Your Guide to Visiting Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s Private Island in The Bahamas

The Bahamas is teeming with idyllic non-public 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 generally known as Little San Salvador, the isle was bought by Holland America Line, certainly one of a number of cruise traces owned by father or mother 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 brand: Halve Maen, which was captained by none aside from Henry Hudson. Coincidentally, the island boasts a phenomenal half-moon-shaped seashore, making it further apropos.

Right here’s what it’s good to learn about visiting RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, in line with journey specialists. 

Attending to Half Moon Cay

Each Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line make stops at this non-public island paradise. “Because of the shallow waters,” notes Tiffany Formby, journey advisor at Travels by Danielle, “it is a tender port.” Which means that passengers need to 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 supply quite a lot 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 a 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 non-public island affords one thing for everybody. Better of all, Formby says, “Half Moon Cay will 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 favor to hold free on the seashore or embark on an action-packed tour, listed below are a few of the finest issues to do on Half Moon Cay.

Seashore Actions

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

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

Excursions and Excursions

Each Holland America and Carnival supply a handful of excursions and excursions on Half Moon Cay. Fan favorites embody horseback using on the seashore, 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 lovely views. Actual choices differ relying in your itinerary, so you should definitely test which will likely be supplied throughout your crusing as you intend your journey. 

Cabana Leases

For a real deal with, splurge on a cabana or villa rental. The previous is right for smaller teams for the reason that beginning worth (round $720) consists of as much as 4 visitors (two extra visitors 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 amenities embody a fridge, eating desk and chairs, two deck loungers, and a misting bathe. These thinking about renting a cabana ought to accomplish that as early as doable, says Formby. “Cabana leases offered out rapidly for our crusing for the reason that foremost draw to the island is stress-free beachside.” 

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

Two-story seashore villas are additionally obtainable for hire and include a fridge, snorkel gear, floating mats, and a misting bathe. The beginning worth of round $1,029 covers eight visitors; 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 the case of consuming and eating on Half Moon Cay, there are a number of choices. Funds-conscious vacationers can benefit from the open-air BBQ lunch buffet, which, per Dillon, “is scrumptious, so you do not want to return to the ship.” The buffet consists of barbecue favorites like burgers, scorching canines, rooster, fruits, salads, and desserts. 

Alternatively, for a worth-it splurge, eat on the Lobster Shack. The menu right here is straightforward and simple, with the star of the present being—you guessed it—grilled lobster. Subsequent to the Lobster Shack is the Want I May Keep Right here Without end bar, marked by its Instagram-worthy signal. The island boasts two extra bars: the Bell Bar and Rum Runners. In line with Dillon, the assorted bars supply comparable menus, and your onboard drink package deal 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 a Wi-Fi on the island, so Formby recommends bringing one other type of communication (like walkie-talkies) to make use of if you happen to separate out of your group. 

Dillon additionally shares a number of ideas and methods to think about. First, don’t forget to carry towels from the ship ashore with you. Second, do not forget that the sooner you get off the ship, the higher likelihood you’ll have at scoring a seat in a chief seashore location. In any other case, stroll a bit additional down the seashore to seek out extra secluded areas. When starvation calls, she recommends consuming on the sooner aspect so you aren’t caught in a line in the course of the lunch rush—that approach, you’ve extra time to discover the island, loosen up on the seashore, or wade within the water. 

Additionally, unbeknownst to many, the island has a small publish workplace the place visitors can mail postcards to family and friends again house—a enjoyable and low-cost exercise for everybody in your group. You may also 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 traces supply marriage ceremony packages and may present additional info and help to assist plan your special occasion.