One of the most beloved cruise line destinations in The Bahamas, Holland America Line’s Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, is debuting some new enhancements in honor of its 28th anniversary.
Known for its pristine beaches and nature-focused activities like horseback riding, Half Moon Cay is regularly visited by both Holland America and Carnival cruise ships. The island recently received a refresh to update its amenities and add new experiences for cruise passengers to enjoy during their visits to the popular island oasis.
Among the new activities available on Relax Away, Half Moon Cay is a game that’s developed widespread appeal on land and at sea.
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Relax Away, Half Moon Cay now features pickleball courts. Image source: Holland America Line
Pickleball courts open on Relax Away, Half Moon Cay
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four years running according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, is now available at Relax Away, Half Moon Cay.
Holland America Line just added four pickleball courts to the island, reinforcing its status as the only cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All ships in the Holland America Line fleet feature top-deck pickleball courts for passengers to play at sea. Now, with the addition of pickleball courts to Half Moon Cay, passengers who love playing pickleball on board can experience the favorite game in a picturesque island setting, too.
Related: Holland America Line brings more local flavor to Caribbean cruises
Half Moon Cay’s pickleball courts are located in the sports area, which also features basketball, volleyball, and soccer. Additional activities such as tai-chi are offered on the beach in front of the Lobster Shack, where crew members host family-friendly events such as beach ball relays, scavenger hunts, and sandcastle contests, as well as ring toss and shell-collecting challenges.
“Pickleball has become one of our most popular activities across the fleet, so adding courts to our private island lets guests enjoy the game in one of the most stunning settings imaginable,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “All of the enhancements build on what makes the island so special, creating even more ways for guests to relax and enjoy their day. We’re continuing to elevate the Relax Away, Half Moon Cay experience while preserving its uncrowded beaches and unspoiled charm.”
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Half Moon Cay refresh brings new ways to relax
Vacationers seeking island relaxation can enjoy refreshed cabanas and day beds, and enhanced beach lounging at Half Moon Cay this season.
Relax Away, Half Moon Cay features 15 private cabanas available to book for visits to the island. Each was renovated with new umbrellas, beach loungers, fresh paint, and decking. Cabana rentals include complimentary snacks and beverages, as well as floating mats and snorkel gear to use throughout the day.
Related: Holland America is putting the glam in cruise with curated novelties across its fleet
Those who want to soak up the sun on the island’s crescent-shaped shoreline on a complimentary beach chair will find plenty of places to relax with 500 beach chairs recently added to expand capacity. Ahead of the holidays, the island will also debut new and improved clamshell sunshades available for rent.
Additionally, Holland America Line will renovate the two-story villas on the island this winter. By next season a new food pavilion will open to complement the current pavilion, which serves an island barbecue lunch.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.