HAL Cabanas - other passengers disadvantaged?

[Monicaed]

To what extent do cabanas impinge on facilities (space and views) previously enjoyed by all passengers? Although we are looking forward very much to our NA Cruise in June we are a little concerned about their possible impact upon our enjoyment.

[amster65]

Sounds like they take up half the Lido deck. Will not cruise Hal ships with cabanas.

[tcook052]

Sounds like they take up half the Lido deck.

Sounds can be deceiving.

[Harry1954]

We dont like them ... try to avoid ships with them where possible ... but I am certain others like them - a la chocolate versus vanilla
harry

[catl331]

Didn't like them and still don't but I just avoided them and sat elsewhere. Still love the Nieuw Amst. inspite of them.

[bozemanman]

Don't like the ones in the lido pool area, but then again, I don't really like the lido poll area...I hang out by the back pool. I think the retreat cabanas are a great idea for otherwise unused space.

[GeriatricNurse]

To what extent do cabanas impinge on facilities (space and views) previously enjoyed by all passengers? Although we are looking forward very much to our NA Cruise in June we are a little concerned about their possible impact upon our enjoyment.

In my view, from my experience onboard Eurodam, the cabanas do impinge on facilities, related to both space and views! The cabanas have eliminated the space for many loungers! :( The cabanas take away a lot of deck space on either side of the Lido Deck area and it does become quite congested! :mad: Best to avoid this area, as much as possible, (and enjoy the aft area better) ;)

[Boytjie]

To what extent do cabanas impinge on facilities (space and views) previously enjoyed by all passengers? Although we are looking forward very much to our NA Cruise in June we are a little concerned about their possible impact upon our enjoyment.

The ones around the Lido pool take up one side of that deck area, so that is no longer available to others where previously it was.

The Retreat cabanas are on a new, separate deck area so it was never available to others.

[baggal]

In my view, from my experience onboard Eurodam, the cabanas do impinge on facilities, related to both space and views! The cabanas have eliminated the space for many loungers! :( The cabanas take away a lot of deck space on either side of the Lido Deck area and it does become quite congested! :mad: Best to avoid this area, as much as possible, (and enjoy the aft area better) ;)

Except that there's limited shady areas near the aft pool. I really dislike the lido deck cabanas and wish they would go away - but since they're another source of income for HAL - I doubt it.

[Boytjie]

In my view, from my experience onboard Eurodam, the cabanas do impinge on facilities, related to both space and views! The cabanas have eliminated the space for many loungers! :( The cabanas take away a lot of deck space on either side of the Lido Deck area and it does become quite congested! :mad: Best to avoid this area, as much as possible, (and enjoy the aft area better) ;)

If the Lido cabanas are only on one side how could it possibly "take away a lot of deck space" on the other side? :confused:

Unless you want a lounger by the Lido pool, there are a lot of loungers on the new deck area above the Silk Den/Tamarind so I don't think there is a net loss of loungers compared to the Vista ships.

[CruiserBruce]

Sounds like they take up half the Lido deck. Will not cruise Hal ships with cabanas.

The Lido Cabanas might take up 15% of the Lido pool area, maybe. It is only one portion of one side of the Lido area. The location where the Lido Cabanas are was a few- maybe 5 or 6, tables before. There was never loungers in that area of the Lido, from my 3 or 4 crusies on Vista class ships.

The Retreat Cabanas have their own area- a new deck, and the N. Amsterdam has new open deck areas that the Vistas don't have. So no impact there.

Wow, the drama and hype!!

[MainStreetMouse]

We were on the NA at Christmas this year and because our son is 15 and can't swim in the AFT pool we spend a few afternoons on the Lido deck.

I never really took much noticed them. They were there but didn't crowd the deck. There is a lot of room on that deck and around that pool, even when they set up and sell the duty free table around there too.

During Christmas the Lido deck and pool was busy, and still we were able to always find a spot.

I wouldn't rent one either, While I didn't take much notice of them I am sure the people sitting in them felt kind of like in a fish bowl as people walked by.

