Do you rent a cabana when you visit HMC ???

[Ziggy7]

Do you rent a cabana when you visit HMC ???
If so which one do you or did you rent?

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm not a good one to fill this in because it's the first time we've done it and had to wing it!!! But I love polls so I filled it in. :D

Wish I knew how to do a poll, I would have set one up for this cellphone thing.

[Bubba_59]

We chose NOT to rent a Cabana. It was hot the day we were there, but between the clamshells we rented and the beach we hardly noticed. If you're going to stay in an A/C room and have food delivered, stay onboard and save the $.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

The price has sky rocketed and the amenities are less. The first time we rented a cabana - many years ago (only there were only 4), we got it for the day for a special rate of $79. Now I have read that it costs $219 to rent one. Not worth the price. IMHO.

:)

[Orcrone]

I could think of much better ways to spend $219. Perhaps using the new shipboard cell phones during a formal night dinner.:D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

We have only been to HMC once and did not rent a Cabana or Clam Shell. We will be there again next March and thought it would be fun to do so and thought if on the Roll Call board there were others from CC that were going they might want to share one with us. But so far no one else as has replied on the Roll Call Board:(

[peaches from georgia]

We did rent the pink one last December, but that was before the new higher cost. I think we paid $79. Wouldn't do it again for $219 unless we were sharing.

[HeatherInFlorida]

If we weren't going with friends and sharing the cost of the cabana, I wouldn't dream of doing it. But 1/2 being about $110 it's not so bad considering it gives you the entire day out on a beautiful beach not having to worry about getting too much sun.

Bubba, it's not exactly an air conditioned "room". It's open in the front and you sit out on your little deck. The a/c is just nice if you want to cool off for a minute.

My feeling is it's a heck of a lot cheaper than most of the tours which often turn out to be a huge disappointment. Don't even get me started on the descriptions of tours versus the reality:eek: .

P.S. Orcrone, are you trying to fire my ire with the cell phone thing;) ? Very funny:D

[Orcrone]

P.S. Orcrone, are you trying to fire my ire with the cell phone thing;) ? Very funny:DWho me?:rolleyes: I wouldn't dream of it.:D

[BCEagle78]

Can you smuggle liquor into one of the cabanas? :) :p

[dakrewser]

... it's not exactly an air conditioned "room". It's open in the front and you sit out on your little deck.
Last time we were in HMC we didn't even get off the ship. Our cabin was nicely air conditioned, our verandah had a lovely view - and there were very few people around the pool! The food was better on-board, also :rolleyes:

[Ziggy7]

I'm not a good one to fill this in because it's the first time we've done it and had to wing it!!! But I love polls so I filled it in. :D

Wish I knew how to do a poll, I would have set one up for this cellphone thing.I did take the poll just forgot to write a message lol This was my first try at the poll thingy, actually it wasnt real hard, try it out ! You can do it!!!!

We rented the turquoise cabana because we are spending our special day there, we are also renewing our vows on the beach there on Aug 13th, so we decided not to do excursions and spend the money on a cabana, although we will prolly be in the water most of the time, we plan on inviting a couple from cc'ers to join us as our treat if they want to join us for the day, so far there are 9 cc'er
families and couples on our Zuiderdam Aug 7 western caribbean cruise. I hope we meet them all!

[localady]

Dave-
It's definately different strokes for different folks.....

There is nothing better for me personally to get to walk barefoot on that wonderfully sily white sand as far around the Cay as I choose with many stops for a dip in between. That beach is one thing you will never find "on the ship". :eek:

It's so lovely we all get to do our vacations "our way"!!:cool:

[dakrewser]

There is nothing better for me personally to get to walk barefoot on that wonderfully sily white sand as far around the Cay as I choose... It's so lovely we all get to do our vacations "our way"!!:cool:That's what makes the world go 'round! Well, my wife might think differently ;)

But, then, I'm even contemplating not leaving the ship when we do the Mexican riviera next January....

[ron46936]

It doesn't seem to be worth paying more for a cabana than a day cruising. It's a great place to enjoy the beach. For relaxing in comfort give me a chair on the promanade.

