The three-brand fleet shuffle, announced on Tuesday, sends one ship back to the line that first ordered her and moves Cunard’s newest Queen out of the fleet less than five years after her debut.

A ship Holland America ordered once before

Arcadia was ordered by Holland America Line in 2000 as its fifth Vista-class vessel.

During construction, she was reassigned to Cunard Line and was expected to become Queen Victoria.

Shortly before her launch, however, the ship was transferred to P&O Cruises, entering service in 2005 as an adults-only vessel.

She will complete a farewell season with P&O ending August 21, 2029, then join Holland America in late 2029 alongside Vista-class sisters Oosterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zuiderdam.

The move adds capacity for more than 2,000 guests for Holland America.

Queen Anne leaves Cunard for P&O

Queen Anne entered service in May 2024. She will sail for Cunard through her 2028-29 World Voyage, then undergo what P&O calls an extensive reimagining and be renamed before entering P&O service in May 2029.

The 3,000-passenger ship was built on Holland America’s Pinnacle Class design, so P&O is effectively gaining a Pinnacle-based ship while Holland America takes back a Vista.

“Those qualities give her a natural affinity with the modern P&O Cruises holiday experience,” said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard. Ludlow said Queen Anne will introduce a new class of ship to P&O.

What it means for Holland America

Holland America said Arcadia gives it more deployment flexibility and “a faster path to growth.”

The ship will go through Holland America Evolution, the multiyear program adding new venues, restaurants, and staterooms to the line’s Vista and Signature class ships. Oosterdam debuts its upgrades in fall 2027, followed by Zuiderdam in April 2028.

Venues and features for Arcadia will be determined in the next several months.

“It supports our near-term growth while fitting alongside the company’s broader approach to modernization and future fleet expansion, including the thoughtful consideration of newbuilds,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.

Holland America’s most recent new ship, Rotterdam, debuted in 2021.

What we don’t know yet

Will there be a ship name change? There’s a good chance.

In a statement, we were told, “Holland America Line has a long, strong tradition of Dutch names for its ships, and it is likely that approach will be adopted for Arcadia as well. Additional details will be shared closer to the ship’s entry into service.”

The announcements also do not address Arcadia’s adults-only status.

Holland America welcomes families across its fleet, and the line has not said how that will apply to Arcadia. Queen Anne’s P&O onboard experience and first itineraries will be shared later.

A full circle moment

All currently published voyages on both ships will operate as planned before their transfer dates.

P&O said details of Arcadia’s farewell season and its on-sale date will be announced shortly. Cunard fans have until Queen Anne’s January 2029 World Voyage, her last as a Cunard ship, with farewell celebrations still to be announced.

There’s a full-circle moment in the whole ship swap: Arcadia was originally built for Holland America, and more than two decades later, she is finally sailing for the line.

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Guests currently onboard will miss their scheduled stop in Victoria, while passengers on the next cruise will lose a full day of their sailing and a visit to Cabo San Lucas.

Carnival Spirit is now expected back in Seattle Friday morning after making an unscheduled repair stop in Honolulu during its 15-night Hawaii cruise.

What happened in Honolulu

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the repair stop to Cruise Radio in a statement.

“Carnival Spirit made an unscheduled stop in Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 3rd for repairs that had to be done while the ship was in port. Those repairs were successfully completed that evening; however, the stop resulted in the cancellation of the ship’s planned visit to Victoria, British Columbia, and will delay her return to Seattle by one day, with the new arrival date of Friday, October 9.”

Carnival has not said what was repaired. The cruise line said “all safety systems and hotel services aboard Carnival Spirit have continued to function normally.”

A guest on the current sailing told our Cruise News Today tip line that divers were seen around the ship while the vessel was docked in Honolulu.

What guests onboard are getting

In an October 4 letter to guests, Captain Lorenzo Calogero said “the extra cruising day, including gratuities and pre-purchased beverage packages, will be on us.”

