Cruises to Little San Salvador (Half Moon Cay)
Little San Salvador - a private resort island of Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line set amid the turquoise waters of the Bahamas. The island's official geographic name is Little San Salvador Island, but for millions of cruise travelers it's known by a far more romantic name — Half Moon Cay. The island lies in the Bahamian archipelago roughly 100 miles (161 km) southeast of Nassau, almost exactly midway between the islands of Eleuthera and Cat Island. There are no hotels, no towns, and no permanent residents here — just 2,400 acres of limestone land covered in tropical scrub, and a 2.5-mile (4 km) crescent of powdery white sand that is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
For a cruise traveler, Half Moon Cay isn't an ordinary port with its own city infrastructure — it's a fully private island reachable only aboard a Carnival Cruise Line or Holland America Line ship, both brands owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc. In June 2026 the island underwent its biggest transformation in nearly 30 years: its north side opened the first pier in its history, allowing the largest Excel-class ships to dock there for the very first time. That section of the island was renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, while the south side remains the classic, more intimate Half Moon Cay — exclusive to Holland America Line guests. 🏝️
📋 Before you set sail for a cruise to Little San Salvador or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what to know:
🇧🇸 Country: The Bahamas (Commonwealth of The Bahamas)
📍 Region: Bahamian archipelago, between the islands of Eleuthera and Cat Island
👥 Population: no permanent residents; around 100 staff members work on the island daily, commuting from Eleuthera
📐 Area: 2,400 acres (about 9.7 km² / 3.75 sq mi)
🗣️ Language: English (the official language of The Bahamas)
💶 Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD), pegged 1:1 to the US dollar; in practice, the US dollar (USD) is what's used on the island
🕐 Time zone: EST (UTC-5), EDT (UTC-4) in summer — 7 hours behind Kyiv time
☀️ Climate: tropical, warm year-round (75–86 °F / +24…+30 °C), hurricane season runs June through November
✈️ Nearest airport: the island has no passenger air service — it can only be reached by cruise ship
⚓ Official name of the cruise destination: Half Moon Cay (south side, Holland America Line) and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (north side, Carnival Cruise Line)
🗺️ Developed area: under 100 acres — about 4% of the island's total area, with the rest preserved as a natural reserve
🏛️ The history of Little San Salvador — from the Lucayans' “distant land” to a private island of cruise giants
⏳ Indigenous people, settlers, and shipwrecks
Long before Europeans arrived, the island was known to the indigenous Lucayan people (part of the Taino) — they called it Guateo, meaning “distant land.” After Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, the Bahamas' Lucayan population, estimated at around 40,000, was nearly wiped out by disease and Spanish slave raids within the following 25 years. In the 17th century the Bahamas were settled by English Puritans, and in 1670 the archipelago officially came under the control of the British Crown. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a small seasonal settlement existed on the island — farmers from neighboring Cat Island came to work the land and fish; limestone ruins at Lighthouse Point still bear witness to this today.
The island and its surrounding waters have seen plenty of maritime drama. In December 1851, sailors recorded a gale with fierce winds and rain that “poured in torrents.” In September 1883, a Category 3 hurricane drove the ship Carleton ashore, killing several people, including the local parish rector. In June 1901, the British sloop Lizzie Culmer was wrecked near the island, and in January 1902 the cargo ship Frascati struck a reef and sank. In 1907, an expedition from the New York Botanical Garden, led by Dr. N. L. Britton, arrived to collect rare plant specimens. The island also drew distinguished visitors: in 1935 and again in March 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt fished here aboard the presidential yacht USS Potomac, and in 1940 he met the Duke of Windsor (the former King Edward VIII, then Governor of the Bahamas) to discuss a possible naval base location. In March 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower fished on the island.
⛵ From Norwegian Cruise Line to Holland America, and the RelaxAway era
The island's formal ownership history began in 1863, when Joshua Newbold owned one-eighth of it — a share later inherited by his wife and children. By 1960, Little San Salvador, LLC, formed by the Newbold family's descendants, had acquired thirteen-sixteenths of the island. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line founder Knut Kloster began negotiating to buy the island, and the first cruise ship called there on May 30, 1980 — for nearly the next two decades, the island served as Norwegian Cruise Line's private beach destination.