Cheers!
Gary

[Megsie1000]

Why would other passengers be "disadvantaged" when anybody can rent one? I don't get it. :rolleyes:

That is like saying I am disadvantaged because my parents' deluxe verandah suite is too big and will take space that could have been used by for my inside cabin.

We all make choices about what we want to spend our money on. For us, the outdoor space to call our own is worth the extra money. To others, it would not be. But you all have the option to take advantage of it ... or not.

[bozemanman]

The Lido Cabanas might take up 15% of the Lido pool area, maybe. It is only one portion of one side of the Lido area. The location where the Lido Cabanas are was a few- maybe 5 or 6, tables before. There was never loungers in that area of the Lido, from my 3 or 4 crusies on Vista class ships.

Why would other passengers be "disadvantaged" when anybody can rent one? I don't get it. :rolleyes:

That is like saying I am disadvantaged because my parents' deluxe verandah suite is too big and will take space that could have been used by for my inside cabin.

We all make choices about what we want to spend our money on. For us, the outdoor space to call our own is worth the extra money. To others, it would not be. But you all have the option to take advantage of it ... or not.


...both valid points!;)

[jtl513]

The Retreat cabanas are on a new, separate deck area so it was never available to others.


The Retreat Cabanas have their own area- a new deck, and the N. Amsterdam has new open deck areas that the Vistas don't have. So no impact there.But on the Vista ships the area just forward of the Lido pool roof on their Observation deck does have a lot of loungers and tables, so putting cabins in there and cabanas on top those cabins does result in a loss of free public space there.

OTOH, as Boytjie said, there's a ton of additional loungers up on top of the Silk Den/Tamarind IF you're willing and able to climb two flights of stairs.

[RMLincoln]

I haven't been on a ship with cabanas, but it sounds like they are in the area near the Lido pool that had tables to eat at in the shade, tables in the shade with a view of the ocean through the glass. Which was nice.

There used to be a smoking side and a non-smoking side so it was nice to have both sides available to pick from. I'm not sure how they've dealt with the smoking issue in that area. Sounds like it's different now.

Things change, especially if the cruise lines (in general all crusie lines) can find a way to take what used to be public space and make more money from it.

The trade off is that those who buy cabanas help keep down the price of the cruise for the rest of us, but at a "cost" of losing some public space. HAL's ships have always ranked pretty high in the public space per passenger ratio. And their prices still remain a good value IMO.

So I try to look at the big picture which is: I'm on a ship! There's so much to enjoy about that! Cabanas or no cabanas.

Kinda reminds me of a song... Oh Yes! We have no Cabanas... We have no Cabanas today! m--

[tcook052]

Why would other passengers be "disadvantaged" when anybody can rent one? I don't get it. :rolleyes:

There seems to be the thought that once given public space can't be taken away like it's some possession granted in perpetuity. How is a hotel instaling a vending machine in the lobby any different? To me, it isn't but that's just MHO.

[DFD1]

I couldn't care less one way or the other. However, if you're a people-watcher, you'll probably find some of the activities in them amusing.

[Typhoon1]

Personally, I think they are an eyesore.

We were better off without them. Just another revenue source.

[bepsf]

The Retreat cabanas are on a new, separate deck area so it was never available to others.

Not quite...

On the Vistas there's a lovely open deck on 10, aft of the Crow's Nest, around the skylight to the Thassolotherapy Pool.

The similar space on 11 for Eurodam/Nieuw Amsterdam is where the Retreat is located.

[localady]

Lido seating can be an issue, and unfortunately they actually take away space that is traditionally used for additional tables upon which folks could eat. I think it's unfortunate as it is often hard to find seating in the Lido area.
The Retreat upstairs is great. They added a new space or a space that was traditionally under-utilized for a revenue generating area, which is brillant!

[Cindy]

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly are the cabanas?:confused: I'm having a hard time picturing them! Are they on all ships, or just selected ships?

