If you’re sailing through the Bahamas this year, there is one coordinate on the map that stands above the rest: Half Moon Cay.

While other private islands are turning into high-tech water parks with neon slides and DJ booths, Half Moon Cay (officially Little San Salvador Island) has doubled down on what it does best: pristine, quiet, and impossibly blue nature. In 2026, the island has unveiled its “RelaxAway” transformation—a subtle upgrade that adds more comfort without losing its rugged, “deserted island” soul.

What’s New?

The biggest change for travelers is the brand-new pier. For decades, getting to Half Moon Cay required a “tender” (a smaller boat ride from the ship). Now, you can walk straight off your Carnival or Holland America ship and onto the sand, giving you an extra hour of beach time!

Other fresh additions include:

• Aperol Spritz Tricycles: Roaming drink carts that bring cold cocktails directly to your lounge chair.

• Expanded Dining: New complimentary lunch spots have joined the classic BBQ pavilion, offering more fresh Caribbean flavors like grilled mahi-mahi and island-spiced salads.

Top 3 “Must-Do” Experiences

1. The Horseback “Land and Sea” Adventure This is the island’s signature excursion. You’ll ride a horse along winding nature trails to the island’s highest point for a photo op, but the real magic happens at the end: the guides swap your saddle for a waterproof one, and you swim with your horse in the turquoise surf. It’s a surreal, bucket-list moment.

2. Snorkel at “Stingray Cove” Forget the crowded tourist traps elsewhere. Here, the stingray encounter is more intimate. You can wade into waist-deep water to feed and pet these “silky” creatures while learning about the island’s marine conservation efforts.

3. The Ultimate Beach Day One of the best things about Half Moon Cay is that you don’t have to spend money.

• The Sand: It’s like powdered sugar. Walk past the first 100 yards of crowds near the Pirate Ship Bar; the further you walk down the two-mile crescent, the more it feels like you have the entire ocean to yourself.

• The Food: The “Island BBQ” is included in your cruise fare. Grab some jerk chicken, red beans and rice, and a slice of rum cake.

Travel Tips 

• Mail a Postcard: There is a tiny, functioning Bahamian Post Office on the island. Bring a couple of dollars in cash for a unique stamp and send a postcard to yourself—it’s a great souvenir that arrives a few weeks after you get home.

• Meet Ted: Keep an eye out for Ted the Donkey, the island’s unofficial mascot. He’s friendly, loves a photo, and is considered the “good luck charm” of the Cay.