Thirty something years ago a young man named Richard Branson formed a company called Virgin. He started with a record label which produced some of the most famous bands of the seventies and of course today we have Virgin Airways (yes, they do go all the way) Virgin Money, Virgin Mobile etc. This has made Richard a lot of money and one thing he did buy was his own private Caribbean island called Neckar. This is where the likes of Pee Daddy, Beeonsay, Jay Low and other celebrities pay trillions of dollars to experience the finest in Caribbean luxury without having to share them with ordinary mortals like me and you. In fact, legend has it that George Hamilton’s tan comes mostly from the beaches of Neckar. Visiting and vacationing on a private island it would seem is just for the rich and bronzed………………………..or is it. A few years ago our sister company Holland America bought an island they would call Half Moon Cay and it has become one of the most talked about destinations our corporation ships visit …………….. and today, for the first time…………….I got to see it for myself. 
Now, you may remember that just before or just after Christmas I slapped on an interview with my friend Matt Sams who is a Vice President of …….something………..and is largely responsible for the islands success. So, before you read my review maybe you should click this link thingy to read all about it……………….go on………………..I will wait here for you.
OK, welcome back.
As you will have read the ships anchor just off the coast of this incomparable island. Tendering here on the Carnival Imagination is handled quickly and professionally with the busiest time seeming to be between 10 am and 11 am. However, there was never more than a 15-minute wait for the tenders and the wait is certainly worth it because the reward of your own private island is waiting for you.
Before we talk about what the guests do we should mention that this is a very busy day for the ship’s company. The crew of every ship are responsible for providing the food, the drinks, the entertainment, the music, the clean-up operation in fact the entire aspect of the service that is provided on the island is done so by the ship’s crew.
I say this because as Heidi and I were strolling around we heard a lady say to her partner………”he looks just like our waiter” …………….. and, of course, it was. The staff and crew of the Carnival Imagination did a brilliant job and provided the same friendly and fun service ashore that they do onboard……………..congratulations to them. There is also some staff on the island that also assists in making this a brilliant port of call.
This is also the only port in the world where you can use your Sail and Sign ship cards. Although I have read many comments over the years where guests have gone ashore and come back upset and angry because the local T-shirt shop refused to take their card …………… well……………on Half Moon Cay you can use it to buy drinks and other items. You should however take with you some cash as there are one or two souvenir shops that are separate concessions that will not take the magic card.
Arriving on the island the first order of the day from the Mrs. was to take of my shoes and socks…………….OK………….I know what you are thinking…………he wore socks……………to the beach………………..well, I am sorry but this is a very British thing and I know it gets on her nerves. So, once ashore that was me………………..hopping around on one leg trying to take my socks and shoes off.
Once I had met the required dress code we started our walk along the beach knowing that as soon as we did Heidi would start talking about love and the future…………..its as though sand brings out the romantic in her……………..me…………….I hate the way it gets between your toes and if there is a sharp object that is buried beneath the sand it will be me that stands on it.
I mentioned yesterday that the beaches in Grand Turk were amazing ……………..well if they were the Lexus of beaches…………then the half Moon Cay sands are the Bentley GTC ……………..they are………………. simply gorgeous.
As we wandered the beaches we saw the different ways people were enjoying their time. Many were just sunbathing, running over the hot sands as quick as they could to jump into the tanzanite-coloured water. Of course there is always one person who has to spoil the picture and we saw that person today………………I apologize if he is reading this blog thingy but bloody hell……………….what were you thinking?
It was a man…………..of course it was……………and many of you will already be ahead of me on this one. Yep, he was wearing the dreaded Speedos. Now, I have threatened to wear these on many occasions but of course this is just a threat and I would never ever subject anyone to the sight of me in a skimpy pair of these plum- smuggling swimming attire.
