Are the hobie catamarans guided tours or is it a rental and you can sail around yourself? The description and reviews say its just a rental but you said its a guided tour just wanted to confirm which one it is. since i was really looking forward to renting one. thank you.
That particular one is not guided. They do offer both but most of them are self guided and previous experience is required. Sorry for the confusion but you should be good to go! Enjoy!
The bars on the island will have limited sodas and possibly coffee but not always. The buffet will have iced tea, water and juices. I tried to get a Bloody Mary at two of the bars and nobody had mix. Don't expect the same soda selection as the ship. Also remember that the drink packages are not accepted on the island so all drinks and sodas are an additional fee. Water, iced tea (buffet only when it is open) are complimentary.
Doug, thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences with us. Your videos are so well produced, and you speak very well. I thought I would let you and your viewers know a few things about HMC that I hope will be helpful. A few different sources state they are planning a pier (like CocoCay), so we will not have to tender. Many times pax are disappointed if the waters are too rough for the shuttles, and the port is cancelled. Even though Carnival owns Holland, they never have both cruise lines docked at the same type. HA attracts a different crowd to CCL, so if two ships are docked it will be either CCL or HA. If one does not have an excursion or a cabana rental, you must wait until all of those that do have been shuttled over. The last time we were there, we didn't get to the island until lunch. Oh, and if they still have it, the walking tour is skippable. It is very short, not very informative, and you can do it on your own. It was inexpensive, though.
Thank you so much and thank you for watching! The pier is long over due. They have been discussing that for years now. I also sometimes wait onboard before heading to the island with the crowds. That is a great tip! I also agree 100% that they do not mix Carnival and HAL since they do have very different demographics. I have been there with two HAL ships and it does get a bit crowded but still very manageable. I appreciate you sharing your tips and observations!
I was wondering about the tram - does it take you past the Pirate ship? I want to get to the less crowded area of the beach but have some walking mobility issues.
On Half Moon cay the tram is free and runs continuously between the welcome center and the buffet area which is very close to the shipwreck bar. If you have a cabana on the far side of the beach, they will take you to the closest beach access point. You should not have any issues especially if you tell them you have mobility issues. Have a great time!
Thanks! It is very well accepted that both are fine. Holland America land staff and ship crew pronounce it Cay. I have lived in South Florida for decades and have been to numerous Keys and understand the proper pronunciation.
@@Koky1111 Why I am not surprised. Disrespect to the locals and still saying Cay. Or are you one of the cult which with not evolved and not educated tRump brains and not capable to pronounce Cay as Key? It needs some training I agree... but I know you can.
There are cabanas everywhere - all standard cabanas will have lunch provided for that area. Chill Island has a small building if lunch is included, Beach Club has the main restaurant and others will have the standard pavilion if an upgraded lunch is not included.
When you ride the horses in the water, they take off the saddle and you do have to wear an adult flotation belt. You will see that everyone is wearing a yellow strap. Thanks for watching!
Hi Doug, thank you so much for the very informative video. My husband and I are going on home America in November 2024. I have mobility issues so it was great to hear that there is a wheelchair available on the island with large wheels that will get you through the sands. I was also leaning towards getting the cabana, but after that, you said that all aboard is at 1:30 it seems like such a short day and not worth it to get a cabana. I think I will look into getting a clamshell. Again, thank you so much for the video. Cheers.
I am so happy that you found this helpful. One thing to note is that there are about 4-5 steps to climb into the cabana. I have done them twice and they are very nice. Make sure to check your itinerary and find out when you leave Half Moon Cay that day. The 1:30 all aboard was the earliest of any other time we were there. Normally it is around 3:00 - 4:00. If you head out earlier in the morning, spending the majority of the day at the beach is more than enough. If not, then a clamshell might be a great alternative. Have a great cruise and thanks for watching!
Thanks for a great video! Clarification on the clamshells please. In all the videos I have watched, they appear set up (with chairs) in front of the cabanas & behind the free chairs. Your video implies they give you the clamshell at the sports shack and then you set it up yourself. So... do they just assign you a clamshell & you go to it? If you set it up yourself, how do you get the chairs that are guaranteed to come with it? How do they make sure people don't just take your clamshell when you are off snorkeling or doing other activities?
Other recent videos indicate you just walk until you find an empty clamshell you want, stand there until a yellow-shirt staff comes to assist. Other's state you go to the sports hut and they assign you to an already set up clamshell.
So it is my understanding from being there several times, the yellow-shirt staff will assist in setting up the assigned clamshell so that you do not have to set it up yourself. The chairs are already there and if not, the yellow-shirts will correct that for you. It is best to go to the water sports hut because many are assigned even if there is nobody there. They will walk you down to the clamshell. There is not a way to secure your belongings while in the water or other activities. If someone takes your clamshell, a polite reminder that this is yours and you paid for it I am sure will go a long way to get their butts out of there. I hope that helps!