In December 1996, Holland America Line purchased the island for USD 6 million, buying out shares from more than 150 Newbold family descendants, and invested a further USD 16 million to build generators, a reverse-osmosis freshwater plant, wastewater treatment facilities, and a small marina. On December 12, 1997, the island officially opened to cruise guests under its new name, Half Moon Cay — a tribute to English explorer Henry Hudson's ship, the Halve Maen (“Half Moon”), whose image once appeared on Holland America Line's logo. The opening ceremony was led by then Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
On December 10, 2024, parent company Carnival Corporation announced a major expansion of the island: the north side was renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay and became an exclusive Carnival Cruise Line zone, while the south half remained the unchanged, more intimate Half Moon Cay for Holland America Line guests. On June 1, 2026, the north shore opened the island's first pier in its 30-year cruise history — Carnival Sunrise was the first ship to dock there. Since then, Carnival's largest Excel-class ships — Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee — have been able to pull right up to shore for the first time, after previously relying, like every other ship, solely on tenders. ⚓
⚓ Half Moon Cay — an island with two shores
📊 Scale and layout of the island
Little San Salvador is a limestone island covering 2,400 acres (about 9.7 km²), with a highest point of just 60 feet (18 m) above sea level. At the island's center lies a shallow saltwater lagoon of about 700 acres (depth in places is only 6–8 inches / 15–20 cm) — officially designated a bird nesting sanctuary by the Bahamas National Trust. The developed, “resort” portion of the island covers under 100 acres — about 4% of the total area — with the rest remaining untouched scrub, old-growth forest, and seven miles of rugged coastline beyond the guest beaches.
Today the island is effectively split into two independent zones. The north side — RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay — belongs to Carnival Cruise Line, and after the 2026 redevelopment includes a new pier, a tram service, the Papaya Pathway for strolling, and a string of new dining venues: Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack, Lil' Tiki Bar, and Rum Time Bar Shack. The south side — the classic Half Moon Cay — remains exclusive to Holland America Line: guests are still brought ashore solely by tender, preserving the secluded-island atmosphere of 1997, with a welcome center, a wedding chapel, a straw market, and the Island Market Grill and Lobster Shack venues.
🚢 How many ships the port can host
Up to three cruise ships can be at the island simultaneously: two dock directly at the new north pier, while a third anchors off the south side and tenders guests ashore (the ride takes about 20 minutes). It was the new 2026 pier that, for the first time, allowed Carnival's largest Excel-class ships to pull directly up to shore — previously, despite the island's size, every single guest reached the beach only by tender boat.
🏢 Which cruise lines call at Little San Salvador
Unlike major ports such as Barcelona, Half Moon Cay is a fully private island, so only Carnival Corporation brands call here. That's Carnival Cruise Line, whose ships (22 of the brand's 29 vessels) visit the island's north side, RelaxAway, year-round, and Holland America Line, whose ships (6 of the brand's 11 vessels) call mainly on fall-through-spring Caribbean itineraries at the classic south-side Half Moon Cay. No other cruise line — not MSC Cruises, not Royal Caribbean, not Celebrity Cruises — calls at this island: the only way to visit is aboard a cruise with one of these two brands. 🌴
💡 Fun facts about Little San Salvador
A few details worth knowing before you step ashore:
🏝️ The Lucayans called the island Guateo — “distant land.” It's the earliest known name for the island, long before any European maps existed.
⛵ For nearly two decades, from 1980 to 1996, the island belonged not to Holland America but to Norwegian Cruise Line — it was Knut Kloster who first turned Little San Salvador into a private cruise beach.
⚓ The name Half Moon Cay honors the Halve Maen (“Half Moon”), the ship of English explorer Henry Hudson, whose image once graced Holland America Line's logo.
🦩 The saltwater lagoon at the island's center is officially protected as a bird sanctuary by the Bahamas National Trust: at least 47 bird species have been documented there since the 1980s, including sea terns, herons, and Caribbean coots.
🏖️ Only about 4% of the island's 2,400 acres has been developed — the rest remains wild limestone terrain with mangrove thickets and old-growth forest.
🚢 In June 2026, the island got its first proper pier in nearly 30 years of cruise history — before that, absolutely every guest reached the beach by tender only.