Carnival is also making the Internet Value Plan free so guests can rebook travel home.

Guests who booked their own flights can receive up to $200 per person for non-refundable air change fees and other travel costs.

Panama Canal repositioning cruise loses a day

The October 8 Panama Canal repositioning cruise to Mobile now departs October 9, cutting the 16-night voyage to 15 nights.

Carnival said the following cruise “will not visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, as planned to ensure the scheduled time slot for crossing the Panama Canal is kept.” The October 13 Cabo call becomes a sea day.

According to a guest notice Carnival is offering a one-day prorated fare refund to the original form of payment, refunds for Cabo shore excursions booked through Carnival, one-day prorated refunds on prepaid drink, WiFi, and gratuity charges, a $250 onboard credit per stateroom, and up to $200 per person for non-refundable travel changes.

Third repair this year

This is not the first time Carnival Spirit’s schedule has been altered by repairs in 2026. In early April, Carnival dropped Bimini from a Bahamas sailing out of Mobile for in-service work.

Days later, the ship’s April 12 repositioning cruise to Seattle left Mobile a day late, and Cartagena was cancelled. Carnival has not disclosed the nature of any of the repairs or whether they are related.

Built in 2001 as the first of Carnival’s Spirit-class ships, Carnival Spirit returns to Mobile for a seasonal run from October 2026 through April 2027, before Carnival Valor takes over the homeport in May 2027.

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The cruise line said it is the first global cruise line to offer a native app in ChatGPT. The app went live September 28 and covers more than 330 destinations across Princess’ 17 ships, according to the company.

How to add the Princess app in ChatGPT

Users install the Princess app in ChatGPT, then tag @princesscruises in a chat. From there, they can ask for things like seven-night cruises that visit Santorini in August 2027 or help planning an Alaska cruise next summer.

Princess said the app can search by destination, date and length, compare ships and itineraries, and pull up ports, shore excursions, cruisetours and packages.

Travelers can keep narrowing results in the same conversation, such as asking which Alaska sailings visit Glacier Bay National Park or depart from Seattle.

Plenty of cruisers already ask ChatGPT to help them pick a sailing. The problem is that a general AI answer can pull from old blog posts, expired fares or itineraries that have since changed.

Princess said its app connects ChatGPT directly to information on the Princess website. That should mean answers based on current sailings and prices rather than whatever the chatbot happens to find online.

It also puts Princess in front of shoppers at the research stage, inside a tool many of them already use.

What it could mean for travel agents

Princess’ announcement does not mention travel advisors. Cruise Radio asked Princess whether the app is designed to increase direct bookings, whether a similar tool is planned for travel advisors, and whether fares shown in ChatGPT will always match the fares agents can book.

The cruise line did not respond by publication time.

The release says the app keeps travelers connected to Princess’ booking ecosystem, which steers shoppers toward booking directly with the cruise line.

Direct bookings matter to cruise lines because they don’t carry a travel agent commission. It’s too early to tell whether the app will move a meaningful number of bookings away from agents.

Based on Princess’ description, the app answers questions that have defined answers on its website: sailing dates, prices, ports, shore excursions, cruisetours and packages.

Princess has not described it as a tool for advice, such as which cabin locations tend to be quieter, which ship suits a particular family, or how promotions combine with specific fares.

Travel agents typically handle those questions. They also help clients rebook when travel plans fall apart before embarkation.

The app is also limited to Princess.

Someone comparing Princess with Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises or Viking for the same Alaska week would need to do that comparison elsewhere, either on their own or through an agent.

How does this work?

According to Princess:

1. Log in to ChatGPT or create a free account.
2. On desktop, select Plugins from the left sidebar. On mobile, tap the menu icon, then the settings gear at the bottom of the sidebar, then Browse Plugins.
3. Search for Princess Cruises and click the + to add and connect it.
4. Open a new chat and type a request starting with @princesscruises.

