skip to main content

The Garden Party

A long cruise - almost home

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

9 years ago

We finished Europe and Africa and have crossed the Atlantic, making up some time through time zone changes. Before we return to Ft. Lauderdale, there is one last stop.

Half Moon Cay is a privately owned island in the Bahamas. It is owned by Holland America Lines. Many, but not all, cruises from Florida stop here for a beach day. Other cruise lines have similar spots where they stop. It is a situation that did not exist 20+ years ago. Many passengers go on a cruise simply for the beach and salt water.

Of course it is not free. There are many ways that the cruise line will attempt to have you part with your money. It is easy, as no cash changes hands - it is all done on a card.

We have been here before and the missus has decided to stay on the ship and knit. I go ashore to test out my new camera.

All passengers and crew must transfer on the ship's tenders (when used in an emergency, they are life boats) as the water is too shallow to have a large cruise ship near the shore.

This is a view of part of the beach as I rode in one of the tenders.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
A bit closer now to the main action. There were two Holland America ships there on this day. Since it was early December, there were no under-18 passengers on shore. During the school breaks (summer and winter), there would be more young people.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
Lots of color makes it more festive.

The people in the this photo are mostly crew members from the ships. I know that because I recognize them. It is one of their few opportunities to be ashore, not have to work and goof off. Good for them.
Related Discussions
A long cruise - Las Palmas, Canary Islands part 1
Q
Comments (10)
It was a 10-minute walk to exit the pier area, as usual there was lots of security and one would need you ship's ID card and a photo ID to return to the ship. Some ports are stricter than others on this. This was a clean and well-organized harbor area and we had no problem with making the trek, for those with some walking difficulties, there was a free shuttle. Gran Canaria is less than 100 miles from the coast of Africa and the weather is temperate. Although it was coolish in the morning, the sun was shining and it was beautiful. It warmed in the afternoon and it was absolutely wonderful! The Hop-On, Hop-Off bus program is in most cities that we visited on this cruise. In Las Palmas, there were 9 stops around the city, including one at the end of the pier. Your ticket would allow you to get on at any stop. Ear buds were provided so that you could hear the on-going recorded narrative. Again, do some research before you leave home and you can decide how you want to spend your day.
...See More
A long cruise - Arrecife, Canary Islands - part 2
Q
Comments (8)
Somewhat of a ramble. Jim, your pictures of the doors drew my interest. In my travels thru asia, especially China, I saw some gorgeous doors. Many of them were very ornate and painted red, others were simple, but they did have some sort of a symbol, like a Lion carved in wood. Some doors only opened inward, with a step down, like one of the pics you posted. Fast forward. Some years ago, China decided they needed another water source, so they wanted to build a dam in an old part of a village so they would flood all the houses. An American company made a deal with the Chines gov. They went in and removed all the old doors. Sent them to the US and sold them for thousands of $ as head boards. End of ramble but not the end of interest in old doors. Lol, you never know where a post will take you. Thanks for posting.
...See More
A long cruise - Palermo, Sicily - part 3
Q
Comments (17)
I consider myself a good researcher; however, I could not locate much information either. I believe that they are called north African beetles and they are also evident in Spain. Both of those countries are not that far from Africa. I searched many names of beetles, but could not make all the information come together in one place. Next step for me would be to contact an entomologist over there and get clarification.
...See More
A long cruise - Palermo, Sicily - part 6
Q
Comments (13)
Time for lunch! Finally! Our guide to us to the small resort town of Mondello. Although it is a part of Palermo, it is far enough away from the city center to seem as though you have gone a far distance. Originally a fishing village, it became a popular resort. We were moving along and I was not able to obtain decent photographs of the Art Nouveau buildings, including a huge bathhouse. I believe that this is Monte Gallo, but that rock in the background reminds people of a dog. Floppy ears and snout to the left. Use your imagination a bit.
...See More
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
Not all crew members get a break. Passengers can rent these cabanas (can hold 4 comfortably) and get bar service, too.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
These clam shells are also rentals. I cannot recall the cost, nor am I aware of how they determine whether one has paid for it or not.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
The Maasdam carried only 1200 'seasoned' passengers, both in age and number of cruises. Thus less than half went ashore. However the other ship is on the next to last day of a 7-day cruise. A much larger ship, more passengers were on the beach. Still, there were plenty of beach chairs to go around.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
When younger passengers are ashore, this playground is well-used. No charge to run and play here.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
The other Holland America Line's ship in Half Moon Cay was Noordam. It usually carries about 1,900 passengers. Holland America's ships do not include some of the huge ships that are cruising, some of them carry more than 4,000 passengers!
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
This is one of the ship's tenders. For this type of transport, they will carry about 90 people and it is OK. For emergencies, it would carry about 150 and be tight.
mawheel
9 years ago
Jim, will you be glad to get home, or could you keep cruising for a while longer? You certainly have given us nice pictures, and allowed us to share your journey. Thank you.

