Waterpark coming to Half Moon Cay

[superstein61]

Not sure if this has been posted here in the past, but it caught my attention at the Mariner's reception when the Hotel manager was talking about how HAL is seriously upgrading the activities / etc on Half Moon Cay and noted they will be building a Waterpark for the youngsters (and I assume the young at heart) to enjoy. Just curious if there was other info out there about this?

[spcl4cs_gal]

There has also been talk about installing horses and stingrays at HMC as well.

[CruisinMatt]

There has also been talk about installing horses and stingrays at HMC as well.

Are you serious, or joking? :o

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

HAL had this on their news release some time ago. And it has been written up in some of the new brochures.

So it is serious. There was talk on one of these threads a while back that the stingrays and horses were to be ready by November. Don't know if it will actually happen at that time.

:)

[Randyk47]

I guess I can see horses and stingrays but a water park? Good grief! Somehow I'm having trouble figuring out how that even comes close to blending into the environment of HMC.

[peaches from georgia]

Just go to the HAL website and click on Signature of Excellence. The entire press release comes up and there is a paragraph detailing all the 'improvements' planned for Half Moon Cay, including horseback riding, Aqua Park, Wave Runner Park, and Stingray Adventure Program.

Whether in our opinion these will actually be 'improvements' or not will depend how and where they are done. If the lovely ambiance of the beach is ruined it will not be an improvement. However, if all are situated on the other side of the island it may be that the new activities will attract many of the younger family pax directly over there and the beach as we know it will become even more pleasurable. :p

[jhannah]

Randyk47 I feel the same way. I think of water park and I think of Wet 'N Wild or Splash Mountain ... something like that. Surely the HAL facility won't be anything of that scale. HMC is so astoundingly beautiful, I am thinking (hoping) they will maintain its appearance just the way it is. Commercial development is not what the island needs.

[cruisemate]

Looks like just another way of HAL getting more "revenue" out of us all ,as for sure there will be an extra charge for everything.

[MandyGirl]

We look forward to HMC as a way to "force" us to relax and wind down. Do nothing but sit on the beach, play in the water, nap in a hammock, and enjoy the tranquility. I'm the type that if there IS something to do, I like to go check it out! (I'm usually a go-go-go type of person). Even if there are other "upgrades" on HMC, I'm sure we'd still just enjoy the sand and the view. Maybe the waterpark will draw the kiddos off the beach to make it even more peaceful... :)

[gizmo]

Randyk47 I feel the same way. I think of water park and I think of Wet 'N Wild or Splash Mountain ... something like that. Surely the HAL facility won't be anything of that scale. HMC is so astoundingly beautiful, I am thinking (hoping) they will maintain its appearance just the way it is. Commercial development is not what the island needs.
Agree.:mad: I just hope if they do it, it is on the other side of the island and totally out of view. To put it anywhere near that beautiful bay would spoil everything.

[iluvcruzin]

There's a good possibility the Aqua park will be similar to the one near my home. I live in a County Park that has the typical lake/camping/horsetrails etc.. But they do not have a beach for the lake. Instead they have a Water Park for the kids. There is no pool - just some water activites with fountains. There is a Noah's Ark for kids to climb through with water jets.. If this is what they are proposing it will be fun for the little ones. I think one of those large water parks with a wave pool is a bit much. Especially since you have the beach.

Here's a picture of what I was talking about.

http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/images/playgrounds2.jpg
http://www.hamiltoncountyparks.org/images/spring.jpg

[localady]

If any of you have been to the Disney Private Island, you will know they have a "Play structure" that those who are young at heart can swim out to and play on. I assumed that when HAL said "Water Park" that they meant a simular structure. Maybe I am wrong, but I could live with the addition of a structure like that.
I am more concerned about what a "wave-runner" track will do. :rolleyes: I love swimming and snorkeling out into the water quite a ways at HMC, and I'd hate to think that I will have to be ducking wave runners in the process.
I see most of these changes as HAL's continuing need to "charge" for extras. I would assume most of those additions are proposed as a revenue enhancers for the company. I truly hope they don't ruin the island in the process:eek: .

[spcl4cs_gal]

Are you serious, or joking? :o

Very serious! :)

[sail7seas]

Like everything else that carries an additional cost on board the ships , no one will HAVE to use this new water park thing whatever it turns out to be. If there is a fee to use it and you do not wish to pay the fee, you simply do not use it.

It would hold no attraction to us so if they charge; what they charge is moot (for us).

