Monday, February 3, 2025
When you have a HAL cruise in the Caribbean, you are more than likely going to stop at least once at Carnival Corporation’s Private Island – Half Moon Cay (HMC). It is usually the first port or the last port of the voyage. On this cruise, it is the first port.
We haven’t gone ashore to HMC in quite a few years. We decided to go today and walk the nature trails that we remembered from past visits. We assumed that the trail would go the length of the island which we had never walked before.
After enjoying a large coffee for Chuck and a large vanilla latte for me from the Grand Dutch Cafe, we went to the main dining room for breakfast.
We both decided to order the Express Breakfast – two eggs, choice of meat, and either French Toast or Pancakes. I ordered the one with a pancake. I should have researched my choice before I ordered. It was not one pancake but 3 pancakes – 3 big pancakes on a separate plate from the eggs and bacon. I don’t like to waste food, so I was mortified at the amount. I did the best I could with them.
Once back in the cabin, I got a bag of laundry ready to send out.
Then we went to the stairway that led to the tendering area. Since we are long-time HAL cruisers, we were allowed to go to the tender boat without a ticket. We only had to show our keycard to Security. Otherwise, we would have gone to the BB King Lounge to get a ticket and wait for the number to be called for boarding.
HMC uses a large two-deck open air boat to ferry people from the ship to the island. Much nicer than having to ride in the lifeboats which we have done numerous times at other tender ports.
Carnival Corporation is building a pier at the other end of the island. It will allow larger Carnival ships to come at the island. Tendering 6000 people is just not really feasible. The tentative opening date is early 2026. From what I could see, there were some pylons in the water, a lot of dirt/sand piled up on the island, and some cranes and machinery that did not seem to be in use. I think an opening date of early 2026 is an ambitious goal.
Once we arrived at the island, most people headed directly to the beach which I think is the nicest one I have ever seen. I looked for the signage directing people to the nature trail but could not find it. We headed off on the only path we saw. We soon found the resident chickens.
The path took us past the volleyball area and the basketball court directly to the food pavilion where they were setting up for the bar-b-que lunch. I was baffled as I knew we had walked a nice trail at other times.
We decided to head back to the ship and on the way, I did see the nature trail sign pointing back toward the pavilion. We turned around and went back past the pavilion and finally saw a small directional sign that said nature trail. I was happy to finally find it.
We really should have just gone back to the ship. The lush blooming plants that I remembered were now just scrub bushes. There were no informational signs that described the plants and the island history. Most importantly, there was no shade on the path.
I just have to assume that the storms over the years decimated the vegetation and have not been replaced. I guess they are just concentrating their efforts on the beach area which is not surprising since the beach is definitely the destination for most, if not all, of the passengers.
After taking a photo of the ship from the island, we did head back to the tender area and were soon back on the ship.
Still full from breakfast, we skipped lunch and went to the Sea View area for some pool time. I ordered one of their mocktails – Ginger Mango Splash. I think it is my new favorite poolside drink. I love mango and the ginger gave it a kick. We spent a relaxing afternoon in the sun and pool.
The afternoon passed quickly, and it was soon time to get ready for our dinner reservation at the Italian specialty restaurant – Canaletto. I looked at the special of the day – Espanole of Fresh Fish. I had to look up what “Espanole” meant – just a way of cooking. The fresh fish of the day was mahi mahi which I like, so I ordered it. If it had been grouper, I would have passed. Chuck ordered osso bucco. They gave him an extra-large portion.
Next, Chuck went to the Casino, and I went to the Game of Love Show. There were 3 couples competing. Each couple were married 50+ years. Lots of arguing about the answers given – “No dear, you are not remembering it correctly.” They all got a prize.
We went to the 9:00 show of the comedian Rory Gardiner. He talked a lot about raising kids. Since his audience mainly consisted of people who had kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids – he struggled with his routine. Maybe he’ll find his footing at the next show in a few days.
Chuck went back to the Casino to play cards and hope that his name would be called for the drawings. I went to listen to the last set of the Rolling Stone Lounge band. I got a cookie from the Grand Dutch Cafe and took it back to the room for later. It was not as good as the ones from the Lido. Think I will stick with their Dutch apple pie.
Tomorrow – Sea Day #1
