Princess Cay vs. HMC

[Bandgk]

Considering a couple cruises for November, one stops at Princess Cay, one at HMC. For those of you who have been to both, which do you prefer? We are especially interested in info on snorkeling, water temp, covered patios, walking paths and ease of tendering from/to the ship.

 

Thanks in advance to those responding. Wife and I are still new to cruising; this is our first in warm waters. Hope to some day be seasoned enough to help the newbies as we are now being helped.

[topspot]

We found Princess Cay to be a little more crowded than HMC. It seemed as though we were on top of one another to get in the shade. Snorkeling was better at Princess Cay. You could snorkel from shore,at Princess Cay and see some sealife, but not much to see from the shore at HMC. Did the snorkel excursion there and that's were we saw some fish and a turtle. Food at both was your basic BBQ (hamburger, hot dog, salads, cookies). Been to each island only once. Someone with more trips to the islands may have other opinions or pointers for you. HMC used larger island based tenders while Princess used life boats from the ship. You will enjoy either island.:)

[bruce-r]

IMO, HMC is so much nicer. The sand on the beach is lovely, soft, and white while the PC beach sand is quite course.

 

I'd easily choose HMC over PC, especially if I could reserved a cabana for the day.

[eh2zed]

Been to both. HMC is definitely the better beach. Previous polls on this board have confirmed this. But PC is OK too.

[Typhoon1]

HMC is the place to choose. Princess Cays didn't impress me. It was just like any other beach here in the U.S.

 

Princess could use some work in the beach maintenance and grooming department.