[jtl513]

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly are the cabanas?:confused: I'm having a hard time picturing them! Are they on all ships, or just selected ships?They're only on the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, and there's two distictly different types: the Retreat (or Cabana Club on the N.A.) and the Lido pool-side kinds. The Eurodam has eight Lido cabanas on the port side while the N.A. has only five, on the starboard side, which are larger. Open THIS PDF (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162118&d=1279037804) for a description of the Eurodam's.

[Cindy]

They're only on the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam, and there's two distictly different types: the Retreat (or Cabana Club on the N.A.) and the Lido pool-side kinds. The Eurodam has eight Lido cabanas on the port side while the N.A. has only five, on the starboard side, which are larger. Open THIS PDF (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162118&d=1279037804) for a description of the Eurodam's.

Interesting...thanks!

[bozemanman]

Tried to attach photo...didn't work

[jtl513]

I think you should have tried a Preview Post on that one. :)

[scamper]

When we were on the Eurodam this past fall, it didn't seem as though more than one or two cabanas in the Lido pool area were rented. Several seem to have been in the retreat area. I should imagine, however, if they do become popular then everyone that is against them will have to learn to live with them taking up space because they will have become a good source of revenue for the line.

[bozemanman]

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly are the cabanas?:confused: I'm having a hard time picturing them! Are they on all ships, or just selected ships?

Try this again...here is a lido cabana

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=215700&thumb=1&d=1324254874

[jtl513]

When we were on the Eurodam this past fall, it didn't seem as though more than one or two cabanas in the Lido pool area were rented.Just because they're not occupied all day long doesn't mean they're not rented. Some people rent them for the entire cruise but go other places some of the time.

[tcook052]

Just because they're not occupied all day long doesn't mean they're not rented. Some people rent them for the entire cruise but go other places some of the time.


Heck, some posters here on HAL forum even rent both Retreat and Lido cabanas and use each at different times. Seems too much to me, especially if you have booked a verandah cabin, but to each their own.

[surfergirle]

The Lido Cabanas might take up 15% of the Lido pool area, maybe. It is only one portion of one side of the Lido area. The location where the Lido Cabanas are was a few- maybe 5 or 6, tables before. There was never loungers in that area of the Lido, from my 3 or 4 crusies on Vista class ships.

The Retreat Cabanas have their own area- a new deck, and the N. Amsterdam has new open deck areas that the Vistas don't have. So no impact there.

Wow, the drama and hype!!

True that. Best money we ever spend. Everyone can keep hating, more cabanas for me! They are always sold out.

[sail7seas]

I haven't been on a ship with cabanas, but it sounds like they are in the area near the Lido pool that had tables to eat at in the shade, tables in the shade with a view of the ocean through the glass. Which was nice.

There used to be a smoking side and a non-smoking side so it was nice to have both sides available to pick from. I'm not sure how they've dealt with the smoking issue in that area. Sounds like it's different now.


<snip>



There is no smoking permitted at Lido Pool area on any of the ships. They stopped permitting it at Lido Pool (including at the bar) some time ago.

[Boytjie]

Not quite...

On the Vistas there's a lovely open deck on 10, aft of the Crow's Nest, around the skylight to the Thassolotherapy Pool.

The similar space on 11 for Eurodam/Nieuw Amsterdam is where the Retreat is located.

As John said, that area round the skylight is now taken up by cabins. ;)

And the area above that has a number of cabins as well as the Retreat cabanas. The cabanas have not take away all the open deck space, the extra cabins have too. :D

[Boytjie]

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly are the cabanas?:confused: I'm having a hard time picturing them! Are they on all ships, or just selected ships?

On the Eurodam:

Retreat cabins (above the Lido pool deck):

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/44825/2349382200102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2349382200102790654wdNwEx)

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/47830/2357829880102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2357829880102790654wGVnfH)


Lido cabins (on the other side of the Lido pool):

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/49075/2434166870102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2434166870102790654JCpmFp)

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/49335/2328251100102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2328251100102790654WSNyKC)

[RMLincoln]

There is no smoking permitted at Lido Pool area on any of the ships. They stopped permitting it at Lido Pool (including at the bar) some time ago.

