Private Cabanas at Half Moon Cay

[loisswanson]

Never having been there before (and first time with HAL), I'm wondering if the $219 is worth it. Currently it's just me and my husband (but another couple may join us possibly).

I like the idea of the "first tender", and a place to get out of the sun & some snacks -- but is it worth $219? Because you get snacks, towels, snorkeling gear, binoculars and floating mats, it sounds like possibly it is worth it.

If so, which Cabana should I try for (they are all color coded). If you have an order of priority (depending if one is gone already), I'd appreciate knowing.

Many thanks from a new HAL cruiser.

Lois

[garydm]

Mine is a minority view on this board re cabanas. No, they are not worth it to me. We had the yellow one in January and it was in disrepair, dirty, and not stocked with anything when we arrived. The cabana help that we had were seldom seen and less than helpful. I realize others rave about cabanas and have a great time with them, and for them I am pleased.

If we return there, I will get a lounge down at the far end of the beach (under whatever tree might be left) and spend a delightful day at that beautiful spot.

Gary

[rdy2cruz]

We were there in Oct and I booked parasailing and snorkeling and didn't have time to even set down under the clam shell to enjoy it much less in a cabana. I would get a clam shell if I went back especially in the summer. I booked us with too much and didn't really get to enjoy the beach - I had rented the float mat and snorkel equipment for the shore and didn't get to go snorkeling and barely got on the mats. I will take it easy the next time and hopefully get to enjoy the island more.

[Pudgesmom]

"I like the idea of the "first tender", and a place to get out of the sun & some snacks -- but is it worth $219? Because you get snacks, towels, snorkeling gear, binoculars and floating mats, it sounds like possibly it is worth it."

I have to agree with Gary. Its not worth it to me. Towels are free as you get off the ship. On our visit, the cruise director was begging for people to get on the first few tenders as there was lots of room. Lunch is free anyway, but you would have to walk to get it. There is no snokeling area right off the cabanas, but you could walk to that with your free gear. The floating mats sound nice, as well as the AC on a hot day, but I believe I would also walk down the beach and sit under a tree. (There are many.) Also, many of the cabanas are in an area of the beach that is EXTREMELY crowded if two ships are in port. We're talking three solid lines of beach chairs, then a line of shoulder to shoulder clamshells, and then the cabanas. If you spend the money, try for one further down the beach.

Beth

[Ziggy7]

Wow such diversity :) There were no clam shells in front of the cabanas when we were there (hope this is not something new) , we took photos ( link below) from our deck on the cabana if you want to look and see if you are considering getting one. I guess it all depends on what you like. We invited another couple and had a good time, we chatted, snorkeled (yes you must walk to the snorkel area) floated on the mats, took fresh showers after we swam, laid in the lounge chairs on our deck, ate lots of food and had fun doing it all :), so I guess the question is, does this sound worth it to you to spoil yourself and maybe another couple during your cruise :) Have a great time whatever you choose :)

[KCat]

Ziggy...I have to agree with you. We're splitting the Green one with another couple in December :p I CAN'T WAIT :p and I think that will be one of our best days on land.

I've read on other threads that they are all repaired now, I hope that's true:o

[Pudgesmom]

I should add that HeatherinFlorida, her DH and their friends were enjoying their cabana immensely when we were on the beach. Book early if you want one, they go fast!

Ziggy - there was a little path to the steps of each cabana between the clamshells. I have heard that some of the beach was washed away in the hurricanes, and maybe that's why it was so crowded.

Beth