Monday, February 4, 2013

Holland America Line’s Half Moon Cay Celebrates 15th Anniversary With New Features

Beach Villas under construction
When evaluating the “best” Caribbean ports of call, many repeat cruise passengers often cite the cruise lines’ own private islands as their favorite. Award-winning Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s private Bahamian island, celebrated its 15th anniversary this Caribbean cruise season, and to commemorate the milestone the island offerings and features have been enhanced.

When we called there last fall during the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, we noticed the structures under construction that are pictured here and learned that they would eventually become five new, colorful, two-story Beach Villas available for rent during each call. The two level luxurious hideaways boast exclusive hot tubs on the second floor and provide private accommodations for guests while they relax and experience the island’s highlights. Other beach cabanas were refreshed, and the Grand Cabana received new décor and a slide from the cabana deck straight into the ocean.

“For 15 years, Half Moon Cay has continuously been recognized as the most popular private island in the Caribbean, and to celebrate this milestone we have added several new features,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Our guests already rate Half Moon Cay as their favorite Caribbean port call, and these new enhancements will make the island even more enjoyable.”

A new glass-bottom boat that carries 290 guests also was introduced for tours and features underwater viewing of the island’s colorful reefs and sea life. The horseback riding tour is one of the island’s most popular, and six horses were recently added to the herd so more can enjoy the ride.

The enrichment of the island’s features extended to the Bahamian Church, which has been repainted and outfitted with new pews and interior artwork. The island’s private chapel is nestled in a garden overlooking the sea and provides the perfect setting for cruise guests to enjoy a unique, romantic wedding ceremony or vow renewal.

Over the past 15 years, Half Moon Cay—with its breathtakingly beautiful, crescent-shaped white-sand beach and warm, blue-green waters—has evolved into an idyllic playground for cruise guests while retaining the scenic natural beauty of the 1,700-acre uninhabited Little San Salvador Island.

On the island guests can find solitude just a short walk down the beach or rollicking fun at Captain Morgan’s Bar. Half Moon Cay offers shore excursions ranging from a swim with stingrays to a horseback ride and swim. The 700-acre lagoon offers water sports on its protected waters. New amenities and shore excursions have been gradually added to Half Moon Cay over the years, always with an eye to protecting the island’s natural beauty and preserving its status as an important migratory-bird sanctuary.

In addition to the five new Beach Villas, there are fifteen Beach Cabanas and one Private Oasis on Half Moon Cay with these features:

Beach Villas completed
Beach Villa Package
Board the first tender ashore, or have priority tender use, to maximize your time by being the first guests to arrive. For your comfort, you will find your two-story villa outfitted with air-conditioning, a 5 person capacity hot tub, refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioner, dining area with table and chairs inside, misting shower, and private sun deck. You will be provided with fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and chips and salsa to snack on as well as an assortment of soft drinks and bottled water to quench your thirst. Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included for your use throughout the day. Note: The Beach Villa Package is applicable for up to 8 guests. Parties larger than 8 must book a "Beach Villa Package-Extra Person Surcharge" tour for each additional guest.

Private Cabana Package
Board the first tender ashore, or have priority tender use, to maximize your time by being the first guests to arrive. For your comfort, you will find your cabana outfitted with a refrigerator, ceiling fan, air conditioner, table and chairs inside, and deck chairs and a misting shower on the private terrace. You will be provided with fresh fruit, vegetables with dip, and chips and salsa to snack on as well as an assortment of soft drinks and bottled water to quench your thirst. Floating mats and snorkel gear are also included for your use throughout the day. Note: The Private Cabana Package is applicable for up to 4 guests. Parties larger than 4 must book a "Private Cabana Package-Extra Person Surcharge" tour for each additional guest.

Butler Service Upgrade Package: Villas & Cabanas
This special service upgrade is available to those guests who have purchased a Half Moon Cay Beach Villa or Cabana Package. The Butler Service Upgrade Package includes:
-- Unlimited beverages available from the various bars on Half Moon Cay. Drinks made from house brand liquor, all beers, soft drinks, bottled water and wine.
-- A picnic lunch consisting of appetizer, entree, and dessert.
-- Butler escort from your cabin to assist you ashore carrying all belongings to and from the ship.
-- Your Butler will see to whatever needs you have on the island including shopping from the island shops and any Shore Excursions bookings you may like to make on Half Moon Cay.
The Butler Service Upgrade Package price is applicable for up to 8 guests. For groups of more than 8 guests, each additional guest must purchase an Extra Person Surcharge for the Butler Service Upgrade.

Private Oasis Palm Package
The Private Oasis perches on a point, partially over water, so you can enjoy your private gathering in a luxurious setting, highlighted by an easy walkway into the warm turquoise waters. The Private Oasis offers a total of 1,620 square feet and includes a large covered deck and comfortable sun deck with eight-person hot tub. Features include an indoor teak dining table seating six people, outdoor teak lounges and bar stools accommodating 12, barbecue area, full wet bar and refrigerator, massage table, iPod music system, multi-colored Bahamian tapestries, men's and women's changing rooms, indoor and outdoor showers with heated fresh water, 100-foot walkway with misting stations and privacy gate. Your Palm Package menu throughout the day will include the services of a butler, personal chef, and lifeguard along with the following:
-- Fresh Fruit, Danish, Chips & Salsa from 10:00am - 2:00pm
-- Beverage Package with Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Juices, Domestic and Imported Beers, House Pouring Wine by the Glass, Island Cocktails, Frozen Tropical Classics, and Mocktails from 10:00am-3:00pm
-- BBQ lunch buffet with Assorted Salads, Fruit Salad, Grilled Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Fresh Teriyaki glazed Mahi Mahi, Barbequed Pork Spare Ribs and Barbequed Chicken, Brownies & Cookies from 11:30am -1:00pm
Note: The base rate is applicable for up to 12 guests. Only one guest need purchase the reservation for up to 12 guests. For groups with more than 12 guests, an Extra Person Surcharge for the Private Oasis at Half Moon Cay must be purchased for each additional person from 13-25 guests.

If You Go
Book your Villa, Cabana, or Oasis Package online as early as possible to avoid disappointment as they almost always sell out before sailing. After you log in and complete your online check-in, you will find pricing in the shore excursion section of the Holland America Line website.

Images (c) CruiseDiva.com  & Courtesy of Holland America Line

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