💒 On the south, “Dutch” side of the island stands a small white Bahamian-style wedding chapel, where couples marry just steps from the ocean.
🌀 The island has weathered its share of powerful hurricanes — including a Category 3 storm in 1883 that sank the ship Carleton, as well as Hurricane Andrew (1992) and Hurricane Dorian (2019).
🎣 In the 1930s, the island hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who fished here aboard the presidential yacht USS Potomac, and in 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
📍 The best of Half Moon Cay — must-sees for cruise travelers
A ship's call at Little San Salvador usually lasts a full day — roughly from morning until late evening. You'll find a detailed list of beaches, activities, and prices in the “Landmarks and Points of Interest” section; below is a short overview of the highlights worth going ashore for.
🏖️ The main beach — a 2.5-mile stretch of fine white sand and turquoise water regularly ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean.
🦩 The lagoon and bird sanctuary — a shallow bay at the island's center where you can take a kayak tour and watch dozens of bird species in their natural habitat.
🐠 Stingray Cove — a sheltered cove where, under the guidance of instructors, you can swim alongside stingrays.
🐴 Horseback beach rides — one of the island's most popular excursions, available to a limited number of guests each day.
💒 The wedding chapel — a white Bahamian-style church on the south side of the island for wedding ceremonies right on the ocean shore.
✨ Why add Little San Salvador to your cruise itinerary
Half Moon Cay is a rare example of a port day that requires no logistics planning whatsoever.
First, there's no risk of running late or getting lost in a city: the entire island is set up purely for cruise guests, with all infrastructure and transfers handled by the cruise line itself. 🏝️
Second, since 2026 even passengers on the largest Excel-class ships get direct pier access for the first time — no tender lines, no lost beach time. ⚓
Third, it's one of the few private islands in the Caribbean where more than 95% of the land has deliberately been left wild — an ideal choice for families seeking a relaxed beach day away from the crowds of major tourist cities. 🌊
Because Little San Salvador is a closed island, reachable only aboard a Carnival Cruise Line or Holland America Line cruise, the key is choosing the right itinerary and ship in the first place. The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you pick the ideal Caribbean cruise calling at Half Moon Cay, book the right cabin category, and reserve a cabana or shore excursion in advance if you'd like, as well as offer exclusive rates from Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and other leading brands we partner with as a priority agency in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Little San Salvador (RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay) Cruise Pier
Little San Salvador — is not a typical city cruise terminal, but a private island in the Bahamas that cannot be reached any other way except aboard a cruise ship. There is no airport, no railway station, no taxis, and no car rentals here — the only “transfer” to the island is your own ship. That is why the logic of this section differs from a standard port guide: instead of routes from an airport, we explain exactly how the ship approaches the island, how passengers get ashore, and what to keep in mind so you return to the ship safely and on time. 🏝️
📍 Where the Island and the Pier Are Located
Little San Salvador Island is located in the central Bahamas, roughly 160 km (100 nautical miles) southeast of Nassau, between Eleuthera and Cat Island. It is a small, uninhabited island of about 950 hectares (2,400 acres), leased by Carnival Corporation since 1996: originally used exclusively by Holland America Line, the island now also welcomes ships from other Carnival Corporation brands, including Carnival Cruise Line.
📌 Official Resort Name: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay (the new name Carnival Corporation gave the island as part of the rebranding of its private island destinations)
🗺️ Geographic Name of the Island: Little San Salvador Island
🔒 Access: the island is entirely private and closed — the only way to reach it is as a passenger of a cruise ship officially calling there; there is no independent (non-cruise) access
❗ Important: Little San Salvador is never an embarkation or turnaround port — it is exclusively a port of call within a multi-day Caribbean cruise itinerary.
🛳️ How the Ship Arrives at the Island: Pier or Anchorage
Until recently, almost every ship calling at Half Moon Cay anchored offshore, with passengers ferried ashore by small tender boats. That changed significantly after a major redevelopment of the island under the new RelaxAway brand, which included the construction of a full deep-water pier.
⚓ Docking at the New Pier
Most modern Carnival Corporation ships calling at the island now dock directly at the RelaxAway pier — just as in a regular seaport. This means passengers walk ashore straight down the ship's gangway, with no wait for a tender boat, and disembarkation takes only a few minutes.
