CruiseKick logo

CruiseKick

Archives
Log in
Subscribe
September 3, 2026

Six Princess Ships Are Getting Half Moon Cay Beach Days

Turquoise water along the curving beach at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas

Cruise news

Princess Adds Half Moon Cay to Its Caribbean Lineup

Starting November 2026, six Princess ships begin calling at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay — the Carnival-family private island long reserved for Holland America. It's an addition, not a replacement for Princess Cays. One thing to check before you get excited: some ships berth at the new two-ship pier and walk ashore, while others still tender in — a very different beach day at the same island.

See which ships call →

Ready to book your next vacation?

Planning a cruise? Let Kelly handle the details.

Kelly books cruises across every major line — matching cabins, dining, and itineraries to how your family actually travels, at no extra cost to you.

Kelly Bonatsakis
Book a cruise call with Kelly →
A cruise ship at sea illustrating a full cruise cost breakdown

Cost guide

How Much Does a Cruise Cost? Full Breakdown

That $399 fare is real — and usually about half of what you'll actually spend. We separate the base fare from the true all-in total line by line: gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions, and how cabin choice, season, and booking timing swing the number. Budget accurately before you book anything.

See the full cost breakdown →
A Carnival cruise ship docked at a sunny port

First-timer guide

Carnival Cruise Tips for First-Timers: What Matters

The Carnival learning curve is real: a cashless Sail & Sign account, cabins that aren't ready until around 1:30 p.m., and a HUB app that quietly runs the whole ship. Five decisions before you board skip 90% of rookie stress — from packing a carry-on day bag to grabbing the earliest check-in slot and knowing what's already included in your fare.

Get the first-timer playbook →

Also This Week

The Biggest Cruise Lines in the World, Ranked — Royal, Carnival, MSC, Norwegian, and Disney compared by fleet size and passenger capacity — with the real numbers.

Cruise Muster Drill: What to Expect on Embarkation Day — The mandatory safety briefing, demystified — how eMuster works and how to check in fast so you can get back to vacation.

Who Owns MSC Cruises? — The Aponte family and one of the world's largest shipping empires — the story behind cruising's fastest-growing line.

Printable Cruise Packing List (Free PDF) — Every category covered, with quantity guidance and what the ship already provides. Print it and check it off.

Evergreen Guides

First-timer cruise guide

When to book a cruise

Best US departure ports

Cheapest cruise lines

CruiseKick  •  Unsubscribe  •  Visit Site

Don't miss what's next. Subscribe to CruiseKick:
← Newer Carnival Rewards Replaces VIFP: How the 4 New Tiers Work Older → Oceania's New Sonata Is a Mega-Ship Hull With Just 695 Cabins
cruisekick.com
Powered by Buttondown, the easiest way to start and grow your newsletter.