Half Moon Cay-Private Cabana's [Archive] - Cruise Critic Message Boards

MarMac

February 21st, 2005, 07:02 PM

I'm traveling on the Zuiderdam on November 5th, 2005. I'd like to book a private cabana, but I noticed that on the excursion page they are colored coded ie: Private Cabana-Terra Cotta, Sky Blue, etc. Is there any particular reason why? Is one a better placement than the other or are they all the same? I also noticed that you cannot upgrade to the butler service with the yellow cabana, which made me wonder if there was a difference between the cabanas.

Also, it has a limited capacity. Does anyone know what the total capacity is?

Thanks for any information.

RuthC

February 21st, 2005, 07:31 PM

Have never been there, but I can tell you what I've read on the boards---

There's basicly no difference in the cabanas other than color and location. Now, what constitutes a "better" location is in the eyes of the beholder:
Do you want a short walk from the dock? :)
To be far from the madding crowds? :rolleyes:
Near the restrooms? Food? Bar? :D

If you can't book butler service in the yellow cabana I have no clue as to why. :confused:

Cabana's are for four people.

Also, I see that you just registered, and this is your first post. Welcome to the HAL board! :)

SHayesShip

February 21st, 2005, 09:54 PM

The yellow cabana is farthest down the beach and very isolated and they can not get the sand buggies down that far.
The price of $219 is for up to 4 people BUT you can book additional people for an additional fee.
I have the turquiose booked for my April/05 cruise because it is centrally located and not far from the restrooms and food pavillion.

With the outdoor connected decks they can hold 6 ppl comfortably.

Steve Hayes

Pudgesmom

February 22nd, 2005, 09:33 AM

Marmac,

They cabanas are lovely. Decide and book as early as possible as they often fill up months in advance.

Beth

MarMac

February 22nd, 2005, 10:05 AM

Thank you all for the information. I knew there had to be something up with the yellow cabana. I will book the Turquoise cabana as it sounds like what I'm looking for. RuthC, thanks for the welcome, it was truly appreciated.

Mary

Cruisergal1208

February 22nd, 2005, 10:47 AM

MarMac, We had the Sky Blue cabana last month and it was worth every penny!! Good location and the cabana stewards made sure you had everything you could want. Brought us drinks and lunch and checked on us frequently. We invited one of our table mates to share it with us as it was only my husband and I. You will surely enjoy it.

Mary Ann

Sage

February 22nd, 2005, 10:50 AM

We have had the pink and the taupe and loved them both. Be sure to book early, as they do go fast. Welcome to the boards.

MarMac

February 23rd, 2005, 05:48 PM

How early were you able to book the cabana? I tried, but then was told that I had to wait unitl approximately 60 days prior to departure.

Thanks again, you've all been very helpful to me.

Mary

SHayesShip

February 23rd, 2005, 09:24 PM

I booked the end of Nov/04 for my April/05 cruise. If you wait until 60 days out there is a very good chance that they will already be booked. The 60 day announcement is HAL's stock answer however they are available earlier. I would check once a week until you get it booked.

Steve Hayes

How early were you able to book the cabana? I tried, but then was told that I had to wait unitl approximately 60 days prior to departure.

Thanks again, you've all been very helpful to me.

Mary

Ziggy7

February 24th, 2005, 12:07 AM

If you call it in you can book sooner :)

I love the turquoise cabana :)

jp8088

February 24th, 2005, 12:55 PM

Does the price of $219.00 include food and drink being delivered to the cabana??

watchdiva

February 24th, 2005, 01:08 PM

I also booked my 04/05 cabana already - in fact, I did it the day AFTER I booked my cruise once I had my confirmation #. I was able to book on line....

