Do you have an upcoming cruise heading to Half Moon Cay? If so, then this guide to everything you need to know about Half Moon Cay Bahamas is for you.
We have just returned from a visit on Holland America’s new Rotterdam and have the most recent information for 2022. If you still have questions, drop us an anchor below and we will be happy to help make your trip to Half Moon Cay a memorable one.
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Everything You Need to Know About Half Moon Cay Bahamas
What Is Half Moon Cay Bahamas
Half Moon Cay is one of the 700 islands that make up the archipelago of The Bahamas. This small island is located approximately 100 miles southeast of Nassau and covers 2,400 acres. Though, only 50 acres has been developed into an exclusive beach resort. The rest of the area remains as a wildlife habitat.
Formerly known as Little San Salvador Island, the island’s name was changed to Half Moon Cay to reflect its crescent-shaped beach.
Half Moon Cay is privately owned by Carnival Corporation. Holland America Line purchased this island back in 1996 from Norwegian Cruise Line. Today, Holland America cruise ships and some Carnival cruise ships visit Half Moon Cay.
Further, Half Moon Cay is frequently rated at one of the best private islands. In fact, it has been named as “ Best Private Island” 20 years in a row by Porthole Cruise Magazine.
Getting to Half Moon Cay Bahamas
As mentioned above, Half Moon Cay Bahamas is a cruise line private island. So, the only way to visit the island is to book a cruise that calls in this exclusive Bahamian port. Much like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay or Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, Half Moon Cay is only for Carnival Corp. guests.
The water around Half Moon Cay is quite shallow preventing docking. Thus, you will need to tender to head ashore. Cruisers need to take tender boats to Half Moon Cay, which takes about 20 minutes.
Once on the island, walking is the easiest way to get around. If you are tired of walking or are unable to walk long distances, there are complimentary trams that run from the Welcome Center to the Food Pavilion.
Back in 2019, the Bahamian government did approve plans for a new port and pier. However, given the pandemic, the current status of this project is unknown.
Related Post: Top Cruise Line Private Islands
What’s Included on Half Moon Cay Bahamas
When you think of a cruise line private island, you probably envision stretches of beautifully manicured beaches. Half Moon Cay is exactly that!
Half Moon Beach is a stretch of approximately 2.5 miles of soft, sandy beachfront. Perhaps the best private island beach, Half Moon Cay Bahamas makes for the perfect beach day.
Access to this prime beachfront is included during your stop at this private island. The beach loungers are also complimentary. You will need to bring towels from the ship though.
If you are looking for a quieter spot, or some tree-shaded areas, you will need to head further down the beach. So, we suggest getting off the ship early to secure the best beach real estate. You could also rent a clamshell for some coverage from the sun.
However, there is no pool on Half Moon Cay Bahamas unlike some other private islands from competitor brands.
If you want to get some cardio in during your visit to this private island, there are walking/jogging trails and sports courts.
Like most cruise line private islands, there is also complimentary food at Half Moon Cay Bahamas. The tropical island buffet is usually open from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. It includes burgers, hot dogs, fish tacos, chicken, and more. There is also a salad station including garden salad, tropical fruit salad, ceviche, and potato salad, as well as desserts and an ice cream cart.
While there are four bars on Half Moon Cay Bahamas, your ship drink package will NOT work on the island. You will need to pay a la carte for drinks using your ship card or purchase an island drink package.
The island drink package entitles cruisers to 15 drinks ashore, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Guests can purchase this package pre-cruise using the online cruise planner or once onboard the ship. We were not able to purchase the package once already on the island.
Further, your ship WiFi package will not work on the island either. If you have international cell phone coverage, Bahamas rates will apply.
Food and Drinks on Half Moon Cay Bahamas
As mentioned previously, complimentary lunch is available at the Food Pavilion on Half Moon Cay Bahamas. This open-air buffet provides all your beach BBQ favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, fish tacos, chicken, tropical salads, non-alcoholic drinks, and desserts. You could also grab a plate and head back to your spot on the beach.
If you are looking for an upgraded lunch, you might want to try the Lobster Shack. This menu is available for a la carte pricing. The menu includes items like chowder, lobster, and lobster rolls. This whole lobster with Caribbean beans and rice is $20, or the lobster roll is $13.