He was a big man, he made me look like a stick insect, however, he wore a pair of Speedos which proclaimed that he was a proud, proud American. This is because the Speedos were patterned after the Stars and Stripes flag. However, the only way to discover this pattern was if you were actually laying on a sun bed looking up, as Heidi and I were, when he passed by. He seemed oblivious to the laughter that followed him down the beach and if the view of the great American flag was disturbing from the front, the view from the back was horrific.
I will leave the rest to your imagination. His wife or partner was also very patriotic and her one piece bathing costume was also of the same material, although gravity meant the flag was flying at half-mast. I wanted to take a photo but this suggestion was met by one of those Heidi looks so that particular avenue of pleasure was closed.
The island has a wide variety of choices with what to do. For a wee bit extra you can rent safe, non-motorized water sports equipment, kayaks and cabanas. The cabanas are especially popular and provide that extra touch of luxury. There is also something extra special, a place where you would expect to find George Hamilton turning further brown a supermodel rubbing cream on his back.
It’s called The Oasis. It sits at the point of the bay and includes a covered cabana, a private chef and open bar to cook and serve for you all day. A huge Jacuzzi tub, love seats and direct access to the beach and the water……………………it accommodates up to one dozen people and if you are sailing with a large group or family or you just want to taste a piece of utter indulgence then the Oasis is for you.
Further up the beach we saw one of the brilliant shore excursions taking place…………………….horseback riding along the beach. This for many is the fulfillment of a dream. Riding along a Caribbean beach on a graceful horse is right up there with swimming with dolphins and having Jessica Simpson wash your Aston Martin car with warm soapy water wearing just a bikini.
The horses seemed to be enjoying the canter along the beach and through the water. There were big horses, small horses and one huge stallion that had a male guest on his back. The horse was thundering along the beach and this slightly built chap was bouncing up and down with a look of distress on his face…………….I think the horses name was Nutcracker. Anyway, this is one brilliant tour and no wonder it is always sold out. There is also snorkeling, swimming with the stingrays and other water sports available as well.
The ship provides an extensive range of activities as well including a treasure hunt, a yoga class on the beach, our own version of Survivor and the Sandcastle Building contest…………………..the winning entries are included in the photographs below. My personal favorites were the fruit bowl, the CAT bulldozer and the turtle…………….fantastic.
However, for most people the day just meant, sun, swimming and a romantic stroll down the deserted side of the island with the one you love. Food is of course important and an army of Carnival Imagination crew provide a continuous barbecue served in a huge pavilion …………..many took the food “to go” and sat on the sand and enjoyed a hotdog or 7.
One of the best compliments I can give this place is that when I just left at 3:30 pm there were still 1,788 guests ashore……………..this shows just what a great time they were having.
Congratulations therefore to Carnival Corporation, Matt Sams and all the people who have made it possible for ordinary people to sample the joys of private paradise on their own fantasy island.
The cruise is going too quickly. Tomorrow we will be in Nassau and I will remain onboard so I can write about the Spa and the new adults- only area called Serenity.
You know, as the tender left Half Moon Cay I took one last look back ………….it may have been the sun playing tricks on me but I could have sworn I saw a tanned man standing on the beach in a crisp white cotton suit…………beside him was a very small man………………..and just for a minute…………..I thought I heard a French accent proclaim………………….”the plane, boss…….the plane.”
