Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

March 10, 2008

Half Moon Cay is Holland America’s private resort on Little San Salvador Island. Less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau between Cat Island and Eleuthera, many Bahamians regard this island to be the most beautiful in the Bahamas. Half Moon Gay serves up a warm West Indies ambiance seasoned with flavors of the countries that made their mark in the Caribbean centuries ago. Three main facilities features distinctive Dutch, English, French and Spanish designs. In keeping with the company’s desire to conserve the environment, only 45 acres have been developed to maintain as much habitat as possible for wildlife. Parts of the island have been designated a Wild Bird Reserve by the Bahamian national Trust.

I spent most of my day on this special island snorkeling. Beautiful coral reefs sheltered countless colorful fish. Because it was an overcast day, the water was just slightly cold...but certainly not cold enough for me to enjoy a relaxing and slow “float” watching the beautiful and colorful fish below.

A delicious barbeque lunch followed. Holland America has done a great job of creating pavilions tucked into the sand dunes for only a handful of people. Even though there was another large Holland American ship in port at the same time as we were, because of the design we didn’t feel like we were there with the masses...in contrast, it was almost like being on a private picnic...a lovely experience.

I was saddened when I returned to the ship and learned that one of our great Pilipino crew had fallen off a tram and severely injured his head. He was airlifted to Miami for surgery and, unfortunately is not expected to live. How sad. It only underscores how quickly and easily something so tragic can happen. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

So....the South American cruise is coming to an end....hard to believe that I have been gone since January ....that I have seen so many wonderful and interesting places. Hard to believe that I will be sailing tomorrow for another great adventure....Africa. It’s all so very special....I am a lucky man!