The full-day stop is a delight for swimmers, waders, sun-bathers, loungers, yakkers, beach bums, water sports enthusiasts, bird watchers, hikers and joggers. The only other folks on the cay are your Zuiderdam fellow passengers.
Once a refuge for pirates, H/A purchased the island in 1997, and has developed only 45 acres of the 2400 acres. As much habitat as possible is maintained for wildlife, and the island is a significant nesting area for waterfowl.
While Half Moon Cay's name could be derived from its gorgeous, white sand crescent-shaped beach, it really comes from the explorer Henry Hudson's ship, the "Half Moon".
We'll enjoy all kinds of water sports, volley ball, hiking through the wildlife preserve on marked trails, and much more. Or just lay back under a palm and read, snooze or have lively gab fests with your new freeper friends.
There's a West Indies village with shops and lots of open-air cocktail bars with luscious frozen tropical rum creations.
The ship's staff comes ashore also, to provide a fabulous open-air tropical buffet (so delicious!) plus entertainment from the ship's terrific steel band.
A highlight of our last cruise was our freeper beach party on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. The paradise that is Half Moon Key promises to top even that fun day!
Leni