Thank You Sail, that is good for me! I read the new smoking policy and what I read wasn't specific about in which outside areas it was now permitted. m--

[Sir PMP]

Don't like the ones in the lido pool area, but then again, I don't really like the lido poll area...I hang out by the back pool. I think the retreat cabanas are a great idea for otherwise unused space.

Why don't you try the Veendam or Rotterdam, great ships but no more back pool!!

[Sir PMP]

To what extent do cabanas impinge on facilities (space and views) previously enjoyed by all passengers? Although we are looking forward very much to our NA Cruise in June we are a little concerned about their possible impact upon our enjoyment.

Well, you're looking at an area of discrimination, your rights of having to enjoy both sides and views of the lido deck are gone, these 'cabanas' (obstructions) do not belong on HAL ships!!

[GeriatricNurse]

Personally, I think they are an eyesore.

We were better off without them. Just another revenue source.

I agree! :)

[GeriatricNurse]

Personally, I think they are an eyesore.

We were better off without them. Just another revenue source.


Like the "Ship's Tour"! ;)

[Boytjie]

Well, you're looking at an area of discrimination, your rights of having to enjoy both sides and views of the lido deck are gone, these 'cabanas' (obstructions) do not belong on HAL ships!!

And what exactly is this right "to enjoy both sides and views of the lido deck" based on? Is it a European Union thing? :rolleyes:

HAL has every right to decide what to put on their dam ships. You have the right to not sail on them.

[Boytjie]

Like the "Ship's Tour"! ;)

Your cruise fare is also a source of revenue... what's your point?

[gelo7]

On the Eurodam:

Retreat cabins (above the Lido pool deck):

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/44825/2349382200102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2349382200102790654wdNwEx)

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/47830/2357829880102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2357829880102790654wGVnfH)


Lido cabins (on the other side of the Lido pool):

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/49075/2434166870102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2434166870102790654JCpmFp)

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/49335/2328251100102790654S500x500Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2328251100102790654WSNyKC)I must be in the minority, I like them.

[Sir PMP]

#42 Today, 11:43 AM
gelo7
Cool Cruiser Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ellenwood, GA. USA
Posts: 1,603



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boytjie
On the Eurodam:

Retreat cabins (above the Lido pool deck):






Lido cabins (on the other side of the Lido pool):





I must be in the minority, I like them.

If you like camping, I understand, but in my eyes they look in one word 'Tacky'...

[GeriatricNurse]

Your cruise fare is also a source of revenue... what's your point?

Overpriced! ;)

[CruiserBruce]

Overpriced! ;)
As you not been in one, experienced the service and quantity of food, drink and other treats provided, which exceeds the description on the various sources I saw, I am curious how you base this comment?

[DFD1]

I always think of the Roman emperors and their women lounging around nearly naked, eating and drinking, on display in front of masses of people whenever I pass that row of cabanas along side the lido pool.

Somehow, doing that just doesn't appeal to me.

Oh well, to each his own.....

(Tongue in cheek)

[barante]

Please. What are we going to complain about next? If HAL wants to build cabanas, that's their privilege. If you don't want to patronize them, that's your privilege.
I first learned about the cabana section while looking out of the big windows in the bar opposite of the Tamarind. On our recent Nieuw Amsterdam TA they were seldom occupied. Ditto for whatever those tented things are called on the starboard side of the Lido pool. HAL has to decide whether they are worth the money. I am not losing any sleep over them or anyone who wants to rent them or boycott them.

[Yodalicious]

We had a Lido cabana and LOVED it! It was really nice to have guaranteed chairs in the shade!

[Monicaed]

Please. What are we going to complain about next? If HAL wants to build cabanas, that's their privilege. If you don't want to patronize them, that's your privilege.
I first learned about the cabana section while looking out of the big windows in the bar opposite of the Tamarind. On our recent Nieuw Amsterdam TA they were seldom occupied. Ditto for whatever those tented things are called on the starboard side of the Lido pool. HAL has to decide whether they are worth the money. I am not losing any sleep over them or anyone who wants to rent them or boycott them.

