When describing the “best” Caribbean port they visited, many cruise passengers might mention a destination you’ve never heard of. Half Moon Cay? Great Stirrup Cay? Castaway Cay? Where are they? Definitely off the beaten track, those are cruise line private islands.Established to provide a beach break on an island (or part of one) reserved for their exclusive use, most passengers don’t select an itinerary based solely upon whether their chosen ship calls at a private island, but usually consider the stop a highlight of their cruise vacation. The very least you can expect of your private paradise is lush foliage and wide swath of beach surrounded by azure water. Facilities vary, but a beach barbeque, water sports equipment rental, lounge chairs, hammocks, and bathrooms are standard.
Holland America Line's Half Moon Cay has some of the finest facilities you'll find on a private island and I'm looking forward to enjoying them not once, but TWICE in the upcoming weeks. Cruise Diva will be aboard HAL's Westerdam next week and blogging about the Smooth Jazz Cruise hosted by Wayman Tisdale; Half Moon Cay is on our itinerary. The following week I'll board Carnival Imagination to check out the recently completed "Evolutions of Fun" upgrades and share them here. Yes! Half Moon Cay is also a scheduled stop for my Carnival cruise.
Want to find out more about the cruise lines’ private sanctuaries. Get the details--go ashore with CruiseDiva.com and explore Cruise Lines Private Islands.
Photo: Horseback riding at Half Moon Cay, Courtesy of Holland America Line
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