Lin

Ziggy7

February 24th, 2005, 02:28 PM

Does the price of $219.00 include food and drink being delivered to the cabana??
We rented the turquoise cabana ! We were given a priority tender pass with our cabana rental and were on the first tender out! Painless to say the least, as we expected worse from past posts. Also with the cabana rental you get to take the last tender off at 4pm so we didn’t have to wait in line then either. We loved the cabana! It came with an ice chest filled with 12 cans of soda pop and 4 waters, there was fresh fruit basket and flowers on the table, in the refrigerator (in the cupboard – lots of space to store personal stuff in too) was sliced fruit plate, olives, veggies & dip plate, salsa, avocado dip and chips, 2 lounge chairs with mist’ers, fresh water shower on deck, We had mats and snorkel gear for 4. We had 6 washcloths in ice cold water with ice packed on top, for our faces or body to cool down with. Our cabana guy was “Mario” and was he ever great! He was always making sure we had everything we needed or wanted, he brought us extra towels too.
BBQ lunch served to us in our cabana, wow we had enough food to feed an army, Mario took our orders for meats, so we all got what we wanted, he brought us all kinds of salads ( 5 different kinds I think), more cut-up fresh fruit, and deserts, The island BBQ is very good.

After that we spent most of the time in the water and over to the rocks to snorkel, tons of fish come around you. They seemed anxious to see people. We felt it was well worth the money, what a day of being spoiled in Paradise!

jp8088

February 24th, 2005, 04:05 PM

THANKS ZIGGY!!

I thought you had to pay more (than $219.00) to have a "cabana guy"?? Did they fill the cooler w/ beer if requested? My in-laws, d.w. and myself are not soda drinkers..;)

HeatherInFlorida

February 24th, 2005, 04:12 PM

Nan-L

February 24th, 2005, 04:42 PM

My husband and I are going in Oct. The cabanas sound very nice. We would like to be away from activites/ a lot of people, but not the end of the earth. What color would be good and why?
Thanks, Nancy

HeatherInFlorida

February 24th, 2005, 04:44 PM

Pink or green. Because it fits pretty much what you say you want. Do a search of the forum for "cabanas" and you should find the threads that have pictures and shows the locations of each color.

Nan-L

February 24th, 2005, 05:34 PM

Cruisergal1208

February 24th, 2005, 06:06 PM

THANKS ZIGGY!!

I thought you had to pay more (than $219.00) to have a "cabana guy"?? Did they fill the cooler w/ beer if requested? My in-laws, d.w. and myself are not soda drinkers..;)

You will be given a request form on board to specify which kind of drinks you want in your cooler. Enjoy your cabana!!

HeatherInFlorida

February 24th, 2005, 06:35 PM

Heather ,
Thank you.
Also it looks like your ann. is about the same time as ours 10/25, we are going a little early, as my husband's/ and my job gets busy in Oct. for the fall colors. This year will be our 19th, so your one year a head!
Nancy

Actually, we're taking our anniversary cruise in October, but our actual anniversary is April 13th. I couldn't get any really special cruise in April that fit everything we wanted. But thanks for noticing!!!:)

Ziggy7

February 25th, 2005, 01:07 AM

THANKS ZIGGY!!

I thought you had to pay more (than $219.00) to have a "cabana guy"?? Did they fill the cooler w/ beer if requested? My in-laws, d.w. and myself are not soda drinkers..;) Nope, you pay for all beers but he will go get them for you :)

Ziggy7

February 25th, 2005, 01:10 AM

And, Steve, say "hi" to "MY" cabana;) Sorry Darling, it's "MY" cabana, I was in it first !!!!! And we even christened it!:p

dakrewser

February 25th, 2005, 01:15 AM

Sorry Darling, it's "MY" cabana, I was in it first !!!!! And we even christened it!:p

Didn't you embarass the beach boy? :rolleyes:

Ziggy7

February 25th, 2005, 01:19 AM

Didn't you embarass the beach boy? :rolleyes:No, silly we gave him a big order to fill, that kept him busy heheheehe :) But its going to cost you for the rest of my secrets on how to hehehehe ;)

jaguarstyper

February 25th, 2005, 02:43 AM

Nope, you pay for all beers but he will go get them for you :)

Last April, we rented a cabana and were offered an unlimited beverage package for $15 per person. The cabana boys kept us well stocked with Heinekens, Margarhitas or what ever else we wanted throughout the day. They even had a bottle of Chivas Regal brought over from the ship, just because thats what one of us wanted. Well worth the $15 fee.

The cabanas are great.