Know before you book

The app hands travelers off to Princess to complete a booking. Before paying a deposit, confirm the fare, cabin category, and taxes and fees directly with Princess or your travel agent. If you use an agent, ask them to compare the fare you see in ChatGPT.

You’ll also need a ChatGPT account, and the app only works in ChatGPT for now. Princess said it plans to expand to other AI platforms later, subject to availability and technical requirements.

The takeaway

The launch builds on Princess’ existing guest technology, including the OceanMedallion wearable and the Princess Cruises app used on its ships.

For now, treat the ChatGPT app as a research shortcut and confirm the details with Princess before you book.

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Nathalie Belizaire, 29, faces four counts of child neglect without great bodily harm, a third-degree felony in Florida, according to an arrest affidavit filed in Miami-Dade County. The children, including a two-month-old infant and a two-year-old, were found alone inside her apartment on September 26.

Belizaire has not been convicted. Her attorney told the court she denies the allegations.

What the arrest affidavit says

According to the affidavit, the father of Belizaire’s two-month-old saw a post on her WhatsApp story on September 24 showing what appeared to be a ticket purchase for a Carnival cruise. When he spoke with her that day, she told him she would drop the children off with their great-grandmother.

On September 26, he went to her apartment, saw the television on through the blinds and heard the children talking inside. He called 911.

Concerned for the children’s welfare, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue forced entry into the apartment, where all four children were found hiding together in the bathroom.

The great-grandmother told investigators that Belizaire had said she was going out of town but never brought the children to her home.

Belizaire’s brother told officers that at about 8 p.m. that evening, he received a text from her asking him to check on the children. Officers made multiple unsuccessful attempts to reach her.

Arrested as she disembarked

Investigators determined Belizaire had purchased a three-day Bahamas sailing on Carnival Conquest that departed PortMiami on September 25.

When the ship returned on September 28, North Miami Beach detectives and a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office detective were waiting at the port.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection took Belizaire into custody during the debarkation process and turned her over to North Miami Beach police. She declined to give a statement and invoked her right to remain silent.

Carnival told The Independent that Customs and Border Protection escorted a guest off the ship on arrival. “This was a law enforcement matter unrelated to the cruise or the operation of the ship, and we refer questions regarding the case to the appropriate law enforcement authorities,” the cruise line said.

Bond set at $10,000

Belizaire appeared in bond court on Tuesday before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer, who set bond at $10,000 and ordered her to stay away from the children.

“I’m just grateful nothing worse happened to these kids,” Glazer said, according to NBC Miami.

The judge described the children as home alone for three days. The affidavit states they were found on September 26, the day after the ship sailed.

Belizaire posted bond and was released Tuesday night. Authorities said the children are safe and in foster care. Her public defender has filed a written plea of not guilty.

Under Florida law, each third-degree felony count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Not the first case of its kind

In April 2024, Houston mother Lakesha Woods Williams was charged with child abandonment after authorities said she left her 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son home alone while she flew to Miami for a cruise to Puerto Rico. Neighbors alerted authorities in that case, and she was arrested after returning home.

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The Princess Plus price increase takes Plus to $70 per person, per day and Premier to $105 when purchased before the cruise.

The cruise line is also changing its standalone Wi-Fi plans, including ending the four-device option for guests who don’t buy Premier.

Princess outlined the changes in a letter to travel advisors from Carmen Roig, senior vice president of North America sales and trade marketing.

Roig wrote that the cruise line periodically reviews its offerings to reflect “changes in our operating environment.”

Both packages will cost more on Sun Princess and Star Princess, which carry a $5 premium over the rest of the fleet, bringing those to $75 and $110, respectively.

Princess last raised package prices in July 2025.

What’s changing with Princess Wi-Fi

Also effective October 13, Princess is dropping its standalone four-device Wi-Fi plan. Four-device access will only be available as part of Princess Premier.

