Cruise Talk: Holland America's "Half-Moon Cay"

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Topic: Holland America's "Half-Moon Cay"

Ali
First Class Passenger
Member # 1526

posted 08-18-2000 02:05 PM

I understand that this is Holland America's "private island". How many cruise ships anchor there at one time? Are there tons of people sunning and funning or is it one ship at a time? Do we need to bring cash to rent paddle-boats, rafts, chairs, drinks, etc., or is this something we can sign for as on board ship? Thanks for the info.

Posts: 26 | From: Defiance, Ohio USA | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-18-2000 03:05 PM

Usually only one ship in Half Moon Cay. I don't think they could handle 2 ships. You don't have to take any money with you unless you buy something at the small straw market they have and also to buy stamps at the PO. The one gift shop is run by the stores on board and you sign for everything here. That also applies to the purchase of drinks from the stewards. You can sign up for all the other things on board. Lounges and umbrellas are free as are the hammocks.
Have a wonderful time - the island is PARADISE, cool green/blue water and white, white sand. I could spend a week there.
Oh, yes, lunch is also free at the BBQ - hot dogs, hamburgers, sausages, chicken, ribs, bakes beans, salads, fruit, squares, potato chips - yummy.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Sherry
First Class Passenger
Member # 421

posted 08-18-2000 07:26 PM

When we were on The Norway last month, the NCL Private Island was Great Stirrup Cay. There was a HAL ship out there at the same time, but the passengers were not on our beach. Do you think Great Stirrup Cay and Half Moon Cay are in the same place, just a different beach? Just wondering.

Posts: 66 | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-18-2000 08:55 PM

Sherry - no, two different islands.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

CB
First Class Passenger
Member # 58

posted 08-19-2000 12:40 AM

This is my favorite port of call on a Caribbean cruise. I been there four times so far. We were there 2 weeks ago on the Zaandam. Enjoy the snokeling, snooze in a hammock. Rentals offered by HAL include the Banana boat ride, Sunfish sailboat, Aqua cycle, and Kayak. Tours include parasailing, scuba, deep sea fishing and a nature walk. Just charge it to your account. By the way, you can also get a massage.
You'll have a great time. Half Moon Cay is Paradise.

Posts: 109 | From: Arlington, TX, USA | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

Beezo
First Class Passenger
Member # 1505

posted 08-19-2000 12:18 PM

hey,
i was on GREAT STIRRUP CAY in april. those private islands are truely paradise. There are several cruise lines private islands in that area:

NCL: GREAT STIRRUP CAY (correct me of i am wrong, but is it true that P&O uses great srirrup cay too?)

RCCL: CoCo CAY

COSTA: SERENA CAY

HAL: HALF MOON CAY

is PRINCESS CAYS in that same area? and is that there private island?

Beezo

Posts: 865 | From: Massachusetts, USA | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

stangirl
First Class Passenger
Member # 1171

posted 08-20-2000 09:08 AM

I think my favorite place in the world is Half Moon Cay. On one of our cruises, the visit was cancelled due to high seas and I was probably the most disappointed person on the ship. You will love it!

Posts: 17 | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

Chalk Dust
First Class Passenger
Member # 1272

posted 08-24-2000 12:18 PM

Half Moon Cay is great. We got there a bit early (on the third tender). That made it so easy to get a great pair of lounge chairs on the beach. We rented a pair of those floating mats which you can do either on the ship or at the beach - no problem. One of my best memories of the cruise was floating on that perfect water at that perfect beach doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying! That afternoon a thunderstorm popped up so we were glad that we went early and got our sunning done before the storm.

Posts: 47 | From: Flower Mound, Texas, U.S.A. | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

James
First Class Passenger
Member # 1351

posted 08-25-2000 12:39 PM

Half-Moon Cay is great and I am pretty sure only one ship at a time stops there. In addition to all the previous comments there is pretty good snorkeling off the beach. They have placed big concrete spheres with large holes molded in them for the fish to swim into so they are attracted there. A lovely warm sunny place with plenty of chairs and umbrellas and a nice little hiking trail. Cash for postage and small items.

Posts: 202 | From: Illinois, Home of Lincoln and great graft | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Ali
First Class Passenger
Member # 1526

posted 08-25-2000 03:14 PM

Sympatico -

What are "squares"? (see your response to my question regarding Half Moon Cay)

Posts: 26 | From: Defiance, Ohio USA | Registered: Aug 2000 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 08-25-2000 07:44 PM

Ali - sorry - Guess I should have said "Brownies". Guess that's the Canuck coming out in me.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

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