Holland America Line Refreshes RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Ahead of 2027 30th Anniversary
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Holland America Line announced a series of recently completed enhancements at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, ahead of the destination's 30th anniversary in 2027. Among the most notable additions are a new food pavilion and an exclusive Beach Club experience, changes the company is presenting as the start of a year of celebrations that will be available across more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries this season.
The New Beach Club
The Beach Club combines Holland America's signature color palette -blue, orange and cream- with natural textures and Caribbean-style outdoor spaces. Day passes will be available for booking starting in early October, and guests who purchase them will receive priority tender service from the ship to the island. The experience includes dedicated table service, all-inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beach amenities and special dining offerings.
Food Pavilion and Other Upgrades
Outside the Beach Club, the new food pavilion will offer a complimentary island-style barbecue menu, while existing bars and restaurants are being renovated. Cabanas have also been updated, more daybeds have been added, and clamshell chairs have been upgraded, in addition to the pickleball courts introduced last season.
The Company's Statement
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, noted that every enhancement at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay aims to build an even more exceptional experience on top of what guests already enjoy on the island, and highlighted the opening of the Beach Club ahead of welcoming its first visitors in October as part of the line's commitment to investing in the guest experience.
Professional Pickleball Tournament in 2027
As part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, Holland America Line also confirmed that RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay will host the Private Island Invitational, the first professional pickleball tournament held on a private island, in collaboration with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). The event will take place on March 13, 2027, on the island's four pickleball courts, during the Nieuw Statendam's seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise with calls in San Juan and St. Thomas.
Pre-Tournament Cruises
Ahead of the Invitational, the cruise line will host four Countdown Cruises featuring special onboard pickleball programming and appearances by PPA players: on November 20, 2026 aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam, on December 12, 2026 aboard the Zuiderdam, and on January 2 and January 23, 2027 aboard the Eurodam. Details on which professionals will take part in each cruise will be announced in the coming months.