I certainly agree with everyone that I hope they do not disturb the beauty and serenity and specialness of HMC by building loud, disruptive, eye sores.

[spcl4cs_gal]

I thought I read somewhere that this water park/horse/stingray addition would be elsewhere on the island, away from the beach. What's on the other side of HMC anyway?

[peaches from georgia]

I don't think these activities will be right where the main swimming area is, but if they are going to attract attention to get maximum use (especially if there is an extra fee for any or all) I think they will have to have some visibility and not be as isolated as many of us would wish. :(

[superstein61]

There has also been talk about installing horses and stingrays at HMC as well.
yes - he mentioned that as well. He said they have been training the stingrays to become accustomed to people for some time now - so they can offer an excursion like in the Caymans

[michaelark]

Just happened to come across this website just now that provides a little more information about the plans for HMC:

http://www.yenra.com/private-island/

[divinggirl]

OMG, that sounds like fun!! I've never been swimming wth horses in the ocean, and the idea of hopping off my waverunner to swim with the fish over the reef sounds just too amazing, as does snorkeling with the rays in a secluded lagoon...Thanks for that link!

The one part that makes me frown a bit is that the kid's aqua park is "conveniently located on the shore of Half Moon Cay's main beach", and will be too close for comfort to those of us not wanting to be around a million shrieking kids...JMHO.

[spcl4cs_gal]

yes - he mentioned that as well. He said they have been training the stingrays to become accustomed to people for some time now - so they can offer an excursion like in the Caymans

Training them huh? Wonder just how they go about doing that without getting "kissed" all the time...

Michaela - Thanks for that article. HMC sounds like it will become very interesting in the next few months. They mention that the waverunners will be in place this summer although I don't think that will be the case...probably in the fall now. :)

[Orcrone]

From Michaelark's link it sounds like these things won't intrude. Several times it referred to these activities being on secluded beaches away from the main areas.:)

[peaches from georgia]

"....Half Moon Lagoon, designed especially with kids in mind, is a fun-filled aqua park conveniently located on the shore of Half Moon Cay's main beach that will provide Island-themed action and adventure in the sun...."

I think the location of the kids' aqua park, as described here in HAL's press release, will be the biggest potential problem for those who treasure the beach as it is now. It certainly doesn't sound here like it will be in a secluded area- 'conveniently located on the shore of the main beach'?

[sail7seas]

I would like to think HAL has enough sense to realize what a treasure that magnificent beach is and will not disturb it. HMC is an island....as such, it is beach all the way around. I cannot picture they will put their water park in the half moon beach we all love so much. HOPEFULLY, they will locate it at another stretch of beach ....around the corner; round the bend; wherever!!

[localady]

I'm with you S7S! I just pray that they don't locate the kids waterpark next to the cabana we've rented!!!:eek: They say all of this will be done by the end of 2004. We will be there in December, so I guess we shall see!!!!

I do admit that the waverunner course sounds like a blast! As long as they are using another part of the island, it should be great!!:)

Has anyone who has been to HMC this summer seen any construction on the kids park??? Anyone have an idea as to the location???? Thanks in advance!:cool:

[spcl4cs_gal]

I was at HMC in July and there was no sign of an construction on the beach side. Will be returning in two weeks and will check again.

[clopaw]

I hope the stingrays are ready. Both times we have been scheduled for Grand Cayman, the water was too rough to tender. I have wanted to see the rays, and this sounds great if we get a little education, too.

[spcl4cs_gal]

I just booked the Stingray Sandbar/Island Tour at GC with Native Way today...just to prepare myself for the new rays at HMC in March. :)

[RevNeal]

Yesterday Alison asked:
I thought I read somewhere that this water park/horse/stingray addition would be elsewhere on the island, away from the beach. What's on the other side of HMC anyway?

Water. :D

[gizmo]

"....Half Moon Lagoon, designed especially with kids in mind, is a fun-filled aqua park conveniently located on the shore of Half Moon Cay's main beach that will provide Island-themed action and adventure in the sun...."

I think the location of the kids' aqua park, as described here in HAL's press release, will be the biggest potential problem for those who treasure the beach as it is now. It certainly doesn't sound here like it will be in a secluded area- 'conveniently located on the shore of the main beach'?
It sure sounds like they intend to screw up a beautiful beach.:(

[spcl4cs_gal]

Yesterday Alison asked:


Water. :D

Thanks Neal for that insight. :D :)

[RevNeal]

Thanks Neal for that insight.

