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The cay was originally bought by Norwegian Cruise Line and sold in 1996 for $6 million to Holland America Line (HAL) which is part of the Carnival Group. HAL developed around 50 acres as an exclusive private luxury resort for its cruise passengers and manages the remaining 2,400 acres as a natural habitat for wildlife. The island has a beach barbecue with typical hot dogs, hamburgers, ribs, and jerk chicken. Plus, there are plenty of side dishes like fresh fruit, corn, salads, coleslaw, desserts, and a drink station.
Which Cruise Lines Visit Half Moon Cay?
On our recent trip to Half Moon Cay, my father and I booked the Jetski Adventure. We had tons of fun navigating the inner saltwater lagoon, and we even had the chance to go into the open ocean. Half Moon Cay was formerly known as “Little San Salvador Island.” However, the name was changed to reflect the crescent-shaped beach at the island’s west end. Once you arrive at Half Moon Cay, you’ll find a map of the island, places to take photos, and an entranceway to the central area. You’ll see an information desk, the Rumrunners Bar, shops, and live musical performers in the central area.
Half Moon Cay Cabanas
Guests Can Be First to Know About Carnival's New Private Port - Cruise Hive
Guests Can Be First to Know About Carnival's New Private Port.
Posted: Wed, 20 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventure-filled excursion, Half Moon Cay has something for everyone. Overall, Half Moon Cay is a beautiful and accessible island that offers a variety of transportation options for all visitors to enjoy. Our first port on the Eastern Caribbean Carnival Cruise was Half Moon Cay. Also known as Little San Salvador Island, this private island is one of 700 islands in the Bahamas. The only way to get to the island is to take a tender boat from the ship to the island.
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Aside from the beach, Half Moon Cay offers a range of other activities for visitors to enjoy. These include horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the island’s nature trails. There is also a range of shops and restaurants on the island, offering a variety of local cuisine and souvenirs for visitors to take home. Currently, cruise ships to Half Moon Cay anchor at sea (in the bay) and transport/ferry their passengers ashore via ship's tender boats. In early-August 2019, HAL Properties Ltd (subsidiary of Carnival Corporation) announced plans to add a docking pier at Half Moon Cay to allow passengers direct disembarkation ashore. With the new pier project (budgeted ~USD 80 million) cruisers will access the island easier and quicker (allowing more ashore time) and also stormy weather will not be an issue anymore.
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It is about 100 miles (160km) southeast of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, and 277 miles southeast of Miami. Here's everything you need to know about Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, a private island used by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #halfmooncay — you may see them right here. This one is strictly for the adventurous because you’ll be lifted several feet from the surface and get spectacular views around you. If you plan to take your camera to snap photos, ensure it is secured in a waterproof pouch or a strap around your neck. There is also a giant pirate ship, dump buckets, water cannons, and nautical-themed water shoots.
Experience Paddleboarding
Both cruise lines offer wedding packages and can provide further information and assistance to help plan your special day. Per the travel advisor, those seeking extra seclusion along the sand should walk further down the beach area. Oftentimes, “the further you walk away from the tender area, the more secluded the beach becomes,” Formby explains.
Visit the Bahamian Church
All the sailboats have four capacities each, and rentals are available per hour. Most of what you’ll find here are items exclusive to the Bahamas region, like handmade jewelry, woven straw hats, shot glasses, t-shirts, and handbags. Cabanas can accommodate four people at the base price, but up to six people can be accommodated for an extra fee per additional person. The use of reef-safe sunscreen (as well as bug repellent) is encouraged and available for purchase on the island.
Half Moon Cay also has a playground without the water, and once again there are pirate ships involved which act as play areas. There are several slides, swings, teeter totters, and a more restful picnic area for the adults to enjoy a reprieve. There is a stop along the way to see starfish, jellyfish, sea cucumber, and conch.
Enjoy Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship
After a briefing you can put on some snorkel gear and see the stingrays in their habitat and even feel how silky-smooth they are. As we mentioned, over 95% of Half Moon Cay has not been developed so there are some great nature trails to enjoy the wildlife. Some of the coolest cabanas in the Bahamas can be found on this private island.
When you step off the tender ship and walk towards the island’s welcome center, you will notice a beautiful white church built in Bahamian cultural style. There are nature trails all over the island either on hard pavement or sandy trails. These paths lead to some of the island’s shore excursion start points such as Stingray Cove, Bonefish Lagoon and the Pegasus Ranch where they keep the horses.
Hike to Half Moon Cay’s ridge for island views and chances to see flora and fauna. By following these safety and regulatory guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Half Moon Cay. Prior to Holland America, the island was owned by NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line.
Meanwhile, the 1,620-square-foot Private Oasis cabana, which, per Dillon, “is the largest and most luxurious on the island,” is truly in a league of its own. The Private Oasis starts at $1,850 for 12 people, though it can hold a maximum of 24 (you’ll pay an additional per-person charge for groups larger than 12). You only have half a day at Half Moon Cay so make sure to see the beach during the port visit. Loved swimming and running along the crystal clear blue waters and white sand beach.
The traditional Bahamas drink is the rum-based Bahama Mama or the non-alcoholic lemon-lime drink called Switcha. The Lobster Shack has a mouthwatering menu of grilled spiny lobster with rice, Caribbean coconut beans and salsa (pineapple or sofrito), so why not treat yourself? Prepared by chefs from the ship, it’s a great chance to enjoy a magnificent lobster feast for around $20. With 2400 acres of beautiful island to explore, what better way to get around than a bike and hike combo?
The island’s climate is tropical, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F throughout the year. The island’s vegetation is mainly made up of coconut palms, sea grape trees, and other tropical plants. The island’s interior is hilly, with the highest point being 100 feet above sea level. Half Moon Cay is also committed to preserving its natural habitat and protecting the environment. While a visit to Half Moon Cay is one for the books, there are a few things to note to make the most of your time. There is no Wi-Fi on the island, so Formby recommends bringing another form of communication (like walkie-talkies) to use if you separate from your group.
Located 100 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, is Carnival Corporation‘s private island, Half Moon Cay. A small but picturesque 20-person chapel is located on the island to host weddings and vow renewals. HAL offers multiple wedding packages, from elegant vow renewals to destination weddings that can be held on Half Moon Cay. From thrilling adventure to secluded relaxation, Half Moon Cay has it all. Here are some of many excursions and exclusives available on the island.
Half Moon Car is located roughly 100 miles (160 KM) southeast of Nassau. The island is midway between Cat Island and the islands of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. In most cases you can book your massage through the spa front desk and see if there are any openings. Just make sure you check with your cruise line to see if this service is still offered. You can rent a clam shell so you have some shade at the beach, but you will want to book that in advance to make sure they aren’t all taken. There are a few trees that offer shade further down the beach, but they also require that you are further away from the water.
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