Opal Shallows – Half Moon Cay & Grand Bahama
About this cruise
Book 5 days off from October 12, 2026 and this cruise from Jacksonville will do the rest, taking you to Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key and back. The sea days at each end give the whole trip a natural arc: build-up, exploration, cool-down. White sand, shallow turquoise flats, and easy island days. The Bahamas keep it simple. People come back from this cruise talking about Half Moon Cay: A private crescent of Bahamian perfection. Roughly 9 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. There are 6 restaurants on Carnival Elation, so you'd need to double up a few evenings to try them all in 5 nights. Jacksonville itself is worth spending some time in. Don't just treat it as a departure point. And October is a good call. Still warm, less crowded, and usually cheaper too. 2 ports, one suitcase. That's the appeal.