Thanks everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We now have a clearer idea of the impact these cabanas have. As usual posters have strong and opposing views on the matter. This was not intended to be a critism of HAl but merely a fact finding question. None of this will alter opinions since as Tolstoy observed many years ago "We all believe what we want to believe and will use and/or bend facts tio fit those beliefs."
Happy ctuising - arnt we lucky?

[scamper]

Personally, I think they are an eyesore.

We were better off without them. Just another revenue source.

And since Holland America is a charity and not a business, God forbid they should want to make money (revenue).

PS: Keep in mind that the more revenue enhancing products such as these that are developed (and sold), the less likely we will see the return of fuel surcharges and/or fare hikes.

[GeriatricNurse]

As you not been in one, experienced the service and quantity of food, drink and other treats provided, which exceeds the description on the various sources I saw, I am curious how you base this comment?

My comment was in regard to the (overpriced) "Ship's Tour" (and not the overpriced Cabanas)!! :rolleyes:

[GeriatricNurse]

We had a Lido cabana and LOVED it! It was really nice to have guaranteed chairs in the shade!

Inside a tent? ;) (Are those all the chairs that have disappeared from the Lido)? :confused:

[Megalon]

To what extent do cabanas impinge on facilities (space and views) previously enjoyed by all passengers? Although we are looking forward very much to our NA Cruise in June we are a little concerned about their possible impact upon our enjoyment.

Wow, my thoughts got long. Apologies.
Seemingly, an extremely valid question and one I considered when I booked my Eurodam cruise last winter. Background - my wife and I booked a family Retreat cabana and enjoyed it. We also enjoyed the cruise. But it seems your question has been taken in many somewhat related directions including a mild battle over the worth of renting a Lido cabana, something that didn't seem to be part of your inquiry.

Some overall thoughts on the direction this thread has gone that I realize are mine alone:
- Is it an impingement on public space that didn't/doesn't exist on similarly designed HAL ships? Of course it is. People who would have used that area will now have to find space elsewhere.
- For those who have stated they prefer to go to the Aft adult pool, I strongly agree. However, if forty people are not sitting at the tables and chairs formerly in the cabana area of the Lido deck move aft, that will be forty more people looking for space in the aft area. Not a problem on port days, but space was tight on sea days.
- Will it ruin your cruise? Absolutely not.
- Does the "you can rent one if you want" type of reply have anything to do with your inquiry? Not intending to speak for you, but I would assume you would think not. I think it is fairly valid to hold the concurrent belief that one can very much like and rent Lido cabanas and still acknowledge they took formerly designated public space.
- And about that approach of you can rent one if you wish. Yes, right up until the eighth one is rented. And tables and chairs turnover use throughout the day, cabanas do not.
- Aesthetics have been suggested. I'll first say that it crosses my mind that I would possibly rent a Lido cabana on a future HAL cruise to always have a reserved area. With that said, I also think the the Lido cabanas look like an Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves display haphazardly placed on an otherwise classy pool area.

* There is the persistent thought on many threads of "doesn't HAL have the right to make money." I am reminded of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" quote, "What About My Needs?"
I don't cruise to make any line a profitable margin. I see their prices, measure what the particular ship and cruise have to offer, and make my choice. So, let's take a look at what I see as the facts about this Lido cabana money making machine.
- I'll preface this by saying I "think" (and hope) I'm accurate with these numbers. One week cruise / eight Lido cabanas / $199 per / equals $1,592, WOW!

Now subtract some costs:
- Daily "champagne" and chocolate covered strawberries.
- Extra man hours/salary for designated attendants.
- Ditto for the effort to break the area down and set-up again due to the chocolate extravaganza.
- Just what is left as HAL's profit? Call it a generous $1,200. Does it still seem that this was a viable effort as a profit maker? Was it worth changing the nature of the Lido area for $1,200 per cruise? Much more money would be made by raising each individual cruise fare by one unnoticeable dollar!
- One might argue that extrapolating the amount over a fiscal year would be more than $50,000. So would extrapolating a one dollar fare increase. Heck, you could offer a free cabin to one mid-level gambler on each cruise and make more profit than the cabanas.
- I believe the Nieuw Amsterdam decreased the amount of Lido cabanas to five. Did they discover they were making too much profit or did they acknowledge it was making the area difficult to traverse?