⛴️ Tendering (If the Ship Anchors Offshore)
On days when several ships call at the island at once, or when the pier is occupied by another vessel, some ships may still anchor offshore as before — in which case passengers are ferried to the island in the ship's own tender boats (often its lifeboats).
• Travel time: usually 5–10 minutes each way
• Boarding: from the ship's lower deck, by tender ticket or announced time — the line forms right on board
• Frequency: tenders run continuously throughout the entire day in port
💡 Tip from Four Gates: the tender line is longest in the first hour after the island opens. To avoid waiting, go ashore an hour to ninety minutes after disembarkation begins, or as soon as boarding is announced.
❗ Important: the exact disembarkation method (pier or tender) for your specific cruise is determined in advance by the cruise line, depending on the ship's size and how busy the island is that day — check your cruise documents or the ship's daily program the evening before the port call for the confirmed details.
🚋 Getting Around the Island
Right past the pier or tender landing is the island's welcome area, where cruise line staff greet passengers. Beyond that, the island has its own internal infrastructure for getting guests around:
• Trams and open-air shuttles run from the pier to the main beach, the cabana area, the water park, and other locations — free of charge for all passengers
• The main beach is a horseshoe-shaped bay more than 1.5 km long, regularly ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean
• On foot — most leisure areas are only a few minutes' walk from one another, so part of the island can easily be explored independently
• Private areas — cabanas, villas for suite guests, and private beach sections are booked in advance through the cruise line, often before you even board the ship
🚗 By Private Car — Parking Near the Port (and Car Rental)
Little San Salvador has no public roads, no car traffic, no parking lots, and no car rental companies — the island is uninhabited and has no civilian infrastructure beyond the RelaxAway resort area. Reaching it by private or rented vehicle is physically impossible: the only way onto the island is aboard a cruise ship officially calling at this port. All movement around the island is provided by the resort itself (trams, footpaths), not by personal transport.
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The RelaxAway pier and the main promenade area are adapted for guests with reduced mobility:
✅ The new pier is fitted with ramps, allowing step-free access ashore when the ship docks directly
✅ The trams running around the island are wheelchair-accessible
✅ Cruise line staff are on duty in the landing area, ready to help with mobility needs
⚠️ On tendering days, boarding the tender boat can be difficult for guests with reduced mobility due to swell and the lack of a gangway — let the cruise line know in advance when booking
⚠️ The beach itself is sandy with no hard surface, so wheelchair access across the beach area is limited; part of the resort grounds has wooden boardwalks
⏰ When to Return to the Ship
Since Little San Salvador is exclusively a port of call, not an embarkation or disembarkation port, only one scenario matters here — and it matters a great deal: do not miss the last tender or the deadline to reboard before the ship departs.
🔵 “All aboard” deadline: usually 30–60 minutes before the ship's announced departure time from the island — the exact time is always printed on your Ship Card and in the cruise's daily program
🔵 Last tender: on tendering days, the last tender from shore back to the ship departs strictly on schedule — being late means there is no way to reach the ship on your own, since there is no airport or scheduled port service nearby
❗ No “fallback” option: unlike large port cities, you cannot “catch up” with the ship by taxi or train to the next port — which makes being late on Little San Salvador especially serious
☀️ Weather factor: the call at the island depends on weather conditions — in strong wind or swell, the captain may shorten the stop, delay disembarkation, or cancel the call entirely, replacing it with an extra day at sea
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
🎒 Pack light. Cooler bags, extra clothing, and large backpacks are generally not recommended on the island — a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a small waterproof pouch for your phone and documents are enough.
💵 Carry cash in US dollars. The official currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian dollar, pegged one-to-one to the US dollar, so US dollars are accepted everywhere on the island without exchange. Cash comes in handy for tipping staff at beach bars and water activities.
🕶️ Sun protection is a must. Shade on the beach is limited, so apply sunscreen and put on a hat and sunglasses while still aboard the ship, before you go ashore.
👟 Water shoes. The seabed near shore is rocky in places — water shoes make walking the beach far more comfortable.