In its place, Princess is adding a two-device plan:

• Pre-cruise: $39.99 per day
• Onboard, full voyage: $47.99 per day
• Onboard, one day only: $55.99 per day

Single-device pricing is also changing:

• Pre-cruise: $27.99 per day
• Onboard, full voyage: $33.99 per day
• Onboard, one day only: $39.99 per day

What it means for cruisers

The Wi-Fi change hits couples and families hardest.

Guests who used a single four-device plan to cover a couple’s phones and laptops now need to buy two plans or upgrade to Premier.

Waiting until you’re onboard also costs more. A single device bought for one day onboard costs $12 more than the pre-cruise daily rate, and the two-device plan costs $16 more.

This is a familiar playbook for Princess. When the line raised Wi-Fi prices in January 2024, it told travel agents its bundles were now “an even greater value.”

This time, it’s being pitched as upgrades that improve the guest experience “while increasing your commission opportunities.”

Things to Know Before You Book

The letter doesn’t say whether guests who already bought Plus or Premier for a sailing after October 13 will pay the new rate.

When Princess overhauled its packages in July 2025, guests who had already purchased a package kept their original benefits.

If you’re booked on an upcoming sailing and plan to add a package, ask Princess or your travel advisor before buying.

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La Farina passed away on September 26 surrounded by his family, according to a memorial shared by friends on social media.

He spent 27 years with Carnival Cruise Line, serving as both a staff captain and captain during his career.

La Farina commanded multiple Carnival ships over the years, including Carnival Glory and Carnival Magic, and worked alongside generations of officers and crew members during his nearly three decades with the company.

Friends, former colleagues and cruise fans who sailed with La Farina have been sharing condolences and memories of him online since news of his death broke.

Carnival remembers Captain La Farina

In a statement to Cruise Radio, a Carnival spokesperson said: “Captain Francesco La Farina dedicated 27 years of service to Carnival, and throughout that time he earned the respect and admiration of colleagues across our fleet through his professionalism, steady leadership and kind nature.”

It went on to say, “We are deeply saddened by his passing, and our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and all those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”

A message announcing his passing said La Farina fought the disease until the end and was surrounded by family during his final hours.

“Rest in peace, Captain Francesco,” the tribute read in part. “May you sail peacefully on your ship in Heaven.”

La Farina was known to friends and colleagues as “Ciccio,” an affectionate Italian nickname for Francesco.

A quarter-century with Carnival

His career with Carnival spanned more than a quarter-century during a period of massive growth in the cruise industry.

His passing has resonated among Carnival crew members and former colleagues who spent years working with him.

Captain Francesco La Farina died September 26, 2026.

Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the many Carnival crew members who knew and worked with him throughout his career.

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The deck becomes personal. So do the responsibilities. A used boat can open up weekends for fishing, swimming, or quiet evenings near the shore.

It also demands planning plus careful research. Anyone thinking about becoming a boater should focus on the boat’s condition before imagining the first trip.

Used boats can be found through dealerships, private sellers, and online auction platforms such as SCA Auction, which lists boats in a range of conditions and locations.

Buyers can review available options, compare basic listing details, and research potential purchases before placing a bid. This makes online auctions a practical starting point for people exploring used or repairable boats.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Boat

Buying a pre-owned boat starts with intended use. A fishing boat has different demands from a family cruiser. Decide where the craft will operate plus how many people will regularly use it. Storage matters too.

That choice shapes engine needs, hull design plus running costs.

Then walk around the boat slowly. Inspect the hull for a crack, blister, dent, or repaired fiberglass. A dull thud when tapping carefully can warrant further investigation, as hidden damage or rot may exist beneath the surface.

Used Boat Hull and Transom Inspection

The hull carries major loads. The transom handles forces from an outboard or stern hardware. Damage in either area deserves attention.

