Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas Shore Excursion is a great Experience!

Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas is a Private Island paradise shared by Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America.

Originally developed by Holland America, this is absolutely a beautiful island stop with white sand beaches, chairs to lounge, food and bars.  It’s one of my top 5 beaches.

The Cruise Line had developed this port with a few shops, restrooms, some outdoor bars, and  food, of course.

Typically, the cruise line sends the staff on the island and they set up a buffet and provide service on the beach.  With Carnival, you use your Sail and Sign Card for all purchases.    They also have a hut where you can rent flotation devices, snorkel gear, paddle boats, and small tubes for a small fee.   There was also a small water park for kids with slides and fountains.     Additional items are available through the shore excursion desk, such as para sailing, tours, and

The ship uses 2 tenders stationed at the Island to ferry the passengers and staff to their port.  Once you depart, you walk into a small square of shops, a bar, and restrooms. From here, if you purchased an excursion, you will depart for the excursion.  Or for those just walking off the ship, you can head over to the beach or bar areas.

Once ashore, the beach presents a large crescent shaped view with absolutely stunning white sand and still blue waters that overlook the ship anchored off the b each.   The beach area had life guards and also contained a large, roped area for swimmers.  In towards the roads, there was a walking path for nature lovers, the food pavilions, and even a chapel.

We walked out to 6′ feet of water and were able to see straight to the bottom.  For those staying on the beach, there were plenty of lounge chairs to accommodate the cruise passengers who just wish to relax in the sun.  An excursion option, you can rent a cabana that featured some shade for you own group.

These cabanas sold out fast, so if interested in a cabana, you will need to book that way ahead of time.  The cabanas were a small 10×10 half shed sized platform with a sand shower on the deck, shaded area, and some had an A/C unit in the back.

There is plenty of food and walk-up bars are on-shore.  Carnival set up a food buffet at their food pavilion.  Overall, this excursion stop is a must stop for Cruise Travelers. It’s simply a paradise Island with all the amenties you find on board your ship! Feel free to post a comment on your experiences.

Cruise Director

Cruise Lines: Carnival, Holland America