📶 Don't count on mobile internet. Cell service and Wi-Fi on the island are limited or unavailable — let your family know in advance that you'll be offline during the day in port.
⏱️ Build in extra time. Since the last tender or gangway really is your last chance to reach the ship, return to the boarding area at least 45–60 minutes before the official deadline, especially on a busy port day.
🏖️ Book cabanas in advance. Private cabanas, villas, and reserved beach sections on Little San Salvador are limited and sell out well before the cruise departs — book through your cruise line as soon as you reserve your cabin.
📞 Contacts and Logistics Support
Little San Salvador is private territory operated by the cruise line, so there is no separate “port authority” or public transfer service here, unlike in a regular city. All organizational matters — the port call itself, tendering, and scheduling — are handled solely by your cruise line on board the ship.
Onboard Guest Services: contact the ship's reception desk with any question about disembarkation, tenders, or booking a beach area
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a call at Little San Salvador are fundamentally different from a classic port city — there is no airport, no train station, no taxis, but there is a clear and predictable system: the ship brings you almost to the water's edge. The key is simply returning to the ship on time. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group can help you plan the perfect day, book a private cabana or shore activity in advance, and advise on every detail of calling at this unique private port. Contact our manager — and your day on Little San Salvador will go off without a hitch. 🏝️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is accurate as of the publication date. The schedule, method of disembarkation (pier or tender), routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice depending on weather and the cruise line's decisions. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or with the cruise line you are travelling with.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Places on Little San Salvador Island (RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay): A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Little San Salvador, better known to cruise passengers under its commercial name RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, is a private island owned by Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation, located about 100 miles (roughly 160 km) southeast of Nassau, within the Cat Island district of the Bahamas. Unlike Barcelona or other major ports, there are no museums or cathedrals here — the island's main “landmarks” are a 2.5-mile (4 km) ivory-white beach, a protected lagoon teeming with wildlife, a Bahamian chapel, and an entire entertainment infrastructure built specifically for a day of relaxation for cruise guests. The island covers 2,400 acres (about 971 hectares), of which only around 50 acres are developed — the rest remains a natural reserve. Below is a detailed guide to the island's main locations, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and directions on how to reach each spot from the pier or the tender landing. 🎯
❗ Important: the island serves guests from several Carnival Corporation brands at once — Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises. Some activities, prices, and amenities (for example, Wi-Fi or drink packages) may differ depending on which line you sailed with.
🏖️ 1. Half Moon Beach
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
Half Moon Beach is the heart of the island and the reason behind its modern name: the perfectly curved shoreline resembles a crescent moon, hence “Half Moon.” It is a strip of powder-white sand about 2.5 miles (4 km) long, with turquoise water and a gently sloping, swim-friendly bottom.
🔹 According to a number of cruise publications, the island has been named one of the best private islands in the Caribbean year after year.
🔹 The beach offers more than 4,500 umbrellas and nearly twice as many loungers free of charge — towels are not provided on the island, so bring one from your ship.
🔹 The water is so clear that you can spot tropical fish just a few meters from shore, even without a mask.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
The beach stretches along both “sides” of the island — the north side (Carnival zone) and the south side (Holland America zone). It is a short walk of just a few minutes from the pier or tender landing to the first row of loungers; a free tram with six stops runs on the north side.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Beach access, loungers, and umbrellas: free
• Clamshell (shaded shelter for two): about 65 USD
• Daybed (north side): from 150 USD
• Cabana (standard, up to 4 people): from 360–800 USD depending on the side of the island
• Hours: throughout the ship's entire time in port
🐠 2. Bonefish Lagoon and the Stingray Adventure
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
Bonefish Lagoon is a brackish, protected inlet in the island's interior, recognized as a bird sanctuary by the Bahamas National Trust. A controlled cove for swimming with stingrays — the Stingray Adventure — is set up here as well.
🔹 Over the years of observation (1982–2012), ornithologists have recorded about 47 bird species in the lagoon and surrounding mangroves, including sooty and roseate terns, white herons and egrets, ruddy ducks, Caribbean coots, and ospreys.
🔹 The stingrays in the cove are accustomed to human contact, so guests can safely pet and feed them under the guidance of instructors.
