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

Table Of Content

• lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time
• Norwegian Cruise Line Explains After Switching Port
• Long Beach, CA
• Night Eastern CaribbeanDetails
• Princess Cruises Making Big Change to Main Dining Room on All Ships
• Barbados: 43 Amazing Things to Do While on a Cruise
• Ride a Jet-Ski on the Aqua Trax Watercraft Adventure Tour

Privately owned by the Carnival Corporation, this port of call is exclusively used by cruises that include this heavenly hideaway on their itinerary. Land and Sea – Horseback Riding – Ride a magnificent beast across the white sand beaches, take the horse for a swim in the ocean and explore all the beautiful sights this island has to offer. Unless you go on a separate snorkeling excursion, don’t expect to see too much marine life though. The large number of visitors that arrive each day on the island paradise tends to scare off the fish. If you like kayaking, you can go it alone and rent Kayaks on the beach, or you can do one of the advertised kayak-based shore excursions that are available on the island. Half Moon Cay is an enchanting and breathtaking destination for those searching for Bahamian beauty that has somehow managed to stay a bit under the radar.

lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time

You can see some exotic seabirds and appreciate the water’s clarity as your guide will point out all the other wild life around you. 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. Half Moon Cay is used primarily by Holland America cruise ships and by some Carnival cruises when not required by HAL. Be aware that you will have to pay for all drinks while on Half Moon Cay, even if you have purchased an all-inclusive drinks package.

Norwegian Cruise Line Explains After Switching Port

First, let’s learn a little about this private island before we get into all the wonderful things you can do here. This experience takes place at Stingray Cove where you will be given an informative orientation about stingrays from a professional guide. Your cruise entertainment crew will organize some team games and fun activities while ashore so get ready to join an impromptu game.

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Half Moon Cay 2024 (with Prices) - Half Moon Cay Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Half Moon Cay 2024 (with Prices) - Half Moon Cay Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:45:47 GMT [source]

Long Beach, CA

No matter what you choose to do during your time in port, make sure you bring your camera or phone. Half Moon Cay -- the Carnival-owned private island in the Bahamas -- looks like a movie set of a beach. The sand is pristinely white, with nary a scratchy shell or untoward piece of seaweed, while the turquoise waters are welcomingly warm.

Night Eastern CaribbeanDetails

Just make sure you check with your cruise line to see if this service is still offered. 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. 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.

Princess Cruises Making Big Change to Main Dining Room on All Ships

You will even learn how the they desalinate the ocean water and generate electricity on the island. You can do this on your own or take a $19 excursion with a tour guide that will walk you through 1.5 miles of the trail. The guide will point out the tropical palm and sea grape trees, curly-tailed lizards, and Bananaquit birds of Half Moon Cay. Some of the coolest cabanas in the Bahamas can be found on this private island. But if you want the ultimate in beach-front luxury you can upgrade to the Beach Villa. This can be a great excursion-free visit, and you don’t have to worry about any pushy vendors trying to sell you souvenirs while you relax.

Relax at Your Own Beach Villa with Friends or Family at Half Moon Cay

From there you can see 360 degree views of the island as well as some of the other Bahamian islands. As we mentioned, over 95% of Half Moon Cay has not been developed so there are some great nature trails to enjoy the wildlife. Even floating mats and snorkel gear are provided for you while you have this villa to your group all day. You can rent a clam shell so you have some shade at the beach, but you will want to book that in advance to make sure they aren’t all taken.

The cost of a frozen cocktail in a souvenir cup is roughly $20. Aside from that, the drink prices are the same as those onboard. What's unique is that the seafood is cooked right in front of you, so you know that it's fresh! If you're looking to splurge on a meal during your trip and love seafood, there's no better time than, literally, steps from breathtaking crystal-clear water. Guests seeking something different may be interested in the Lobster Shack, not to be confused with the New England-style Seafood Shack onboard ships, it has a different menu.

Ride a Jet-Ski on the Aqua Trax Watercraft Adventure Tour

Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes - The Points Guy

Visiting a cruise line’s private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes.

Posted: Wed, 03 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

I’ve heard some people ask about getting a massage on the island so I wanted to address this as well. This is a private island, so it is operated by the cruise line and any massage appointments will typically go through the cruise line. 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.

There are lots of opportunities to see lots of wildlife on the island. This does need to be organized through the ship and booked prior to your cruise as this is a full legal ceremony. It is held in the delightful small chapel next to the Welcome Centre. You can hire snorkels and floats as well as other sports equipment at the Welcome Center or Dive Shack. This is where you will find useful information on how to get around the island.

There are a few trees that offer shade further down the beach, but they also require that you are further away from the water. The sand is fine and soft, and Half Moon Beach is the first thing you will see as your tender approaches the island. There are usually plenty of loungers to choose from, but the further down the beach you walk the less crowded it will be. Whether you are sailing with Carnival or Holland America there is a free buffet at the dining pavilion that offers a variety of food, including Caribbean barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, and more.

Are you so excited to be on a cruise vacation that you just have to get some energy out? You can enjoy activities like basketball, beach volleyball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. Just check out the necessary gear from the Sports Center located near the Bahamian Church. Even if you don’t book a horseback riding excursion you can follow the path to see the horses and see some beautiful flowers along the way. The cost is $599 and is good for up to 8 people with a surcharge for any extra guests. It might seem like a lot of money, but it averages out to about $75 per person and offers a much more relaxed and convenient time at Half Moon Beach.

Past the last lifeguard stand, you'll find a stand of trees with hammocks and shade -- and far fewer people. Beyond that, you've got the beach mostly to yourself until the horseback riders come through, at least. If you've got little ones in tow, hit the beach and walk toward the tender boats. At the far end, there's a fabulous water play area for kids with water slides, a dump-and-spray area and even a giant shooting fountain.

If you're more of an experience-focused traveler, there are fortunately plenty of things to do in Carnival's Half Moon Cay to satisfy your wanderlust. Book a tour to go snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding or even horseback riding on the beach. We had wondered if excursions on a Carnival private island were worth it, but by all accounts, they are.