Like the main cruise destinations in Freeport and Nassau, Bahamas, cruise lines, also have their own private destinations.
Coco Cay
Royal Caribbean’s own little slice of heaven in the Bahamas. Located just 55 miles north of Nassau, this is one of the Berry islands. Cruise ships have to dock on the north side of this island and passengers take a tender boat to shore. The island houses full-time employees that up keep the island year-round. Earlier this morning we talked to a representative at Royal Caribbean and asked what measures they were taking for Hurricane Irene and if they were evacuating everyone. They told us, “We do have some essential staff that stays on the island.”
Coco Cay neighbors Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island Great Stirrup Cay.
Half-Moon Cay
Pirate ship on Half-Moon Cay
Famously known for Carnival Cruise Line’s private island, but Holland America, Carnival’s sister brand purchased this 50 acre island for $6 million dollars. Located 100 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, this island’s also known as San Salvador Island. They are currently preparing for Hurricane Irene.
A company spokesman said “At Holland America Line the safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. With the projected path of Hurricane Irene to pass over the Bahamas, Holland America Line has taken measures according to its adverse weather plans to ensure the safety of Half Moon Cay’s 40 full-time employees. Staff will evacuate the island the evening of Tuesday, August 23, and all boats at the island will be moved to a more sheltered anchorage. Equipment has been secured and buildings have been boarded up as is the standard practice for tropical storms. Half Moon Cay has addressed these situations many times during its nearly 14-year history. As soon as the storm has passed and it is safe to do so, the staff will return to the islands and resume operations as quickly as possible.”
Hurricane Irene’s projected path will have a direct impact on both islands.
Photo credit: Carnival news
[...] no word yet if Norwegian Cruise Line will evacuate neighboring island, Great Stirrup Cay. Shared island, Half-Moon Cay, has evacuated it’s 40 employees and all boats on the island will be moved to a more sheltered anchorage, [...]