🔹 The lagoon's mangroves act as a natural “nursery” for young fish and turtles, which is why swimming is allowed only in the designated area.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
The lagoon is located in the island's interior; you can reach it on foot along a nature trail, or by kayak or paddleboard, both available for rent right on the beach.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Stingray Adventure (swimming with stingrays): about 55 USD per person
• Guided kayak eco-tour of the lagoon: about 49 USD
• Kayak rental (single / double): about 33 USD / 51 USD per hour
• Paddleboard (SUP): about 40 USD per hour
• Hours: usually 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., depending on the ships' call schedule
🎢 3. Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
A family-friendly attraction right on the main beach: a floating and shoreline water complex with a slide styled after a shipwreck, an interactive water playground, and a pirate ship with working water “cannons.” It is one of the few attractions on the island designed specifically for children.
🔹 Despite the island's reputation as a “relaxed” destination without classic pools or water slides for adults, the kids' aqua park remains one of its most popular spots — lines for the slide form within an hour of the ship's arrival.
🔹 A dry playground is set up nearby for those who want a break from the water.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
Located directly on the beach, within sight of both landing points — no separate trip is needed.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Admission: free for all island guests
• Lifeguards: on duty throughout the beach's hours
• Hours: the entire time the ship is in port
🐴 4. Horseback Riding in the Ocean
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
According to cruise passenger reviews, this is the island's highest-rated excursion. The route winds along trails across the island and finishes with the horses wading straight into the ocean — a unique chance to ride and swim in the warm turquoise water at the same time.
🔹 Groups are small, and instructors accompany each rider individually; no prior riding experience is required.
🔹 Due to high demand, this excursion is usually the first to sell out — it's worth booking as soon as sales open on the cruise line's website, well before arriving in port.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
The stables and meeting point are located in the island's interior; transfer from the pier to the stables (on foot or by tram) is included in the price of the excursion.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Excursion price: about 137 USD per person
• Duration: about 45–60 minutes
• Restrictions: minimum age and maximum rider weight are set by the cruise line — confirm at the time of booking
• Hours: several sessions throughout the morning and afternoon while the ship is in port
⛪ 5. The Bahamian Chapel
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
A small wooden church built in the traditional Bahamian architectural style, with a distinctive trussed roof. It stands just a few steps from Half Moon Beach, and its porch offers a view of the Exuma Sound and the ships anchored offshore.
🔹 Holland America Line regularly holds wedding ceremonies and vow renewals here for its passengers — it is one of the few chapels in the Caribbean located right on a cruise line's private island.
🔹 Inside, the interior is simple and Bahamian-bright, with wooden pews — a striking contrast to the ornate Gothic cathedrals of classic European ports.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
Located right next to Half Moon Beach, a few minutes' walk from the pier.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Viewing from outside: free, open access throughout the day
• Wedding ceremony or vow renewal: arranged in advance through the cruise line; confirm the package price at booking
🦩 6. Nature Trails and the Bird Sanctuary
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
About 97% of the island (nearly 2,350 acres, or roughly 951 hectares) remains undeveloped and preserved as a natural reserve — mangroves, wild palms, and sea grape trees. It is home to dozens of bird species and small colonies of curly-tailed lizards, which are easy to spot right on the trail.
🔹 In ancient times, the island was inhabited by the Lucayan people, who called it “Guateo,” meaning “distant land”; after their disappearance in the 16th century, the island stood empty for several centuries, and only from the 17th–18th centuries onward did farmers from nearby Cat Island occasionally work the land here.
🔹 In the early 20th century, the island was visited by the well-known American botanist Nathaniel Britton in search of new plant species, and in the 1930s–1950s U.S. presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt (twice, 1935–1936) and Dwight D. Eisenhower (1957) came here to fish; it was here, in 1940, that Roosevelt discussed the possibility of a naval base with former King Edward VIII, who was then serving as Governor of the Bahamas.
🔹 Walking and cycling routes pass by the lagoon, the stables, and the chapel, offering a view of the island “from the other side” — away from the beach crowds.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
The trail network begins right at the main beach areas on both sides of the island; entry is free, and signposts mark the way.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Self-guided trail walk: free
• Group island bike tour: about 27 USD per person
• Hours: throughout daylight hours while the ship is in port
⚓ 7. The New RelaxAway Pier: Two Sides of One Island
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
On June 1, 2026, a new deep-water pier opened on the island's north side — the largest infrastructure project on the island since it first opened in 1997. Previously, all guests reached shore exclusively by tender boat; now, large Excel-class ships (Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee) dock directly at the pier, and getting ashore takes just a few minutes instead of waiting in a tender line.
