Half Moon Cay (Bahamas Carnival private island)

Half Moon Cay (officially Little San Salvador Island, sized 2400 acres / 9,7 km2) is located approx 10 mi / 16 km southeast of Nassau, and halfway between the Bahamian islands Cat and Eleuthera. This is a privately owned island, one of the assets of HAL-Holland America Line (subsidiary company and brand of Carnival Corporation). The island's namesake is Belize's Half Moon Caye.

Half Moon Cay is an exclusive port of call for all HAL and CCL-Carnival Cruise Line ships operating in the Caribbean.

Prior to Holland America, the island was owned by NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line.

Also owned by Carnival Corporation are the Bahamian island resorts Princess Cays (on Eleuthera Island) and Celebration Key (on Grand Bahama Island/near Freeport's cruise port Lucaya).

In late September 2019, Carnival Corporation signed an agreement with the Bahamian government to build two new cruise ports - one on Grand Bahama Island (Celebration Key/US100+ million) and one on Little San Salvador Island/Half Moon Cay (US$90+ million).

Both Bahamian port development projects (budgeted USD 190+M) were planned to start by mid-2020 but were postponed due to the COVID crisis. Their design plans exceeded the USCG guidelines for withstanding Category 5 hurricanes and both can handle the world's largest passenger liners.

By the original purchase agreement with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, only ~10% of Little San Salvador Island is occupied by cruise-related facilities, meaning that ~90% of the territory is classified as a Nature Preserve/Wild Bird Sanctuary, remains natural and is kept pristine.

Carnival private island Half Moon Cay (Bahamas)

Half Moon Cay is located around 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Nassau. HAL purchased the island for a price of US$6 million in December 1996. It has since developed 200,000 m2 (50 acres) of the 9.7 km2 (2,400-acre) island, with the stated goal of keeping as much habitat as possible. Half Moon Cay is also a nesting area for waterfowl. It does not have deep water docking that requires the use of tenders for cruise passengers to embark and  disembark.

Holland America (HAL) bought the island in December 1996 for USD 6 million. Subsequently, the island property was developed with some 50 acres (200,000 m2, or about 2% of the island) of infrastructure and facilities. Carnival Corporation invested USD 15 million in the development project. Daily operations are handled by around 100 employees (residents from the nearby islands). This private island doesn't have deepwater dock, so ships are required to anchor and transport their passengers to the shore via tender boats.

In November 2017, HAL celebrated the island's 20th Anniversary.

Half Moon Cay Island refurbishments

In summer 2016, the island underwent refurbishment, after which new amenities were introduced.

• Among the upgrades were new sailboats, catamarans, Water Trikes, Jet Skis (watercraft),
• All beach-side cabanas and villas were renovated (new painting and furnishings).
• Grand Cabana's decor was changed.
• 3 more beach drink locations were added.
• "Captain Morgan on the Rocks" bar's furniture was replaced.
• The operated on the island horseback riding tours were boosted with 14 more horses and 2 more grazing pastures.
• The Ranch's changing rooms were renovated.
• The island’s Welcome Center received new furniture.

In 2019 was announced an infrastructure development project for the construction of a pier/dock at Half Moon Cay's northern coast. When completed (in 2026-H2), the facility will allow passengers to disembark directly instead of using tender boats to access the shore. The new cruise ship dock will allow berthing of Carnival Corporation's largest vessels of the new EXCEL-class (volume 184,000 GT-tons, max capacity ~6600 passengers + ~1700 staff/crew).

The island's southern section will be also developed to cater exclusively to Holland America Line passengers, whose ship is anchored and the access to the shore continues to be tendering. Upon completion (2026-Q4), the HAL-exclusive area will have a new beach club (private beach access), upgraded beach furniture, indoor and outdoor seating (with views of the ship), enhanced food and beverage service (waiter service), upgraded seating (cabanas, villas, canopy loungers), new retail outlets, a renovated Food Court, upgraded Lobster Shack, new food trucks (Bahamian food specialties), new pickleball courts, mobile beverage service (by Aperol Spritz tricycles and Bacardi beach buggies).

In December 2024, the resort was officially renamed/rebranded "RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay", to reflect the enhanced experience at this exclusive cruise vacation destination.

Conducted in several phases, the multi-million-dollar project features a dedicated cruise ship pier/dock, an expanded beachfront space, new dining and beverage venues, and newly built and upgraded facilities. Upon arrival, tourists will encounter distinct welcome plazas on both (north and south) sides of the island. The south side will feature a new beach club, an enhanced lunch dining venue, and refreshed amenities. The north side will feature new facilities, including two dining venues, open-air bars, and expanded relaxation/lounging areas.

A new tram service will provide complimentary transportation across the island, interconnecting all districts and key facilities like the shore excursion pier, various recreational hubs, and additional cabanas.

Half Moon Cay cruise terminal

Half Moon Cay tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours on Half Moon Cay, with USD prices per adult:

• watercraft ($70)
• cabana rental ($200)
• horseback ($70)
• bike-hike (40)
• glass-bottom boat ($40)
• deep-sea fishing ($140)