Nieuw Amsterdam at Half Moon Cay

Of all the ports of call Holland America Line ships visit, I’d venture to guess that their private island Half Moon Cay is one of their guests’ favorites. It’s always a highlight of my cruise and I wouldn’t miss going ashore there for any reason. That was why I didn’t hesitate to head to Nieuw Amsterdam’s tender station even though the morning looked gloomy and there was talk of a brief tropical shower.

The tropical shower never materialized (except in the island’s strategically placed misting stations provided for guests to cool off) and we enjoyed a lovely day ashore—not too hot, not too chilly. It was an ideal day to check out Half Moon Cay’s most recent attraction—Captain Morgan’s Bar. The little kids already had two pirate ships in their Club HAL play area on Half Moon Cay and now adults have their own super-sized pirate ship as well.

Captain Morgan’s has full service bars on two levels with seating on three and a band on the main floor. Or should I say deck? Argh, matey. After a Piña Colada, it doesn’t really matter. We’re now Captain Morgan’s mates, Pirates In The Bahamas. Argh.