Tag Archives: Roatán

New Pier and Expanded Amenities Ready for Carnival at Half Moon Cay

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New Pier and Expanded Amenities Ready for Carnival at Half Moon Cay

Carnival Cruise Line’s new pier as well as new amenities and upgrades to the existing ones at its exclusive destination, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, are now open.

“RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay’s natural beauty has always made it a favorite for our guests, and with the new pier, more ships can now easily access this incredible destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

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

Thanks to the expansion, guests can enjoy new complimentary loungers and umbrellas, plus reservable cabanas and daybeds.

Furthermore, food and drink venues offering island-style meals, full buffets and beverages in shaded, beachfront settings have been added and upgraded.

These include Orchid Beach Grill, Hibiscus Beach Grill, Luna Tide Beach Bar, Stay Awhile Beach Shack and Lil’ Tiki Bar.

A scenic Papaya Pathway has been added as a walking route for those wishing to explore the destination on foot, while others can take advantage of a new tram service connecting all areas of the island.

The company added that the existing south side of the island is also being refreshed with new design elements and food and beverage venue upgrades.

The destination is part of the Paradise Collection by Carnival, a portfolio of exclusive cruise destinations across the Caribbean and The Bahamas, including the recently reimagined Isla Tropicale in Roatán, Honduras.

Norwegian Makes First Overnight Visit to Great Stirrup Cay

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Norwegian Makes First Overnight Visit to Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line recently made its first overnight visit to Great Stirrup Cay as part of a last-minute itinerary change.

According to a statement sent to guests, the Norwegian Encore became the first ship to spend the night docked at the private island destination on Jan. 22, 2026.

The two-day visit replaced a previously scheduled call to Costa Maya, Mexico, which had to be cancelled due to port availability.

“We’re thrilled to introduce an extraordinary, first-of-a-kind experience: an overnight stay at our private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay,” Norwegian said in its statement.

“This will mark the first overnight visit offered to Norwegian Cruise Line guests. This moment gives you a rare opportunity to be among the first guests to experience Great Stirrup Cay after dark, truly making cruise history,” the company added.

Initially scheduled to arrive at the island at 4:00 p.m., the Norwegian Encore docked at the destination’s new pier at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, due to a medical emergency.

The 4,200-passenger ship remained at the port through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, when it departed for Miami.

Norwegian said that guests were able to enjoy the island until midnight, which served as an all-onboard time.

The company said bars onshore opened shortly after arrival at the island, while light bites and convenient grab-and-go favorites were served at Abaco Taco.

“As the sun sets, the energy shifts to an unforgettable evening celebration, with all nighttime activities focused on the vibrant Great Life Lagoon, the all-new pool area,” Norwegian continued.

While the beach was closed at sundown for guests’ safety, the company also offered a “Glow Party under the Stars” from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

In addition to an overnight visit to Great Stirrup Cay, the seven-night cruise onboard the Norwegian Encore also included visits to Roatán in Honduras and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Four MSC Cruises Ships Now in Service in the Caribbean

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With the MSC Seascape now sailing from PortMiami, MSC Cruises completed its Caribbean fleet for the 2022-2023 winter season.

One of the newest ships sailing in the region, the Seascape is the highlight of the deployment, which also includes the MSC Meraviglia, the MSC Divina and the MSC Seaside.

After being delivered in November, the newbuild was christened in New York City earlier this month and launched service from its South Florida homeport on Dec. 11.

A Seaside EVO Class ship, the Seascape is currently the newest and also one of the largest ships of the MSC Cruises fleet.

Set to serve the U.S. market year-round, the 4,560-guest vessel is now offering week-long cruises to the Caribbean departing from Miami.

Itineraries include visits to popular ports in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including San Juan, Cozumel, George Cayman and Ocho Rios. Every cruise also features a visit to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island destination in the Bahamas.

Sailing from Miami as well, the MSC Divina offers a seasonal program of three- to 10-night cruises, visiting additional destinations in the Southern and Western Caribbean, Central America and the Bahamas. Featured ports include Cartagena, Roatán, Limón and Freeport.

Based in Port Canaveral, the MSC Meraviglia is the third MSC cruise ship serving the North American market.

From its Central Florida homeport, the 2017-built ship offers a series of three- to seven-night cruises to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean.

In addition to Ocean Cay and Nassau, itineraries include calls to Cozumel, Belize and Costa Maya.

A fourth vessel, the MSC Seaside is also offering a winter program in the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Departing from St. Maarten, Barbados and Martinique, the ships cater to other publics, including Europeans and Brazilians.

MSC is set to broaden its offering in North America and the Caribbean in 2023-2024, with five ships sailing from U.S. ports, and a sixth based in the South Caribbean.