Holland America Line's private island in the Bahamas now has a paid VIP zone. The new Beach Club at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay welcomed its first cruise guests this month, and a day pass costs $125 per person.
That price buys a lot more than a beach chair. But it also raises a fair question for anyone sailing to the island this winter: is the upgrade worth it, or is the free beach good enough?
What Holland America announced
Holland America first revealed the Beach Club in a Sept. 22 news release. The line said the island was getting "a series of newly completed enhancements" ahead of its 30th anniversary in 2027.
"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, in the release.
The line said the new features would reach guests on more than two dozen Caribbean itineraries this season.
The first guests have arrived
Trade outlets reported the opening this past week. Seatrade Cruise News said on Oct. 22 that the first ship's captain and cruise director led a toast to mark the occasion. Cruise Industry News also covered the first guest visit on Oct. 23.
The two reports name different ships as the first to visit, so we are not naming one here until Holland America confirms it.
What $125 gets you
According to Holland America and Seatrade, the Beach Club day pass includes:
- Priority tendering from the ship to the island
- Dedicated waiter service
- All-inclusive alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
- Beach accessories
- Specialty food and drink offerings
Seatrade reported that the club has its own beach area and dining terrace, marked by orange and white umbrellas. Club guests can also order from the island's Lobster Shack menu. Holland America's own blog says a 20% service charge applies on top of the $125 price.
Holland America said the space uses its blue, orange and cream colors, with natural textures and open-air seating. The release also promised "other special surprise moments," without saying what those are.
Is it worth it?
The math depends on how you drink. Drinks are included, so guests who plan to order several cocktails may come out ahead. Priority tendering is also a real perk. Half Moon Cay is a tender port, so getting ashore early can mean more beach time and shorter lines.
Light drinkers may find the regular beach is plenty. The rest of the island is still open to every guest, and much of it just got better too.
Upgrades for everyone else
The Beach Club is only one part of the refresh. Holland America said the island now has:
- A new food pavilion with a free, island-only barbecue menu
- Upgraded cabanas
- Refreshed clamshells and more daybeds
- New canopy loungers for two and more beach chairs
- Renovated bars and eateries
- Four pickleball courts, first added last season
That matters because many cruise lines now split their private islands into free and paid zones. Holland America's approach keeps the main beach and the new food pavilion included in the fare.
A run-up to the 30th anniversary
Holland America called the changes "the beginning of a yearlong celebration" leading up to the island's 30th birthday in 2027. The line has not yet shared full details of anniversary events.
If you are booking a Caribbean cruise, check whether your itinerary calls at Half Moon Cay. Holland America said the Beach Club opened for booking in early October.
For more on the line, see our look at Holland America's 2027 Alaska season, its new Bar 1873 on Oosterdam and holiday dining plans.
Sources: Holland America Line news release (Sept. 22, 2026); Holland America Line blog; Seatrade Cruise News (Oct. 22, 2026); Cruise Industry News (Oct. 23, 2026).