Half Moon Cay cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Cruise pier to Arrival Plaza, for ships docking at the pier only.

• Walk: approximately 5 minutes from the docked ship to Arrival Plaza, a practical walk for passengers comfortable with that distance. Carnival's current FAQ supplies this estimate, checked 2026-09-25; it does not describe tender arrivals.

On a pier call, passengers walk ashore into the Arrival Plaza area. On a tender call, the ship anchors and water shuttles take passengers to the separate landing by the Welcome Centre. Carnival's map distinguishes both entrances. Follow your ship's tender-ticket or boarding instructions rather than heading for an assumed departure point.

Holland America's 22 September 2026 announcement confirms continued tender arrangements for its guests. If you use mobility equipment, discuss the actual transfer with your ship before going ashore; island facilities do not establish that every tender crossing is accessible.

About this port

Half Moon Cay, now branded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, is a private cruise destination centred on a long sandy beach, water activities and shore excursions. The change of name does not indicate a separate island stop. A beach day remains the straightforward choice, with nature walks or a booked activity adding variety.

Arrival arrangements now differ between sailings. Carnival describes both pier and water-shuttle arrivals, while Holland America's September 2026 information still describes tendering. Establish which applies to your ship before planning the day: the two landing areas have different return routes.

Getting Around

The destination has complimentary internal trams. On the pier-arrival side, the map names stops such as Mango, Lime and Guava, each serving beach facilities. Remember your stop's name and its route back to Arrival Plaza. On the water-shuttle side, use the Welcome Centre and landing as your reference points.

This is an operator-managed island visit. Plan around its beach areas and the excursions offered by your cruise line. There is no useful town-centre journey to add to a short call. Allow for walking or tram travel within the destination even when the sea is visible from your lounger.

Things to Do

Beach and a shaded base: Spend the day swimming and walking the beach, or reserve a cabana or daybed if having a fixed base matters to your party. The Carnival destination page describes these options. Select a location with your landing point and lunch venue in mind rather than assuming the whole beach is beside your ship.

Nature and the lagoon: Carnival offers nature paths and kayaking in the protected lagoon. These provide an alternative to spending the whole call on the main beach. Follow the excursion route and staff instructions; access to an activity area is separate from simply walking ashore.

Horseback riding: A guided riding excursion combines the island landscape with its shore. Read the operator's rider requirements and clothing instructions when booking. Treat it as the day's main activity, leaving the remaining time for lunch or a swim, rather than layering several timed excursions into the same call.

Getting back to your ship

Pier passengers return through Arrival Plaza; tender passengers return to the water-shuttle landing. Follow the correct signs and your ship's instructions, especially when more than one ship is visiting. For tender calls, work to the announced last tender time and allow for a queue and boarding. For pier calls, include the beach-to-plaza journey, any tram wait and the pier walk. All-aboard is set by the ship; neither an island tram nor a water shuttle creates an extra grace period.

Practical Information

For Carnival visits, bring your Sail & Sign card for bars and gift shops, plus cash or a payment card for the artisan market. There is no ATM ashore. Take a towel, sun protection and the identification required by your ship. Carnival's Cheers package does not cover drinks here. The current visitor FAQ explains these arrangements; passengers on other lines should use their operator's payment and package terms.

The destination map locates toilets, lockers, beach-rental points and first aid. Complimentary lunch is part of Carnival's island offering. Locate the facilities near your chosen beach early, and use the service times announced for your particular call.