We aims to please. :)

[elmorejj]

One reason they are building a water park etc could be that now Carnival ships are using HMC they will have a lot more family groups who are inclined to use it. HAL, as a rule doesn`t have hordes of children on board....except at Holiday and school break times..and maybe on the Vista ships. I`m sure the bean counters have decided it will be lucrative for them. JMO......jean :eek:

[sail7seas]

I don't think many Carnival ships pull into HMC in the winter. There are too many HAL ships using it and often there are two HAL ships there at the same time. There may be days when no HAL ships are in and there is room for Carnival. I know Carnival goes there sometimes but is it alot?

[gizmo]

I`m sure the bean counters have decided it will be lucrative for them. JMO......jean :eek:
Agree !

[spcl4cs_gal]

Just happened to come across this website just now that provides a little more information about the plans for HMC:

http://www.yenra.com/private-island/


I wonder what they mean by "specially trained horses"? :)

[sail7seas]

They won't "poop on the beach"?


Sorry.....couldn't resist. :o

[clopaw]

May I have your opinions please? My husband uses a guide dog for the blind. Last January we were on a private sailboat excursion and we let the dog go swimming off the beach in St John. When we were previously at a cruiseline private island, we did not let him swim. Do you think it would be upsetting to other passengers to allow him to swim at HMC? We would not just let him loose. We have a long waterproof leash that my husband would use. We would also do any extra cleanup needed in the room if we have to shower him off afterwards. Or are there freshwater showers on HMC? We don't want to offend any one.

[jhannah]

It wouldn't bother me. I don't think dogs pee in the water like people do! ;)

[localady]

clopaw-

I think it would be wonderful!!! I can imagine any poor dog would be "toasty" on HMC with all the hair they sport. I would think that no one would have a problem with the dog swimming a bit, and frankly if they do, oh well! You can't please all the people all the time!!:eek:

I would just make sure that there is no one that doesn't want to get wet within a 5 ft radius of him when he gets out of that water, as all dogs love to shake themselves dry!!!;)

I hope you all have fun!!!!:cool:

[elmorejj]

It wouldn`t bother me either. Its not like a pool where the dog hair and dander are contained and make it difficult for people who have allergies. Just go a little further along the beach away from any children who might be playing in the water.....jean :cool:

[montgomeryfamily]

You should definitely let your dog (Hero, isn't it) swim if he enjoys it. I don't know why anyone would object and if they do, they are just being ridiculous. This is an ocean--not an enclosed clorinated swimming pool.

If you are uncomfortable being around a lot of people and letting him swim, you could walk up the beach to the area near where the pink, yellow, and green cabanas are but still near the last lifeguard stand. The beach is much more secluded there because most people don't want to walk that far.

There are some freshwater showers, but we found they were really only suitable for rinsing off. You could use these to rinse off your dog (Isn't this Hero?) and then do the more extensive clean-up back in your room. I suggest that you get some extra towels and bring on-shore, though, because there are no extra towels on the private island--you are expected to bring the towel from the ship.

You might also want to consider renting a cabana, although it is costly for just two people (you might find another couple on your sailing who wanted to split the cost.) If you had rented a cabana, it also has a fresh water shower, but basically again for rinsing purposes. There is also an enclosed air conditioned area with table and chairs and plenty of room for your dog to stretch out away from the heat/sun. If you rent a cabana and get the pink or green one, you would be at the more secluded area of beach--you also get transportation to ride to and from the cabana.

Kathy

[spcl4cs_gal]

They won't "poop on the beach"?


Sorry.....couldn't resist. :o

Stopping horses from pooping wherever they like would be some task, even for HAL. And regarding the dog in the water, if they are going to let the horses swim in the ocean, why not a dog too??? :) I love watching a dog playing in the water.

[clopaw]

Yes, it is Hero that I'm asking about. We don't have anywhere here to take him swimming, so he has never been swimming in the time that my husband has had him. We don't know whether he ever swam when he was younger. When we took him into the water in St John, my husband just led him out into the ocean. You could see in Hero's face that he wondered what was going on. Then a wave lifted his feet off the floor, and he looked like "OMG, get me out of here!" Suddenly he started moving his legs (paddling) and the light dawned. "Oh, this is why I have webbed feet. This is fun." I so much wish I had a picture of his face at that moment.

That's why I would like to take him again. We certainly wouldn't have him too close to others. Sometimes little children are nervous because he's a big guy, close to 100 pound black lab, but he's the sweetest guy in the world. I'm glad to hear you think it would be okay. Thank you all.

[sail7seas]

Clopaw....


Hero sounds like a wonderful "member of your family" and I cannot imagine anyone having a problem about him swimming with you and your husband in the ocean.