Look for a leak trail, soft areas, corrosion near fittings, plus evidence of water intrusion. Check each seal plus every hose near the hull. Examine the skeg plus propeller for impact marks. A small ding may look harmless while the original impact caused deeper problems.

A visual inspection cannot expose everything. A marine surveyor can conduct a more thorough inspection when the value or boat’s condition justifies professional help.

Check the Boat Engine Before Buying

The boat’s engine deserves separate attention. Review maintenance records if available. Engine hours provide context, though hours alone do not establish condition. Ask the seller about oil changes plus previous repair work.

For an outboard, inspect mounting points, hoses plus visible wiring. A four-stroke engine should settle into a stable idle. Milky oil can indicate water contamination. Smoke, strange noises, or unstable running are red flags that warrant a mechanical diagnosis.

A compression test can reveal useful information on some gasoline engines. Results should be interpreted against the manufacturer’s specifications.

Electrical Systems and Safety Equipment

Electrical issues can ruin a day on the water. Inspect battery installation, helm switches, navigation lights, wiring plus bilge pumps. Burnt insulation or faulty connections deserve investigation.

Safety equipment matters as well. Requirements depend on boat size, operating waters plus jurisdiction. In the United States, federal boating rules include requirements for certain engine cut-off systems.

The Coast Guard states that operators of qualifying recreational boats under 26 feet must use the installed engine cut-off switch link under specified conditions.

Hull Identification Number Matters

A hull identification number gives a recreational boat a unique identity. The Coast Guard explains that entering even one HIN character incorrectly changes the identity being checked. On boats with transoms, the primary HIN is normally placed on the starboard outboard side of the transom.

Compare the HIN with registration plus ownership records. A mismatch deserves investigation.

Private sellers plus dealerships may use different sale procedures. Buying from a private party still requires diligence. Verify ownership plus local registration requirements before making a purchase.

Why a Sea Trial Matters

A sea trial reveals behavior that a stationary inspection cannot.

Watch how the engine accelerates. Check how the boat holds its course. Test the helm at suitable speeds. Steering should feel predictable. Trim should function correctly.

Listen for vibration. Watch the gauges. See if the boat develops a leak after running.

Buying a used boat doesn’t end when the engine starts. The entire craft needs to work as one system.

Used Boat Buying Checklist

1. Define how the boat will be used.
2. Inspect the hull plus transom.
3. Check the engine plus engine hours.
4. Examine wiring plus bilge pumps.
5. Review safety equipment.
6. Compare the hull identification number with documents.
7. Ask about any previous damage when buying a used craft.
8. Consider a marine surveyor before commitment.
9. Complete a sea trial when possible.
10. Estimate major repairs before bidding.
11. Take your time if the seller’s story conflicts with visible evidence.

A checklist turns used boat buying into a structured decision rather than an emotional one.

Boat Buying Needs a Repair Budget

Purchase price is only part of ownership. Storage, registration, fuel, maintenance plus insurance affect the real cost.

Unexpected repairs can change the first season quickly. A pre-owned boat in good shape still needs routine care. An older engine may need a hose or seal. Electrical work can appear later. Damaged fiberglass can require specialized repair.

Build a reserve before buying a pre-owned craft. That reserve gives room for maintenance without turning every problem into a financial shock.

This is especially important when considering a boat with documented damage. The lower purchase figure means little if repair work exceeds the available budget.

Making an Informed Decision

A buyer does not need to become a marine technician overnight. The aim is to identify risk.

Start with a walk around the boat. Follow with document checks plus engine inspection. Add professional expertise when uncertainty remains.

A careful approach helps reveal mechanical issues, electrical issues plus hidden damage before ownership begins. It also gives the buyer stronger grounds to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Boat ownership can be an exciting next step for someone who already enjoys life at sea. Unlike a cruise, every route plus every return becomes part of the owner’s responsibility.

The smart approach is evidence first. Inspect the hull. Study the transom. Check the engine plus electrical system. Confirm the HIN. Complete a sea trial. Review safety equipment plus paperwork.

