RelaxAway Half Moon Cay Map: New Island Layout
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is one of Carnival’s exclusive destinations in The Bahamas, combining the famously clear turquoise water and long white-sand beach of Half Moon Cay with a major expansion completed in 2026. The destination now stretches across more than a mile of beachfront and includes new dining and bar venues, expanded beach facilities, cabanas and daybeds, complimentary transportation, and a new pier that allows Carnival’s largest Excel-class ships to dock directly at the destination.
If you remember the old Half Moon Cay, the new map can look surprisingly different. RelaxAway is now divided into several color-coded areas — Mango, Lime, Pineapple, Guava and Avocado — that make it easier to understand where you are and where you want to spend your beach day.
Below is the RelaxAway Half Moon Cay map, followed by a detailed guide to understanding the different areas and planning your day.
Understanding the RelaxAway Half Moon Cay Map
The most important thing to understand about the new RelaxAway layout is that the destination is spread along a large crescent-shaped beach rather than concentrated around a single central complex.
The map divides the beachfront into several easily identifiable areas:
Mango
Lime
Pineapple
Guava
Avocado
The Arrival Plaza is shown at the southern end of the map, while the newly developed areas continue around the crescent beach toward Avocado on the opposite side.
Carnival’s official destination map also identifies tram stops throughout the island, along with restaurants, bars, beach rentals, restrooms, lockers, shops and other facilities.
That means you do not necessarily need to stay near the point where you arrive. You can choose an area based on the facilities you want and use the island transportation system to get there.
Arrival Plaza
The Arrival Plaza serves as one of the primary gateways into RelaxAway.
According to Carnival’s official map, this area includes Guest Services and the Shore Excursions Desk, shopping, an artisan market, restrooms and lockers, and access to the island’s tram system.
The map also shows several familiar Half Moon Cay locations in this general part of the island, including Captain Morgan’s, Peggy’s Palisade and the Flippers & Floaters area.
This is an important orientation point, but there is no reason to assume you need to spend the entire day here. The beach extends a considerable distance beyond the arrival area.
Mango Area
Mango is the first major color-coded beach area shown after the Arrival Plaza.
The official Carnival map places Orchid Beach Grill & Bar in the Mango area, along with daybeds, beach rentals, restrooms and lockers.
The supplied map also identifies Orchid Beach Bar in this section.
This makes Mango particularly convenient for guests who want access to both the beach and nearby facilities without traveling toward the far side of the destination.
Lime Area
Continue along the beach and you reach the green Lime section.
Carnival’s official destination information places cabanas, beach rentals, a gift shop, restrooms and lockers around the Lime tram stop. Lil’ Tiki Bar is also associated with this area on Carnival’s current official map.
The provided map labels Lime Tree Bar along this portion of the beachfront.
With a tram stop nearby, Lime can also serve as a useful base for guests who want to explore different sections during the day rather than remaining in one location.
Pineapple Area
Pineapple sits approximately in the central portion of the long crescent beach shown on the map.
The map supplied for this guide highlights Stay Awhile Beach Club in this area. Carnival’s current official map lists Stay Awhile Beach Bar around the Pineapple tram stop, together with cabanas, daybeds, beach rentals, restrooms and lockers.
Carnival’s 2026 expansion announcement also identifies Stay Awhile among the new or upgraded food-and-beverage offerings added during the redevelopment.
For someone who wants to settle into the middle portion of the beach, Pineapple is worth identifying before arriving.
Guava Area
Guava occupies another large section of beachfront farther around the crescent.
Carnival’s official map associates the Guava tram stop with Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar, daybeds, shopping, beach rentals, restrooms, lockers and a first-aid station.
The supplied map also shows I Wish I Could Bar & Grill in this general section.
With dining, drinks, rentals and beach facilities nearby, Guava is another area where guests could reasonably establish a base for much of the day rather than repeatedly returning toward the arrival point.
Avocado Area
Avocado appears at the far end of the developed crescent on the supplied map.
