Carnival Opens New Half Moon Cay Pier for Excel-Class Ships
Carnival Sunrise was first to use the completed pier, docking at eight in the morning and departing at four in the afternoon on opening day.
Carnival Cruise Line opened the new pier and expanded guest facilities at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on June 1, 2026, giving the Bahamian private destination direct-docking capability alongside new beach, dining, beverage and transportation amenities. The pier changes a long-running operating constraint at the island, where some calls previously required tender service.
The upgrade also opens the island to Carnival’s Excel-class ships: Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee. Those vessels are roughly 181,000 to 184,000 gross tons and carry more than 5,000 guests, depending on configuration.
“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests, and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning beachfront and turquoise waters.”
Direct docking opens to larger Carnival ships
Carnival Sunrise was first to use the completed pier. The ship docked at 8 a.m. on opening day and departed at 4 p.m. Initial post-opening calls listed Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk on June 2, followed by Carnival Dream from Miami and Carnival Pride from Baltimore on June 3.
Carnival says 22 ships in its fleet currently include RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on select itineraries from U.S. homeports. The new pier allows more ships to berth directly at the island, including Carnival’s largest class, which had faced limitations tied to tendering.
Beach, dining and island transportation upgraded
The expansion adds complimentary loungers and umbrellas, with reservable cabanas and daybeds available for guests seeking paid upgraded seating. Carnival also added or upgraded food and beverage outlets in shaded beachfront settings, including Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack and Lil’ Tiki Bar.
Movement around the destination has been expanded with a new tram service linking areas of the island. Guests who prefer to walk can use Papaya Pathway, a new scenic route through the destination.
Half Moon Cay’s place in Carnival’s destination portfolio
The destination occupies Little San Salvador Island, which Holland America Line purchased in December 1996 for $6 million and opened as a cruise call in December 1997. Half Moon Cay has since operated as a Carnival Corporation private destination shared by brands including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
Carnival places RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay within its Paradise Collection of exclusive destinations in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, alongside Celebration Key and Isla Tropicale in Roatan, Honduras. Carnival said the island’s south side is also being refreshed with new design elements and food-and-beverage venue upgrades.