While not included in your ship drink package, what’s a beach day without some frozen cocktails? Luckily, Half Moon Cay Bahamas has plenty of bars to quench your thirst.
Perhaps the most visible bar on the island is the Captain Morgan “On the Rocks” Bar about half way down the beach and shaped like a pirate ship . This open-air bar provides some shade and an island drink menu.
Additionally, the Bell Bar is located near the Food Pavilion. The I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar is located on the beach near the Instagram-worthy sign. The Rum Runners Bar is located within the Welcome Center. Each of these bars offers the same drink menu with the signature Blue Lagoon cocktail.
Things to Do at Half Moon Cay Bahamas
If you are looking for other activities besides the complimentary offerings at Half Moon Cay Bahamas, the cruise line offers plenty of shore excursions for additional costs.
The Aqua Trax adventure is a guided jet ski tour, and the Eco Lagoon Kayak adventure takes you on a guided kayak tour in Bone Fish Lagoon. There is also a Stingray Adventure where you can learn about and interact with these southern rays.
Then, there is a glass bottom boat tour, a guided bike tour, a guided nature walk, and a snorkel tour that let’s you explore more of the island. The island is also a great place for bird watching.
Horseback riding is one of the most popular shore excursions on Half Moon Cay Bahamas. This fun and unique tour includes both a land and a sea ride with these majestic animals.
If you would prefer to venture out on your own rather than an organized shore excursion, there are three water sport rental stations on the island. Here, you can rent equipment like a Hobie Cat, water trikes, kayaks, and more.
In the Welcome Center, there is also a small Straw Market where you can shop for local goods and Half Moon Cay logo merchandise.
Finally, if you are traveling with the little ones, they can enjoy the Half Moon Lagoon Aquapark or playground for no additional cost. The pirate-themed aquapark provides plenty of wet and wild fun, while the somewhat hidden playground has swings, slides, and other climbing activities.
Cabanas and Beach Villas on Half Moon Cay Bahamas
If you are looking to upgrade your beach day on Half Moon Cay Bahamas, you can rent a cabana or a 2-story Beach Villa.
The cabanas include a refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioner, table and chairs inside, as well as deck chairs and a misting shower on the private terrace. Fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and chips and salsa are also provided, as well as an assortment of soft drinks and bottled water. Cabana guests also get floating mats and snorkel gear for no additional charge.
The private cabana is an all-day rental and is priced for 4 guests. Larger parties must book a “Private Cabana Package – Extra Person Surcharge” tour for each additional guest. You may also choose to upgrade your cabana stay by selecting the Butler Service Upgrade Package.
The beach villas include air-conditioning, a five-person hot tub, refrigerator, ceiling fan, dining area with table and chairs inside, misting shower, and a private sun deck. Like the cabanas, light snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, floating mats, and snorkel gear are also provided.
The Beach Villa Package rate includes up to 8 guests. Larger parties must book a “Beach Villa Package – Extra Person Surcharge” tour for each additional guest. Butler Service packages are also available. These packages include unlimited drinks, a picnic lunch, and of course a butler.
For the ultimate in luxury, there is the Private Oasis. The Private Oasis offers a total of 1,620 square feet perched partially overwater for up to 12 guests. It includes a large covered deck and sun deck with an eight-person hot tub. It also includes an indoor teak dining table, outdoor loungers and bar stools, a barbecue area, a full wet bar and refrigerator, a massage table, changing rooms, indoor and outdoor showers with heated fresh water, and a privacy gate.
The Palm Package includes the services of a butler, personal chef, and lifeguard. It also includes snacks from 10 am to 2 pm and a beverage package with soft drinks, bottled water, juices, domestic and imported beers, house wine by the glass, frozen tropical drinks, and mocktails from 10 am to 3 pm.
There is also a barbecue lunch buffet with assorted salads, fruit salad, grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, teriyaki glazed mahi mahi, barbequed pork spare ribs, barbequed chicken, brownies, and cookies from 11:30 am to 1pm. The Royal Palm Package is an upgrade which features an upgraded BBQ lunch with seafood and steak options.
Comments
Have you visited Half Moon Cay Bahamas on a cruise? What are some of your favorite things to do on this private island? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences on Half Moon Cay.
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Can people that are not vaccinated come on shore
Is shore access allowed for individuals who geometry dash meltdown are not vaccinated?