Monday, April 1, 2024

Guide to Visiting Half Moon Cay, Carnival's Private Island

half moon cay carnival cruise

An additional surcharge of $46 per person is imposed for more than four occupants, to a maximum of six. Children age 2 and under are not charged, but might be considered part of the cabana occupants to determine maximum occupancy. Tropical Outdoors Adventures – Whether your thing is cycling around carefully maintained trails or snorkelling in the clear water, you’ll find it all on Half Moon Cay. Rentals are available for water sports; watercraft, kayaks and more. This fun one-hour tram tour takes passengers past all the main Island highlights. This includes Cannon Point, the Island’s Wedding Chapel, the Exuma Channel, Captain Morgan’s Pirate Ship Bar, Pegasus Ranch and Stingray Cove.

Take a Tropical Kayak Adventure Excursion

The Oasis Cabana has a 100-foot walkway with misting stations and privacy gate upon entry. It includes butler service, along with a dedicated chef, cabana steward, bartender and lifeguard. A private cabana is a plush way to enjoy the pristine sand and surf of Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporation's private island in the Bahamas visited by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America. Half Moon Cay cabanas are colorful wooden outposts peppered along the island's shoreline, and while they all offer special amenities, offerings vary based on cabana type. If you're not sure which enclave is the best fit for you during your time ashore, read Cruise Critic's guide to Half Moon Cay cabanas.

Is the Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park free?

Carnival's "Bottomless Bubbles" package also will not work on the island. There is also Lookout Bar, a more tranquil spot, on the opposite side of the island from the beach. For those who want to relax on the beach, and perhaps splurge a little, there are additional options.

Beach

Enjoy scenic views of the island while cycling to Pegasus Ranch before hiking past Bonefish Lagoon and Stingray Park. These snorkeling expeditions include use of a snorkel, mask and fins. A boat will take you further offshore where you can visit the coral reef which is bursting with colorful marinelife, fish and anemones. Part of the fun of cruising is joining in some tours and excursions at ports of call to try something new.

Carnival starts development of Half Moon Cay pier - TravelMole

Carnival starts development of Half Moon Cay pier.

Posted: Thu, 28 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Half Moon Cay is a private island owned by Holland America Line, although sister company Carnival Cruise Line also uses the port. No permanent residents live on the island, but some island workers stay on the island for months at a time. I’ve heard some people ask about getting a massage on the island so I wanted to address this as well.

Pirate Fun for Youngsters

They get to interact with the stingrays and even feed them. To be honest, the food here was typical of most private island stops. It’s limited to the usual hot dogs, burgers, salad, coleslaw and fruit. Local favorites like Jerk Chicken were available, and my wife loved the banana rum cake. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date.

half moon cay carnival cruise

lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time

Fortunately, you don’t need to bring a board as you can rent them out for $39.99 for an hour. As a result, I have seen how it has developed into the wonderful private island destination that it now is. Bring a football or Frisbee for some shallow water games, or make use of the snorkel gear and floats that come with your rental. If you feel so inclined, you can take a stellar group photo here with your friends and/or family to commemorate your trip together. No need to plan -- just put on your swimsuit, grab a lounge chair and let the day go where it will.

Food and Drink on Half Moon Cay

Currently cruisers are transported ashore in tenders, but a new deep-water dock is planned for the near future. Once ashore, expect to enjoy a beautiful day on the beach with plenty of activities for watersports, boat trips, swimming, snorkeling and relaxing in the sun. Future developments include developing a deep-water dock allowing cruise ships to moor right next to a new pier.

half moon cay carnival cruise

EXPLORE OFF SHIP

You’ll weave between the colorful reef formations scattered throughout the shallow waters while exploring the inlets and sand pits that make Half Moon Cay so memorable and picturesque. This experience takes place at Stingray Cove where you will be given an informative orientation about stingrays from a professional guide. You can even purchase clamshells that are farmed nearby and contain natural pearls. Purchase and open your clamshell and have the beautiful pearl made into a ring or pendant while you wait. It’s a unique and lovely way to celebrate your visit to the Bahamas.

The island boasts three additional bars, including The Bell Bar and Rum Runners. There’s also beachside drinks service so you can enjoy a beer or cocktail without stepping foot off the sand. 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.

However, the island does have one of the best beaches in The Bahamas with the softest sand found on any cruise line private island. Half Moon Lagoon Aqua Park is located right on the main beach and has a couple water slides and a pirate ship that shoots water from its canons. There is also a fountain of water providing a cool mist as it sprays into the air.

Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas destination - Orlando Sentinel

Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas destination.

Posted: Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:41:28 GMT [source]

In this article, I’ll give you a list of the 25 amazing things to do in Half Moon Cay on your cruise vacation. In addition, there’s an ice cream parlor for ordering your favorite sundae and a Lobster Shack, both requiring an additional fee which is charged to your stateroom keycard. There’s also a playground nearby that is fully equipped for climbing and scrambling.

You can go snorkeling with your own snorkel gear and check out the main beach area, but there isn’t really much to see there, except for crystal clear turquoise water that is. Even if you have never ridden a horse before you can try this activity on Half Moon Cay. The horseback experience will tour some of the island and take you to the highest point. From there you can see 360 degree views of the island as well as some of the other Bahamian islands. 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. A net keeps other marine life from getting into the enclosure.

Developed as a luxury beach resort, it is used as a private port of call for Carnival and Holland America cruisers. About 100 locals work on the island and arrive by ferry from Eleuthera when there are visiting cruise ships. If you are a lover of watersports and whatever is listed so far doesn’t fit your bill why not sail on a Hobie cat, sunfish sailboat or a windsurfing sailboat? You can hire any of these watercraft from one of the three water sports centers available on the island.

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