A used boat should earn confidence through its condition plus records. Careful research helps avoid costly, unexpected repairs and supports an informed purchase rather than a decision based solely on a polished deck.

FAQ

Is a small crack in fiberglass always serious?

No. Some marks are cosmetic. A crack near structural areas deserves closer inspection.

Are low engine hours always a good sign?

No. Engine hours provide context. Maintenance history plus actual condition matter too.

Should every used boat get a sea trial?

A sea trial is valuable because propulsion, steering plus trim behave differently under load.

What is a concerning HIN problem?

A hull identification number that does not match ownership or registration documents is a red flag.

When should a buyer walk away?

Proceed with caution when a seller refuses to disclose known damage, documents conflict, or inspection suggests major repairs.

Read More: What Happens When You Miss Your Cruise Ship?

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The cruise line is opening a new Half Moon Cay beach club, adding a free barbecue pavilion and upgrading cabanas and bars at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in The Bahamas.

The changes debut in October and appear on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries sailing through April 2027.

The updates kick off a yearlong lead-up to the island’s 30th anniversary in 2027.

A Beach Club with drinks and service included

The biggest addition is the Beach Club, a separate area on the island that requires a day pass. Passes go on sale in early October.

The pass includes priority tendering from the ship to the island, dedicated waiter service, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beach accessories, and specialty food and beverage offerings.

Holland America has not released pricing or said how many guests the Beach Club can hold.

“It’s exciting to unveil the Beach Club as we prepare to welcome our first visitors in October,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line.

New food pavilion and more places to relax

Guests who skip the Beach Club still get upgrades. A new food pavilion serves a complimentary island-only barbecue menu, and existing bars and eateries are being renovated.

Holland America is also upgrading its cabanas and refreshing its clamshells and daybeds, adding more daybeds along the beach.

New canopy loungers for two and extra beach chairs add more space to spread out. Four pickleball courts, introduced last season, remain available for guests who want something more active.

Know Before You Book

The upgrades apply to Caribbean sailings visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay from October 2026 through April 2027.

If you want a Beach Club pass, watch for bookings to open in early October. Pricing and capacity haven’t been announced, so booking early is the safest bet if you have your heart set on it.

Cabanas at Half Moon Cay have long sold out before sailing, so the same advice applies if you’re planning to rent one of the upgraded units.

Half Moon Cay has been part of Holland America’s Caribbean cruises since 1997.

For its 30th season, the free beach day stays, and there’s now a paid option for guests who want more.

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Royal Caribbean Group agreed on Sept. 23 to buy a 50 percent stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for about $3 billion, putting the parent of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea into the all-inclusive resort business.

Until now, its land offerings have been day stops for cruise passengers, such as its private beach clubs in The Bahamas, Caribbean and Europe.

A cruise company buys half a resort chain

Sandals operates 17 adults-only resorts for couples across eight Caribbean islands, plus two Beaches family resorts in Negril, Jamaica, and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Under the deal, Royal Caribbean Group and the Stewart family, which founded Sandals, will each own half. A board co-led by Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty and Sandals executive chairman Adam Stewart will oversee the joint venture, with Stewart continuing to guide the resort company’s long-term growth.

The deal is expected to close in early 2027.

Both companies said existing reservations, loyalty programs and day-to-day operations at the resorts and on the ships will continue as usual.

Two different versions of all-inclusive

Sandals and Royal Caribbean both sell vacations where much of the cost is paid upfront, but they draw the line in different places.

A Sandals rate covers meals, alcohol and tips. On a Royal Caribbean ship, the fare covers the main dining room and buffet, while drink packages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi and daily gratuities cost extra.

For travelers weighing a cruise against a land resort, that difference often decides the booking. Now one company has a stake in both models. Neither company said anything about changing how either product is priced, but it is the most obvious place where one side could influence the other.

