Half Moon Cay is the cruise name of Little San Salvador Island, a 2,400-acre cay between Eleuthera and Cat Island, about 160 km south-east of Nassau. More about Half Moon Cay →
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Thousands of people in port, guests plus crew. Crowd level compared with a typical Half Moon Cay day.
The crowd calendar shows every ship and how busy the port is, hour by hour, plus the quietest and busiest days for the next 90 days.
How you arrive depends on your cruise line. Carnival ships tie up at the 1,005 ft two-ship pier at the island's northern tip, which opened on 1 June 2026. From there it is about a 5-minute walk to the north Arrival Plaza (tram stop 1), where you'll find Guest Services, the shore-excursion desk, a gift shop, an artisan market and lockers. Green and Yellow tram lines run south along the Carnival beach to stops 2–6.
Holland America ships, and the smallest ship when Carnival has three in port, anchor offshore. Their guests take about a 20-minute tender ride to the original south-side landing near the Welcome Center, beside the beach, grills and bars. The two areas are about 2 miles apart along the same beach, and there is no tram between them.
1 km · ~10 min by car
Walk north along the beach paths from the tender landing to the stingray encounter area.
Typical prices, approximate. Fares change with demand, traffic and time of day.
Typical prices, approximate. Fares change with demand, traffic and time of day.
From the south landing, the Tropics Restaurant and Bell Bar area is about 350 m, a 5-minute walk. The south and north areas are about 2 miles apart along the beach, and the Carnival tram does not reach the south side.
Lunch is normally included in the cruise fare; bars charge to the shipboard account in USD.
Beachside lunch area near tram stop 2.
Lunch grill near tram stop 5.
Complimentary barbecue lunch on the Carnival side, usually 11:30–13:30, with burgers, grilled chicken, pulled pork, salads and a nacho bar.
Second free lunch venue on the Carnival side, with the same menu, free water, lemonade and iced tea, and a paid bar.
Half Moon Cay is the cruise name of Little San Salvador Island, a 2,400-acre cay between Eleuthera and Cat Island, about 160 km south-east of Nassau. Holland America bought it for USD 6 million in 1996 and opened it in 1997; Carnival Corporation still owns it, and Carnival renamed it RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in December 2024. Its defining feature is a two-mile crescent of powdery white sand on calm turquoise water.
Less than 100 acres are developed, and the rest is nature reserve, bird-nesting habitat and a 1,400-acre inland lagoon. Since June 2026 the north end of the beach has Carnival's new pier, trams, grills and bars, while the older south end serves mainly Holland America guests. A visit is a beach day: free loungers and lunch, with paid stingray encounters, horseback rides into the sea, kayaking and cabanas.
The 2-mile crescent of soft white sand and calm, clear water is the island's main draw. Loungers and umbrellas are free. Floating mats and snorkel gear rent for USD 21.99 a day, single kayaks for USD 32.99 an hour and paddleboards for USD 39.99 an hour.
This guided ride follows island trails and then wades the horses into the shallow sea off the beach. It costs USD 136.99 per person (Carnival side), so book early through the Cruise Planner.
Rent private shade along the beach. The 22 RelaxAway cabanas for up to seven people use dynamic pricing (USD 799.99 on one 2026 day) and include snacks, soft drinks and snorkel gear. Luxury daybeds start around USD 149.99, and clamshell sunshades cost USD 64.99.