Linda VH Posted August 16, 2011 #1 Share Posted August 16, 2011 And what do you do? DH and I live on the water in Florida and are not big beach/pool people when we travel. We have stayed on board in Labadee but there was not much to do and not really any food served. What's it like on HAL??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRL_Joanie Posted August 16, 2011 #2 Share Posted August 16, 2011 And what do you do? DH and I live on the water in Florida and are not big beach/pool people when we travel. We have stayed on board in Labadee but there was not much to do and not really any food served. What's it like on HAL??? I stay aboard the ship, relax, eat and take photos:) I am also not a beach person, plus being in scooter it is easier for me to just stay on board wandering around taking photos for my site and enjoying the ship nearly people free:) The food is the same and still awesome:) Just no having to contend with the other passengers for it:) It is so peaceful and relaxing!! Joanie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted August 16, 2011 #3 Share Posted August 16, 2011 With my fair complection I do not stay over on the Island too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nasmas Posted August 16, 2011 #4 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I love the beach but the past few cruises, I have stayed on the ship at HMC. Its beautiful there but the ship is so nice & quiet and you basically have it to yourself. Plus HMC can get pretty crowded, especially if there's another ship there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda VH Posted August 16, 2011 Author #5 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Our last private island they pretty much shut down all the food choices except for a very small area - wasn't happy! Glad to hear they keep stuff open on HAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted August 16, 2011 #6 Share Posted August 16, 2011 I stayed on board on my last stop to HMC. The ship was quiet and peaceful. I read, watched the water, ate, and relaxed. Had a great day.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tangerinebunny Posted August 16, 2011 #7 Share Posted August 16, 2011 And if you have any interest in the spa, it's a great day for bargains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted August 16, 2011 #8 Share Posted August 16, 2011 When there are 2 ships at HMC, or it chilly or cloudy - we stay on the ship. The Lido will still be open for lunch -- loys of food. We usually stay out on our verandah and read as there are very few activities on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happybeachbum Posted August 16, 2011 #9 Share Posted August 16, 2011 HMC is probably on of the most beautiful beaches in the world! For me, it would be a sin to stay on board!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Gail & Marty sailing away Posted August 16, 2011 #10 Share Posted August 16, 2011 We always stay on the ship at the private Islands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted August 16, 2011 #11 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Many cruisers have been there multiple times. It's not unusual to find some people staying on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted August 16, 2011 #12 Share Posted August 16, 2011 We do. Went there once. It is well down our list of favorite beaches in the Caribbean so we just don't bother. It is not a HAL thing, none of our favorite beaches are cruise ship beaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dot73 Posted August 17, 2011 #13 Share Posted August 17, 2011 HMC is my all-time favourite Caribbean beach. I will only go on a HAL Caribbean cruise if it has a stop on HMC. I love the soft sand, the wonderful blue/aqua water and just about everything about it. The best thing about HMC is that there are NO vendors patrolling the beach trying to sell you junk. You can stay close to the tender dock among the people, or walk further down the beach and be totally alone. I am usually on one of the first tenders out and the last one back, usually with the crew. I do not spend a lot of time lying in the sun, but I love the water and walking the beach. Also, there are also a lot of great excursions. I loved the parasailing and horse-back riding. If you have never been there before, at least get off the ship and see whether you like it or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJSULIBRARIAN Posted August 17, 2011 #14 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Having been there several times now, we usually get on the first tender and go over, walk to the I Wish I Could Stay Here Forever Bar, have a drink or two, walk back, check out the shops and return to the ship for a lazy afternoon aboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted August 17, 2011 #15 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I have done it a few times - the jacuzzi will be all yours. Depending on who's on the ship, it could be empty (nearly) or 1/8 full just depends. We have trundled to HMC when we can tender and decided no numerous times. We relax - wander the ship (all to ourselves) and enjoy the day. and then I get to pack - no rush - no fuss - no muss. Last time, we went, viewed, saw, conquered and headed back to the ship. some people love the beach. I had a great shore excursion planned and pre booked on line - but it was mucked for all of the 6 of us in the group so we headed back and had a great time on board. all depends upon what you want to do:) no one has to go:D no one has to stay;) I don't consider it a port - I consider it an option (assuming they can tender) ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizzies_mom Posted August 17, 2011 #16 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Have only been on HMC twice, both times at beginning of cruise. Next time will be at the end of a TA, and I just may need the sand in my toes after 7 days at sea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two@Sea Posted August 17, 2011 #17 Share Posted August 17, 2011 We're also "Florida People" who have access to a beautiful uncrowded beach all year round, so I usually make it my business to tender to HMC just to visit the lovely little chapel there... a perfect place for a moment of reflection and gratitude on how blessed we are to be able to cruise. :) Then, back to the ship to relax in our cabin! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mllewis48 Posted August 17, 2011 #18 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Been there sooooooooo many times we sometimes stay onboard and enjoy the peace and quiet. We were on an Eastern Cruise on the Veendam that was the 2nd HAL ship to stop at HMC after HAL bought the island in 1998. It has come a long way since then and is a great stop if you haven't ever been there. Some say it's better than some island stops. Enjoy Mike and Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie2pies Posted August 17, 2011 #19 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Living in SW Florida with a pool in my back yard and the water close by, I don't need a ceowded beach. I stay on-board and relax, with the ship to myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare JamesEM Posted August 17, 2011 #20 Share Posted August 17, 2011 I stay on board and use the pool and have my choice of deck chairs. Since there is no line at the grill I can get a cheese burger with a toasted bun and fresh order of fries with out any hassel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudscraper Posted August 17, 2011 #21 Share Posted August 17, 2011 We`ve enjoyed HMC when we are the only ship there. This past Feb. both the Noordam and the Eurodam shared HMC and it was really crowded. Not so enjoyable. In the future I will consider staying onboard if it`s a two ship day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boytjie Posted August 17, 2011 #22 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Living in SW Florida with a pool in my back yard and the water close by, I don't need a ceowded beach. I stay on-board and relax, with the ship to myself. I have yet to come across a Florida beach nearly as beautiful as HMC. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeriatricNurse Posted August 17, 2011 #23 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Living in SW Florida with a pool in my back yard and the water close by, I don't need a ceowded beach. I stay on-board and relax, with the ship to myself. And, no doubt, along with a few others, myself included! ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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