RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay Guide: What to Know Before You Go
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is Carnival’s private Bahamian destination, and a day here works differently from a typical cruise port. Most passengers are coming for a beach day, but there are still some important things to know before leaving the ship, including what to bring, how transportation works, what is complimentary, payment options, Wi-Fi, food, rentals and accessibility.
The information below comes directly from the “Good to Know” section of the Carnival HUB App during a Carnival sailing visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. It provides a particularly useful checklist for anyone planning an upcoming visit.
For more Carnival information, CruisePrism readers can also explore our Carnival Dining Menus, Carnival Drink Lists, and Carnival Onboard Guides for more information about restaurants, schedules and onboard activities.
What to Bring to RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Carnival recommends bringing several essentials ashore:
• Sail & Sign card
• Beach towel from your stateroom
• Sunscreen
• Phone
• Credit card
• Some cash for the artisan market
• Water shoes
• Hat
• Refillable water bottle
Water shoes, a hat and a refillable water bottle are recommendations rather than requirements, but they can make a long beach day more comfortable.
One particularly important item is your beach towel. Carnival specifically tells passengers to bring a towel from their stateroom rather than expecting to pick one up once ashore.
Are Beach Chairs and Umbrellas Free?
Yes. According to the Carnival HUB App information shown during this sailing, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are available throughout the island.
That means you do not have to rent a cabana or other premium beach accommodation simply to have somewhere to sit.
Premium options are available for passengers looking for a different experience. Carnival currently sells rentals including cabanas, luxury daybeds, clamshell sunshades and beach villas at RelaxAway.
Beach and Water Equipment Rentals
Passengers who want more than a basic beach day can rent equipment on the island.
The HUB App lists available rentals including:
• Snorkel sets
• Kayaks
• Paddleboards
• Mats
• Flotation devices
Carnival also currently sells several beach rentals in advance through its shore excursion system, including floating mats and other beach equipment.
Availability and prices can change, so passengers interested in a particular rental should check the Cruise Planner or Carnival HUB App for their own sailing.
Lockers and Phone Charging
Lockers are available for rent at several locations around RelaxAway, including near restrooms, the welcome center and rental kiosks.
There is one important limitation for anyone planning to spend the entire day ashore:
There are no phone charging stations on the island.
If you plan on using your phone heavily for photos, Wi-Fi, the Carnival HUB App or communication throughout the day, charge it fully before leaving the ship. Bringing a portable battery pack can also be useful.
What Can’t You Bring to RelaxAway?
The HUB App identifies several prohibited items:
• Glass containers
• Drones, unless approved
• Portable speakers
• Outside food
• Outside alcohol
Passengers should therefore leave these items onboard unless Carnival has specifically authorized an exception.
Getting Around RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
How passengers initially arrive depends on the ship.
Carnival’s HUB App states:
• For docked ships, it is approximately a five-minute walk to the Arrival Plaza.
• For tendered ships, water shuttles drop passengers at the island entrance.
• Complimentary trams operate every few minutes.
• Tram seating is first-come, first-served.
• Walking between tram stops takes approximately 10–15 minutes at a moderate pace.
This is useful for passengers with limited mobility as well as anyone who simply does not want to spend much of the day walking.
Carnival’s current RelaxAway map confirms multiple tram stops across the destination, along with restrooms, lockers, beach rentals, food and beverage locations and shopping areas.
RelaxAway Tram Service
The regular transportation described in the HUB App is complimentary.
This should not be confused with Carnival’s separately sold Island Tram Calypso Tour. That is a guided sightseeing excursion around Half Moon Cay rather than simply the transportation used to move between areas of the destination.
For a normal beach day, passengers can use the complimentary trams described in the HUB App.
Payments at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Payment options depend on where you are spending money.
The HUB App states:
• Sail & Sign cards can be used at bars and shops.
• Cash or credit cards should be brought for artisan market vendors.
• There are no ATMs on the island.
• Guests who need cash should use the onboard ATM before disembarking.
Shopping includes an artisan market, souvenir shop and additional retail kiosks.
Passengers are responsible for carrying anything they purchase back to the ship.
Is Food Free at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Complimentary lunch is served on the island.
The HUB App also notes that the beach grills offer options for several dietary needs, including:
• Gluten-free
• Vegetarian
• Nut-free
Passengers with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions should still speak with Carnival staff rather than relying solely on general menu descriptions.
Outside food and beverages from the ship are not permitted ashore.
Do Carnival Drink Packages Work at RelaxAway?
No.
The HUB App specifically states that these Carnival beverage packages do not apply ashore at RelaxAway:
• CHEERS!
• CHEERS! Zero-Proof
• Bottomless Bubbles
This is an important distinction for passengers with a Carnival drink package. Even though the destination is associated with Carnival and passengers can use their Sail & Sign card at bars, their onboard beverage package does not extend to drinks purchased ashore.
Shore Excursions and Activities
RelaxAway offers shore excursions and recreational activities beyond simply spending the day at the beach.
According to Carnival, excursions can be booked through:
• Cruise Planner
• Carnival HUB App
• Carnival Adventures desk onboard
Some activities have age, height or weight restrictions.
Passengers interested in a particular excursion should review its requirements before purchasing, especially when traveling with children or anyone with mobility limitations.