Goodnight
Your Friends
John and Heidi
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
Poor John, You look so sad in that last picture with Heidi, yes I know you will miss Half Moon Cay. That is one of my NEW favorite islands. I loved the beach, barbq, and just the atmosphere, and as much as I liked Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay is that much better. So, you see you should stay in America and on the caribbean cruises, instead of Europe, and you can have this much fun every week! Saw your facebook page, nice ! I checked out all your new friends, and added my name to that list. Didn’t post a picture yet though. Well, enjoy the rest of your vacation before going back to WORK! That dreaded word! Work, Work! But I know how much you love your job as the BEST CD CARNIVAL has! Keep up the good work, Hi to Heidi for me too! Linda
Good evening Mr. Heald and Heidi. The entire blog was fantastic but the most caring photo was the one about you and Heidi. Thank you that one. When I’m on my cruise next week, I would love to have a photo taken with my wife and I such as yours. I’m not afraid to say it, the love you two have to one another is shown in that photo. Thank you Heidi & Mr. Heald. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John,
What a wonderful, beautiful, romantic setting. So good to see you and Heidi actually relaxing and enjoying yourselves. Until the Bloggers’ Cruise, I had no desire to see the Caribbean, but I was wrong. And now, with the brilliant shots of Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, I want to do nothing else.
Please continue to enjoy your cruise, and guess what–it’s Thursday, and you are in one of the most romantic settings in the world.
Rus & eighta Nina tenna
Ahhhh!! Que foto mas bonita!! What a beautiful picture! The last one with you and Heidi.You both look great!! Im glad you are both getting a good rest in this wonderful trip. I want to go to this places!! Never been to Grand Turk or Half Moon. For me this itinerary would have been perfect for the next Bloogers cruise.Imagine all of us in this beautiful island the whole day.Love it!!
Looks like another great cruise we will have to try soon. We loved the old Cozumel. Of course we love the new Cozumel also.
Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay both on the same cruise. Thats got to be something to see the beauty of the unspoiled beaches.
Are you enjoying being in the tourist mode? Actually able to move around the ship without being stopped every 10 steps?
Hi John,
No question Half Moon Cay is the BEST! Probably my very favorite beach day.
We were there the week prior to the Blogger’s Cruise on a HAL ship, and had a perfect day. The day we were there they held celebrations of the 10th Anniversity, and the Prime Minister of the Bahamas was there for the ceremony. I thought he kind of resembled a Bahamian John Heald.
While there, I took a picture with you in mind & our mutual addiction…..
http://www.cruisemates.com/gallery/galleries/4142/69779.jpg
(don’t know how the links work here… if it will show). I wonder if Coke will buy the picture from me?
If I could visit Half Moon Cay on every cruise I took I’d be delighted.
Regards,
Kuki
CruiseMates.com
I always thought you looked a bit like Herve Villechaize
Nice report – someday, perhaps we can visit Half Moon Cay together and, having lost all that weight we find necessary to shed, thrill all the women by showing them what real men in speedos look like —– NOT.
Jon & Kathy
Sounds absolutely amazing! I will have to add that to my list of islands I would like to visit.
Dear John and Heidi,
What a beautiful destination! I especially love the final photo with the two of you and the ship in the distance. VERY romantic! John, socks on the beach? What, no knotted handkerchief on your head to complete the British ensemble? Visions of John Cleese (Mr. Gumby) dance in my head! Thanks so much for another brilliant blog. Leave it to an American to embarass an entire beach whilst wearing an old glory speedo. Perhaps he had HIS socks stuffed up front so he had something to declare!
John,
I have yet to make it to a private island mainly due to weather. Every cruise I’ve taken all 6 of them on different lines when their is a private island scheduled i know i won’t go there because it will be bad weather that day. Me and my TA actually laff so last cruise i took i bet her the cost of my ship board gratuities, she accepted well needless to say I saved $70 thanks to her. Sorry Brit but I couldn’t resist taking your money. So I wish the 2009 cruise wasn’t going to a island so we could go there so it seems everything is good. Where is a Heidi blog, as a member of her fan club according to my t-shirt i think it’s time she wrote us a little something. Or wrote me at least, or got some cute, single, female cruise staff member to write me. Wow I just got the feeling like i ate a Milk Bone, and was flea dipped how very odd. Any way best to you all and Roberto. Oh by the way John I useally forget to take my socks off at the car when going to the beach the best way to remove them while still moving is pretend like you tripped roll on your side a few times and remove them. Stand up and keep going.
