Vote for the Best Private Island! - Page 2 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Cruise Planner · 09-10-2008, 08:25 PM

I like Coco Cay alot! I especially like that you can walk around the beach and find a secluded spot not populated by others. I also like that you can walk out a distance in the water and it doesn't get deep. And they do have a huge number of lounge chairs.

But for the remarkably soft sand, the incredibly beautiful water, and all the amenities, you just can't beat Half Moon Cay. It is, in my opinion, what the perfect island beach should be.

Yes, there is not as much good snorkeling as other islands that have more rocky areas, such as Labadee and Princess Cays, but it is absolutely beautiful.

And one thing I really like, unlike other private islands, Holland America has a 'happy hour' at noon where drinks are 1/2 price AND they keep the bars open until later in the afternoon. That's one of the thing that really irritates me about Princess. On our last visit there, we were scheduled to leave at 4:00 and they closed the bars at 1:30! I didn't start drinking until 1:00, after I had had lunch, and the next thing I know, they were closing! What a rip!!

Although I have not been there yet, Castaway Cay is the only private island with a pier, which is great for those who hate having to take tenders. Although I understand that RCCL has made an agreement with Haiti and they will be building a pier at Labadee.

But I do agree, all of them are nice - would never pass up the opportunity to visit any of them. And each has something to offer those who want a nice day at the beach. None of them, in my opinion, have any real negatives - they are wonderful and not to be missed.

Pete

Cruise Planner · 09-10-2008, 08:56 PM

Here's a picture I took at Half Moon Cay to show how beautiful it is. And yes, I actually did take this picture myself - it's not a post card.

Pete

canarymoon · 09-10-2008, 09:20 PM

Wow - That's an awesome pic, Pete!

Cruise Planner · 09-11-2008, 02:57 PM

Thanks!

I actually have this on both of my computers as a screen saver, so I look at this picture all the time and never get tired of day-dreaming while looking at it. Such a beautiful place. I just wish Holland America would do an overnight stay at the island. They could by-pass some of these other ports and spend a night there - I think that would make an absolutely wonderful itinerary. Can you imagine sitting by a fire at night on this beautiful beach? Talk about the ultimate romantic getaway! But alas, they're not listening to the passengers because I've known several who have put the same sentiment on their satisfaction questionaires.

Pete