Cabanas and Daybeds
Cabanas and daybeds can be reserved in advance or onboard, subject to availability.
Carnival currently offers several types of private and semi-private accommodations at RelaxAway. Options listed through Carnival include beach cabanas, RelaxAway cabanas, luxury daybeds, clamshell sunshades, beach villas and the Private Oasis.
These are paid upgrades and are not required to enjoy the destination. Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are available for passengers who simply want a regular beach day.
Because inventory is limited, passengers who specifically want a cabana or daybed may want to check availability before their cruise rather than waiting until arrival.
Entertainment at RelaxAway
The destination also offers family-friendly entertainment.
The HUB App mentions:
• Beach games
• Contests
• Sports tournaments
The specific entertainment schedule can vary, so passengers should check the daily program or Carnival HUB App during their sailing for current activities and times.
Spa services were not being offered at the destination when these screenshots were taken.
Does Wi-Fi Work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Passengers with an active onboard internet plan receive complimentary Wi-Fi on the island, according to the HUB App information shown here.
That means passengers who already purchased an internet plan for their cruise can continue using Wi-Fi while visiting RelaxAway.
However:
• Internet plans can be purchased onboard, but not on the island.
• Cellular coverage depends on the passenger’s provider.
• International roaming charges may apply when using cellular service.
If you intend to use the ship’s internet plan ashore, make sure it is active before leaving the ship.
Safety and Smoking
Carnival states that trained lifeguards are stationed at the beach areas.
Smoking, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, is permitted only in designated smoking areas.
Passengers should therefore not assume that smoking is permitted anywhere along the beach.
Accessibility at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay
Carnival provides several accessibility features at RelaxAway.
The HUB App lists:
• Designated accessible trams
• Complimentary beach wheelchairs
• Beach wheelchairs available first-come, first-served
• Scooters permitted on the island
• Certified service dogs permitted
There are some important limitations.
Strollers are not available, and there are no charging stations for mobility scooters.
The HUB App also states that hearing and vision assistive services were not currently offered at the destination.
There are no officially designated quiet zones, although Carnival notes that quieter areas can be found around the destination.
Certified service dogs are welcome, but emotional support animals are not permitted.
Passengers who need a specifically wheelchair-accessible private rental should check the individual excursion before booking. Carnival currently lists wheelchair-accessible cabana options, while other rentals may only be classified as ambulatory accessible and can require crossing loose sand.
Tips for Planning Your RelaxAway Beach Day
A little preparation can make the day significantly easier.
• Charge your phone completely before leaving the ship because there are no charging stations ashore.
• Bring cash before disembarking if you plan to shop at the artisan market because there are no island ATMs.
• Take your beach towel from your stateroom.
• Don’t assume your Carnival drink package works ashore—it does not.
• Use the complimentary trams if you don’t want to walk between different areas.
• If you want a cabana or daybed, check availability before the cruise.
• Remember that standard beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary.
• Bring your Sail & Sign card because it can be used at island bars and shops.
• Check the Carnival HUB App for current activities, excursions and any sailing-specific information before going ashore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are beach chairs free at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
Yes. Carnival states that complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are available throughout the island.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Yes. Carnival instructs passengers to bring a beach towel from their stateroom.
Is lunch free at RelaxAway?
Yes. Complimentary lunch is served on the island.
Does CHEERS! work at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?
No. Carnival states that CHEERS!, CHEERS! Zero-Proof and Bottomless Bubbles do not apply ashore.
Can I use my Sail & Sign card?
Yes. Sail & Sign cards can be used at bars and shops. Artisan market vendors may require cash or a credit card.
Is there an ATM at RelaxAway?
No. The HUB App states that there are no ATMs on the island. Passengers who need cash should use the onboard ATM before disembarking.
Is there Wi-Fi at RelaxAway?
Yes. According to Carnival, guests with an active onboard internet plan receive complimentary Wi-Fi on the island. Internet plans cannot be purchased once ashore.
Are there phone charging stations?
No. Carnival states that phone charging stations are not available on the island.
Are there complimentary trams?
Yes. Complimentary trams operate around the destination, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are beach wheelchairs available?
Yes. Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I bring a mobility scooter?
Yes. Scooters are allowed, but Carnival states that charging stations are not available.
Can I bring a portable speaker?
No. Portable speakers are included among the prohibited items listed in the Carnival HUB App.
Can I bring food or alcohol from the ship?
No. Outside food and alcohol are not permitted.
Can I rent a cabana at RelaxAway?
Yes. Carnival offers several paid cabana and beach accommodation options. Availability and pricing vary, and reservations can be made in advance or onboard when available.
Final Thoughts
RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay can be a very straightforward beach day if you know a few details before leaving the ship. Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, lunch and island transportation mean passengers can enjoy the destination without purchasing a cabana or shore excursion.
The details that are easiest to overlook are also some of the most important: Carnival drink packages do not work ashore, there are no ATMs or phone charging stations on the island, and passengers should bring their Sail & Sign card, stateroom beach towel and any cash they may want for the artisan market.
Check the Carnival HUB App before heading ashore for the latest information during your own cruise, particularly for excursions, rentals, activities and any operational changes.
