Holland America Adds Pickleball Courts to Half Moon Cay Private Island

Holland America Line just opened four new pickleball courts at its private Bahamas island. The courts at Relax Away, Half Moon Cay mark the latest enhancement to the award-winning destination.

Guests on Rotterdam and Eurodam inaugurated the new courts with a friendly tournament on December 6. The opening coincides with the island’s 28th anniversary as a cruise destination.

Pickleball Comes to Paradise

Holland America became the first and only cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All Holland America ships feature top-deck pickleball courts that have become incredibly popular with guests.

Now passengers can continue playing their favorite game while visiting the secluded island. The pickleball courts sit in the sports area alongside basketball, volleyball, and soccer facilities.

Michael Smith leads guest experience and product development as senior vice president for Holland America Line. “Pickleball has become one of our most popular activities across the fleet, so adding courts to our private island lets guests enjoy the game in one of the most stunning settings imaginable,” Smith said.

He emphasized the island’s commitment to preserving its special character. “All of the enhancements build on what makes the island so special, creating even more ways for guests to relax and enjoy their day. We’re continuing to elevate the Relax Away, Half Moon Cay experience while preserving its uncrowded beaches and unspoiled charm.”

More Activities Beyond Pickleball

The sports area isn’t the only place for activities at Relax Away, Half Moon Cay. The beach in front of the Lobster Shack hosts additional experiences.

Crew members lead tai-chi sessions on the sand. Family-friendly events include beach ball relays, scavenger hunts, and sandcastle contests. Kids and adults enjoy ring toss and shell-collecting challenges throughout the day.

These activities give guests options beyond just lounging on the beach. You can stay as active or relaxed as you want during your island visit.

Refreshed Beach Amenities Throughout the Island

The pickleball courts represent just one part of extensive island improvements. Holland America refreshed cabanas and day beds across the beach areas.

The cruise line added 500 new beach chairs to expand capacity along the crescent-shaped golden shoreline. These complimentary chairs ensure everyone finds a spot to relax even on busy days.

New clamshell loungers arrived in time for the holidays. These popular rental items provide extra shade and comfort for beachgoers who want something more than a standard beach chair.

Private Cabanas Get Complete Renovations

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay features 15 private cabanas available for rent during island visits. Each cabana received complete renovations including new umbrellas, beach loungers, fresh paint, and new decking.

Everything was updated to create a picture-perfect day in the sun. Guests who book a cabana receive complimentary snacks and beverages throughout their rental period.

Floating mats and snorkel gear also come included with cabana rentals. You can use this equipment all day to explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

More Improvements Coming Soon

Holland America plans additional enhancements for the coming months. This winter, the cruise line will renovate the two-story Villas on the island.

By next season, a new food pavilion opens for guests. This addition will complement the current pavilion that serves an Island Barbecue lunch featuring Caribbean flavors.

The expansion ensures guests have more dining options without overcrowding existing facilities. Holland America continues investing in the island while maintaining its uncrowded, pristine character.

Why Half Moon Cay Stands Out

This month marks 28 years since Holland America opened Relax Away, Half Moon Cay as a cruise destination. The cruise line has maintained the island’s pristine landscape and reputation as a beach paradise throughout nearly three decades.

The 700-acre natural lagoon remains a highlight. A children’s waterpark provides entertainment for younger guests. Dozens of shore excursions let you explore beyond the beach.

The Lobster Shack serves as one of the island’s delicious eateries. These dining and activity options create unforgettable moments for visitors.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay holds the title of highest-rated Caribbean port by Holland America Line guests. The consistent rankings show how much passengers love this private island experience.

Every Caribbean Cruise Visits the Island

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay appears on nearly every Holland America Line Caribbean cruise itinerary. Whether you book a weeklong getaway or a 21-day Collectors’ Voyage, you’ll visit the private island.

This guarantee means Caribbean cruisers know they’ll experience this special destination. Other cruise lines can’t always promise private island stops on every sailing.

Caribbean Cruise Options for 2025-2026

Holland America offers nearly 30 different Caribbean itineraries through April 2026. Six ships sail to eastern, western, and southern Caribbean regions, plus partial Panama Canal transits.

The 7-Day Western Caribbean itinerary departing March 1, 2026, includes swimming under waterfalls in Jamaica. You’ll dine at Georgetown’s renowned restaurants and snorkel Cozumel’s fish-filled reefs. The voyage sails roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Longer Caribbean cruises run from nine to 14 days with more islands on one itinerary. You can combine back-to-back sailings into Collectors’ Voyages to enjoy multiple regions in one seamless vacation.

The 14-Day Eastern Caribbean voyage departing February 28, 2026, promises two weeks of discovery and relaxation. Unwind on Turks and Caicos’ white-sand beaches and explore Dominican history. Savor Bahamian cuisine and zip-line through lush landscapes in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The roundtrip journey from Fort Lauderdale also includes Puerto Rico’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Special December cruises make celebrating winter holidays in the tropics fun and easy. These sailings let you escape cold weather while enjoying festive activities in warm destinations.

What These Improvements Mean for Cruisers

The pickleball courts and other enhancements show Holland America’s commitment to evolving with guest preferences. Pickleball’s popularity among cruisers led directly to adding courts on the private island.

The improvements maintain a careful balance. Holland America enhances amenities and activities while preserving the island’s uncrowded beaches and unspoiled charm. You get more options without losing the peaceful atmosphere that makes Half Moon Cay special.

Private island stops add significant value to Caribbean cruises. You don’t pay extra for beach access, chairs, or most activities. The included stop means more vacation value compared to paying for beach clubs at other ports.

Half Moon Cay’s consistent high ratings from guests prove the formula works. The combination of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and diverse activities creates memorable experiences that keep cruisers coming back.