I'm drifting to sarcasm and I shouldn't. I would suggest the addition of Lido cabanas had nothing to do with the direct profit they would generate. The numbers don't support it. I would suggest that the possible reason is to be able to advertise that new HAL ships HAVE a private Lido retreat area because Princess has a private "Sanctuary," and RCL has private seating areas at the pool for suite guests, and, seeing this, Celebrity has new alcove retreats added to the greatest impingement of all in cruising - the Lawn Club. I believe these areas exist to sell the cruise line. And that's fine (though RCL took away pool seating previously available for all for their reserved areas.) Not so fine with that.

And for those who may wish to skewer me:), I can have these thoughts and concurrently still not mind that these areas exist. After all, I chose to rent a Retreat cabana and it was wonderful! And I also commend HAL for allowing booking in advance rather than a free-for-all upon boarding rental approach for private areas on other lines. Additionally, compared to Celebrity pricing, all HAL cabanas are a bargain.

So, back to the original question after my lengthy digression, do they impinge? I think yes. Will it diminish your vacation? I think not.
Book and enjoy!

[Aquahound]

Well, having just booked my first HAL cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam, I knew nothing of these so all I know so far is what I read and saw in this thread. I'm actually a little intrigued and after looking at the menu of what all is included, especially if the price is still only $50 for all day on a sea day, sorry, but I may be one contributing to the success of these. :o

[Megsie1000]

The original inquiry was not whether they impinge per se, but rather whether other passengers are "disadvantaged."

Of course they impinge. They take up space, just like the Neptune Lounge does. Just like other "special" areas that are only open to people who pay for the privilege. The Pinnacle is only open for breakfast for suite passengers. I would love to eat there and get more personal, specialized attention and a wonderful view. I guess you could say I am "disadvantaged" because that space is not open to me. You could take that argument to the ridiculous.

You can also pay for the premium pent house real estate on the ship up until it is rented. Are other passengers "disadvantaged" because they didn't get there first to rent it?

If you want a cabana, rent one and do it well ahead of time if it is important to you to have somewhere to sit in the lido. It is ridiculously affordable, even for somebody like me who is pinching pennies.

[Rinderoo]

I love the idea of the Retreat Cabana. I booked it because I wanted guaranteed seating outside for my family during the cruise, without the craziness that is the Lido pool area. At $449 its not cheap, but we're not doing excursions and it works out to just $64/day. Had I known about these when I booked my cruise I would not have purchased a verandah, but we will enjoy that too.

There seems to be plenty of deck space on these ships for everyone.

[Yodalicious]

The tent guaranteed the shade.

[barante]

Aquahound -- You'll enjoy the Nieuw Amsterdam. We had one of those huge inside Js on the Main Deck on a recent TA. Perhaps because of the itinerary and not-so-warm weather, most cabanas were empty even on Lido deck. (There are more up flight up). Since you cannot control the waather, I would not make an advance reservation. I would wait for a sunny day on board and then book.

[Sir PMP]

The tent guaranteed the shade.

Well. happy safari then...

[Aquahound]

Aquahound -- You'll enjoy the Nieuw Amsterdam. We had one of those huge inside Js on the Main Deck on a recent TA. Perhaps because of the itinerary and not-so-warm weather, most cabanas were empty even on Lido deck. (There are more up flight up). Since you cannot control the waather, I would not make an advance reservation. I would wait for a sunny day on board and then book.

I think I'll do just that. Thanks for the advice. :)

[catl331]

- I believe the Nieuw Amsterdam decreased the amount of Lido cabanas to five. Did they discover they were making too much profit or did they acknowledge it was making the area difficult to traverse?Moving them to the starboard side on the N.A. helps with the traffic flow, but they are larger than on the Eurodam, so the same amount of space is used.