Carnival’s official map associates the Avocado tram stop with Luna Tide Beach Bar, cabanas, daybeds, beach rentals, restrooms and lockers.
The supplied map also marks Sand Bar in this area.
Because Avocado is positioned toward the opposite end of the beach from the Arrival Plaza, the complimentary tram system can be particularly useful for guests heading here.
Restaurants and Food at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay
Food options were an important part of the Half Moon Cay expansion.
Carnival announced several new and upgraded food-and-drink venues as part of the completed 2026 development, including Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack and Lil’ Tiki Bar. The cruise line describes the new offerings as providing island-style meals, buffets and beverages in beachfront settings.
The official destination map additionally identifies Island Market Grill and Lobster Shack among the venues elsewhere at RelaxAway.
For travelers with dietary restrictions, Carnival says its beach grills offer gluten-free, vegetarian and nut-free choices. Guests with food allergies should still notify the server before ordering.
Bars and Drinks
RelaxAway has bars distributed along the beachfront rather than requiring everyone to return to one central bar.
Depending on the section of the destination, Carnival’s current official map identifies venues including Lil’ Tiki Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Bar, Hibiscus Beach Grill & Bar, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Rum Runners Bar, I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, On the Rocks Bar and Bell Bar.
One important detail for Carnival passengers is that the CHEERS! beverage package does not extend ashore at RelaxAway. Drinks purchased on the island therefore should not be assumed to be included simply because you have CHEERS! aboard the ship.
Getting Around RelaxAway Half Moon Cay
The size of the expanded destination makes transportation much more important than it was when guests primarily thought of Half Moon Cay as one long beach near the tender area.
Carnival operates complimentary trams around RelaxAway. Reservations aren’t required, and Carnival says trams arrive every few minutes, although seating is first-come, first-served.
The color-coded Mango, Lime, Pineapple, Guava and Avocado areas therefore do more than make the map look attractive. They provide easy landmarks for navigating a destination that now extends across a substantial stretch of coastline.
Walking is certainly possible. Carnival estimates approximately 10–15 minutes of walking at a moderate pace between individual tram stations.
That can add up quickly if your destination is several stops away, so it is worth looking at the map before simply walking down the beach.
The New RelaxAway Half Moon Cay Pier
One of the biggest changes to Half Moon Cay is not actually on the beach.
A new pier was constructed as part of the expansion, allowing ships to dock at RelaxAway and opening the destination to Carnival’s Excel-class ships. Previously, Half Moon Cay was particularly associated with water-shuttle access.
However, guests should still pay attention to the instructions for their particular sailing. Carnival’s destination information continues to reference water-shuttle arrivals, and its official map includes both a pier arrival area and a water-shuttle arrival area.
Your arrival experience can therefore depend on the ship and itinerary.
Beach Chairs and Umbrellas
You do not have to purchase a cabana simply to enjoy the beach.
Carnival states that beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary and available throughout RelaxAway. Passengers should bring their beach towels from the ship.
This makes it entirely possible to have a relatively simple beach day: find the area you prefer, take a complimentary chair and umbrella, swim, eat lunch and use the tram when needed.
Cabanas and Daybeds
Guests wanting a more private or upgraded setup have several options.
The map shows cabanas and daybeds distributed across multiple areas rather than confined to a single section of the island. Carnival allows reservations in advance through the Cruise Planner, with remaining inventory potentially available onboard through the Carnival HUB app, Shore Excursions or Guest Services, as well as at designated locations on the island.
Specific amenities depend on the type of rental. For example, Carnival’s RelaxAway Cabana Rental currently includes seating, loungers, a safe, snacks, water and soda, floating mats and snorkel gear.
Because availability and pricing can change, it is better to check your own sailing in Cruise Planner rather than relying on a price seen on someone else’s cruise.
Beach and Water Activities
RelaxAway can be as simple as a beach day, but Carnival also offers shore excursions and water activities.
Carnival currently promotes activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling, stingray encounters and watercraft experiences at the destination.
Beach equipment is also available. Carnival says guests can rent items including beach mats, snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, flotation devices and noodles. Small personal floaties and personal snorkeling equipment are permitted as well.
