Welcome to the Bahamas- Travel #13

Dear Steemit friends, Gemma here, let me take you on a journey to the picturesque island of Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. This island is so stunningly beautiful that it feels like you are in a photo-shopped world, that's how perfect this place is. Half Moon Cay is one of roughly 700 islands that make up The Bahamas. It is a private island owned by the Carnival corporation and situated roughly midway between Eleuthera and Cat Island. Half Moon Cay is also known as Little San Salvador Island. The Island has changed ownership a number of times between the major cruise line companies and it's no wonder why there's such a battle for the island. It was most recently purchased at a reasonable price tag of $6 Million USD. Some people pay more for a house than that, I would definitely rather buy this island.

To find me, look for my Chihuahua's face

The Bahamas

Half Moon Cay

Welcome to the Bahamas

In order to get to this utopia, you have to travel via cruise ship, there are no airports on this island, it is only 9.7 square kilometres/3.745 square miles in size after all. The surrounding waters around the island are not deep enough for large liners to dock and so the ships will drop anchor a few hundred meters off shore. You then will board a tender which is a little ferry that will transport you to and from the island. Depending on how far out the ship docks, this usually only takes about 10 minutes. Everywhere you look as soon as you step foot on the island is postcard worthy. Words and photographs do this place no justice, it has to be seen, felt and experienced to be believed.

There are shops and bars dotted along the island and the very unique thing about it is that because it is owned by the cruise company, you do not need any cash with you. In fact, they don't accept cash, you just charge all your expenses to your cabin. This can get dangerous when they serve up the most delicious Pina-coladas you ever did taste. Another thing that I loved about this island is that all the bar staff, servers and entertainment are also from your ship, so you really feel at home and welcomed.

Breathtaking, the whole place feels photo-shopped it's that gorgeous

Plenty of beach chairs

Activities

Apart from drinking the island out of Pina-coladas, there are plenty of activities available to keep you smiling all day long. Of course relaxing on beach chairs for hours on end has massive appeal, I mean look at the view. You can even hire out private cabanas for the day if you have a small group or if you're looking for a perfect romantic escape. Gentlemen, what a romantic place to propose to that special someone, you can thank me later. If you like adventure and adrenaline, this tiny island offers plenty of options. The diverse activities on offer include parasailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, cycling, and even glass-bottom boat rides. The island also offers several nature trails and hikes.

The Carnival Sunshine anchored off shore

I'm in love with this island

The best thing about Half Moon Cay is the Pirate ship! That's right, there is an actual pirate ship run aground on the island. As a Pirates of the Caribbean movie lover and everything Jack Sparrow, this was the coolest thing I had seen in a very long time. Not just an empty, baron shipwreck either, there is a fully serviced bar inside, restrooms, a lower level DJ booth and a rooftop party area with another DJ booth. Now this is how to party, island style. They offer an array of beers, wines, tropical cocktails and of course Pina-Coladas. Don't you worry, they offer all creamy based drinks with non dairy alternatives. Carnival also provide a great entertainment schedule for everyone to enjoy, they send some of their entertainment team onto the island and host great games, shows and contests. If you are game enough to partake, it would be an experience you will never forget that's for sure, if not watching from the sidelines can be just as entertaining.

Pirate Ship

Sarah and I enjoying our first of many Pina-coladas

Our second

Sarah, Martin, myself and Donkey- Amazing people

Front of the ship

Ramp to the bar

After enjoying several drinks on the beach, it was time to head up to the top deck of the ship and check out what was happening up there. There were endless amounts of fun to be had, live music, dancing, drinks, snacks and the best company, what more could you want. The party was vibrant and reminiscent of everything Bahamas. You really haven't got a care in the world from the top.

View from the top

I feel like this is where Jack Sparrow would be

DJ Ice Cold

Kicking it with the DJ

My beautiful friend MoMo

Did someone say more Pina-coladas?

My bestie Bernie and I

The party and island vibes doesn't stop there, just head back downstairs to the bar and just outside on the ledge is another DJ spinning tunes. This is also where the entertainment hosts announce the activities, games and competitions from. There's no escaping the fun, if you want to be left alone on a solitude getaway then this is certainly not the place for you.

DJ T-Mak, myself and Sarah

We are saying a hard goodbye to the ship

Partying and having fun isn't all that can be done on this island. Remember how I said what a romantic place this would be to propose to that special someone in a private cabana. Well, you can also get married here in the world's cutest chapel. Forget the little chapel in Las Vegas, I think this is much nicer. I mean look at the views. Everything would already be set up for you, entertainment, drinks, food, music, just perfect. The bar servers are incredibly hospitable as well, I couldn't think of anything more magical if the tropical beach setting is what you are after. Beach and chapel all in one so you can keep the in-laws happy.

Chapel

Emanuel the best bar waiter and I

Overall, what a special place, a unique oasis in the Bahamas. I do hope everyone of you get the opportunity to travel here one day, it encapsulates everything you could possible want from a tropical holiday or vacation. On top of all else, it is the Bahamas. It's goodbye for now Half Moon Cay and onto the other islands in the Bahamas.

Bye for now Half Moon Cay, I'll be back as I may need that piece of my heart I left behind with you

I hope you have enjoyed my blog on Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, thank you for reading and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you, until next time, Vegoutt Everybody!!