🔹 Holland America Line guests still arrive by tender on the south, “classic” side of the island, as before — the ride takes about 20 minutes.
🔹 The island can accommodate up to three ships at once: two at the new pier, and a third at the tender anchorage.
🔹 In December 2024, the island was officially renamed “RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay,” becoming part of Carnival Corporation's new collection of private destinations alongside Celebration Key.
🔹 A free tram with six stops (Arrival Plaza, Mango, Lime, Pineapple, Guava, and Avocado) operates on the north side, along with the paved Papaya Pathway walkway.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
The north pier is the arrival point for Carnival guests; the south tender station serves Holland America guests and some Princess Cruises sailings. Both zones are connected by tram and walking trails, with the crossing taking about 15–20 minutes.
💶 Cost:
• Arrival on the island (pier or tender): included in the cost of your cruise, no extra charge
🍹 8. Beach Bars, Restaurants, and Shops
💡 Fun Facts and Useful Information:
All island guests — regardless of which ship they arrived on — enjoy a complimentary, unlimited barbecue lunch: burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, pulled pork, salads, and desserts are served in pavilion tents on both sides of the island, usually from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
🔹 The island's top draw for food lovers is the Lobster Shack, which serves fresh Bahamian lobster and a hearty chowder for an extra charge.
🔹 The south side is home to a bar shaped like a pirate ship, complete with cannons (On the Rocks Bar), while “Aperol Spritz” tricycles and “Bacardi Beach Buggies” cruise the beach, delivering drinks straight to your lounger.
🔹 Six additional new bars and grills have opened on the north side, including the Orchid Beach Grill & Bar and the Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar.
🔹 The island's gift shops sell local handicrafts, Bahamian rum, and classic beach souvenirs.
📍 Location and How to Get There:
Dining venues are located along both beach areas, just steps from the loungers; shops are near the landing point on each side.
💶 Prices and Hours:
• Barbecue lunch: included in the cost of your cruise
• Lobster Shack (lobster combo): about 20 USD
• Drink packages (CHEERS and similar): do NOT apply on the island — drinks are charged separately
• Hours: throughout the ship's time in port; lunch service is 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
🎨 9. Other Activities Worth Knowing About
• 🚤 Aqua Trax (personal watercraft) — a tour of the lagoon and open water; a driver's license is required, about 126 USD.
• ⛵ Hobie Cat and water bikes — rent a small catamaran (about 49 USD/hour) or a two-person water bike (about 49 USD/hour).
• 🐟 Boat snorkeling tour — head out to the open water and the reefs, about 66 USD per person.
• 🚣 Glass-bottom boat tour — view the underwater world without getting in the water, no swimming required.
• 🏐 Sports courts — volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and, on the south side, pickleball as well.
• 🎈 Playground — a dry play area next to the aqua park.
• 🔒 Locker rental: about 12 USD per day.
🗺️ Three Ways to Spend an 8–9-Hour Day on the Island
A ship's call at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay usually lasts 8–9 hours — the exact time is always listed in your ship's daily program. Unlike a city port, there's nowhere to travel to here — every activity is concentrated on the island itself, so the main question is how to divide your budget and time between the beach, activities, and relaxation. Below are three options for different budgets.
🥉 Option 1. Budget — Free (Except Souvenirs)
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 0–20 USD
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Going Ashore
Head to the beach by pier or tender, and pick a spot with a lounger and umbrella (free).
🕘 9:15–11:00 a.m. — Half Moon Beach
Swimming, sunbathing, beach games, and for the kids — the free Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park.
🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Nature Trail Walk
A route past the lagoon and the stables, spotting birds and curly-tailed lizards.
🕛 12:00–1:30 p.m. — Free Barbecue Lunch
Burgers, grilled chicken, salads, and desserts at the beach pavilion.
