Private Island Pickleball Debuts on Holland America Line's Relax Away, Half Moon Cay

Seattle, Wash., Dec. 8, 2025 — Holland America Line celebrated the grand opening of four pickleball courts that were added to Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. The new courts are part of an island enhancement that also includes refurbished amenities and new experiences throughout the pristine oasis.

To inaugurate the new courts, guests on Rotterdam and Eurodam competed in a friendly pickleball tournament while visiting December 6. This week also marks the 28th anniversary of the opening of the award-winning island known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.  

“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,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president of guest experience and product development for Holland America Line. “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.”               

As the first and only cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association, all Holland America Line ships feature top-deck pickleball courts. With the addition of the courts to Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, guests who love the game can play while visiting the secluded island. The island’s pickleball courts are located in the sports area, which also features basketball, volleyball and soccer. Additional activities such as tai-chi take place on the beach in front of the Lobster Shack, where crew members host family-friendly events such as beach ball relays, scavenger hunts and sandcastle contests, as well as ring toss and shell-collecting challenges.

In addition to the new pickleball courts, guests visiting Relax Away, Half Moon Cay, will find even more ways to unwind and play. Cabanas and day beds were refreshed, while the addition of extra beach chairs ensures more places to relax on the beach. New clamshell loungers also will be added in time for the holidays.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay features 15 private cabanas for rent while on the island. Each was renovated with new umbrellas, beach loungers, fresh paint and decking — everything needed for a picture-perfect day in the sun. Guests who book a cabana also receive complimentary snacks and beverages, as well as floating mats and snorkel gear for use throughout the day.

Guests who enjoy lounging on the beach can relax on a complimentary beach chair, with 500 recently added to expand capacity along the crescent-shaped stretch of golden shoreline. New and improved clamshell sunshades — popular for renting — will arrive before the holidays.

This winter, Holland America Line will renovate the two-story Villas on the island, and by next season a new food pavilion will be open for guests that will complement the current pavilion, which serves an Island Barbecue lunch featuring Caribbean flavors.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay is on nearly every Holland America Line Caribbean cruise. Whether on a weeklong getaway or a 21-day Collectors’ Voyage, all guests will visit the private island on their Caribbean itinerary.

Relax Away, Half Moon Cay — Celebrating 28 Years
This month marks the 28th anniversary of Holland America Line’s private island as a destination. Over the years, the cruise line has maintained Relax Away, Half Moon Cay’s pristine landscape and reputation as a beach paradise while offering experiences and amenities designed to create unforgettable moments. From the natural 700-acre lagoon and children’s waterpark to dozens of shore excursions and delicious eateries like Lobster Shack, Relax Away, Half Moon Cay continues to uphold its status as the highest-rated Caribbean port by Holland America Line guests.

Caribbean 2025-2026 Cruise Season
Travelers looking to explore the Caribbean have nearly 30 different Holland America Line itineraries to choose from on six ships from now through April 2026. Cruisers can explore the eastern, western and southern regions of the Caribbean, as well as a partial Panama Canal transit.

- The 7-Day Western Caribbean itinerary departing March 1, 2026, offers guests a week in paradise. Swim under waterfalls in Jamaica, dine al fresco at Georgetown’s renowned restaurants, and snorkel Cozumel’s fish-filled reefs on a voyage sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In addition to weeklong getaways, Holland America Line offers longer Caribbean cruises from nine to 14 days, featuring more islands on one itinerary. Back-to-back sailings can be combined into Collectors’ Voyages so guests can enjoy multiple regions in one seamless vacation. Special December cruises make it fun and easy to celebrate the winter holidays in the tropics.

- 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, explore Dominican history and savor Bahamian cuisine. Zip-line through lush landscapes in the U.S. Virgin Islands and then explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in Puerto Rico on this roundtrip journey from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.