Sunday, April 21, 2024

Half Moon Cay Bahamas Carnival private island cruise port schedule

carnival cruise line private island

Described as beachside meets the mountainside, it provides guests with a scenic background of lush vegetation and mountain terrain. The island has a good selection of cabanas including super luxurious ocean and lagoon villas which are furnished with beds to fully relax. There are some unique experiences at Harvest Cay including a free wildlife experience with butterflies and birds, in addition to the island’s botanical gardens. Or guests, can learn about the history and culture of the region with visits to Mayan ruins, or see how chocolate is made. Seakers Food Court is an open air venue that offers a buffet of BBQ classics with some Bahamian flavors.

Half Moon Cay Cabanas

carnival cruise line private island

About 100 locals work on the island and arrive by ferry from Eleuthera when there are visiting cruise ships. One of the best features about the private island is the powder-soft white sand stretching around the 2.5-mile-long Half Moon Beach. It is nicer than some other private islands such as Princess Cays which has coarser sand and some rocky areas. Most of the islands are located in the Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands, a day’s sail from Florida. With great weather, this location offers cruisers year round enjoyment and crystal blue waters, great for snorkeling.

Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line)

This allows them to gain insights into the vibrant heritage and traditions of the island’s local communities. Facilities such as shopping areas, souvenir shops, and photo opportunities are also available on the islands, allowing guests to take home tokens of their memorable vacation. Other amenities may include beach volleyball courts, sports courts, and open-air pavilions for events or group activities.

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Whether guests choose to sunbathe on the beaches, engage in thrilling water sports, or immerse themselves in the local culture, there is something for everyone on Carnival’s private islands. One of the main attractions of Carnival’s private islands is the pristine beaches. With powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, these idyllic stretches of shoreline provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Beach loungers and umbrellas are available throughout the day, allowing guests to unwind and soak up the sun.

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It has a lot of natural beauty with 2,400 acres of mostly trees and bushes, along with a 2-mile-long beach. About 100 miles southeast is a quiet uninhabited island, Little San Salvador, home to Carnival’s Half Moon Cay. Cruisers can choose to go back on board to have lunch, or they can snag a free barbecue meal at one of two buffets on shore. No doubt that more details about Celebration Key will come in the months ahead (it’s still more than a year until it’s open to the first visitors), but so far, it seems to offer something for everyone. No need to plan -- just put on your swimsuit, grab a lounge chair and let the day go where it will. You could kick back on the patio of the "I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever" bar with a cold beer or daiquiri.

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Princess Cays (Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise line)

You can even purchase clamshells that are farmed nearby and contain natural pearls. Purchase and open your clamshell and have the beautiful pearl made into a ring or pendant while you wait. The most common birds are gulls and waterfowl such as sooty terns, roseate terns, and noody terns. Other birds include wading birds such as egrets, ruddy ducks, herons and Caribbean coots.

Passengers who visit with other cruise lines can purchase day passes as long as a Virgin ship isn't in port. 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.

carnival cruise line private island

These can be spotted in the brackish lagoon which has been designated as a bird preserve by the Bahamian National Trust. There are nature trails all over the island either on hard pavement or sandy trails. These paths lead to some of the island’s shore excursion start points such as Stingray Cove, Bonefish Lagoon and the Pegasus Ranch where they keep the horses. Your cruise entertainment crew will organize some team games and fun activities while ashore so get ready to join an impromptu game. The cay has volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoes, shuffleboard and walking trails so there’s plenty for active cruisers to enjoy.

Even with all the construction, the space still feels natural and untouched -- a far cry from some of the more gimmicky private islands operated by other cruise lines. It has since developed 200,000 m2 (50 acres) of the 9.7 km2 (2,400-acre) island, with the stated goal of keeping as much habitat as possible. It does not have deep water docking that requires the use of tenders for cruise passengers to embark and  disembark. You only have half a day at Half Moon Cay so make sure to see the beach during the port visit. Loved swimming and running along the crystal clear blue waters and white sand beach.

The menu here is simple and straightforward, with the star of the show being — you guessed it — grilled lobster. Next to the Lobster Shack is the Wish I Could Stay Here Forever bar, marked by its Instagram-worthy sign. The island boasts three additional bars, including The Bell Bar and Rum Runners. There’s also beachside drinks service so you can enjoy a beer or cocktail without stepping foot off the sand. With miles of sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and all-around stunning scenery, this private island offers something for everyone. Best of all, Formby says, “Half Moon Cay can be an expense-free port stop,” thanks to complimentary amenities like lounge chairs plus a splash pad and playground for children.

For those seeking a more active experience, a range of activities and watersports await. Guests can grab snorkeling gear and explore the underwater wonders, take a kayak or paddleboard for a leisurely trip along the coast, or try their hand at thrilling water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. The islands may also feature swimming pools, water slides, and aqua parks for those who prefer on-land water adventures. The success and positive guest feedback from Half Moon Cay prompted Carnival Cruise Line to explore further opportunities in private island ownership. In 1997, the cruise line acquired another island in The Bahamas, known as Big Stirrup Cay, which was later rebranded as Great Stirrup Cay.

There are plenty of watering holes on the island including Nellie’s Tavern, Bohio Bar and the Columbus Bar. There are plenty of complimentary food options, including the Snack Shack and its legendary chicken sandwich. There is also Chill Grill and Skippers Grill, and an assortment of food choices.

All cruise line private islands feature alfresco bars, souvenir shops and beach equipment rentals. Some islands also offer amusements like zip lines and water parks, kiddie play areas and rental cabanas of varying levels of luxury. Available shore excursions may include options like swimming with stingrays, jet ski rides and snorkeling. Carnival Cruise Line’s private islands offer a unique and unforgettable vacation experience for cruise passengers. With stunning beaches, a wide range of activities, and luxurious amenities, these exclusive destinations are a highlight of any Carnival cruise. For cruise enthusiasts, a visit to one of Carnival Cruise Line’s private islands is a highlight of their trip.

The further you walk from the ship, the quieter the beach will be so if you’re looking for your own private spot, you will find it here. Half Moon Cay is located midway between the islands of Eleuthera and Cat Island in the Bahamas. It is about 100 miles (160km) southeast of Nassau, the Bahamian capital, and 277 miles southeast of Miami. Here's everything you need to know about Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, a private island used by Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. Adrenaline Beach has a floating bar, always a cool attraction, and a great place to try the Labadoozie cocktail.

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