@@seemoreseascruises3791 Thanks! Every cruise we have been on, the private island has been cancelled for one reason or another. We feel like we have a private island curse on us or something. 🤔 Hoping next week is our first successful docking at one of the islands.
So, what if you are disabled and use a wheelchair. The wheelchair is solid frame, doesn’t collapse. What if you are unable to walk, unable to take “2 or 3” steps? It is not right to say it is “accessible “ but you have to take a few steps.
It is accessible under good sea conditions. Yes, tenders are accessible. If you choose to travel without a collapsible wheelchair and expect to travel to an island in a solid frame wheelchair, I assume that you have delt with this before. I would not expect to have access to any tenders on any cruise line except under the best of sea conditions. The crew will go above and beyond to accommodate anyone however the decision for being able to go ashore rests with the Captain. If you have flat seas and you are not able to take steps on your own or with assistance, then the crew will take care of lifting that passenger on the tender and making sure the guest is allowed onto the island. This is a best judgement call and NOT an all or nothing. So "what if" is very dependent on the call of the crew on any given day. The tenders are accessible.
Best video regarding this port!!! Thanks!!! Very comprehensive and clear.
Thank you so much! So glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching
Are the hobie catamarans guided tours or is it a rental and you can sail around yourself? The description and reviews say its just a rental but you said its a guided tour just wanted to confirm which one it is. since i was really looking forward to renting one. thank you.
That particular one is not guided. They do offer both but most of them are self guided and previous experience is required. Sorry for the confusion but you should be good to go! Enjoy!
What bathrooms are available for the small cabanas? I have one kidney, I donated a kidney in 2017.
There a no bathrooms in the standard cabanas. You will need to use the public bathrooms nearby.
I consider a ride in a tender to me a free mini excursion. In other words, a feature, not a bug.
I do too! Other than filming the journey and the island again, getting off the ship, was what I was most looking forward to!
I agree. I thought it was kind of neat!
Does bar have soft drinks? Tea, coffee? Soda?
The bars on the island will have limited sodas and possibly coffee but not always. The buffet will have iced tea, water and juices. I tried to get a Bloody Mary at two of the bars and nobody had mix. Don't expect the same soda selection as the ship. Also remember that the drink packages are not accepted on the island so all drinks and sodas are an additional fee. Water, iced tea (buffet only when it is open) are complimentary.
Another great video, Doug! I enjoyed it a lot. I think i spotted myself in the water. 😂
You must have been one of the brave ones that day! Thanks so much for watching!
Headed there in March. Are you allowed to bring your own, small clip on chair umbrella? Saw a couple in your video.
that is a great question, but I am sure that you are. They are not going to demand that you use one of theirs. I hope that you have a great time!
We are going to the Western Caribbean on Holland America next week. I’m looking forward to it! 💗
Have fun! thanks for watching!
Doug, thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences with us. Your videos are so well produced, and you speak very well. I thought I would let you and your viewers know a few things about HMC that I hope will be helpful. A few different sources state they are planning a pier (like CocoCay), so we will not have to tender. Many times pax are disappointed if the waters are too rough for the shuttles, and the port is cancelled. Even though Carnival owns Holland, they never have both cruise lines docked at the same type. HA attracts a different crowd to CCL, so if two ships are docked it will be either CCL or HA. If one does not have an excursion or a cabana rental, you must wait until all of those that do have been shuttled over. The last time we were there, we didn't get to the island until lunch. Oh, and if they still have it, the walking tour is skippable. It is very short, not very informative, and you can do it on your own. It was inexpensive, though.
Thank you so much and thank you for watching! The pier is long over due. They have been discussing that for years now. I also sometimes wait onboard before heading to the island with the crowds. That is a great tip! I also agree 100% that they do not mix Carnival and HAL since they do have very different demographics. I have been there with two HAL ships and it does get a bit crowded but still very manageable. I appreciate you sharing your tips and observations!
I was wondering about the tram - does it take you past the Pirate ship? I want to get to the less crowded area of the beach but have some walking mobility issues.
On Half Moon cay the tram is free and runs continuously between the welcome center and the buffet area which is very close to the shipwreck bar. If you have a cabana on the far side of the beach, they will take you to the closest beach access point. You should not have any issues especially if you tell them you have mobility issues. Have a great time!
you have been 4 times to Half Moon Cay and still not knowing how to pronounce Cay...
Let me help you... Cay == Key. Half Moon Key...
Thanks! It is very well accepted that both are fine. Holland America land staff and ship crew pronounce it Cay. I have lived in South Florida for decades and have been to numerous Keys and understand the proper pronunciation.
