Carnival Corporation completed the renovation of Banyuedao, adding new terminals and facilities

One of the Caribbean’s best-known private cruise destinations has just undergone its biggest transformation in nearly three decades.

On June 1, 2026, Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the completion of a series of upgrades RelaxAway, Banyue Islandthe ribbon-cutting ceremony included Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

The project introduces a host of new amenities, expanded waterfront space and upgraded transportation infrastructure at the private Bahamas destination, which has been a fixture on the Carnival itinerary for many years.

One of the most significant additions is a new marina, ending one of the destination’s long-standing challenges. So far, some guests arriving on Banyuedao have been asked to disembark. The new facility will allow ships to dock directly, significantly increasing the number and type of ships able to visit the island.

The terminal is also open to destinations on Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel-class ships, including carnival, carnival celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. Due to tendering restrictions, these vessels are unable to dock regularly.

Visitors will also find wider beach facilities, including new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, as well as cabanas and loungers for guests seeking a more private experience.

Several new dining options are now open. Orchid Beach Grill and Hibiscus Beach Grill serve buffets, while Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Sack and Lil' Tiki Bar provide additional venues serving drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Getting around the island has also become easier. A new tram service connects different areas of the destination, while the newly added Papaya Pathway provides a scenic walking route for guests who prefer to explore on foot.

Upgrades have also been completed on parts of the south side of the island, including updating design elements and improving existing dining facilities.

“Relax, the natural beauty of Half Moon Island has always made it a favorite with our guests, and with the new marina, more boats can now easily reach this incredible destination,” Duffy said.

She added, “We’re excited that more guests than ever will be able to experience the stunning oceanfront and turquoise waters.”

The first ship to arrive at the newly completed destination was carnival sunrisedocking at the pier at 8:00 a.m. on June 1 and departing at 4 p.m.

Carnival Sunshine Will arrive from Norfolk, VA on June 2, and carnival dream and carnival pride Will visit from Miami and Baltimore on June 3rd.

The growth of Banyuedao

The upgrade to Half Moon Island comes as cruise lines continue to invest heavily in private destinations across the Caribbean, including Norwegian Cruise Line, which is expanding its great stirrup island Destinations, along with Royal Caribbean, are expanding their successful Spend a perfect day in CocoCay Fly to other Caribbean destinations.

But long before private islands became a major battleground for cruise lines, Half Moon Island set the standard.

The destination first opened in December 1997 after being developed by Holland America Line on Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. The island quickly gained a reputation for its wide beaches and undeveloped landscapes.

Today, Half Moon Island is shared by multiple Carnival Corporation brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line. Carnival said its fleet currently has 22 ships sailing to the destination from homeports across the United States.

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Carnival Corporation first announced plans to enhance the destination in 2024, focusing on improvements while maintaining the natural features that made the island popular in the first place.

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