More resorts in more places

The investment is meant to fund growth. The companies said the partnership will speed up Sandals and Beaches expansion to meet demand, though they did not name new locations.

They also said they will look for ways to make it easier for travelers to discover vacations across both portfolios.

Royal Caribbean Group has spent two years linking its cruise brands’ loyalty programs, first through status match and then through Points Choice, which lets members apply points across Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Silversea.

The press release did not say whether Sandals guests will eventually earn or redeem cruise points.

Don’t expect cruise-and-resort bundles right away

It’s important to know that Royal Caribbean is buying half of Sandals, not all of it, so the Stewart family has an equal say in any changes.

Geography is another hurdle.

Most of Royal Caribbean’s sailings depart from U.S. ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Galveston, while Sandals resorts sit on the islands. A resort stay before or after a cruise would usually mean an extra flight each way.

Royal Caribbean already sells millions of people a week at sea. The $3 billion bet is that many of them will let it sell them a week on the beach, too.

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Margaritaville At Sea’s Newest Ship Beachcomber To Sail From Galveston In 2027

Carnival Corporation has built a 1,005-foot pier on the north side of the island. Carnival guests no longer tender ashore.

You dock, you walk off, and you are on the beach. That one change opens the destination to Excel-class ships for the first time, expands the number of Carnival ships that can call here to 22, and reduces the risk of delays and cancellations associated with tender operations.

The island also has a new name. It is officially called RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, and the rebranding comes with a major expansion of the north side, which Carnival guests will primarily use.

The project is part of an investment of more than $80 million in the pier and landside development.

I visited Relax Away on opening day and walked the entire property.

Here’s what you need to know before you going.

What is RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay?

Half Moon Cay is a privately owned island about 100 miles southeast of Nassau. Holland America Line purchased it in 1996, Carnival Corporation has operated it since, and it opened to guests in December 1997. 

The island covers 2,400 acres, less than 3% of which has been developed. The rest is protected wildlife habitat. It is part of Carnival’s Paradise Collection alongside Celebration Key and Isla Tropicale.

The north side is brand new

The north side is where Carnival guests spend their day. It has six tram stops running the length of the beach, two food halls, multiple bars, beach rentals, cabanas, daybeds, gift shops, and restrooms at nearly every stop. Here is how the tram stops break down:

Stop 1: Arrival Plaza/Coconut — Guest Services, Shore Excursions desk, gift shop, artisan market

Stop 2: Mango — Orchid Beach Grill and Bar, daybeds, beach rentals

Stop 3: Lime — Lil’ Tiki Bar, cabanas, gift shop, beach rentals

Stop 4: Pineapple — Stay Awhile Beach Bar, cabanas, daybeds, beach rentals

Stop 5: Guava — Hibiscus Beach Grill and Bar, daybeds, gift shop, beach rentals, first aid station

Stop 6: Avocado — Luna Tide Beach Bar, cabanas, daybeds, beach rentals

You can also walk the Papaya Pathway, a paved scenic route running from the Arrival Plaza to the Avocado stop.

Walk times between stops range from 5 to 15 minutes. I walked the entire route in about an hour. Bring water or at least stop for some along the way. It gets hot in the Bahamas (especially in the summer!).

The tram operates like a hop-on, hop-off system. Pay attention to the stop signage or listen to the driver, or you will end up further down the beach than you planned.

What is included and what costs extra

Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary, with more than 4,600 umbrellas and over 9,000 chairs spread across the island. Bring your beach towel from the ship. They are not provided ashore.

Lunch is included at both the Orchid Beach Grill and the Hibiscus Beach Grill.

The open-air buffet covers the basics well: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken breast, veggie burgers, BBQ chicken with a chargrilled smoky barbecue glaze, slow-roasted pulled pork on citrus-garlic mojo buns, braised bean stew, rice and peas, mac and cheese, french fries, a coastal salad bar, a nacho bar with pulled pork and chili con carne, and island desserts including chocolate brownies, apple crumble, and mixed fruit salad.