Tim

spcl4cs_gal

February 25th, 2005, 06:59 AM

Our cabana guy was “Mario” and was he ever great! He was always making sure we had everything we needed or wanted, he brought us extra towels too. [/size][/font]
BBQ lunch served to us in our cabana, wow we had enough food to feed an army, Mario took our orders for meats, so we all got what we wanted, he brought us all kinds of salads ( 5 different kinds I think), more cut-up fresh fruit, and deserts, The island BBQ is very good.

And for those of you who are hoping to get Mario for your cabana in the near future, you're out of luck....he's now on the Ryndam. :)

jp8088

February 25th, 2005, 11:52 AM

Thanks for all the responses but H.A. shore excursions just informed me that all cabanas are sold out for March 29....soooo...who wants to sublet theirs!!;)

Jusy how hot does Half moon cay get in March??

Ziggy7

February 25th, 2005, 05:13 PM

And for those of you who are hoping to get Mario for your cabana in the near future, you're out of luck....he's now on the Ryndam. :)Awwwww, he really made our trip for us!, After that day in HMC, he never failed to acknoledge us and come over and make sure we were getting what we needed, and he always called us by our last names no matter how many times we told him to call us by our first name, I think he liked our last name hehehe "Martini" , yep we are Mr. & Mrs. Martini. He always had a beautiful smile for us and we hope to someday just be able to cross his path again! Thanks for letting me know A! :) And if you speak or see him, please give him our best!

spcl4cs_gal

February 25th, 2005, 05:31 PM

Will do, Ziggy....now what's that surprise the butler springs on guests you were talking about??? :D

Ziggy7

February 25th, 2005, 07:39 PM

Will do, Ziggy....now what's that surprise the butler springs on guests you were talking about??? :Dok ok , but its the cook not the butler, your own personal cook is in full dress uniform when he comes to the island to cook your lunch, when your lunch is done he will arrive at your cabana, with a copy of your menu for lunch, and he signs it for you :) Pretty cool huh, your own menu order in print and signed by the cook :)

spcl4cs_gal

February 25th, 2005, 08:11 PM

Awww how nice....and now I will have to fight my brother over it for sure. Maybe he will settle for the beach bag and I can get the menu home with me at the end of the week.....but then again, there's my mother who might want it too. Sheesh what a hassle! :)

jima53

February 25th, 2005, 11:32 PM

Lanson5

February 26th, 2005, 11:58 AM

grannynurse

February 26th, 2005, 12:09 PM

on our new year's cruise. It is in a wonderful location and the service is great.
If you expect to be served lunch ask at the check-in on the island. We had to get our own but we've later found out that others without butler service have been served.
Watch for the "goody-grabbers" as some folks are not aware that the cabanas are private and will try to move in, take the water toys etc, or generally park in front of your door as there is shade at the tourquoise cabana.
HMC is wonderful, Enjoy it.
GN

Lanson5

February 26th, 2005, 12:10 PM

!!! THANKS

Lanson5

February 26th, 2005, 12:28 PM

Thanks to all of your reviews on the private cabanas, I decided to go online and try to reserve one. Didnt really expect to get it since we are sailing in April, but I got the confirmation #:D .

Sounds like a really GREAT way to pamper ourselves. Can't wait.

S.S.Oceanlover

February 26th, 2005, 12:33 PM

Lanson5

February 26th, 2005, 12:55 PM

Lanson,
I tried last night but couldn't get it to work. It kept giving me a message to pick my times with a drop down box. The drop down box had no options in it except to cancel the excursion??? I hit the continue button but the same page and message kept coming back again. :rolleyes:

Bill

Bill,

It took me 3 tries, but eventually it worked. I tried three different colors first and they were waitlisted. Then I tried the turquoise and for the time, I just left the dropdown box on available. I'm pretty sure it worked, like I said, I got an email confirmation back. Good luck.

S.S.Oceanlover

February 26th, 2005, 01:03 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. I was just fooling with it again with no luck. The only options in the drop down box are, remove tour, and pick time.

No other port calls have links to them yet on the excursion page except Half Moon Cay. Maybe they aren't available yet??

I tried calling on the phone last week and the nice lady said they weren't available yet and to call back March 1 to check. She said i was smart to book so far in advance since they sell out fast.