Kevin
Well, sir… you’ve done it. You’ve managed to make the last port you’ll document to be the best… best by far.
I thought your description of Gran Turk was evocative but, goodness John, now I want to smuggle myself off to HMC and stay there forever…or at least until the Sail and Sign card I snatch from you expires…
Wonderful… simply wonderful! Thank you for the images both mental and photographic but I could have done without the Speedo one…
I’m not a ‘spa’ kinda guy but I’ll be interested in hearing your take on the entire experience.
Best regards to your fantastic compliment of folks!!!
Regards,
Greg
John,
MMMmmmmmmmmmm! That’s my contented sigh as I dream I’m on Half Moon Cay!! MMmmmmm! It looks glorious and relaxing and FUN!!! This Imagination cruise, it sounds absolutely LOVELY!!! I’m ready!! I’m more than ready for a cruise!!! I won’t wait a year again!
Next week, it will have been a year since my last cruise — a tradition we started on Mom’s 80th birthday. We’re out on Ecstasy — but then I have two more cruises this year — and your Blogger’s cruise, my birthday cruise, and a CONQUEST CRAZIES cruise in ’09. Never again will I wait a year between cruises!!
MMmmmmmmm!! Cruising is too great to miss and too special to stay away from!!!
Thanks for some new places to add to my dreams!!
Kirsten
Hey John,
You are tempting us. I know that we have a seven day on the Legend booked, but I sill want to go to Half Moon Cay. We just can’t seem to make it work out. The five day on the Fascination looks good, but it is only five days. What should we do?? Don’t know if we can handle a five day again. And we really want to try a Spirit class ship. Been on two Fantasy class ships already. We would gladly accept any help that you could give us.
Til next time
Kevin
John,,
half moon cay is our favorite port of call,,
wish the ships out of tampa would call there.
have fun
aston martin dreams
hugs tom and jane
John – It is obvious you never been to Princess Cays – another Carnival Corp private island. It is just as wonderful as Half Moon Cay. You need to go because you would enjoy it just as much as your day at Half Moon Cay.
I had the privilege of visiting Half Moon Cay when Holland America first opened it . . . and it was a magical paradise . . . and it still is!! The sign, “I wish I could stay here forever!” sums up Half Moon Cay. Back in those days you could hike up the beach and escape everyone and . . . do whatever! It was where I discovered making love in the sand was uncomfortable and highly overrated.
I was there on the VOLENDAM last month and will be there on the VOLENDAM again two cruises in March.
Whether you go horse back riding in the surf, parasailing, or just simply lay on the beach and marvel at sand like powdered sugar, it is indeed paradise. From a cruise line perspective it provides what inevitably is the guests favorite port of call without any unpleasant surprises.
John, what took you so long???
Hi John & Heidi,
Didn’t I tell you Half Moon Cay was absolutely amazing? How about doing another bloggers cruise on the Destiny when she takes over the Imagination’s itinerary?
I loved the horses on the beach too, not that I rode one, but it looked so cool.
I wanted to get a sunset photo as we left but I got on deck too late. Oh well, next time.
I stayed on the ship when we got to Nassau – I’ve been there so many times and did it all before, so it was Lido Deck for me. I went to the Serenity Area a couple of times, but since it was non-smoking I eventually went back to either Lido or the Waterworks area.
Well, it’s time to start work before Simon Legree makes his rounds on the floor.
Take care and have fun the rest of the cruise.
Hugs,
Carol
Great photos by the way.
Good morning John and Heidi,
As I sit here reading your blog and looking at the wonderful pictures of Half Moon Cay and turn and look out my window I am assulted by gray skies and SNOW! (Yes, Peanuts come salted, honey roasted and plain.;D ) Schools are closed and the weatherman is saying we could get 8-12 inches of snow today. CARNIVAL (please) take me away.
You and Heidi look so relaxed and warm. It’s good to see you enjoying yourselves as guests. Enjoy, enjoy my friends.
