Half Moon Cay 2026–2027: New Beach Club & Island Upgrades

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Half Moon Cay 2026 – 2027

Holland America is celebrating 30 seasons at Half Moon Cay with several exciting upgrades throughout 2026–2027. From a new Beach Club to upgraded beach amenities and complimentary dining, the celebration brings some welcome additions worth knowing about before your next Caribbean cruise.

I’ve visited Half Moon Cay on three Holland America cruises, and it’s a beautiful stop on a Caribbean itinerary. With the new Beach Club, updated amenities, and additional activities, cruisers will have more ways to enjoy their time on the island.

Here’s what’s new at Half Moon Cay for the 2026–2027 season, which improvements are complimentary, and what to expect during your next visit.

Table of Contents

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Dohrn Travels!

Quick Answer: What’s New at Half Moon Cay 2026 – 2027?

Holland America is celebrating 30 seasons at Half Moon Cay with several island upgrades for the 2026–2027 Caribbean cruise season. Improvements include a new Beach Club, a complimentary food pavilion, refreshed beach amenities, and four pickleball courts that opened in December 2025.

The new Beach Club costs $125 per guest and includes lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beach loungers, and priority tender service.

For most cruisers, the complimentary beach and new dining options should still make for a great day. The Beach Club is worth considering if you want a few extra comforts, included drinks, and an easier trip between the ship and the island.

The New Beach Club at RelaxAway

PIN IT

The new Beach Club is a paid option for cruisers who want a more comfortable beach day with extra amenities and fewer hassles getting ashore. At $125 per guest, it offers a private beach area, included food and drinks, and priority tender service.

The Beach Club includes:

• Private beach access with loungers and daybeds
• Dedicated staff and waiter service
• An exclusive lunch with Caribbean-inspired dishes
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Priority tender service and transportation to the club
• Snorkeling gear and beach toys
• Priority access to the pickleball courts
• Complimentary sunscreen and chilled towels

Holland America’s Have It All beverage package doesn’t extend to Half Moon Cay. That makes the Beach Club’s included drinks worth considering, especially if you plan to enjoy a few throughout the day.

Not sure what’s covered by Holland America’s cruise package? Check out my Have It All guide for a breakdown of the benefits, costs, and whether it’s worth adding to your cruise.

For me, the biggest selling point is priority tender service. On our first visit, we rode one of the ship’s lifeboats being used as a tender, and it was hot and cramped. Having priority service to get ashore would be a welcome improvement.

PIN IT

Is the Beach Club worth it? I think it’s worth considering if you want a more comfortable beach experience with included drinks and priority tendering. But if you’re happy spending the day swimming and relaxing on the beach, there’s no need to pay extra.

Good to Know: Beach Club pricing and availability may vary by sailing. Check Holland America’s shore excursion listings for reservations and contact the cruise line about accessibility if mobility is a concern.

New Beach Amenities and Dining at Half Moon Cay

PIN IT

You don’t have to pay for the Beach Club to enjoy some of the improvements at Half Moon Cay. Holland America has introduced a new food pavilion offering a complimentary menu of island-inspired barbecue favorites, along with improvements to existing bars and dining areas.

The beach has received some attention, too. Improvements include renovated private cabanas, refreshed daybeds and clamshell loungers, canopy loungers for two, and additional beach chairs.

Holland America added 500 complimentary beach chairs, which is a welcome improvement. During one of our visits, we had trouble finding available loungers, so the additional seating should make it easier for guests to find a place to relax.

Holland America’s upgrades also include Aperol Spritz tricycles and Bacardi Beach Buggies offering drink service around the island. These mobile options give guests another convenient way to purchase a drink while enjoying their beach day.

Pickleball and Activities on the Island

Holland America expanded its recreational activities at Half Moon Cay with four pickleball courts that opened in December 2025. As the official cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Holland America also offers ocean-view pickleball courts aboard its ships, giving guests opportunities to play both onboard and on the island. Lessons are also available with the island’s sports director, along with other activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and tai chi.

Pickleball is getting even more attention in March 2027, when Holland America and the PPA are hosting a special tournament at Half Moon Cay. The event is tied to a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise visiting San Juan and St. Thomas, with limited tournament spots requiring a separate ticket.

For cruisers who enjoy staying active, these additions offer another way to spend time on the island beyond swimming and relaxing on the beach.

What’s Still Included When Visiting Half Moon Cay?

PIN IT

You don’t have to spend extra money to enjoy a day at Half Moon Cay. Even with the new Beach Club and upgraded amenities, Holland America still offers plenty of complimentary options for guests who just want to relax on the beach.

Included with your cruise fare:

• Complimentary island inspired lunch
• Access to the beach and available lounge chairs
• Swimming and snorkeling from shore (bring your own snorkeling gear)

Available at an additional cost:

• Alcoholic beverages and other purchased drinks
• Private cabanas, villas, and premium beach seating
• Shore excursions, equipment rentals, and other paid activities

Before heading ashore, I’d recommend grabbing beach towels from the ship and packing sunscreen, water, and anything else you’ll need. Having your beach essentials with you makes it easier to settle in and enjoy the day without worrying about what you left onboard.

Want to see what a Holland America Caribbean cruise is like? My ABC Islands cruise review covers our experience aboard the Rotterdam, including the ship, destinations, and what to expect along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

PIN IT

When is Holland America celebrating 30 seasons at Half Moon Cay?

Holland America’s 30th season celebration began in 2026 and continues into 2027, when Half Moon Cay reaches its official 30th anniversary. The celebration includes a new Beach Club, refreshed island amenities, and additional activities.

When will the new Half Moon Cay upgrades be available?

Holland America began introducing improvements in December 2025, including four pickleball courts, refreshed cabanas, and additional beach chairs. The new Beach Club and food pavilion are part of the 2026–2027 Caribbean season, with enhanced island experiences promoted on sailings from October 2026 through April 2027. Check your sailing for availability.

Is the new Half Moon Cay Beach Club included with Have It All?

No. The Beach Club requires a separate purchase and has an advertised price of $125 per guest. Holland America’s Have It All beverage package also doesn’t cover drinks on the island.

Can you walk around Half Moon Cay without booking an excursion?

Yes. You can explore the beach, swim, relax, and enjoy the island without booking an excursion. However, some activities, rentals, and premium beach areas require an additional fee.

Final Thoughts

Holland America’s 30th season celebration at Half Moon Cay brings several improvements throughout 2026–2027. From the new Beach Club and upgraded beach amenities to additional activities, cruisers now have more ways to enjoy this popular Caribbean stop.

What I like most is that you can still enjoy the beautiful beach and complimentary dining without paying for the extras. Whether you stick with a traditional beach day or try one of the new amenities, Half Moon Cay continues to offer a relaxing stop on a Holland America Caribbean cruise.

You can also follow Dohrn Travels on Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest for more cruise tips, trip planning ideas, and travel inspiration.

Adventure Awaits. Book It!