🕐 1:30–4:00 p.m. — Beach Time, Volleyball, Photos by the Bahamian Chapel
🕓 4:00–5:00 p.m. — Back to the Ship
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Beach, loungers, umbrellas, lunch: free
• Souvenirs: 10–20 USD (optional)
💸 TOTAL: 0–20 USD per person
🥈 Option 2. Balanced — 150–190 USD per person
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 170 USD + gratuities
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Go Ashore, Check In for the Pre-Booked Stingray Adventure
🕤 9:30–10:30 a.m. — Swimming with Stingrays in Bonefish Lagoon
About 55 USD per person, including a briefing and a photo spot.
🕚 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Boat Snorkeling Tour
Head out to the reef zone, about 66 USD per person.
🕧 12:15–1:30 p.m. — Free Barbecue Lunch
Optional upgrade to the Lobster Shack (about 20 USD).
🕐 1:30–3:30 p.m. — Relax in a Clamshell
Renting a clamshell for two — about 65 USD.
🕞 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Shopping at the Gift Shops, Back to the Ship
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Stingray Adventure: 55 USD
• Boat snorkeling tour: 66 USD
• Clamshell (for two, i.e., ~33 USD per person): 33 USD
• Lunch: included (optional upgrade +20 USD)
💸 TOTAL: about 154–190 USD per person
🥇 Option 3. Premium — From 1,600 USD per Group (Private Oasis Cabana)
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: from 1,600 USD for a group of up to 12
🏆 What's Included:
• ✅ A Private Oasis Cabana, 1,620 sq. ft. (about 150 m²) right on the beach, for up to 12 guests
• ✅ A personal butler, chef, and bartender all day
• ✅ Priority disembarkation from the ship and escort to the cabana
• ✅ Reserved spots on the ocean horseback ride for the whole family
• ✅ A private boat snorkeling tour
• ✅ A flexible daily schedule — we adjust activities on the spot
You can book the premium package through your cruise manager, or reach out to us directly, however is most convenient for you:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕘 8:30 a.m. — Priority Disembarkation and Escort Meeting
🕘 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. — Private Oasis Cabana
A personal butler, chef, and bartender serve the group all day; a private beach area and shade structure.
🕚 10:00–11:00 a.m. — Family Ocean Horseback Ride
Reserved spots, with individual guidance from instructors.
🕧 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Chef-Prepared Lunch in the Cabana
Fresh lobster, seafood, and a choice of drinks.
🕝 2:00–3:30 p.m. — Private Boat Snorkeling Tour
Visit the best reef spots with no other tourists aboard.
🕞 3:30–5:00 p.m. — Relax in the Cabana, Optional Photo Session by the Bahamian Chapel
🕟 5:15 p.m. — Back to the Ship
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Private Oasis Cabana (up to 12 guests, all day): from 1,600 USD
• Horseback ride (per person): 137 USD
• Private snorkeling tour: on request
💸 TOTAL: from 1,600 USD per group of up to 12 (roughly 133–500+ USD per person, depending on group size)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges premium getaways on private islands throughout the Caribbean — cabana bookings, exclusive excursions, and transfers right from the gangway. Contact your cruise specialist, and your day on RelaxAway will be planned perfectly around your wishes. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: your return time is always listed in the ship's daily program, usually 30–60 minutes before departure. The island is not a standard port terminal, so the last tender or pier crossing leaves strictly on schedule, with no exceptions.
💳 Payment: the island accepts your cruise ship card (Ship Card) and cash in US dollars; some vendors may not accept credit cards, so it's worth carrying a little cash for small purchases and tips.
🏖️ Towels: towels are not provided on the island — bring your beach towel from your cabin.
📶 Internet: Carnival Wi-Fi packages work on the island, while Holland America Line packages do not; international roaming is available at Bahamian rates.
🍹 Drink packages: packages such as CHEERS do not apply on the island — alcoholic drinks are charged separately.
👟 Footwear and clothing: closed-toe shoes are recommended for the nature trails and horseback riding; regular water shoes are fine for the beach.
☀️ Sun protection: the tropical sun is very intense, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses — there isn't much shade on the beach.
🎫 Booking excursions: popular activities (horseback riding, the Stingray Adventure) should be booked in advance through the cruise line's website — spots may not be available once you're on the island.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals