Holland America Line Opens New Beach Club at Half Moon Cay

Holland America Line officially opened its new Beach Club at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. The opening was celebrated with a toast led by the captain and cruise director of the ship that made the first call to the new venue.

Access to the Beach Club costs $125 per person per day and includes priority tender service, dedicated waiter service, all-inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beach accessories and special dining offerings. The venue features an exclusive beach area with seating marked by the brand's signature orange and white umbrellas. According to Seatrade Cruise, guests with Beach Club access can also order from the Lobster Shack menu available on the island.

Sources differ on which vessel made the first call. Seatrade Cruise reported that passengers aboard the Nieuw Statendam were the first to enjoy the new Beach Club, with a toast led by that ship's captain and cruise director. Cruise Industry News and Cruise Critic, however, stated that the Nieuw Amsterdam was the first ship to arrive, with Captain Eric van der Wal and Cruise Director Zaid Barrera Abuassi leading the toast. Cruise Industry News placed that toast on October 19, while Cruise Critic specified that the opening took place on Thursday, October 22, when the Nieuw Amsterdam called at the island.

In addition to the Beach Club, the island added a new food pavilion, renovated cabanas, additional beds and beach seating, remodeled bars and four pickleball courts. Cruise Industry News detailed that these additions are part of preparations for the destination's 30th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2027, and that passengers will be able to enjoy the upgraded island on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries between October 2026 and April 2027.

Cruise Critic noted that Holland America shares RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay with its sister brand Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival's section of the island was recently renovated and expanded, featuring a new pier capable of berthing that cruise line's Excel-class ships, along with new and upgraded food and beverage outlets and other amenities.