Holland America Line Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Private Island Half Moon Cay with New Lobster Shack, Island Upgrades

Recent awards solidify Bahama paradise as top cruise line private island

SEATTLE, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ -- In 2017, Holland America Line will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Half Moon Cay, its award-winning private island paradise in the Bahamas. To commemorate the event two decades in the making, the premium cruise line is introducing a new Lobster Shack eatery, as well as several island updates and upgrades that were in place for the first ship call in early November.

The new Lobster Shack will be permanently located near the "I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever" bar and serve fresh grilled lobster with Caribbean coconut beans n' rice and a rum-jerk butter glaze. Pineapple and Caribbean Sofrito salsas bring out the local flavors. The lobster barbecue will be available for a nominal fee, and Rum punch and other beverages also are available for purchase at the Lobster Shack.

"For the past 20 years Half Moon Cay has been the recipient of numerous accolades ranking it the best private island in the Caribbean, and it continues to be the jewel in our Caribbean itineraries," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "We are renowned for providing top destination experiences, and all of our guests will enjoy the recent enhancements on Half Moon Cay, including the Lobster Shack that is a fantastic addition to our culinary offerings." 

Island Upgrades Introduce New Water Toys and Refreshed Retreats
During summer 2016, Half Moon Cay underwent several upgrades and welcomed new additions. Water sports are a central focus of any call at the idyllic island, and guests can now get out on the water with new Sunfish sailboats, Hobie catamarans, Aqua Cycle Trikes and Aqua Trax Wave Runners. These join paddleboats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkel gear and more.

The private beach-side cabanas and two-story villas also received facelifts with new paint, and some new furnishings. The Grand Cabana — the ultimate private retreat on Half Moon Cay — received new décor as well.   

Guests looking for a drink on the beach now have three more satellite locations, and the Captain Morgan on the Rocks bar received new furniture.

The horseback riding tours are among the most popular, and 14 additional horses and two more grazing pastures were added, while the changing rooms at the Ranch were enhanced. Many guests visit the island's Welcome Center, where new furniture adorns the facility.

All Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale Caribbean Cruises Call at Half Moon Cay
For the 2016-17 Caribbean season, all cruises that sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, make a call at Half Moon Cay. Guests on the new ms Koningsdam, ms Eurodam, ms Zuiderdam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Rotterdam, ms Veendam and ms Prinsendam will be able to visit Half Moon Cay on a variety of itineraries.

Awards for Half Moon Cay Place Island at the Top
Holland America Line guests and fans consistently rank Half Moon Cay as their favorite Caribbean call, and the readers of Cruise Critic and Porthole Cruise Magazine agree. Half Moon Cay recently was named a "Top-Rated Cruise Line Private Island Destination" in Cruise Critic's first-ever Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards. The awards are given based entirely on consumer feedback submitted on the Cruise Critic website over the past year. Half Moon Cay also was awarded "Best Private Island" in the 2016 Porthole Readers' Choice Awards. 

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Editor's Note: Photos are available at https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/jfex0ylz.

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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, due for delivery in November 2018.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge onboard at an America's Test Kitchen show; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times and Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.

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SOURCE Holland America Line