Half Moon Cay
Holland America's Private Island in the Bahamas!
We’ve never been to a cruise line private island before and were skeptical. Would we just get trapped paying a lot more? Well, it was somewhat what we thought and a lot that we didn’t expect. Here’s what we learned on that first trip.
Overview
Half Moon Cay is a small private island owned by Carnival Corporation, located about 100 miles southeast of Nassau in the Bahamas. Most of the island is undeveloped and used as a nature sanctuary. The remaining 50 acres to the west is the developed side, featuring a welcome courtyard and shopping complex, first aid, lockers, and a variety of amenities typical of any beach resort. There are also plenty of excursions available, all booked via the cruise ship prior to landing. We arrived without any excursions or plans, just ready to explore. Here’s what we learned:
1. The Beach is the Star
The immediate first impression is of a mesmerizing blue ocean and pristine beach. Even if you’re not a beach person, there’s a lot to love about this one. The sand has a baking soda consistency, which feels amazing underfoot, and it stays relatively cool. The water is clear and refreshing, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. With almost a mile of beach, there’s plenty of space to spread out or explore. Just be mindful that the further you go, the farther you are from facilities, which are concentrated in one area. Most people head straight for the beach upon arrival, and who can blame them with that view?
2. Be Early for Everything
Try to be one of the first on the tender if you can. The ride is short, but the lines can get long. Be sure to snag a complimentary beach chair with your ship’s towel. The difference in crowd sizes is noticeable—here’s what the entrance looks like early versus two hours later. The buffet area is also drastically busier later in the day. Book excursions and cabanas well in advance, especially when two ships are docked that day, as slots are split between the two. Staff does a good job of ensuring there’s enough of everything to satisfy the designed capacity, but it’s wise to hedge your bets and give yourself the most choice possible.
3. A Lot is A La Carte
Drinks, for example, are not included in your drink package. But you can enjoy drinks at some pretty cool spots, like "I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar" or Captain Morgan’s On the Rocks bar—located in a pirate ship! Beach equipment rentals are extra, and many costs are charged to your sign and sail account. Shade also comes with a price tag, like renting a clamshell or umbrella. Here’s a hack: take your umbrella from the ship and use it in your beach chair, like this resourceful person did! The shops have prices you’d expect at a resort; here’s a snapshot of what to expect.
4. The Free Stuff is Still Pretty Cool
Lying on the beach is free! Even with the crowds, it’s still a great experience , especially if you settle further away from the main area—by the larger cabanas and water sports center seems to be the sweet spot. You can also enjoy the peaceful Bahamian Church, usually used for weddings, which provides a quiet space to relax and reflect.
Hiking along the outer paths toward the excursion areas and nature trails is free, too. While you’ll need to share the road with trolleys, you can access various nature trails and even a plant nursery with hardly anyone around—your own private island experience! Plus, basketball, volleyball, and kids’ play areas are free, as is the BBQ lunch with non-alcoholic drinks and ice cream.
Just a heads-up: chasing chickens in the dining area is not recommended. If you arrive later, the ice cream may be too soft, or the ice may run out. But if you have no real plans, just grab a beach chair early and kick back!
5. Cabanas Could Be a Good Value
While the sticker price might seem high, cabanas could make sense for larger groups. They come with various sizes and amenities, but all feature basics like AC, fans, dining tables, loungers, and beach gear. Larger cabanas are two stories and include a hot tub, larger dining area, food, and butler service. There are numerous cabanas along the beach, plus a giant deluxe one near the tender dock. You can also order additional services, like meal packages and massages. When you calculate the per-person cost, considering the convenience of shaded accommodations, stunning views, and even (in larger cabanas) private bathrooms, we’d say they’re worth it. Plus, your reservation guarantees your space, alleviating the stress of being late. As always, book well in advance!
Even on a budget, we thoroughly enjoyed our time here, if only for that beach! We hope we can come back and hike further into the island.
