Thursday, October 24, 2024
The announcement about the tenders started promptly at 7:00 a.m. Everyone was requested to get a tender ticket. If you a suite guest, Club Orange member, or a 4 or 5 star Mariner, you picked up a ticket at the Rolling Stone Lounge. All others were to pick up their ticket in the Billboard on Board area. If you weren’t going to the island, you just go about your business. I went to get coffee.
Half Moon Cay is a beautiful private island owned by Carnival Corporation, and we have been there several times. Currently, you have to take a tender from the ship to the island.
However, they are building a pier on the island which, according to reports, will be finished in late 2025. One woman, actually looking at the posts sticking out of the water, argued with Chuck that no pier would ever be allowed on the island. Okay – then tell it to the heavy equipment operators that are already over there.
Carnival knows that it is easier to offload 5000-6000 people by pier than by tender boats. The faster you get your guests to the island that you own – the more money you will make. Duh
After our Lido breakfast, we walked a mile around the Promenade. Then we went to enjoy the Sea View pool and hot tubs while most people were on the island.
We ate a light lunch in the Lido and then relaxed on the balcony until it was time to get ready for the evening.
The Casino opened almost immediately after the all-aboard time of 2:30 and it was busy by the time we got there at 5:00. We played slots until it was time for our Pinnacle Grill dinner.
The menu for the Pinnacle Grill has changed. They have removed some items and have started a section that reflects cuisine of the region the ship is currently sailing. We each chose items from both the regular menu and the new Caribbean section.
For appetizers, Chuck and I both had the shrimp and crab cakes from the new section and shared the candied bacon that is still part of the regular menu. Our mains both came from the new section. He chose the pork chops, and I chose the yellow-tail snapper. We each chose the Creme Brulee off the regular menu. The Pinnacle Grill has also stopped giving candy for dessert but instead gave us three macarons. We took those back to the stateroom.
Though we were stuffed, we made it to the Rolling Stone Lounge for a set and then to the World Stage to see Flip Shultz’s second show. I thought his material was better for this one. Still PG13.
After the show was over, I called it a night and Chuck went to play some cards.
Photos from previous visits of HMC:
Tomorrow: Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