The original deck plans for the Eurodam circa 2008 showed Lido cabanas on both sides, 8 port and 5 starboard. At least they didn't do that on either ship! :eek:

[Megalon]

Moving them to the starboard side on the N.A. helps with the traffic flow, but they are larger than on the Eurodam, so the same amount of space is used.

The original deck plans for the Eurodam circa 2008 showed Lido cabanas on both sides, 8 port and 5 starboard. At least they didn't do that on either ship! :eek:

Interesting. I've been on Eurodam but not Nieuw Amsterdam. Thanks for the info.:)

[swin26]

Is there an area on the observation deck with lounge chairs that is available for use on the Eurodam for non-retreat cabana renters? I wasn't sure by looking at the deck plan.

[jtl513]

Is there an area on the observation deck with lounge chairs that is available for use on the Eurodam for non-retreat cabana renters?No, those loungers near the cabanas are for the Retreat renters only ... but there are lots of loungers up on top of the Crow's Nest. You go up the stairs at the Retreat.

[swin26]

No, those loungers near the cabanas are for the Retreat renters only ... but there are lots of loungers up on top of the Crow's Nest. You go up the stairs at the Retreat.

Thank you very much

[kickboxrca]

The idea of a cabana sounds intriguing. How do you book one? I looked on the HAL site where I'd book reservations for dinner, etc., but couldn't find the cabanas.

Thanks!:D

[CruiserBruce]

You have to call Ships Services. You can read the several threads about cabanas, look at the HAL website for the number, or by morning, Krazy Kruiser will recite the number by heart. :D

[djhsolara]

I always think of the Roman emperors and their women lounging around nearly naked, eating and drinking, on display in front of masses of people whenever I pass that row of cabanas along side the lido pool.

Somehow, doing that just doesn't appeal to me.

Oh well, to each his own.....

(Tongue in cheek)

You get that from the cabanas?? Have you just taken a look around either of the pools?? People seem to be pretty "near-naked" around there a little too often for my liking.




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[CruiserBruce]

You get that from the cabanas?? Have you just taken a look around either of the pools?? People seem to be pretty "near-naked" around there a little too often for my liking.
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Oh yeah, you get that just by walking by. Imagine what you get by paying to be in them!

Seriously, cabanas, with various amenities, are very common at upscale hotels and resorts in areas like Vegas and Hawaii. We have had a cabana on HMC, on N.
Amsterdam and Hawaii. The best bang for the buck comes from HAL, in both types they offer.

[Boytjie]

In my view, from my experience onboard Eurodam, the cabanas do impinge on facilities, related to both space and views! The cabanas have eliminated the space for many loungers! :( The cabanas take away a lot of deck space on either side of the Lido Deck area and it does become quite congested! :mad: Best to avoid this area, as much as possible, (and enjoy the aft area better) ;)

There is a huge new deck with loungers above the Tamarind/Silk Den.

[Grandma Jean]

I think I would be more inclined to rent a retreat cabana if they were open a little later into the evening, say 8 or 9 PM, especially in the summer when it stays light later and in the carribbean where it is warm in the evening.

Jean

[djhsolara]

We're thinking of doing a Lido Cabana. That way if it rains at all we won't need to be looking for a place at the Lido pool.


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[FrankNJ]

In 2008 , we were on Eurodam and trying to figure out what the heck were these "tents" by the pool ? They were of course rentable cabanas but we didn't know that . Then my wife noticed , "oh how nice they have big ice buckets set up in them with lots of water bottles" ,
so for a few days , we would stop by these little tents and pick up a couple of the "free" water bottles Hal had provided. We thought it was great.

Then we met some nice people on our deck who showed us their cabana on the upper deck area and they explained to us what a great deal they got on it , but they said if they had to pay full price for it they probably wouldn't bother . I didn't understand why they were paying for them at all when we had the "free" ones by the pool . (lol)

[DFD1]

For what its worth....On our January 7 Eurodam cruise, only a couple of the lido cabanas seemed to be occupied and one of the retreat cabanas. There were some complaints about the upper deck being restricted by the empty retreat cabanas.

Personally, I don't care one way or the other about them, except we often get a laugh out of what we see from their occupants. It's a funny and, for us, free show.