The Private Cabanas
On Holland America's
Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is Holland America's "Private Island." It is actually in the Bahamas, and is leased to the cruise line, which has developed a small part of it and is leaving most of it in natural condition. The cruise ship anchors offshore and the ship's tenders bring the passengers ashore. The most luxurious way to enjoy Half Moon Cay is by renting one of the private cabanas. We did this in 2004 and 2007 and loved it each time.

There are five cabanas located in close to the dining pavilion (and the rest rooms). There are more on down the beach. In 2004 there were five more, but now in 2007 I can count at least ten!

(March 2007: Ziggy has posted some great pictures of the cabanas that were taken by Tootiesmom. CLICK HERE to see them. Use the back button on your browser to return here.)

In 2004 we took the ship's boats in. Aunt Ruth, who celebrated her 90th birthday earlier this year, enjoyed the tender ride.	But by 2007 they had been replaced by special flat top two deck tenders just for the island.
The friendly staff ashore on the island met us and escorted us to our cabana via the tram.	The pink cabana looks just right sitting on the beach next to a tree. The rest of our group was waiting on the porch waving at us.
In 2007 we had the taupe cabana. There is room for lounging on the porch, and a nice table area inside. The close in cabanas are convenient, but the beach is much more crowded in this area.	There are plenty of lounge chairs, and towels, float boards and snorkel gear are included.
The cabana steward fetches your drinks, and it is nice to lounge in the sun or sit in the shade as your preference dictates!	The chairs on the porch are equipped with water misters for the perfect relaxation.
There is a cooler full of soft drinks and bottled water, and a mini-refrigerator with veggies and dip, and chips and salsa.	It all makes a nice snack before you settle down to the serious eating.
Standing on the porch, you can get a beautiful picture with the ship int he background.	The water is great right in front of the cabana.
When lunchtime comes, you can make the trip to the buffet, and return with lots of ribs, chicken, hot dogs, slaw, macaroni salad and desserts! (The cabana stewards are no longer permitted to get lunch for you.)	By the time afternoon rolls around, the ceiling fan and air conditioner are a great luxury to have! The cabanas are the really relaxing and luxurious way to experience Half Moon Cay. The most recent price was $219, and they are in great demand. You need to jump on the shore excursion page as soon as you book your trip to get one!

The newest thing on Half Moon Cay is the GRAND CABANA! We have never been that lucky, but SirDavid from Cruise Critic boards sent these pictures with permission to post them. The Grand Cabana holds a group of 12 and rents for $1195. It has all the luxuries for a really wonderful day at the beach for your group.

It features private hot tub, bar service, meal service, entry to the water and the service of an attentive staff! Thanks, David, for the pics!

Email us at thehalls@bully4.us if you would like to talk about this trip. Back to  HAL Zuiderdam Eastern Caribbean trip report. Back to  HAL Westerdam Southern Caribbean trip report Back to  Cruising With The Halls You are visitor number since May 2004.