Royal Caribbean changed the expectations for cruise line private islands when it launched Perfect Day at CocoCay.
What had once been a beach where cruisers had to ride small ships called tenders rather than directly dock to reach the port has become something that's a little more amusement-park-like.
CocoCay's dock can accommodate two of the cruise line's largest ships, multiple pools, and a full-on waterpark. You can still have a beach day if you like, but the new standard is much bigger.
Related: Carnival Cruise blames passengers for unpopular beverage policy
That's a standard Carnival is copying as it builds its Celebration Key. And it's a benchmark Royal Caribbean is meeting with its Beach Club concepts, which are added-fee private island-like experiences being built in Nassau and Cozumel. RCL will also bring that same aesthetic to its upcoming Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya.
While some passengers miss the quiet old beach days, most seem to be embracing the Royal Caribbean model as CocoCay is routinely the cruise line's most popular destination.
Carnival Cruise Line, however, has decided to make Half Moon Cay, its classic private island experience, more modern but not fully transformed.
Image source: Daniel Kline/Come Cruise With Me
Carnival will update Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay is being renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in support of its upcoming enhancements and the experience cruisers can expect as they are immersed in this tropical paradise.
Carnival Cruise Line and sister brand Holland America are partnering on the changes, which will include an expanded beachfront experience, lunch venues, a variety of bars, and other features that will reinforce the destination’s natural beauty and tropical appeal.
A newly constructed pier on the north side will enable ships to dock. Carnival’s Excel-Class ships thus will be able to visit the island for the first time.
Guests will arrive at welcome plazas on the island’s south and north sides, spanning more than a mile of white-sand beach. The existing development on the south side will receive a refreshing Bahamian touchup, a new beach club, an updated lunch venue, and renovated facilities.
The newly developed north side will feature two lunch venues and a variety of island-themed bars. A new tram service will make getting around easy and convenient.
In addition, lounging areas will be expanded and cabanas added. A new shore excursion pier on the north side will connect guests with recreational activities. All RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay upgrades are designed with nature in mind, including architecture that complements the island’s stunning authenticity.
“Holland America guests have loved Half Moon Cay for its natural beauty since it opened as a port of call in 1997,” said Holland America President Beth Bodensteiner.
"The south side of the island, where Holland America has always visited, will remain the secluded paradise our guests are accustomed to and a marquee destination for almost every cruise visiting the Caribbean. The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Carnival President Christine Duffy explained the company's plans in more depth.
“Calling this piece of paradise RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay reinforces our commitment to preserve the attributes that make the destination so appealing as we expand access and welcome more guests to the destination’s crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and lush landscapes,” she said.
"Many of our 2026 and beyond itineraries will feature both RelaxAway and Celebration Key, providing guests with complimentary experiences enjoying both idyllic and ultimate beach days.”
The first of the destination’s enhancements will be completed by summer 2026 and the effort will continue through the end of the year. The company will say more in coming months.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
