I have been on 7 cruises,but never to Half Moon Cay.Any hints on where to party and where NOT to party?Any advise would be greatly appreciated.We are going next oct.2009

We were there this past September.  Lovely island.  There are cabanas to rent.  check out the shore excursions available now and you will have some idea about what should be available next October.  Lunch is provided on the island.  We chose the glass-bottom boat ride because we wanted to see more of the lagoon.  It was a good choice for us.  There are bars available to purchase drinks, music abounds. 

Shirley

If you book any shore excursions on the island, make sure to check in at the hut in the port area where the tender boats drop you.  (As opposed to going to one of their posted "You are here" maps/signs then walking to the other end of the island to get to your excursion.)

 They have shuttle vehicles that will drive you to wherever you need to be.  The horse stables, for instance, are a good distance away.  Much easier to be driven than trying to hoof it there yourself.

Party at the beach.  Because Half Moon is an extention of the ship.  sail and sign works.  Carnival has wait staff going up and down the beach.  You can get your drinks as you sit and chill out. 

 Shirley,

This will be the first cruise for my fiance and I for our honeymoon, and i'm wondering what its like down there. Can you just get off the boat and hit the beach? Are the passengers on the ship the only ones on the island? Are there any stipulations regarding the beaches? (time, cost, too crowded)

 Hope to hear from you,

eddie~

HMC is an undevelopment private island.  Your ship will be the only one there.  It is basicly a lazy day on the beach with a huge BBQ offered by Carnival (free of charge).  The only activities is what you create.  It is gorgeous!!!

the B-B-Q is good to know.  As well as heading straight to the hut for the excursions.  Thanks for all the suggestions!

so lunch is free? how about the chairs and the umbrellas or clam shells?

camper:

so lunch is free? how about the chairs and the umbrellas or clam shells?

yes, lunch is included.  I believe the chairs are free but I just read in another thread that the clamshells are $15

 Do we have to bring our own beach towels, or do they supply them as well.

Half Moon Cay is Carnivals own Private Island!! No One Lives there! its just for carnival or Holland america Boats to dock at ! All the Places I have ever been and Half Moon Cay is By far the Best place I have ever Been it is a Pure Paridise, we are going back again in Sept this will be our 3rd time there, when I book a Cruise I always look to see if Half Moon Cay is part of it !!! The Sand Is White and No Kidding But its Like Powder!!! the water is soooo clear and refreshing and the fish will come right to your hands and eat (if you bring Corn chips) You will Love it!!! The BBQ is included the chairs are and Bring your towles!! I also Believe the Clam shells are!!

Happy Sailing!!!

My wife and I stopped at Half Moon in June and absolutely loved it.  By far it was my favorite destination for vacation ever.  Very relaxed atmosphere, great food, amazing scenery and wildlife, the peole are great, and you hop right on and off the island.  As a runner, this was one of my favorite runs of all time.  I got in a few miles of secluded beach and it was amazing.

 I love that place!

We rented a clamshell the last time we were there, it was great.  It came with two chairs, an was very close to the beach.  We had wanted to get a cabana, but after the fact we were glad we got the clamshell, we got to be with our friends we'd met onboard.