@@seemoreseascruises3791 HAL crew pronounce it Cay bcs USfolks will not understand where they are.
Only 1 pronouncation is right... CAY==Key.
I am from fl been there many many times one of the most beautiful beaches ,and I pronounced Half moon CAY.
@@Koky1111 if you bern there many times you have a limited brain memory. Probably a tRump issue?
Cay is for dummies and Key is for educated people..
@@Koky1111 Why I am not surprised. Disrespect to the locals and still saying Cay.
Or are you one of the cult which with not evolved and not educated tRump brains and not capable to pronounce Cay as Key?
It needs some training I agree... but I know you can.
if you rent a small cabana - how do you get the lunch that is included?
There are cabanas everywhere - all standard cabanas will have lunch provided for that area. Chill Island has a small building if lunch is included, Beach Club has the main restaurant and others will have the standard pavilion if an upgraded lunch is not included.
I was told that riding the horses that you might have to wear a life vet in the water, is that true?
When you ride the horses in the water, they take off the saddle and you do have to wear an adult flotation belt. You will see that everyone is wearing a yellow strap. Thanks for watching!
Thank you! Very helpful!!
I am so glad that you found it helpful! If you are headed to Half Moon Cay soon, have a great time! Thanks for watching!
Hi Doug, thank you so much for the very informative video.
My husband and I are going on home America in November 2024. I have mobility issues so it was great to hear that there is a wheelchair available on the island with large wheels that will get you through the sands.
I was also leaning towards getting the cabana, but after that, you said that all aboard is at 1:30 it seems like such a short day and not worth it to get a cabana. I think I will look into getting a clamshell.
Again, thank you so much for the video.
Cheers.
I am so happy that you found this helpful. One thing to note is that there are about 4-5 steps to climb into the cabana. I have done them twice and they are very nice. Make sure to check your itinerary and find out when you leave Half Moon Cay that day. The 1:30 all aboard was the earliest of any other time we were there. Normally it is around 3:00 - 4:00. If you head out earlier in the morning, spending the majority of the day at the beach is more than enough. If not, then a clamshell might be a great alternative. Have a great cruise and thanks for watching!
Is this half moon or cocoa? I heard coca several times which is royal
Yes, this is Half Moon Cay. I need to go back in and make screen notes where I mention Coco Cay. Sorry for the confusion!
Thanks for a great video!
Clarification on the clamshells please. In all the videos I have watched, they appear set up (with chairs) in front of the cabanas & behind the free chairs. Your video implies they give you the clamshell at the sports shack and then you set it up yourself. So... do they just assign you a clamshell & you go to it? If you set it up yourself, how do you get the chairs that are guaranteed to come with it? How do they make sure people don't just take your clamshell when you are off snorkeling or doing other activities?
Other recent videos indicate you just walk until you find an empty clamshell you want, stand there until a yellow-shirt staff comes to assist. Other's state you go to the sports hut and they assign you to an already set up clamshell.
So it is my understanding from being there several times, the yellow-shirt staff will assist in setting up the assigned clamshell so that you do not have to set it up yourself. The chairs are already there and if not, the yellow-shirts will correct that for you. It is best to go to the water sports hut because many are assigned even if there is nobody there. They will walk you down to the clamshell. There is not a way to secure your belongings while in the water or other activities. If someone takes your clamshell, a polite reminder that this is yours and you paid for it I am sure will go a long way to get their butts out of there. I hope that helps!
@@seemoreseascruises3791 Thanks! Every cruise we have been on, the private island has been cancelled for one reason or another. We feel like we have a private island curse on us or something. 🤔 Hoping next week is our first successful docking at one of the islands.
9:37. Coco Cay??....wrong cruise line. 😄😉
I have to check that out! 🤣🤣😜 guess I had Royal on my mind.......
Great video ❤❤❤❤
Thank you!! And thanks for watching!
So, what if you are disabled and use a wheelchair. The wheelchair is solid frame, doesn’t collapse. What if you are unable to walk, unable to take “2 or 3” steps? It is not right to say it is “accessible “ but you have to take a few steps.
It is accessible under good sea conditions. Yes, tenders are accessible. If you choose to travel without a collapsible wheelchair and expect to travel to an island in a solid frame wheelchair, I assume that you have delt with this before. I would not expect to have access to any tenders on any cruise line except under the best of sea conditions. The crew will go above and beyond to accommodate anyone however the decision for being able to go ashore rests with the Captain. If you have flat seas and you are not able to take steps on your own or with assistance, then the crew will take care of lifting that passenger on the tender and making sure the guest is allowed onto the island. This is a best judgement call and NOT an all or nothing. So "what if" is very dependent on the call of the crew on any given day. The tenders are accessible.