The pier is open, on the north side
The tender era ended on June 1, 2026, when Carnival Sunrise tied up at the new deepwater pier at 8am. The pier is on the island's north side, away from the original south-side landing, and it is long enough for Carnival's Excel-class ships - Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee - which could never call here before. Free electric trams now link the pier and the beaches, with a walking path, the Papaya Pathway, running behind the sand for anyone who would rather stroll.
Bring the ship card, not the drinks package
The barbecue lunch is free at all three grills, along with self-serve water, iced tea and lemonade. Everything else at the bars is charged per drink: neither Carnival's CHEERS! package nor Holland America's Have It All package carries over to the island.
Sources: cruisehive.com, bucketlistguides.com