Holland America Line's new Beach Club at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, officially welcomed its first guests on October 22, 2026. The opening took place during a visit by Nieuw Amsterdam to the cruise line's private-island destination in the Bahamas. A day pass was priced at $125 per person at launch, according to Cruise Critic. It includes priority tendering, drinks, waiter service and a more exclusive place to spend the day.

The key takeaway: This is an optional premium beach experience, not a new admission fee for Half Moon Cay. Guests who would rather enjoy the island without purchasing a Beach Club pass still have access to the destination's regular beach facilities and a new complimentary food pavilion. For two adults, the reported Beach Club price adds $250 to the cruise budget, so it's worth comparing the extras with the kind of beach day you actually want.

What opened at Holland America's Half Moon Cay?

The Holland America Line Beach Club is part of a broader refresh of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, ahead of the island's 30th anniversary in 2027. Holland America first outlined the improvements in September, but the October 22 arrival of Nieuw Amsterdam marked the Beach Club's opening to guests. The ship's captain and cruise director attended the occasion, according to Cruise Critic's October 23 report.

The new experience is designed as a quieter, more service-focused option within a destination already known for its white-sand beaches and clear water. Holland America's official announcement describes open-air spaces, relaxed seating and a color palette of blue, orange and cream.

What does the $125 Beach Club day pass include?

The opening-day price reported by Cruise Critic was $125 per guest. Holland America has confirmed that a Beach Club day pass includes:

• Priority tendering from the ship to the island, which may be especially appealing to guests who want to get ashore early.
• Dedicated waiter service rather than relying solely on the island's regular food and drink outlets.
• Included alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages during the Beach Club visit.
• Specialty food offerings and beach accessories within the Beach Club experience.

Prices, availability and exact inclusions should be checked against the shore-excursion listing for your particular sailing. A $125 launch price is not a promise that every future departure will have the same rate.

Can you still enjoy Half Moon Cay without paying for the Beach Club?

Yes. The Beach Club is an upgrade, not a requirement to visit RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Holland America has also added a complimentary food pavilion serving an island-inspired barbecue menu, refreshed existing bars and eateries, upgraded cabanas and expanded beach seating options.

Four pickleball courts, introduced during the previous season, provide another activity beyond the beach. Some seating upgrades and rentals may carry separate charges, so don't assume every cabana or daybed is included in the basic island visit. Travelers content with swimming, walking the sand and enjoying the regular island facilities may find that skipping the premium pass leaves more money for another port.

Which Holland America cruises visit the refreshed island?

Holland America says the upgraded destination features on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries between October 2026 and April 2027. The season includes cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and Miami, with voyages ranging from roughly a week to longer Caribbean explorations. Not every itinerary visits Half Moon Cay, so check the individual port list rather than assuming it's included.

The island also appears across many of Holland America's 2027–2028 Caribbean sailings. Travelers comparing options can explore Caribbean and other ocean cruises before choosing a ship and departure date.

Is the Holland America Beach Club worth $125?

It depends on what you're buying the pass for. Couples who value attentive service, included drinks, dedicated seating and less time waiting for a tender may see real value in a full day at the Beach Club. At $125 per person, however, two travelers would spend $250 before considering any other shore activities.

If you rarely drink alcohol, prefer exploring the whole island or simply want a peaceful beach with a swim and lunch, the complimentary areas could be the better choice. The same question applies to any Caribbean shore excursion: will the experience improve your day enough to justify the cost?

How do you reserve the Beach Club?

Check the shore-excursion options associated with your Holland America booking and confirm that your sailing calls at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Look for the Beach Club day-pass listing, review its current price and inclusions, and reserve ahead if it's a priority. Because Half Moon Cay visits depend on sea and weather conditions, tendering and island activities can be affected by operational changes.

For travelers considering a Caribbean cruise specifically because of its private-island stop, the new Beach Club makes Half Moon Cay more flexible: you can plan an upgraded, service-heavy beach day or keep things simple and enjoy the island without the extra expense.

Ready to plan your getaway? Contact us for personalized planning, or search for your perfect cruise using the booking form below.