We are cruising July 23rd on the Zuiderdam.

Bill

richcrow

February 26th, 2005, 01:55 PM

Last April, we rented a cabana and were offered an unlimited beverage package for $15 per person. The cabana boys kept us well stocked with Heinekens, Margarhitas or what ever else we wanted throughout the day. They even had a bottle of Chivas Regal brought over from the ship, just because thats what one of us wanted. Well worth the $15 fee.

The cabanas are great.

Tim

Tim,

Is the beverage package always offered when you book a cabana or was this a special offered when you were at HMC? Also, do you know if you are expected to tip your "cabana boys" or does your normal shipboard tipping also cover them?

Thanks,
Richard

Ziggy7

February 26th, 2005, 01:57 PM

On our visit to the island on our October cruise our stay was about 4 hours. The first tender leftfor the island at 8:00am. and the last one left the island at 12:30pm.... is a cabana really worth the price for this short time. I see lots of references to a "day" on the island but I'm not so sure the hours really come anywhere near a day long visit.

JimWe were there from 8 am to 4 pm the first week and the second week we were there from 9am - 4:30pm. so I thought it was worth it, but for just 4 hours I dont know, are they even having bbq lunch on the island, our bbq lunch time was 12 - 2 pm. Anyone else been there for half day ????

cru1s1ng

February 26th, 2005, 02:02 PM

On my 3/31/05 maasdam sailing, we are scheduled (using that term loosely after all the late arrivals I've heard about here) to be at HMC 11:00 am - 6:00 PM. not exactly a full day, but prime suntan hours. :cool:

Ziggy7

February 26th, 2005, 02:03 PM

Tim,

Is the beverage package always offered when you book a cabana or was this a special offered when you were at HMC? Also, do you know if you are expected to tip your "cabana boys" or does your normal shipboard tipping also cover them?

Thanks,
RichardWe are not drinkers, for heath reasons, but we never were offered any deals, but we never looked for them either, as far as tipping the cabana boys goes, we tipped them as it is not covered with shipboard tipping. Ours truly deserved it too, they were wonderful both weeks!:)

richcrow

February 26th, 2005, 02:27 PM

We are not drinkers, for heath reasons, but we never were offered any deals, but we never looked for them either, as far as tipping the cabana boys goes, we tipped them as it is not covered with shipboard tipping. Ours truly deserved it too, they were wonderful both weeks!:)

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about the $15.00 pp bev. card mainly because I not seen it mentioned any of the posts concerning HMC. I was pretty sure that the cabana boys were not covered by shipboard tips, but wanted to make sure. Having an exectutive chef for a daughter, I firmly believe in tipping where it is deserved.

I enjoyed your pics. They really make you want your cruise to hurry up and get here.

Richard

Ziggy7

February 26th, 2005, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the info. I was wondering about the $15.00 pp bev. card mainly because I not seen it mentioned any of the posts concerning HMC. I was pretty sure that the cabana boys were not covered by shipboard tips, but wanted to make sure. Having an exectutive chef for a daughter, I firmly believe in tipping where it is deserved.

I enjoyed your pics. They really make you want your cruise to hurry up and get here.

RichardJust a little FYI, I heard that the onboard soda cards dont work on HMC either, but I dont get those either so I dont know for sure but have seen it mentioned here several times. I also heard they offer soda specials for the day as well. You might want to search for drink cards and see :)
Have a wonderful cruise and please say Hi to "MY" turquoise cabana hehehehe :)

S.S.Oceanlover

February 26th, 2005, 02:54 PM

Ziggy7

February 26th, 2005, 03:01 PM

Ziggy,
I've trying to book YOUR turquiose cabana for the last couple of weeks. Hopefully I'll have it booked soon.

Anybody have any suggestions for a certain color if the turquoise one is taken before I get it booked? Friends of ours had the pink one and loved it.