Available excursions can vary by sailing, so the Cruise Planner for your specific cruise remains the best place to see what can actually be booked.
Restrooms, Lockers and First Aid
The map shows restrooms and lockers distributed throughout the destination, which is useful considering the length of the beach.
Carnival says day lockers are available for rent and can be accessed repeatedly during the day. They are intended for smaller belongings such as purses, drawstring bags and wet/dry bags.
First-aid facilities are also marked on Carnival’s official destination map.
One small but useful planning detail: Carnival says there are currently no phone-charging stations at RelaxAway, so arriving with a charged phone or bringing an appropriate portable battery is a good idea.
How to Choose the Best Area
There isn’t necessarily one “best” section of RelaxAway for everyone.
Instead, use the map to decide what matters most to you. If you want to minimize walking, identify the tram stop closest to your preferred restaurant, bar or rental. If you have reserved a cabana or daybed, check its assigned location before heading down the beach. If you simply want sand and water, complimentary loungers and umbrellas are available throughout the destination.
It is also worth remembering that RelaxAway is substantially larger than a typical private-island beach setup. Carnival describes the destination as having more than one mile of white-sand beach.
Looking at the map before getting off the ship can therefore save unnecessary walking once you arrive.
RelaxAway Half Moon Cay vs. the Old Half Moon Cay
Longtime cruisers will recognize the destination, but the 2026 version represents a significant expansion.
Half Moon Cay has welcomed cruise passengers since 1997. Carnival Corporation announced the RelaxAway name in December 2024 as part of a broader redevelopment involving Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. The project expanded the beachfront experience, added dining and bars, introduced new transportation and guest facilities, and created the pier on the north side.
Carnival announced completion of the new amenities and expanded beachfront in June 2026.
The basic appeal, however, remains the same: an unusually beautiful crescent of Bahamian white sand and turquoise water.
RelaxAway Half Moon Cay FAQ
Is RelaxAway the same place as Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Half Moon Cay was renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay as part of the destination’s expansion and enhancements.
Is there a pier at RelaxAway Half Moon Cay?
Yes. The expansion added a new pier capable of accommodating Carnival’s Excel-class ships. Carnival’s official map also retains a separate water-shuttle arrival area, so passengers should follow the arrival instructions for their particular ship and sailing.
Do you have to pay for beach chairs?
Carnival says beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary throughout RelaxAway. Bring your beach towel from the ship.
Is transportation around the island free?
Yes. Carnival provides complimentary trams around the destination, with no reservation required.
Can you walk around RelaxAway?
Yes. Carnival estimates that walking between individual tram stations takes approximately 10–15 minutes at a moderate pace.
Can you rent a cabana?
Yes. Cabanas and daybeds can be reserved, subject to availability. Carnival recommends booking through Cruise Planner before the cruise, although remaining inventory may be offered onboard or on the island.
Does the Carnival CHEERS! package work at RelaxAway?
No. Carnival specifically states that CHEERS! does not extend ashore at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Are there adult-only areas?
Carnival currently states that RelaxAway does not have an adult-only area.
Are there things to do besides going to the beach?
Yes. Depending on your sailing, available activities can include snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, stingray experiences and watercraft excursions. Carnival also provides family-friendly beach entertainment and games.
Final Thoughts on RelaxAway Half Moon Cay
The new RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay takes the beach experience that made Half Moon Cay popular and spreads it across a much larger, more developed destination.
The most useful thing you can do before visiting is study the map. The Mango, Lime, Pineapple, Guava and Avocado sections make the expanded layout easier to navigate, while the tram system means you don’t have to limit yourself to the beach closest to where you arrive.
Whether your plan is a complimentary lounger and a day in the water, a reserved cabana, lunch and drinks along the beach, or a shore excursion, knowing where everything is located should make the day considerably easier.
Keep the RelaxAway Half Moon Cay map handy on your phone before heading ashore — especially now that there is much more of Half Moon Cay to explore.
