Your Information to Visiting Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s Personal Island in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is teeming with idyllic personal islands, a few of that are solely accessible by way of cruise ship. Amongst them is Half Moon Cay—formally RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. Previously referred to as Little San Salvador, the isle was bought by Holland America Line, one among a number of cruise strains owned by dad or mum firm Carnival Company, in 1996. It was formally opened as a port of name in 1997 and has been welcoming cruisers ever since. The identify comes from the ship in Holland America’s former emblem: Halve Maen, which was captained by none apart from Henry Hudson. Coincidentally, the island boasts a lovely half-moon-shaped seaside, making it further apropos.

Right here’s what you must find out about visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, in accordance with journey consultants. 

Attending to Half Moon Cay

Each Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line make stops at this personal island paradise. “Because of the shallow waters,” notes Tiffany Formby, journey advisor at Travels by Danielle, “this can be a tender port.” Which means passengers should take a smaller boat from the cruise ship to get to land. With this in thoughts, she recommends “getting in line early to get tender tickets or reserving an tour/cabana to be one of many first off the ship.”

Carnival and Holland America provide a wide range of itineraries from a number of North American ports that embody stops at Half Moon Cay. 

Issues to Do on Half Moon Cay

“There isn’t any scarcity of issues to do on Half Moon Cay!” says Kari Dillon, journey advisor and proprietor of Marvelous Mouse Travels. With miles of sandy seashores, clear blue waters, and all-around beautiful surroundings, this personal island gives one thing for everybody. Better of all, Formby says, “Half Moon Cay may be an expense-free port cease,” due to complimentary facilities like lounge chairs plus a splash pad and playground for kids. Whether or not you like to hold unfastened on the seaside or embark on an action-packed tour, listed below are a number of the greatest issues to do on Half Moon Cay.

Seashore Actions

Half Moon Cay is ideal for seaside lovers, says Dillon. Per the journey advisor, these searching for further seclusion alongside the sand ought to stroll additional down the seaside space. Oftentimes, “the additional you stroll away from the tender space, the extra secluded the seaside turns into,” Formby explains. 

Moreover, whereas the aforementioned loungers are nice, you may spend the day swaying away in one of many hammocks  (out there on a first-come, first-served foundation) or hire umbrellas for further shade. Cruisers may also hire snorkeling gear, floats, and a number of water sports activities gear, together with Jet Skis, kayaks, water bikes, and stand-up paddleboards. 

Excursions and Excursions

Each Holland America and Carnival provide a handful of excursions and excursions on Half Moon Cay. Fan favorites embody horseback driving on the seaside, kayaking adventures, snorkeling excursions, and stingray encounters. On land, cruise passengers can embark on a motorcycle tour or nature stroll (each guided and self-guided choices can be found). Alternatively, join a guided tram tour of the island to cease at its hottest spots whereas basking within the stunning views. Precise choices fluctuate relying in your itinerary, so be sure you verify which will likely be supplied throughout your crusing as you propose your journey. 

Cabana Leases

For a real deal with, splurge on a cabana or villa rental. The previous is good for smaller teams for the reason that beginning worth (round $720) contains as much as 4 company (two extra company may also make the most of the cabana, however count on to pay a per-person surcharge). Facilities embody snacks (chips, dip, and fruit), drinks (water and soda), and use of water floating mats and snorkel gear. Cabana services embody a fridge, eating desk and chairs, two deck loungers, and a misting bathe. These fascinated about renting a cabana ought to achieve this as early as potential, says Formby. “Cabana leases offered out shortly for our crusing for the reason that important draw to the island is enjoyable beachside.” 

In the meantime, the 1,620-square-foot Personal Oasis cabana, which, per Dillon, “is the most important and most luxurious on the island,” is actually in a league of its personal. Along with the aforementioned facilities, this cabana features a BBQ lunch plus a number of alcoholic drinks (beers, wine by the glass, and tropical cocktails); different highlights embody indoor and out of doors showers and your very personal group (a chef, bartender, butler, steward, and lifeguard) who’re available to make your day as memorable and enjoyable as potential. The Personal Oasis begins at $2,110 for 12 individuals, although it could actually maintain a most of 24 (you’ll pay an extra per-person cost for teams bigger than 12). 

Two-story seaside villas are additionally out there for hire and include a fridge, snorkel gear, floating mats, and a misting bathe. The beginning worth of round $1,029 covers eight company; for teams bigger than eight, you’ll incur an additional per-person cost (although there’s a most of 18 allowed per villa). 

Eating

In terms of ingesting and eating on Half Moon Cay, there are a number of choices. Finances-conscious vacationers can reap the benefits of the open-air BBQ lunch buffet, which, per Dillon, “is scrumptious, so you do not want to return to the ship.” The buffet contains barbecue favorites like burgers, sizzling canine, hen, fruits, salads, and desserts. 

Alternatively, for a worth-it splurge, eat on the Lobster Shack. The menu right here is easy and simple, with the star of the present being—you guessed it—grilled lobster. Subsequent to the Lobster Shack is the Want I Might Keep Right here Perpetually bar, marked by its Instagram-worthy signal. The island boasts two extra bars: the Bell Bar and Rum Runners. In keeping with Dillon, the varied bars provide comparable menus, and your onboard drink bundle doesn’t embody drinks on the island.

Suggestions for Visiting

Whereas a go to to Half Moon Cay is one for the books, there are some things to notice to profit from your time. There isn’t any Wi-Fi on the island, so Formby recommends bringing one other type of communication (like walkie-talkies) to make use of should you separate out of your group. 

Dillon additionally shares just a few ideas and methods to think about. First, don’t forget to carry towels from the ship ashore with you. Second, keep in mind that the sooner you get off the ship, the higher likelihood you’ll have at scoring a seat in a primary seaside location. In any other case, stroll a little bit additional down the seaside to search out extra secluded areas. When starvation calls, she recommends consuming on the sooner facet so you aren’t caught in a line in the course of the lunch rush—that means, you have got extra time to discover the island, chill out on the seaside, or wade within the water. 

Additionally, unbeknownst to many, the island has a small put up workplace the place company can mail postcards to family and friends again residence—a enjoyable and low-cost exercise for everybody in your group. You can even deal with your family members to one thing from the on-site memento store or straw market. Animal lovers might have the chance to snap a selfie with Ted, the island’s completely lovable resident donkey. 

Final however not least, {couples} may even select to get married on Half Moon Cay. The oceanfront surroundings and on-site chapel function the proper setting for nuptials. Each cruise strains provide wedding ceremony packages and might present additional data and help to assist plan your special occasion.