Joan
PS Pistons won by one point last night. They play the Heat here in Michigan on Wednesday and I have tickets. Want to go??
We have not been there, some day we will go with you.
Prince Charlie
Love HMC ! We’ve been there 3 times and it is a magical place indeed.
As I sit here in the midst of an ice storm, Half Moon Cay does seem like the best place to be.
Our family has been there before and thoroughly enjoyed it. As I have said before, I think it is time to return to the Caribbean. A day of sitting on the beach, soaking up the warm sun, and just relaxing sounds like an excellent idea.
Great pictures! I loved them!
Glad to hear you are enjoying the Imagination. Just don’t get too hooked on the Caribbean. We need you on the Splendor.
Wow Half Moon Cay looks incredible!!! What a beautiful location. Kudos also to the staff of the cruise ship who also assist at this wondrous destination. [Mental note....Must book cruise with HMC as a port of call]. So many awesome ports of call…keep the great photos coming!
Can’t say that I’ve ever had the inclination to wear my socks to the beach though….perhaps it’s the Dutch thing in me. Maybe Mr. Rourke does reside somewhere hidden on this Fantasy Island welcoming guests to this Paradise.
The Half Moon Cay beach pictures look inviting. You’re tempting me!!!!!!!!!Better than the sardine style accommodations in Jamaica at the Blogger’s bash. Does Carnival ever limit the number of guests on Beach excursions? We were relegated to a rock on the beach bash to eat our pittance. Now mind you I am not complaining as I held the gravity on that rock by swallowing substantial amounts of rum and beer……….And I was kissed by a dolphin. Love,
Kathie (Kap)
Since the last picture worked, I thought I’d share this one of one of the hard working crew by the end of the day on Half Moon Cay. He was our cabana boy…. guess we wore him out!
http://www.cruisemates.com/gallery/galleries/4142/69778.jpg
Thank you! Those picture are exactly what I needed to see. We have over a foot of snow right now with a storm on the way tonight. I am dreading moving to our new home this weekend.
Keep the pictures coming. Its just about the only thing keeping me sane right now. LOL Carla
John,
Will HMC ever get a dock or are there any plans to build one? I know this is an odd question but tendering is just a huge pain in the ass. HMC looks to be very nice. The only other place that I have seen where the water is that clear has been Grand Caymen. Its so odd to find a clear water beach in today’s polluted world.
_BigMike
Carla,
I agree with you! Those pictures, especially the tranquil sunsets, get us through stressful times.
Good luck with the move this weekend. We’ll be thinking about you!
John,
I have a question. We are taking a serious look at the Imagination for summer 2009. Like many people, we have been to Nassau numerous times. I am wondering,however, if Carnival offers a dolphin encounter in Nassau. We had a bad experience with this on Disney cruise line. I wanted to have the opportunity for the grandkids to have a dolphin encounter.
Thanks!
Ruth
Speaking of Herve Villechaise, did you know that after he hit it big on Fantasy Island he decided to use his money to help other little people? He bought an apartment building and refurbished it with scaled-down furniture so small people could be comfortable. Then he let any little person who wanted to to live there at no charge. They were called the Stay Free Mini Pads.
Do you know what were Herve’s favorite kind of M & M’s? De plain, de plain!
Hi John/Heidi:
Looks so peaceful.
Great pictures.
Thank you for a great blog today and hope you have a nice weekend.
Take care!
David
Hi Ruth,
Carnival does offer dolphin encounters. I believe there are two to choose from for that destination. Please check out our shore excursion page here:
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?region=BH&portcode=NAS&portname=Nassau%2c+Bahamas
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers!
Stephanie
I have never been to Half Moon Cay, but after looking at the beautiful pictures I would love to go. Reminds me of Disney’s Castaway Cay which I have visited …and no tendering at their private island…the only problem is if weather conditions do not permit you miss the stop at the island and are very disappointed.