[HeatherInFlorida]

When you really think about it, it's lucky most people don't want to rent a cabana. The idea of 500 or so cabanas stretched across that beach is not a pretty sight!!!!:D

[sail7seas]

I would not pay this new, increased price to rent a Cabana. We did enjoy using one in the past and thought it a terrific way to spend a day at the beach. I think the price is now too high for what it is, though.

[Orcrone]

I would not pay this new, increased price to rent a Cabana. We did enjoy using one in the past and thought it a terrific way to spend a day at the beach. I think the price is now too high for what it is, though.Unfortunately they'll keep raising the price until they can no longer rent them all.

Next move will be to have different prices based on the size and number of ships visiting. The greater the demand, the higher the price.

[sail7seas]

They don't seem to have any problem filling them all. Seems there are always fully rented.

Don't most business raise prices as high as "the market will bear"? I don't blame them for trying to get as high a price as possible. Why shouldn't they?

It is such an "optional" thing that no one on the ship needs to pay for them if they do not wish. The day at HMC is glorious IMO with or without a Cabana. So long as there are people willing to pay to rent them, I see nothing wrong with them charging as much as they can.

[danga]

I would not normally rent a Cabana but this is my Tenth Anniversary and I ordered the Turqoise Cabana as a surprise for my Wife. The only thing that worries me is how I am going to get her on the first tender without giving away the surprise???? Anticipating the extreme heat of August (without Hurricanes!!!!).

[Orcrone]

S7S - From my words I can see how you may have thought I was flaming HAL. Not the case. Just an observation about business practices in general.

IMO, charging different amounts based on demand is not much different than different prices for the same cabin during different weeks. I don't like it because it's priced higher than I'm willing to pay, but I never said they shouldn't do it.

[RevNeal]

If I had a family and had a solid day to use it, I might rent a cabana. But ... the prices I've seen quoted here do seem very high, so it would take a full day at HMC and more than just to guys to justify it.

Normally, at HMC I go ashore with my camera, wearing a swimsuit, t-shirt, and sandals. I grab a beach chair, take some photos, and then go wading in the water. I'm not a "beach bum" type of guy. But I enjoy taking a quick dip in the water, and the feel of the sand under my feet. It's a lovely beach, and enjoyable. After doing that for an hour, or so, and after shooting a bunch of photos, I generally head up to the pavilion and grab a hot dog or a burger (or both) before heading back to the pier for a fun ride back to the ship. In short, I don't spend very long on shore.

HMC is lovely. It's one of my favorite stops in the caribbean because it's not rushed, it's HAL-only, and I enjoy tender rides! :) I wish more of the cruises I take would BEGIN with HMC instead of ending with it ... I'd feel more relaxed and perhaps more willing to take my time there. As it is, I feel anxious about wanting to get back to the ship and get my stuff packed because, usually, it's my last night aboard. :( Truly, among my least-favorite nights aboard.

[Orcrone]

I wish more of the cruises I take would BEGIN with HMC instead of ending with it ... I'd feel more relaxed and perhaps more willing to take my time there. As it is, I feel anxious about wanting to get back to the ship and get my stuff packed because, usually, it's my last night aboard. :( Truly, among my least-favorite nights aboard.That's an interesting perspective. On my two upcoming cruises HMC is the first stop, and I'm wishing it were the other way around. I'd prefer to have the activity stops first and save the last day as my relaxing at the beach day.

[RevNeal]

That's an interesting perspective. On my two upcoming cruises HMC is the first stop, and I'm wishing it were the other way around. I'd prefer to have the activity stops first and save the last day as my relaxing at the beach day.

I've been to HMC 5 times. Each time it's been the last stop on the cruise. My next time there will, again, will be at the end of a very long cruise. At the end of 7 or 10 days I'm, frankly, really not quite ready to get off the ship. Hence, it being the last day is kinda sad. The felling is, in other words, melancholy. Perhaps, after 21 days, I'll be ready to go home and will view arrival at HMC in a more happy light and NOT in the negative shadow of "the last day aboard."

