Holland America Upgrades Half Moon Cay Facilities
The cruise line has renovated its private island destination with new dining options and a premium beach club experience.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cruises
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Holland America has completed extensive updates to its side of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, introducing a new food pavilion and a private beach club. These enhancements are designed to elevate the guest experience during seasonal stops at the popular private island.
Why it matters
The cruise line prioritized these physical upgrades to provide higher-end amenities while opting against building a pier to maintain the island's natural atmosphere. This strategy focuses on enhancing the beach experience for guests during the busy winter cruise season.
The new Beach Club experience is priced at $125 per person and includes waiter service and inclusive drinks. Guests at this venue also receive priority access to tender boats, while starting prices for available sailings begin at $399.
The players
Holland America
This premium cruise line has operated for over 150 years and is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc.
Half Moon Cay
Located in the Bahamas, this private island has served as an exclusive port of call for cruise lines for three decades.
The details
The updated south side of Half Moon Cay now features a complimentary food pavilion with dedicated stations for barbecue, tacos, pizza, burgers, dessert, and salads. Additionally, the line has installed Strandkorb beach chairs, renovated existing bars, and implemented a policy where guest purchases remain exclusive to Holland America's side of the island.
Timeline
Pickleball courts were installed on the island last year.
Holland America made its first seasonal stop on October 17, 2026.
Seasonal cruise visits typically occur from October to April.
Travel Outlook
These upgrades reflect the broader cruise industry strategy of investing in proprietary destinations to control the end-to-end guest experience. This aligns with the long-term trend of cruise lines seeking to boost onboard revenue through exclusive island amenities.
Travelers should note that purchases made on Holland America's side of the island are not honored for guests from other lines. Visitors planning a trip should check current sailing prices, which start at $399, to account for potential add-ons like the new beach club.
The takeaway
Guests can expect a more structured dining experience and the option for premium beach access during their visit to the Bahamas. Those interested in the new club should prioritize booking early to secure available spots on the island.
Further reading
For more information on the latest industry developments, visit the Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA Today.
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