I can picture you with the sandals and socks on…I always laugh quietly at all the Brits here when they visit our parks…
I also had to laugh about your comment about hair braiding the other day…I think that the straw market in Nassau, Bahamas is the worst…every 2 feet they are asking…”Lady I braid your hair”!!!! I hate it!!!!
Hopefully you will have had a well deserved rest on your cruise aboard the Imagination…looking forward to all of your future blogs.
Have a good weekend to both of you. I am heading to Disney’s Vero Beach resort for the weekend; if I can’t be on a cruise ship at least I’m getting away and I can talk about my plans for my Inspiration cruise in April.
Linda
Oh! For a picture of the patriotic swimwear!
And not to rain on the parade of “This is also the only port in the world where you can use your Sail and Sign ship cards” but isn’t Castaway Cay a port of (shh) Disney? I guess they don’t accept Sail and Sign ship cards, but they do accept their version of such. I’ve been there done that.
Half Moon Cay looks absolutely to die for. I hope to visit one day.
Hi John and Heidi!
I checked your itinerary for the Imagination yesterday and saw that you were at Half Moon Cay. Have to say I was so jealous! This island is true Paradise. Looked like you had a perfect day from the photos. So glad for you.
We went to HMC last year on the Fantasy and loved it. The food, music, and beach everything was perfect. I knew no way could I describe how white and powdery the sand was so………I brought a small ziplock bag of sand home. When I went back to work everyone got to touch and see the sand first hand. Okay yes I was teasing them but they loved it and swore they were going next time.
I agree cruises go by way too fast no matter if it is a 3,4,5,7,or 8 days it seems to fly by. Time truly flies when you are having fun!! Especially on a fun ship! Have fun!!
We just returned from the Triumph and had the pleasure of stopping at Half Moon Cay. I must admit I wasn’t too excited about this stop but it turned out to be one of our favorite places. It was the first day of our cruise so it was perfect to have the day to unwind from traveling and just enjoy the sun and beautiful water. We were traveling with our 3 grown children (they all live on their own now) and the day was a great chance to “visit” with them and catch up. Hopefully, Half Moon Cay will be a stop for us again on a future cruise. Beautiful!!!
Wow John
That does look like paradise!
Half Moon Cay
Looks Like Full Moon Fun!
Crystal Clear Water
Have not been there now I want to go.
That picture of you and Heidi with the ship in the background looks like a great honeymoon picture to me as well.
Take Care
The Tuckers
Arnold & Elizabeth
That looks like one awesome island, and a great trip. I don’t think I could convince my company to do the same thing, as much as I’d love to, but I still like to hear about it!
John and Heidi,
Great pictures, thanks for sharing them and the thoughts about HMC. I felt as though as I was visiting the island again. It is always my favorite designation, even had the pleasure last year of renting a cabanna.
PS Perhaps it should become a “Speedo Free” Island????
John,
That Island sounds wonderful, Mom(Peanuts) and I were talking, and we were thinking we needed to take a Mother/Daughter vac. you know one of those vacations with no husbands, or my kids. On top of that it would be great to spend a week with just my mom, so I was thinking……and I think Half Moon Cay should be a port for us.
You can ask the powers that be to add a Carnival South Pacific Itinierary,maybe debarking from Hawaii to Papeete,Moorea,Nuku Hiva,Raiatea,and Bora Bora,Pleeese….there are most likely more cruise lovers that would be interested in this,
What great photos! Lovely blue waters and serenity… All of the photos really add to the atmosphere of the trip, and definitely make me wish I was on board!
Hi John & Heidi We met you on the Island you are a very kind person you were talking to my husband at the tiki hut I’m the one that was on the Freedom in Europe in Oct but had to leave due to the passing of my Mom. Hope to SEA ya soon We really loved this Itinerary GREAT CRUISE !!!!!