A fan-favorite Carnival cruise port in The Bahamas just got better
Celebration Key isn't the only exclusive destination that Carnival cruise vacationers can visit to enjoy a blissful beach day in The Bahamas. Carnival cruise ships have long sailed to another private Bahamas port beloved for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere - and that island escape now promises cruisers an even better and more relaxing day in paradise.
As Carnival invests in its Paradise Collection by Carnival destinations, it recently enhanced two of its private ports. After opening Celebration Key in summer 2025, Carnival kicked off summer 2026 by unveiling a new resort-style pool area at Isla Tropicale in Roatán, Honduras and new amenities to upgrade the visitor experience at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.
An island that Carnival shares with sister cruise line Holland America Line, Half Moon Cay is known for its long, crescent-shaped, white-sand shoreline and lush, natural surroundings. While the majority of the 2,400-acre island is a nature preserve and conservation remains a priority, Carnival made carefully planned updates to the island's north side to make enjoying a beach day on Half Moon Cay more accessible and comfortable for its passengers.
Here's what to know about Carnival's Half Moon Cay updates and what passengers are saying about the refreshed island experience.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Half Moon Cay now features a tram, trail, and enhanced beach areas
Until now, visiting Half Moon Cay wasn't possible if you were sailing on one of Carnival's newest and largest ships. But with the opening of a new cruise ship pier at the island's north end, Excel-class ships can visit Half Moon Cay for the first time. The new pier also means that passengers visiting the island on other Carnival ships no longer have to take water shuttles to shore.
On shore, Carnival increased accessibility with a new tram service that runs parallel to the beachfront. The tram offers an easy way to get to different beach areas and helps to better distribute visitors throughout the island to minimize crowding.
Related: A deep dive into Royal Caribbean and Carnival's private islands
As an alternative to the tram, visitors can also take a scenic Papaya Pathway walking trail for an active way to experience Half Moon Cay's natural beauty.
Those who want to relax by the water can enjoy expanded beachfront areas featuring new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, plus reservable cabanas and daybeds. Dining on the island also got an upgrade with new and enhanced beach bars and beach grills serving refreshing beverages, island-style meals, and full buffets in shaded, beachfront venues.
Carnival passengers love Half Moon Cay's new layout
Carnival passengers say the new tram service and enhanced beach areas at Half Moon Cay make the already popular island an even more convenient and enjoyable port to visit.
"Carnival hit it out of the park with this one! I have always liked Half Moon Cay but now it is my favorite. The beaches are sandy and not rocky. The tram is an awesome amenity," Brian Cowell commented on a June 22 post about Half Moon Cay's tram stops on Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald's Facebook page.
Half Moon Cay's tram service features six stops, each one named for a different tropical fruit:
- Coconut - the first stop in the Arrival Plaza at the end of the cruise ship pier
- Mango - a beach area featuring the Orchid Beach Grill and bars
- Lime - a beach area featuring volleyball and Lil' Tiki Bar
- Pineapple - a beach area featuring volleyball and Stay Awhile Beach Bar
- Guava - a beach area featuring volleyball, a gift shop, first aid, and Hibiscus Beach Grill and bars
- Avocado - a beach area featuring volleyball and Luna Tide Beach Bar
Related: You can try new menus on 14 Carnival cruise ships this summer
While every stop has a complimentary loungers, restrooms, beach rentals, and a beach bar, Mango and Guava are the main food areas, so you can expect those stops to be the busiest spots on the island. If you're looking for a more peaceful vibe, check out Lime, Pineapple, or Avocado.
"We went to Avocado. There was hardly anyone there and then when we wanted lunch and to head back we rode to Guava. The new setup has made Half Moon Cay a great stop that we won't avoid now. The trams are quick and it doesn't feel crowded," Jen Wilson shared on Heald's post.
Vacationers can find options to cruise to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on 22 Carnival ships sailing from a variety of homeports across the U.S.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 11:40 AM.