cosmolulu1

We will be at HMC from 9-6 on December 24th, it's a Tuesday.  According to cruise mapper, we are the only ones at that port on that day.

I have been to Half Moon Cay several times and have always booked a villa.  There are typically a bunch of Carnival excursions listed for this island other than villas/cabanas but on my upcoming trip, there is nothing under HMC.  I booked it in May and figured it wasn't posted yet.  Do they ever just give priority to another ship docked there?  Customer service couldn't give me an answer.  There are shore excursions listed under our other ports Nassau and Grand Turk but a big reason I booked this was for HMC and the villa we usually look forward to getting for the day.  Any experience with this?

The villas have ramps.  Ask them for assistance from the shuttle to the villa though.

They transport you by open air truck which can be a big step up into it.  I do think there are golf carts which may be easier.  There is a decent walk though from the road through sand to the villa.  We've done the villa several times and it's awesome!

Hi - We've been to this island many times and always book a villa, which we love.  Since I have booked (back in June), there are no excursion options under this day at Half Moon Cay.  Carnival says they haven't posted them yet but this seems unusual, the cruise is 3 or so months away.  I did notice there is another Carnival owned ship at this stop on the same day.  Do you think they are just offering the excursions to the other ship?  It just seems so odd to me.  They typically list about 6 different types of choices like villa, cabana, horseback riding, sea life programs etc.  I do see plenty of excursion options for our two other ports - Grand Turk & Nassau.  The villas are limited so I just want to make sure I book one.  Any input?

We've gone several times but over the years, they keep up charging. Loved it the first year.  The lagoon is great if you have younger kids.  The first time we went everything was included (not dolphins etc.) but last time we went they wanted us to pay an additional $80+ per child to use the kayaks and inflatable area (after we had paid $99/person).  I would not return.  Before you book, clarify what it includes. Ideally, you'd want lunch, two drinks, water park + kayaks/boating included.

We always get a villa at HMC and love it.  Any idea why, for our sailing, it says "shore excursions are still being scheduled?".  I booked in June and going Christmas week.  We will be there 12/24 and the excursions still are blank for HMC.  The carnival customer service didn't know when I called, she said sometimes it's too early.  Any thoughts?  This has been the case since we booked in June so it's not storm related.  

In our experience w/Camp Carnival, in the 2-5yo group, they would call right away with any crying. They had 37 kids at once with 2 counselors at one point, 4 in a separate area crying all waiting to be picked up. Seemed like only the ones that wanted to be there remained, they simply didn't have the staff to try to help work it out. It was fine, I picked up my son right away if he wanted it. He cried everytime he saw someone else cry, a chain reaction!

I was on the Carnival Glory, mostly sea days and it was a 5 day cruise. There was also one afternoon that was 3-5 bear cuddly that you could go to with under 2's and there was a great kick off party the first night w/funship Freddy for all ages in the disco (7PM so depending on when bedtime is, my twins loved it!).

I wanted to note that I think it varies from ship to ship. During the 8-10AM family time for under 2's, there were a few younger babies that they were babysitting which made no sense to me -- so again, I think you have to get on the ship and actually see what the reality is...it can definitely vary.

Yes, the 8-10AM time was great! Playtime, then walk around the ship a lot (I wanted to get him tired!), then lunch then nap.

I am back from my Carnival cruise and we were allowed to designate 3 people on our registration form to pick up or drop off, including our nanny that we brought. She went with my 20 month old during the family play time which ended up being 8-10AM.

The staff was great, my 3 year old twins loved it. There was plenty for all 3 to do.

Recently went on a Carnival cruise and the people that let their non-potty trained kids into the pools ruined for everyone. The wading pool (only kiddie pool) was closed the entire time because the babies went to the bathroom in the pool and the parents didn't care. I was considerate to keep my under 2yo out of the pools.

There was also a woman with a 1yo in the hot tub all the time, they did chase her out a few times, other times they left her alone.

I am glad you posted, I'll be on Carnival this month with a 20 month old as well. I am a little stressed that he won't have much to do since the pool is not an option and he's too young for Camp Carnival. His brother & sister will be enjoying CC as they are 3.5yo. I plan on my 20 month old to do the family fun time from 12-2 every day. I hope CC will allow my babysitter that we are bringing to go with him, does it have to be a parent or is a caregiver allowed?

Other than that, I plan on letting him see activities, walk around and hope that 6:15 dining is okay for him. I am also bringing his own pack n play as the crib dimensions seemed too tiny for him (he is a climber)!