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The island is built on 45 acres along the crescent-shaped beach with more than a mile in length that fronts on a protected bay leading west to Exuma Sound. Holland America (HAL) bought the island in December 1996 for USD 6 million. Subsequently, the island property was developed with some 50 acres (200,000 m2, or about 2% of the island) of infrastructure and facilities. Carnival Corporation invested USD 15 million in the development project.
Fun Ashore
The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise shiparrivals from all major cruise lines. Inorder to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departuretimes just follow the ship’s link. Keep in mind, however, that these excursions and activities vary by the cruise line you’re sailing, so it’s advised to check the cruise line’s website for more detailed information. The island is technically uninhabited, as it was developed as a luxury beach resort and utilized as a private port of call for Holland America and Carnival cruisers.
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Horseback riding is another popular activity on Half Moon Cay, led by a professional. You and your horse will travel to the island’s highest point before returning to the barn. If you want to take cover from the sun, you’ll have to fork over a few dollars. You can rent an umbrella on the beach at the dive shack and use your cruise card to pay for the rental. Located less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau, the island (previously known as Little San Salvador) was purchased in 1996 for $6 million. The line initially invested $16 million to spruce up Half Moon Cay, with island-wide upgrades in 2017 to mark its 20th anniversary.
EXPLORE OFF SHIP
Not only is it clean, beautiful, and accommodating, but there are convenient places nearby to get a refreshment or use the facilities. In this post we will guide you through the best things to do on the island and give you more than enough reasons to get off the ship. There are some must-try activities on this island and some things you can skip. A convenience store is also located near the Welcome Center where you can purchase snacks, sunscreen and other beach essentials. Upgrade to the Private Oasis Cabana and you’ll get your own two-storey luxury beach shack complete with iPod docking station, grill, showers and misting station.
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Exact offerings vary depending on your itinerary, so be sure to check which will be offered during your sailing as you plan your trip. The island is accessible only by sea, and cruise ships dock at the island’s pier. The island offers various activities for visitors, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. Welcome to Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's private island oasis in the Bahamas. Sink your toes into powdery white sand, take a horseback ride along the shore, or snorkel in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Enjoy a beachside barbecue, sip tropical cocktails, or simply relax in a private cabana.
Like the rest of the Bahamas, the island enjoys a cool summer Mediterranean climate with daytime temperatures very rarely exceeding 90°F (32°C) in summer. The island enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine each year and maintains warm seas and balmy temperatures tempered by sea breezes. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.
What Cruise Passengers Need to Know About Half Moon Cay Cruise Port
Young visitors can enjoy the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park with slides and pirate ship. During your visit to Half Moon Cay, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, and much more. The island also offers an array of dining options, including a BBQ lunch buffet, which is included in your cruise fare. As a privately owned island by Carnival Corporation, Half Moon Cay is a popular port of call for many Caribbean cruises. Located in the Bahamas, it offers a picturesque and idyllic setting for passengers to enjoy a day of relaxation and fun in the sun.
Carnival Cruise Line Adjusts Itineraries for Three Ships - Cruise Hive
Carnival Cruise Line Adjusts Itineraries for Three Ships.
Posted: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Where You Dock in Half Moon Cay Bahamas
While all your other purchases can be charged via your keycard, you should bring cash (U.S. dollars) for the local straw market. The island boasts a dreamy, 2.5-mile-long crescent-shaped beach (the source of the name Half Moon Cay). But, those looking for some solitude needn't look far -- There's plenty of this heavenly beach to go around.
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If you want to spend the full day on Half Moon Cay, you should get up early to be the first in line for the tenders. Tender lines can get long for disembarkation because many people are simultaneously trying to leave the cruise ship. However, the island does have one of the best beaches in The Bahamas with the softest sand found on any cruise line private island. As part of the sale agreement of Half Moon Cay Holland America Line agreed to maintain the island as a nature preserve and a wild bird sanctuary.
The menu here is simple and straightforward, with the star of the show being — you guessed it — grilled lobster. Next to the Lobster Shack is the Wish I Could Stay Here Forever bar, marked by its Instagram-worthy sign. The island boasts three additional bars, including The Bell Bar and Rum Runners.
This tour lasts around 45 minutes, and it’s a great way to see the island’s highlights. During this excursion, you will see the island’s chapel, the Exuma Channel, the famous Captain Morgan “On the Rocks” Bar, and the Pegasus Ranch, home to the swimming horses. The Glass-Bottom Boat shore excursion is a great way to explore Half Moon Cay’s undersea world while staying dry.
Overall, this excursion is an incredible experience if you’re adventurous and enjoy jet skiing. This is a unique experience as the horses swim along the shoreline. The island has a natural terrain and is not designed for wheelchairs, although visitors have access to special wheelchairs made for sandy conditions. The island is 2,400 acres in size, although cruisers are only able to access a portion of it. While there are many places to get a beverage to drink on the island, you will not be able to utilize Carnival’s drink package. Personally, I enjoy jet skiing out in the ocean because you can hit the waves and catch some air.
To maximize your experience in this place, book the Aqua Trax watercraft adventure and check out the island with a guided tour. Note, however, that you need a valid driver’s license and must be 16 years or older. Because there are multiple horseback riding sessions throughout the day, there will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring the island before or after your ride. Half Moon Cay is a privately owned island in the Bahamas, located approximately 10 miles southeast of Nassau.
If you’re looking to pick up souvenirs in Half Moon Cay, check out the Straw Market. You will find locally made jewelry, beachwear, and other nautical souvenirs at the Straw Market. You can rent an umbrella if you want to lie down by the beach while having shade. Your umbrella has a carry bag and towel hooks, enhancing your Half Moon Cay experience. Renting a clamshell for the day is a great way to relax in the shade while laying on the beach.
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