[sail7seas]

:) Not at all, Orcrone. I regret my tone seems a bit harsh as I reread what I posted. Apologies.


S7S - From my words I can see how you may have thought I was flaming HAL. Not the case. Just an observation about business practices in general.

IMO, charging different amounts based on demand is not much different than different prices for the same cabin during different weeks. I don't like it because it's priced higher than I'm willing to pay, but I never said they shouldn't do it.

I agree that it is about the same as when the same cabin, on the same ship, on the same itinerary, one week apart sells for sometimes consirably different prices ........simple "supply and demand" as well.

[CrabbyHarper]

OK- I bit the bullet and had my TA reserve the Turquoise Cabana for our Maasdam cruise on Nov 9. HMC will be the first stop for us - we are traveling with my sister and her husband and this cabana is her birthday present from me. She is almost through her necessary medical treatment now and we are using the cruise and HMC as the "carrot" to help her focus on life after the treatment. She will be sensitive to the sun and a bit fatigued so DH and I thought it would be a nice treat. And I promise not to enjoy it myself, ha ha ha!

I think it should be a nice relaxing way to begin our vacation.

We stop at HMC on Nov 11 so will let you know when we get back how it was.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Hi Crabby:D ... you be neat and tidy on 11/11, okay? Because we're using the turquoise cabana on 11/12 and I want it shipshape!!!;)

Have a fantastic trip!

[cactuslady]

I'm happy to take a stroll along the beach, have a dip or two or three, maybe a little nap in a hammock (if I can find an empty one in the shade). That's what I figure HMC is for. Next time, I'm heading back to the ship in time for lunch (the shore BBQ has not impressed me much) and then a real nap in a teak deck chair while I wait to see if I can spy anyone running along the beach to catch the last tender. :p

[ryansmemom]

Chimera and I shared the cabana with Sage and her husband last December. That was before the prices were increased and we felt the cost was pretty reasonable for the five of us. Sage's nephew was with us.

Both Sage's DH and I were not really up to a day at the beach and the cabana made all the difference in the world. The day was really wonderful for us. Until that day, I never spent more than 20 minutes on Half Moon Cay, I really like the beach. It is just a wonderful place. I'm just not physically up to it. The cabanas change that for me and now I can go to the beach.

I don't know about paying extra for the butler service. Do any of you who have used this service feel it was really worth it? Exactly what services did the butler provide? Would you hire the butler again?

Linda

[RevNeal]

Both Sage's DH and I were not really up to a day at the beach and the cabana made all the difference in the world. The day was really wonderful for us. Until that day, I never spent more than 20 minutes on Half Moon Cay, I really like the beach. It is just a wonderful place. I'm just not physically up to it. The cabanas change that for me and now I can go to the beach.

That's VERY good to hear. What all did they to to make "all the difference in the world." ?? Do you or anyone else have any good pictures?

[CrabbyHarper]

For Heather in Florida - I Promise on my Girl Scout's honor to leave the cabana neat for you. We will not swing from the ceiling fan, use the a/c to quick cool our beer, or write limericks on the walls in crayon!

Hope you have a great cruise!

Gerry aka Crabby

[sail7seas]

Rev.....Surely you had the chance to see the fabulous pictures that were posted on the Old Board of every cabana. I don't recall who the poster was but he did an incredibly job and gave every tiny piece of detail about the HMC cabanas that anyone could want.


I hope someone has and will post the link. The pics were great.

[sail7seas]

Thank you for your response.

The wording is careful but it seems you once were paid by HAL in one capacity or another?

[sail7seas]

I have no idea how that post shows here on this thread. I was posting that as a message for another subject????


Sorry.

[RevNeal]

Surely you had the chance to see the fabulous pictures that were posted on the Old Board of every cabana.

