback ride depends on sea conditions, so keep the afternoon flexible.
• Cabana shadeCarnival's Beach Cabana comes with a fridge, table and chairs, soft drinks and snacks for the whole day.

Safety & scams

Official advisoryUS State Dept: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution, because of crime (as of July 28, 2026)

• The State Department says most crime in The Bahamas happens in Nassau and Freeport. The UK says the Family (Out) Islands have lower crime rates.
• Outer islands have only small clinics, so bring any medicine you need from the ship.
• Never swim alone, and watch for watercraft near shore; swim-area buoys aren't always respected.
• Hurricane season normally runs June 1 to November 30.

From official government and port sources. Check the latest advisory before you travel.

Accessibility

At the pier

Carnival says guests arrive by pier or water shuttle. A north-side pier was part of the expansion announced in December 2024, planned for summer 2026. Holland America's cabana listings still mention tenders, so check with your line which way you'll go ashore.

Tender

If your ship anchors, you go ashore by tender (water shuttle). Holland America's accessible cabana asks you to fill in the special services form so suitable transport can be arranged.

• Holland America sells a wheelchair-accessible private cabana. Book it with the special services form.
• Carnival's RelaxAway Cabana is ambulatory accessible only: you cross loose sand from a paved path and the cabana has no solid floor. Collapsible wheelchairs and canes are allowed.
• Carnival notes that not all pathways on the island are fully wheelchair accessible.
• The Stingray Adventure isn't suited to guests who use wheelchairs, canes, rollators or other mobility devices.