Karen Knowlton

Our favorite port was Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island. The white-powder sand beach is gorgeous! There are tents and open-air shelters everywhere, housing picnic tables, misting stations, massage stations, and bars, with a large shelter where the onshore BBQ lunch is served. Several large restrooms with changing areas are positioned throughout the grounds, and a few open-air souvenir shops too. Everything is kept very clean, and workers were constantly sweeping sand from the patios and paved walks. (Most paths are sandy, however, and can be a good workout.) Those with mobility problems, however, have no good way to enjoy the island; some wheelchair-bound passengers could not even get there, as the ship anchors offshore and tenders everyone over via lifeboat. A few warnings: there can be problems with biting insects, mostly mosquitoes and sand fleas, so take insect repellent. The usual warning regarding sunscreen/sunblock applies too – the sun is very strong there, and multiplied if you’re in or near the water. And some of the shops have concrete curbs which aren’t clearly marked; Mom nearly fell off one, and another passenger did, needing medical attention as a result. There is plenty to do on Half Moon Cay, from relaxing on a beach chair or a rented floating mat to banana boat rides, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba and parasailing.

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