Holland America Line‘s private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, is turning 20 this year. Two decades ago, the cruise line bought the island, which was then known as Little San Salvador, for a mere $6M. Since then it has developed 50 of the island’s 2,400 acres with the remainder dedicated as habitat for wildlife.
Anyone who has visited Half Moon Cay will tell you it ranks up there are one of the best cruise line owned islands. They’re all good, of course, but Half Moon Cay is my personal favorite. It was named a “Top-Rated Cruise Line Private Island Destination” in Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Destination Award as well as being awarded “Best Private Island” in the 2016 Porthole Readers’ Choice Awards.
Like many of these islands, cruise ships don’t have a place to dock so passengers are ferried back and forth via tenders. Half Moon Cay maintains a fleet of tenders on the island instead of ships having to use their own lifeboats to transport, not to mention these double-deckers can accommodate more passengers than the lifeboats can.
Visitors to Half Moon Cay have an expansive beach area to take advantage of as well as being able to rent private cabanas, beach villas, water sports equipment (paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks) and venture out on excursions such as horseback riding, snorkeling and more. You can even arrange to have your wedding on the island in the Wedding Chapel.
There are several bars on the island including the “I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar” and “Captain Morgan On the Rocks.” While drinks flow, there’s no shortage of food either, as with each call to the island the ship’s crew puts together a huge BBQ buffet for passengers to enjoy.
To celebrate turning 20, Holland America added several new additions to Half Moon Cay including:
Lobster Shack – serving freshly grilled lobster and rum cocktails for an additional charge.
New Watersports Equipment – Sunfish sailboats, Hobe catamarans, Aqua Cycle Trikes and Aqua Trax Wave Runners have been added
Cabana & Villa Enhancements – some new furnishings have been added as well as a fresh coat of paint to the rental cabanas and villas.
Beverage Spots – three additional beverage spots have been added to the beach area so guests don’t have to travel as far to quench their thirst.
Captain Morgan’s – new furnishings have been added.
Horseback Riding – 14 additional horses have taken up residence on the island as well as two additional grazing pastures to meet the demand for this popular activity.
Changing Rooms – enhancements have been made to these areas at the Ranch.
Welcome Center – new furnishings have been added.
Check out some of the photos from around the island and if you’ve visited, be sure to tell me what you think about Half Moon Cay!