BillBill,
we stayed in the Light Blue one the second week cause the turquise one was taken the second week, but really they all are the same.
The locations of the cabanas, starting with the closest to the ship, is as follows:

Tan
Blue
Turquoise
Orange
Light Blue
Purple
Pink
Green
Yellow

The Tan, Blue and Turquoise cabanas are the most convenient to the bathrooms. None of the cabanas are very remote, so getting to the food and bathroom areas wouldn't be much of a hike from any of them.
I heard they added one more color but dont know its location. Any cabana would be nice tho :)

watchdiva

February 26th, 2005, 05:25 PM

Hey Lanson5:

What day are you at HMC? I have the turquoise cabana booked on 4/17/05 and if you ALSO have it booked for the same day, I'm willing to share if you are!:)

Lin

Lanson5

February 26th, 2005, 06:10 PM

We must be on different ships....we are there on the 22nd. We are sailing on Zaandam. Sorry, we were thinking it would probably be fun to share with someone too.

watchdiva

February 26th, 2005, 07:18 PM

Lanson5:

Don't worry - we'll take good care of it for you and (of course) Ziggy since it really is HER cabana!

texkat

February 26th, 2005, 07:28 PM

Here's a link to a post from last summer, so it's pre-hurricane. But I mapped out the cabana locations and included photos, along with details of the beverage packages.

HMC Cabana photos and information! (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=32745)

Enjoy your cruise!!! :)

Ziggy7

February 26th, 2005, 09:55 PM

Lanson5:

Don't worry - we'll take good care of it for you and (of course) Ziggy since it really is HER cabana!hehehehe thanks watchdiva :)

S.S.Oceanlover

February 27th, 2005, 03:37 AM

texcat,
Thanks for posting the link to that thread.

Did I read that there are no longer any canvas sided cabanas and they are all hard sided now?

Bill

Ziggy7

February 27th, 2005, 11:12 AM

I'm not texcat but yes you did :) I read it here too!:)

SHayesShip

February 28th, 2005, 08:54 PM

On the volendam cruise of 4/9/05 we are scheduled for HMC from 7am-4pm. To me it will be worth it. I would not have booked it for only 8-12:30.
Steve Hayes

On our visit to the island on our October cruise our stay was about 4 hours. The first tender leftfor the island at 8:00am. and the last one left the island at 12:30pm.... is a cabana really worth the price for this short time. I see lots of references to a "day" on the island but I'm not so sure the hours really come anywhere near a day long visit.

Jim

SHayesShip

February 28th, 2005, 09:01 PM

I have it booked for the 18th so be REAL NICE to it, OK? hehehehe

Steve Hayes

Hey Lanson5:

What day are you at HMC? I have the turquoise cabana booked on 4/17/05 and if you ALSO have it booked for the same day, I'm willing to share if you are!:)

Lin

Ziggy7

February 28th, 2005, 09:07 PM

I would not have booked it for only 8-12:30.
Steve Hayes I would not either :)

robomom

March 5th, 2005, 09:57 PM

I also booked my 04/05 cabana already - in fact, I did it the day AFTER I booked my cruise once I had my confirmation #. I was able to book on line....

Lin

Just a quick question here....I've been to the Holland America web page, but I haven't seen where to book and/or buy things prior to departure. Can someone give me the link? Thanks!

S.S.Oceanlover

March 5th, 2005, 10:53 PM

robomom,
Here's the link for HAL's excursions. HAL's excursions (https://www.hollandamerica.com/shorex/shorex.do;jsessionid=W5ysbr20UmkIVZU6o383bz8)

Bill

Ziggy7

March 5th, 2005, 11:32 PM

Just a quick question here....I've been to the Holland America web page, but I haven't seen where to book and/or buy things prior to departure. Can someone give me the link? Thanks!here is the link to buy gifts for your cabin :)

http://www.hollandamerica.com/onboard/gifts.do;jsessionid=1kbl86wwIFMmdbqklTsg4vd

watchdiva

March 6th, 2005, 09:23 AM

DH and I will take VERY good care of the cabana for you......;)

Lin

viennacruiser

March 6th, 2005, 10:59 AM

Watch for the "goody-grabbers" as some folks are not aware that the cabanas are private and will try to move in, take the water toys etc, or generally park in front of your door as there is shade at the tourquoise cabana.
HMC is wonderful, Enjoy it.

