Holland America Put a $125 Price Tag on Its Private Island

Holland America Line’s refreshed private island in the Bahamas is open for the season. The new beach club at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, welcomed the Nieuw Amsterdam as the first ship of the season, with a celebratory toast on October 19. The club is the centerpiece of upgrades that also include a new food pavilion.

Access to the club costs $125 per person for the day. For that, guests get priority tendering, dedicated waiter service, all-inclusive alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, beach accessories and specialty food and beverage offerings. It positions the club as a premium add-on rather than the default way to enjoy the island.

The rest of the island changed too. Holland America added upgraded cabanas, more daybeds and beach seating, renovated bars and four pickleball courts. The work is part of preparations for the island’s 30th anniversary in 2027.

The refreshed island appears on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries sailing from October 2026 through April 2027. Passengers who want the club will likely need to book ahead, since private-island premium areas on cruise lines often sell out on busy ship days. Travelers who skip the club can still use the general beach areas.

Sources: Cruise Industry News, Seatrade Cruise News