Holland America Line’s new Beach Club at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay has welcomed its first guests, adding a premium paid retreat to the cruise line’s private Bahamian destination.
Nieuw Amsterdam was the first ship of the season to visit the completed facility. Captain Eric van der Wal and cruise director Zaid Barrera Abuassi marked the opening with a celebratory toast on 19 October 2026.
What is included at the Beach Club?
Holland America is selling the Beach Club as a bookable day experience priced at $125 per guest. The package includes access to a private beach area with loungers and daybeds, priority tendering, dedicated club staff and shuttle transport between the tender landing and the club.
An exclusive lunch and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Guests also receive chilled towels, complimentary sunscreen, snorkelling equipment and beach toys, while music is provided by live performers or a DJ.
The line says Beach Club guests also receive priority access to the island’s four pickleball courts. The $125 price is the published launch price and may change by sailing or availability.
Exclusive food and drinks
The Beach Club menu mixes Caribbean flavours with familiar beachside dishes. Holland America lists spiced tiger shrimp, stuffed shishito peppers, caramelised pineapple skewers, jerk chicken, sushi and a tostones bar among the lunch choices.
Desserts include pineapple upside-down cake, apple crumble tart, banana cake, brownies and meringues. Passed canapés, fresh coconuts, fruit juices, frozen drinks and Prosecco-marinated frozen grapes are also part of the experience.
Wider upgrades at Half Moon Cay
The Beach Club is one part of a broader refresh at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay ahead of the destination’s 30th anniversary celebrations in 2027.
A new complimentary food pavilion serves an island-inspired barbecue menu outside the paid club. Existing bars and dining venues have been renovated, while cabanas, clamshells and daybeds have been upgraded or refreshed. Extra beach chairs and canopy loungers have also been added.
Four pickleball courts opened during the previous season and remain available as part of the expanded destination experience.
More than two dozen itineraries
Holland America says guests can experience the enhanced island on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries between October 2026 and April 2027.
The Beach Club requires a separate booking and is not presented as a complimentary facility for every visitor. The rest of Half Moon Cay remains available to guests who do not purchase a Beach Club pass, including its beaches and the new complimentary food pavilion.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Half Moon Cay Beach Club open?
The opening was marked on 19 October 2026 when Nieuw Amsterdam brought the first guests of the season.
How much does the Beach Club cost?
Holland America published a launch price of $125 per guest. Prices and availability may vary by sailing.
Is food included?
Yes. The Beach Club day pass includes an exclusive lunch, passed canapés and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Does the pass include transport from the ship?
It includes priority tender service to and from the island plus shuttle transport between the tender area and the Beach Club.
Do guests have to buy a Beach Club pass to visit Half Moon Cay?
No. The Beach Club is an optional paid experience within the wider RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay destination.
Which ship brought the first guests?
Nieuw Amsterdam was the first ship of the season to visit the newly opened Beach Club.