BUT, please remember that some children and indeed, some adults truly are afraid of large dogs. YOU know how well trained and gentle he is and how he would never hurt anyone....but fears are not always rational and some folks cannot help but be afraid of him.

I know you would not want to ruin their fun in the water so it is probably best to try and find a spot without a lot of other folks in the water. Someone who is afraid may not say anything as they would not want to sound unreasonable but they could be uneasy.

[clopaw]

S7S, I understand completely what you are saying. My husband tries to be very aware of how people react to Hero. The other side of the coin seems to be more common: people trying to be too friendly to the dog while he is working. Luckily Hero has good powers of concentration.

Because of his size alone, I wouldn't want him swimming too near anyone else. Those big paws are powerful.

The first time we stopped at a private island with Hero, we let him walk on the beach, but no swimming. He had sand on his legs and belly so we rinsed him off in our shower when we got back on the ship, and I cleaned up the shower afterwards. Well, I evidently didn't get all the dog hair, because our steward came up and said, "Did you give Hero a bath?" We were very apologetic because we don't want to create extra work for the steward. He said, "Oh, no, it's not a problem. I will give him a bath if he needs one." Bernie (the steward) had tears in his eyes when he said goodbye to Hero. He told us he had never cried when a human passenger left.

We have been very fortunate in the many wonderful cruise staff who have been very kind to the three of us.

[sail7seas]

Why would they not be kind to you? You sound like wonderful, kind, considerate people yourselves.


Hope you, DH and Hero all have many wonderful cruises .....and fun swims in the ocean. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

I would like to think HAL has enough sense to realize what a treasure that magnificent beach is and will not disturb it. HMC is an island....as such, it is beach all the way around. I cannot picture they will put their water park in the half moon beach we all love so much. HOPEFULLY, they will locate it at another stretch of beach ....around the corner; round the bend; wherever!!Sad to say that reading that article indicates to me that the "aquapark" is indeed to be situated along the "main beach". That sounds to me like the heavenly beach that so many of us have come to love for its beauty and serenity.

Reading that link left me crestfallen to say the least. To take a magnificent beach like Half Moon Cay and literally plop such a structure in the middle of it borders, IMHO, on a criminal act.

[spcl4cs_gal]

The first time we stopped at a private island with Hero, we let him walk on the beach, but no swimming. He had sand on his legs and belly so we rinsed him off in our shower when we got back on the ship, and I cleaned up the shower afterwards. Well, I evidently didn't get all the dog hair, because our steward came up and said, "Did you give Hero a bath?" We were very apologetic because we don't want to create extra work for the steward. He said, "Oh, no, it's not a problem. I will give him a bath if he needs one." Bernie (the steward) had tears in his eyes when he said goodbye to Hero. He told us he had never cried when a human passenger left.

We have been very fortunate in the many wonderful cruise staff who have been very kind to the three of us.



This is such a touching story....brings tears to my eyes. What ship was this steward on? He sounds like a real gem.

[HeatherInFlorida]

As for me, there is nothing I love more than seeing a dog romp in the surf. Brings many happy memories of my childhood.:D

[MISSYLOU]

Just my opinion but I think it would be a shame to ruin a beautiful island like that.

[clopaw]

Our wonderful steward was on Celebrity Galaxy. Hero has been on two Celebrity and one Princess cruise. This will be his (and our) first cruise on HAL.

The Galaxy was Hero's second cruise. We had some difficulty on his first cruise, which was on Princess. There was miscommunication about what he needed for a relief area, and it was a learning experience for us. On the next cruise, we were sitting in the terminal waiting to board when the Chief Housekeeper came out, walked over and said, "you must be Hero." It turned out that he has actually sailed with his own (small) dog. We saw him or one of his assistants every day of the cruise, making sure that everything was all right. The next cruise was Southern Caribbean on Summit. Hero was not allowed off the ship in two of the ports, and the Accommodations staff dog-sat so that we could get off and see the ports.

Our HAL cruise is on Rotterdam, a Panama Canal roundtrip. While we don't have everything lined up yet, I think Hero will be good to go in all the ports.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)


From everything that I have been reading, it does sound like the new aqua park is going to be located somewhere around the main beach area.

As for Carnival ships, the last time a Carnival ship used HMC was a couple of years ago. There were a lot of us checking her schedules to determine if a Carnival ship was due to be at HMC at the same a HAL was there. But last year no Carnival ship stopped there. HAL often has 2 of her own ships stopping there now.

:)