2014-April 21, Monday-Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (8am-2:30pm):

  This is our 4th time to Half Moon Cay.  It has been beautiful every time we've been here---even the 3 times we were here in the FAll.  I've read about cruises not being able to tender in here during rough seas and I'm thankful that's never happened to us. 

It is a gorgeous beach and so stress free with not having to worry about finding local excursions and possibly missing the ship.   

 Threatening clouds to start the day.

Heading into the water.

 The surf was a bit rough so it wasn't extremely clear, but the little snorkel area by the kids area was clearer then the first 2 times we were on the island.

 Caribbean grouper

school of flagtails?

sergeant and a damselfish

grouper and yellow fin surgeonfish

even a large squirrel fish.

 Over by the rock wall

feather duster worm

 the surgeon fish again

Lots of schooling fish by the wall

 Fortunately the threatening clouds left without even a drop of rain.

After snorkeling for awhile, we headed to the dining area.

There is a shuttle, but we chose to walk

 Where the shuttle drops people off

a beautiful double hybiscus

One of the lines for lunch.

a couple cute birds looking for a crumb.

beautiful bougainvillea 

 After lunch, I decided to take the nature walk while Ken went back to the loungers.

enjoying nature

one of the Cabanas

the Maasdam from the beach

Looking out to the beautiful water.

One of the new 2 story Cabanas.  Looked like there were a lot of empty Cabanas this time.

 Back to walking inland---loved the use of kayaks as planters.

 Jet ski rentals in Bonefish Lagoon.

 Kayak rentals in Bonefish Lagoon.

 the small Stingray area in Bonefish Lagoon.

 Walking along the road back to the beach.

After my walk, I was ready to hit the water again and cool off.  Went in search of more fishies, like this Ballyhoo.

And this tiger striped fish

 Too soon it was time to say good bye to the beach

I guess Ken was afraid they would leave us on the island, so we headed back about 2.

 on the tender on our way back to the ship

 Again no sunset.  Which was probably good.  It was time to get packing again.  Got most of it done before heading to dinner.  Then we went to another movie.  This one was "Lone Survivor"---a film based on truth about Marcus Luttrell and his team who set out to capture or kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah, in late June 2005.  Marcus and his team are left to fight for their lives in one of th emost valiant efforts of modern warfare.  Another excellent movie and another one I hadn't heard about.  Nervous Ken went back to the room after the movie and continued to pack.  I went to the Showroom at Sea to see the Dancing with the Stars at Sea Finale.  It certainly wasn't like the tv series, but the judges made the show with their impromptu humor.  It reminded me of when they use to have a singing competition and the judges poked fun of the contestants.  After that it was time to finish getting my stuff packed so we could get our 3 suitcases out to the hallway.  
Our last towel pet for awhile!

Love the free and easy port of Half Moon Cay!