:D I had the chance, but I wasn't paying much attention to cabanas at that time. Now, with my cruise and a stop at HMC on the near horizon, I'm curious. And don't call me "Shirley." :D

I googled "Cabanas at Half Moon Cay" and came up with the following link. Some nice photos here:

http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/cabana.html

[HeatherInFlorida]

Rev, hopefully here is the link to the really good pictures of the cabanas from the old thread that Sail7 is talking about. You do have to scroll down a bit to get to the actual pictures. Enjoy!:D Cruise Critic Message Boards - HMC and Cabanas- Status and locations as of 6/6/04 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=32745)

P.S. Gerry, ;) thanks!

[RevNeal]

Thanks a bunch, Heather! It's amazing how I had never noticed those cabanas before when I was at HMC. I guess I was too busy with the water and such.

They look very nice. I kinda like the red one. :)

[ryansmemom]

Greg

To answer your question as to how the cabana made all the difference in the world, the cabana provided an air conditioned enviornment that was decadently open to the beach itself. There was also a ceiling fan, in case you wanted the air stirred a bit more!! Seriously, the air conditioner provided humidity relief as well as reducing the heat level. We also had lots of shade, water, and comfortable chairs. We also had our choice of beverages, fruit and veggies and of course the barbeque, all in the comfort of the cabana. There was also some sports equipment available, if we had been interested in using them

Because of my medical condition and medication, my stamina and ability to tolerate heat and sun are limited. The beach can be an enervating experience. Yet the beauty and serenity make it a place of healing and relaxation. The cabana allowed me to enjoy it's benifits without having to weigh in the negative elements. Therefore the costs were only financial.

HAL will provide transportation to and from the cabana if you ask. That was our only problem. There was some confusion over that at first. I hope they have that worked out by now.

Linda

[Ziggy7]

Greg

To answer your question as to how the cabana made all the difference in the world, the cabana provided an air conditioned enviornment that was decadently open to the beach itself. There was also a ceiling fan, in case you wanted the air stirred a bit more!! Seriously, the air conditioner provided humidity relief as well as reducing the heat level. We also had lots of shade, water, and comfortable chairs. We also had our choice of beverages, fruit and veggies and of course the barbeque, all in the comfort of the cabana. There was also some sports equipment available, if we had been interested in using them

Because of my medical condition and medication, my stamina and ability to tolerate heat and sun are limited. The beach can be an enervating experience. Yet the beauty and serenity make it a place of healing and relaxation. The cabana allowed me to enjoy it's benifits without having to weigh in the negative elements. Therefore the costs were only financial.

HAL will provide transportation to and from the cabana if you ask. That was our only problem. There was some confusion over that at first. I hope they have that worked out by now.

Linda
ok, I know this cabana thing has been posted about every other post but, on this like it shows a map, on the map it shows at the top right "Cabana Area".

http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/cabana.html

Is this a correct indication that all the cabanas begin and end up in that area ??? My concern is if the tram ends at the road, then how far will we need to walk to the turquoise cabana, hubby has a difficult time walking long distances in the sand, so this concerns me.

So for those of you who have eyeballed the cabanas on HMC, HELP!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Ziggy, I think that's an old map ... maybe from when they only had a few cabanas? Because if you look at the picture of all the cabanas where each cabana is marked, you can see where they are in relation to the BBQ, etc. Our turquoise is right in front of the BBQ area which should be fine. Here's the link again for those pics in case you haven't got it: Cruise Critic Message Boards - HMC and Cabanas- Status and locations as of 6/6/04 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=32745)

[RevNeal]

Linda,

Thank you so much! I can see why the cabana would come in handy! Sounds VERY nice!

[Ziggy7]

Ziggy, I think that's an old map ... maybe from when they only had a few cabanas? Because if you look at the picture of all the cabanas where each cabana is marked, you can see where they are in relation to the BBQ, etc. Our turquoise is right in front of the BBQ area which should be fine. Here's the link again for those pics in case you haven't got it: Cruise Critic Message Boards - HMC and Cabanas- Status and locations as of 6/6/04 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=32745)
Thank you Heather :)
So nice to know this before we go :)
Only 5 days to fly, 6 to sail weeeeeeeeeee!