It is a step above what most private island buffets offer, both in the number of choices and in the variety beyond the usual burgers and hot dogs.

Like Celebration Key, the Cheers beverage package does not work at Relax Away (at the time of publishing).

Basic non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade, tea, and water are available at the two food pavilions at no charge. Everything else goes on your shipboard account.

Your onboard WiFi package does work at RelaxAway if you are sailing Carnival, which is worth knowing if you want to stay connected or post while you are there.

I tested the WiFi signal at every tram stop and was able to check email and post to social media throughout the north side of the island.

Lockers cost $11.99 per day and are located near the restrooms and welcome center. They are best suited for small bags and wet/dry bags.

I tried putting my Swiss Army backpack inside one, and it did not fit. If you are carrying a larger backpack or beach bag, plan to keep it with you and store it under your chair to keep it out of direct sunlight.

Beach wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come basis. Scooters are allowed but make sure you are charged up as there are no charging stations on the island. Accessible trams run on a regular schedule.

What the island actually feels like

The architecture uses natural wood, stone, and neutral tones throughout. The tram stops are understated. The umbrellas have thick stripes and scalloped edges. The lounge chairs are white. The bars have elegant fonts and subdued colors. Nothing is loud or manufactured-feeling.

There is no waterpark, no pool, and no adult-only section. That is intentional, and it shows.

What is there is a 2.5-mile white-sand beach and water that is genuinely the color you see in the photos. The buildout feels designed not to interrupt the natural surroundings, and it succeeds.

RelaxAway feels noticeably different from the newer private destinations built around pools, slides, and large-scale attractions.

The beach remains the main event here.

Shore excursions and rentals

Tours include horseback riding in the water, a stingray adventure, snorkeling by boat, a tropical kayak adventure, an eco lagoon tour, an island bike tour, a historic nature walk, an Aqua Trax watercraft adventure, and an Island Tram Calypso Tour if you want a guided version of the tram route.

Rentals include single and double kayaks, paddleboards, a Hobie catamaran sailboat, waterbikes for two, floating mats, snorkel gear, an inner tube, and the Big Dipper noodle.

Clamshell sunshade rentals, luxury daybeds, and cabanas are also available. Reserve cabanas in advance through Carnival’s Cruise Planner or the HUB app. If availability remains, rental kiosks on the island can help on the day of.

Holland America guests

Because Holland America Line continues to use the south side of the island, the experience is somewhat different depending on which cruise line you are sailing.

Holland America guests arrive by water shuttle to the south side of the island (the non-dock side).

Amenities there include the Island Market Grill, the Lobster Shack, a new beach club with waiter service and priority tendering, the On the Rocks Bar, and the I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar.

Holland America’s WiFi and drink packages do not work on the island (currently) but some sailings offer an island-exclusive drink package for purchase.

We were told guests can walk between the north and south sides of the island, but the tram does not travel between the two areas.

For now, ship cards only work on the side designated for each cruise line, though the two point-of-sale systems are being integrated so guests can eventually use their keycards at venues across the island.

Note: Double-check with the cruise line, as this could change at any time.

Final thoughts

RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay is not trying to compete with Celebration Key. If you want waterslides, a pool, and swim-up bars, Celebration Key offers that experience.

RelaxAway is built around something much simpler: spending the day on one of the best beaches in the Bahamas.

Docking instead of tendering saves time and makes getting ashore much easier, while the tram system makes the length of the island manageable. But the beach is still the reason to come here.

If RelaxAway is on your itinerary, I would not stay onboard for a sea day.

Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald summed up the best strategy: “Get off the ship after breakfast, especially when multiple ships are visiting. The beach fills up as the morning goes on, and the best spots will be claimed early.”

Watch the RelaxAway Half May Cay tour video put on by Eat, Sleep, Cruise YouTube Channel.

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