Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line are teaming up to rebrand their Bahamian private destination as “Relaxaway, Half Moon Cay” and load it with more features, including a pier to accommodate Carnival’s Excel-class ships, such as the Carnival Jubilee sailing from Galveston.

The Carnival Corp.-owned lines expect to complete some of the enhancements by summer 2026, with work on remaining projects continuing through the end of that year.

The partners will develop the north side of the destination with a new pier that can accommodate their largest ships, along with two lunch venues, island-themed bars and a shore excursion pier.

The existing development on the south side will get a new beach club, an updated lunch venue and renovated facilities. Lounging areas will be expanded and cabanas added.

A new tram service will make getting around the island easier, said HAL and Carnival.

Guests will arrive at distinct welcome plazas on the island’s south and north sides. On the south end of the destination, guests will continue to arrive via tender boats from the cruise ship. In between the plazas will be over one mile of white-sand beach.

The lines said all upgrades will be designed “with nature in mind,” including architecture that complements the island’s authenticity.

Holland America Line president Beth Bodensteiner said the island’s south side, where HAL has visited since Half Moon Cay opened in 1997, “will remain the secluded paradise our guests are accustomed to and a marquee destination for almost every cruise visiting the Caribbean. The new beach club and refreshed food and beverage spaces will embrace and preserve the island’s pristine beauty while enhancing our award-winning experience.”

In addition to upgrading Half Moon Cay, Carnival is opening Celebration Key, a private destination in Grand Bahama, next July. There will be cruises that call at both private destinations, said Carnival president Christine Duffy.

The itinerary from Galveston will vary depending on date.

14 Dates with Nassau first:

Oct 3 – 11, 2026
Oct 17 – 25, 2026
Oct 31 – Nov 8, 2026
Nov 14 – 22, 2026
Dec 18 – 26, 2026
Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027
Jan 9 – 17, 2027
Jan 23 – 31, 2027
Feb 6 – 14, 2027
Feb 20 – 28, 2027
Mar 6 – 14, 2027
Mar 20 – 28, 2027
Apr 3 – 11, 2027
Apr 17 – 25, 2027

Day 1: Galveston, Texas
Day 2: Fun Day at Sea
Day 3: Fun Day at Sea
Day 4: Nassau, The Bahamas
Day 5: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, The Bahamas
Day 6: Celebration Key™, The Bahamas
Day 7: Fun Day at Sea
Day 8: Fun Day at Sea
Day 9: Galveston, Texas

Two Dates with Celebration Key™ first

Sep 19 – 27, 2026
Nov 28 – Dec 6. 2026

Day 1: Galveston, Texas
Day 2: Fun Day at Sea
Day 3: Fun Day at Sea
Day 4: Celebration Key™, The Bahamas
Day 5: RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, The Bahamas
Day 6: Nassau, The Bahamas
Day 7: Fun Day at Sea
Day 8: Fun Day at Sea
Day 9: Galveston, Texas

At the time of publication, GalvestonCruises.com had rates starting at $971 pp. For all the details and the best rates, call GalvestonCruises.com at  409-763-8678.