Half Moon Cay - Cabanna Rental

[Licas]

My husband and I are cruising to the Carribean next March and wondering if it is worthwhile to purchase the private cabana package in Half Moon Cay. If you get a later tender time are all of the umbrella spots taken? Also, we can't remember how the tender times are given out, is it a first come first serve and can one person pick up tender tickets for a family group? Does anyone have any advise on how to get off the boat early?

We have reading up on Half Moon Cay and from what we've read it sounds like it gets pretty hot in the afternoon and there isn't much shade.

Thanks for your help

[Licas]

My husband and I are cruising to the Carribean next March and wondering if it is worthwhile to purchase the private cabana package in Half Moon Cay. If you get a later tender time are all of the umbrella spots taken? Also, we can't remember how the tender times are given out, is it a first come first serve and can one person pick up tender tickets for a family group? Does anyone have any advise on how to get off the boat early?

We have reading up on Half Moon Cay and from what we've read it sounds like it gets pretty hot in the afternoon and there isn't much shade.

Thanks for your help

[Hooked-on-HAL]

I don't recall tender tickets for Half Moon Cay. The staff gets off first to set up the Bar and BBQ area. Then those with early excursions leave next. You must have seen pictures of HMC on the HAL website. It it very long but not too deep. There is shade under the trees all along the back of the beach. It is very hot so bring a wide brimmed hat. The water is warm and wonderful.
The best picture every taken of myself was by the ship's photographer on HMC. I am in the water with a "man-Prop" in tux with a tray of pineapple beverages. The Amsterdam is in the background and the sea is tourquoise. Don't pass up that photo opportunity. I have never seen a more relaxed and happy picture of myself.

[susanmaz]

We pr-ordered a "clam shell" - canvas sun protector before we sailed. You can do this online at HAL's web site. It was definitely worth the $9. The cabanas were nice - but unless you have enough people to defray the cost, I don't see it worth the money. Half Moon Cay was lovely - we were there in early November, so it wasn't really hot, just a lot of sun (that's saying alot from a desert rat!). I think we left around 9:00 - no waiting for a tender at that time. It works to have a leisurely breakfast to let the crowds get off first. Unless you have planned an excursion, no need to rush off the ship. Half Moon Cay is a lazy day on the beach day....