Holland America Line cruisers heading to the Caribbean this season will find a refreshed private island.
The cruise line is opening a new Half Moon Cay beach club, adding a free barbecue pavilion and upgrading cabanas and bars at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.
The changes debut in October and appear on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries sailing through April 2027.
The updates kick off a yearlong lead-up to the island’s 30th anniversary in 2027.
A Beach Club with drinks and service included
The biggest addition is the Beach Club, a separate area on the island that requires a day pass. Passes go on sale in early October.
The pass includes priority tendering from the ship to the island, dedicated waiter service, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beach accessories, and specialty food and beverage offerings.
Holland America has not released pricing or said how many guests the Beach Club can hold.
“It’s exciting to unveil the Beach Club as we prepare to welcome our first visitors in October,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.
New food pavilion and more places to relax
Guests who skip the Beach Club still get upgrades. A new food pavilion serves a complimentary island-only barbecue menu, and existing bars and eateries are being renovated.
Holland America is also upgrading its cabanas and refreshing its clamshells and daybeds, adding more daybeds along the beach.
New canopy loungers for two and extra beach chairs add more space to spread out. Four pickleball courts, introduced last season, remain available for guests who want something more active.
Know Before You Book
The upgrades apply to Caribbean sailings visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay from October 2026 through April 2027.
If you want a Beach Club pass, watch for bookings to open in early October. Pricing and capacity haven’t been announced, so booking early is the safest bet if you have your heart set on it.
Cabanas at Half Moon Cay have long sold out before sailing, so the same advice applies if you’re planning to rent one of the upgraded units.
Half Moon Cay has been part of Holland America’s Caribbean cruises since 1997.
For its 30th season, the free beach day stays, and there’s now a paid option for guests who want more.