The color of that water is so gorgeous, it's hard to imagine it's real. I could look at that for a long time.
anneliese_32
9 years ago
A relaxing end to a trip which I really enjoyed. Now I am already waiting for the pictures from your next trip, LOL.
Thanks for the wonderful journey Jim.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
This year's itinerary is identical to last year's. They should be returning to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday.

Next year! Oh! My! The 42-day becomes 50 days. Beyond what it has now, it adds 3 ports in Greece, plus 2 in Malta.

Tough decision time. We have already signed up for October, 2015 and it leaves Los Angeles, goes to Hawaii, Samoa, French Polynesia and back. 28 days. Of those 28, 17 are at sea with no land to be seen. On a per day cost, the one to Europe is less expensive and we could drive to Ft. Lauderdale; but 50 days is a long time. 28 days from the west coast means flying (I hate that) and it is more expensive per day.

Never been to Samoa, but nothing else is new on that one. Greece, Malta, etc is real tempting.

Jim

Related Stories

MODERN HOMES Houzz TV: Seattle Family Almost Doubles Its Space Without Adding On

By Caela McKeever

See how 2 work-from-home architects design and build an adaptable space for their family and business

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Family of 5 Lives (Almost) Clutter Free

By Margot Hartford Photography

Smart decor decisions and multipurpose items help this San Francisco family keep things tidy

DECORATING GUIDES How to Turn Almost Any Space Into a Guest Room

By Laura Gaskill

The Hardworking Home: Murphy beds, bunk compartments and more can provide sleeping quarters for visitors in rooms you use every day

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Screen the Porch for More Living Room (Almost) All Year

By Becky Harris

Make the Most of Three Seasons With a Personal, Bug-Free Outdoor Oasis

CLOSETS How to Style Your Closet (Almost) Like a Celeb

By Becky Harris

12 closet tips: Sorting, planning, lighting and styling make "What to Wear?" easier to answer

GUESTHOUSES Houzz Tour: A River (Almost) Runs Through It in Aspen

By Bryan Anthony

This guesthouse on a family compound has rustic charm, modern touches and dramatic river views

BEDROOMS 10 Ways With (Almost) All-White Bedrooms

By Becky Harris

White rooms need a thoughtful tweak or two to bring on the sweet dreams

COLOR 5 Ways to Go Bold With (Almost) All White

Take away color to gain focus on textures and interesting details and create a purely relaxing mood

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Almost Invisible Outdoor Furniture Lets Views Star

By Margie Grace - Grace Design Associates

No less stylish for all its modesty, barely there furniture for gardens, patios and decks is designed to offer a clear view of the landscape

INSIDE HOUZZ How Much Does a Remodel Cost, and How Long Does It Take?

By Erin Carlyle

The 2016 Houzz & Home survey asked 120,000 Houzzers about their renovation projects. Here’s what they said

Sponsored

Frasure Home Improvements

2 Reviews

Franklin County's Highly Skilled General Contractor

More Discussions

NYT Connections word game

445