Is this really a problem or just an isolated incident?:confused: Ihave the pink booked for March 19 Zuid sailing and do not want to have to worry about rushing off the ship to claim my Cabana:(
Is others "move" in and take the stuff what do you do about it?
seem like chair hogs are also Cabana hogs..only taking something they are not paying for:eek:

Ziggy7

March 6th, 2005, 11:21 AM

hmmmmm last Aug. there were signs on the front white fences, stating they were for reserved pax only. Wonder what happen to the signs, or cabana boy made sure no one blocked our entrance area, he kept it clear at least a lounge chairs distance, but the rest is open to pax. :confused:

jorjen9

March 6th, 2005, 11:51 AM

We have 5 in our family. Does that mean that we cannot reserve a cabana? Are they only for 4?

SHayesShip

March 6th, 2005, 03:27 PM

They charge extra for over 4 ppl.
Steve Hayes

We have 5 in our family. Does that mean that we cannot reserve a cabana? Are they only for 4?

Ziggy7

March 6th, 2005, 04:48 PM

The charge of 219.00 is for up to 4 pax, you can pay and add more if you like, only 4 chairs at the table and 2 lounge chairs on deck, so I would ask them to add extra chairs around the table :)

liv2cruise4ever

March 14th, 2005, 10:48 PM

Actually, Steve Hayes made an error in calling in the "turquoise" cabana ... it is actually "MY" cabana:D .

With the $219 you get 2 cabana boys. This worked great for us and they waited on us hand and foot, but others have said they never saw their guys so luck of the draw I guess.

But they are great! Book one if you can.

And, Steve, say "hi" to "MY" cabana;)

Heather, I'm thinking of booking "YOUR" cabana in Dec.;) It looks as though alot of the "other" cabanas are available too. Is YOURS the best. LOL Please reply with any other advice.....:D

Ziggy7

March 16th, 2005, 03:21 AM

liv2cruise4ever,

I am not Heather but "MY" turquoise cabana is the best! :)
It's close to everything :)

MarMac

March 16th, 2005, 09:59 AM

We have 5 in our family. Does that mean that we cannot reserve a cabana? Are they only for 4?

I'm traveling with a party to 22 and I e-mailed HAL to ask how many the cabana would hold in case some of my friends decided to join us. They replied that the cabanas would hold 10 comfortably. The cost is $45.00 for each additional person.

Mary

scluvsrain

March 16th, 2005, 08:54 PM

I've got the turquoise booked for April 28th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

--sherita

Ziggy7

March 17th, 2005, 03:04 AM

I've got the turquoise booked for April 28th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

--sherita
Awesome, be gentle with it hehehe :)
There are pictures and hmc maps in my Zuiderdam cruise pics, just click the link in my signature below :)

NOVACruisers

March 17th, 2005, 05:41 PM

Ziggy7

March 17th, 2005, 06:32 PM

Wow Ziggy - what is it about "your" cabana? Is it the fabulous condition you've kept it in or could it just be the alluring color that reminds everyone of the beautiful carribean?

We've got it booked on April 12th and will ensure that we take good care of it not only for you, but the others on this thread who are following us! :)hehehe it's the first one we stayed in so ...... love at first sight :) even though they are all the same, I love how the color matches the ocean, and its just far enough away from the crowd :) Enjoy! I know we did :)

itsme_jj

March 18th, 2005, 10:07 AM

look for this nice ladies pictures I found under renups her hmc pics start at 86?

she has maps of hmc and all very detailed... hers is eastern...

http://client.webshots.com/user/ziggy638 (http://client.webshots.com/user/ziggy638)

RobbieCruises

March 18th, 2005, 06:00 PM

I was told by HAL that it would be another $200 (roughly) to have a “butler” and drink service. Wonder if it has changed since you all went? i only paid the 219.

Ziggy7

March 18th, 2005, 07:18 PM

I was told by HAL that it would be another $200 (roughly) to have a “butler” and drink service. Wonder if it has changed since you all went? i only paid the 219.We did not have butlers, we had cabana boys, that come with the 219.00. The butler service you get your lunch of the ship menu and your own chef and alot more, free drinks all day that kinda thing.:)