Carnival marked a major milestone on June 1, 2026, with the official opening of a series of enhancements on RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, one of the cruise line's most popular private destinations in The Bahamas.
The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, highlighting the completion of a project that brings new amenities, expanded beachfront facilities, and a long-awaited pier that will transform how guests arrive on the island.
The new pier is considered the centerpiece of the upgrades. For years, many visitors had to reach Half Moon Cay by tender boats due to the lack of docking facilities. With the new pier now operational, ships can dock directly at the island, improving guest access and allowing larger vessels to visit more frequently.
The addition is especially significant for Carnival's Excel-class ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, which previously faced operational limitations because of the tendering process.
Guests visiting the destination will also find expanded beach facilities, including complimentary loungers and umbrellas, as well as upgraded cabanas and daybeds available for rent. Several new dining and beverage venues have opened, including Orchid Beach Grill and Hibiscus Beach Grill, offering buffet-style meals, while Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack, and Lil' Tiki Bar provide additional options for drinks and snacks throughout the day.
Transportation around the island has also been improved with the introduction of a new tram system. Visitors can also enjoy the newly created Papaya Pathway, a scenic walking route designed to make exploring the destination easier on foot.
Additional improvements have been completed on the southern side of the island, including refreshed public areas and upgrades to existing food and beverage facilities.
"RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay's natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination," said Christine Duffy. "We're excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters."
Carnival Sunrise became the first ship to use the new pier on June 1, arriving at 8 a.m. and departing later that afternoon. Additional calls quickly followed, with Carnival Sunshine scheduled for June 2 and Carnival Dream and Carnival Pride arriving on June 3.
The investment shows growing trend across the cruise industry, as major cruise lines continue expanding and enhancing their private destinations in the Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line is investing in Great Stirrup Cay, while Royal Caribbean continues to grow its private destination portfolio following the success of Perfect Day at CocoCay.
