july72807 Posted July 10, 2018 #1 Share Posted July 10, 2018 Is it just ONE beach option? We are traveling via Carnival. Are there other things to do in this location? There doesn't seem to be much on the boards about this location. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare SpainAlien Posted July 10, 2018 #2 Share Posted July 10, 2018 https://www.cruisehive.com/21-things-half-moon-cay-carnivals-private-island/22968 Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PrincessArlena'sDad Posted July 10, 2018 #3 Share Posted July 10, 2018 It is a private beach, and an amazing one at that. Most spend the day relaxing on the beach. You can rent a cabana or villa, via carnival excursions. All activities are run by Carnival, and can be booked as an excursion (or maybe once you get there, if there is availability). You won't find any 3rd party excursions or activities, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted July 10, 2018 #4 Share Posted July 10, 2018 There are many large threads down the board on HMM. Yes, there is one very good sized, extremely nice beach. But there are excursions like water sports, bars, food, lots of other things.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CherryG Posted July 11, 2018 #5 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Been there four times and will be back again in Nov. it’s the most beautiful beach. Soft sand, long and wide, water is perfect. We always book a clam shell ahead as husband doesn’t like too much sun. It’s a few minute ride on the transfer over which is a nice little ride. Holland America has a bbq lunch included and we’ve always found it pretty good. Typical bbq menu. I know there are things to do but we just chill out and enjoy the beach. You will love it. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted July 11, 2018 #6 Share Posted July 11, 2018 This is a beach day, pure and simple. There are several "beach" locations...we LOVE the private beach day! You can relax or be active..up to you! They offer plenty of ways to spend more money, or you can forgo all that, and not spend a dime! Give it a try....betting you'll enjoy it! If you don't, the ship is up and running and will be less crowded than a sea day would be! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted July 11, 2018 #7 Share Posted July 11, 2018 Lovely Beach. Our only problem there is the beach bars while have good views are not very close to the ocean ... way more than a few steps away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lottacruises Posted July 14, 2018 #8 Share Posted July 14, 2018 Make this a beach day for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaony Posted November 12, 2018 #9 Share Posted November 12, 2018 Do Carnival and HAL share this island? (Sorry, new to HAL) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted November 13, 2018 #10 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Yes. It is technically HAL's private island, they built it, and get priority. Ships from each cruise line will not be there at the same time. Carnival gets more time there in the summer when all of HAL's ships go to Europe or Alaska. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaony Posted November 13, 2018 #11 Share Posted November 13, 2018 Thank you, Bruce! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
july72807 Posted November 13, 2018 Author #12 Share Posted November 13, 2018 so when we arrive do we just go to the beach or should we find a specific spot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted November 13, 2018 #13 Share Posted November 13, 2018 5 minutes ago, july72807 said: so when we arrive do we just go to the beach or should we find a specific spot? Well, I would guess that depends on what you are interested in or want to do. And we don't know any of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadianbear Posted November 24, 2018 #14 Share Posted November 24, 2018 On 11/12/2018 at 8:22 PM, july72807 said: so when we arrive do we just go to the beach or should we find a specific spot? If you just want a beach day just head straight there. There are lots of lounge chairs to relax on. If you prefer a quieter area of the beach just keep walking. Once you’ve arrived off the tender you’ll see the beach area-it’s beautiful. We take our snorkel gear and spend awhile in the water locating the resident octopus etc. Have fun. We love it there. Our son and DIL are coming for the first time here with us in February and are thinking of taking the horseback excursion. Hubby and I did the stingray snorkel in the past and enjoyed it. It all depends on what you want to do. We don’t rent a clamshell-just use the lounge chairs. If it gets too hot you can go to the bar! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springtx249 Posted November 26, 2018 #15 Share Posted November 26, 2018 We have always rented a clam shell to give us shade from the sun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mich3 Posted November 28, 2018 #16 Share Posted November 28, 2018 I have been reading about this beautiful port, as this will be our first visit there. I have a few questions about things I cannot find: I see that the BBQ lunch is included like on the ship; however, the only ship port map I can find is from HA and we will be on Carnival. Is lunch served at the same pavilion for both lines? What is the cost to rent a clamshell? I do not see this listed under excursions for my ship, so I do not know if that means they are all rented, or if we need to rent one after arrival. I read a few posts about a quieter area farther down the beach past the private cabanas. Another person wrote to walk to the right end of the beach, and the area past the cabanas looks like it is left of the tender spot. Which is correct? Or, am I misunderstanding what is meant? Are there lounge chairs and clamshells in that quiet area, too? Or, are chairs and clamshells only in the busy area? I read about fitness trail and hiking trails, which sound like they are different trails. Do these begin near the Welcome Center? Are they doable in walking sandals or will we need something more sturdy? Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted November 28, 2018 #17 Share Posted November 28, 2018 Yes, BBQ is offered on Carnival. Look around again...I believe the clamshells are $19 on Carnival. As you approach the island, the "quiet area" is to the left of the tender docking area, past the main beach with the lounge chairs and cabanas. There aren't lounge chairs or any other amenities in the area. It will be very apparent as you arrive and tender ashore. All activities originate out of the town square, or very close. I haven't hiked the trails you mention, but given the very soft sand on the island, hiking probably would require tennis shoes or better. Not hiking boots. I think the sand would be a little frustrating in flip flops. Might be ok in sandals with some support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springtx249 Posted November 28, 2018 #18 Share Posted November 28, 2018 Clamshells on HAL are $40 to rent! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mich3 Posted November 28, 2018 #19 Share Posted November 28, 2018 Thank you for the better info. No, there are no clamshells listed for my cruise; not even as sold out. All of the others (cabana, villa, oasis) are listed and all sold out, which is why I thought it might be something we could get after arriving. I understand lunch is provided for all; I just was not certain if it is the same lunch provided for all in the same area. Seems like it would be easier that way, but you never know. I thought of another question: What kind of payment do we need for drinks? Cash, credit card, S&S card... I know drink package beverages are not included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacruise804 Posted November 28, 2018 #20 Share Posted November 28, 2018 3 hours ago, Mich3 said: I have been reading about this beautiful port, as this will be our first visit there. I have a few questions about things I cannot find: I see that the BBQ lunch is included like on the ship; however, the only ship port map I can find is from HA and we will be on Carnival. Is lunch served at the same pavilion for both lines? What is the cost to rent a clamshell? I do not see this listed under excursions for my ship, so I do not know if that means they are all rented, or if we need to rent one after arrival. I read a few posts about a quieter area farther down the beach past the private cabanas. Another person wrote to walk to the right end of the beach, and the area past the cabanas looks like it is left of the tender spot. Which is correct? Or, am I misunderstanding what is meant? Are there lounge chairs and clamshells in that quiet area, too? Or, are chairs and clamshells only in the busy area? I read about fitness trail and hiking trails, which sound like they are different trails. Do these begin near the Welcome Center? Are they doable in walking sandals or will we need something more sturdy? Thanks!! I was there with my husband in September and here is what I remember: *Map should be the same as HAL map, same pavilion. Plenty of covered seating - we had lots of chickens wandering the area, but they pretty much left us alone. *We didn't rent a clamshell, but I'd read they get very warm inside. We had two chairs in the shade, but I think we consolidated down to one because we just used it to hold our stuff. It was very hot that day (over 100) so we were in the water almost the whole time except for lunch, restroom, and reapplying sunscreen. *Our area was fairly quiet. From the ship, it was the to the left end of the beach (on the beach the ship was visible to the left), near a lifeguard station and restroom. I think there were still some cabanas nearby, but not the larger villas. Lots of chairs. *Plenty of chairs in our area, but not sure if there is another area to the right of the ship (viewed from the ship). *Walking sandals should be fine if you are walking. We had planned a long run based on descriptions of the trails, but it was too hot. My memory is it was mixed surfaces. Some hard surface (golf carts drove on it), some packed earth. Sand was everywhere, so something you don't mind getting sandy is key. Your S/S card should be accepted, but I would bring some small bills for tips maybe. We brought a 2.5L hydration pack of water and didn't do any souvenirs, but I'm pretty sure drinks are on your cruise card. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mich3 Posted November 28, 2018 #21 Share Posted November 28, 2018 Thank you, pacruise804! 😊 I appreciate the great info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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