Cabana questions

[gliles]

There are 5 of us going, I swear I am not trying to be cheap but I don't think my 18 year old wants to hang out there with us so I don't see paying the additional $45. for her. If she steps foot in it to put her things down or get her room key to get a drink or ask me something, will we get in trouble? I guess the bigger question is do they come by and count the people? Honestly I don't expect to spend the day in it either, I expect to spend the day in the water. Is the extra $45 mainly so there is more water, sodas, chairs, mats or what? I really don't understand and if it is easier to just pay it and I'm sure it is then that is fine but that is $45 that I could just as easily lose in the casino!

Oh and I know this has been asked and answered multiple times but which one is the closest to the bar, the food, whatever?

Thanks, you all are always so helpful.

[doone]

If your daughter isn't going to join you in the cabana, I don't think you need to pay for her. If she pops in for a few minutes here and there, I don't think anyone will notice, or care.

Can't help you with which one is closest to the bar or food, but I am sure there are some very helpful posters here who will be able to answer that question for you.

[gliles]

Thanks Doone. That's what I thought but didn't want to be "cheating".

[woldridge]

Was on the 8/28 sailing of the Zuiderdam and rented a cabana at HMC. While we paid for a 5th person, I really doubt that anyone noticed how many people occupied the cabana. We actually let other people use our shower and people were popping in frequently to look around and ask questions. We had the taupe cabana which is the very first one. The restrooms are directly behind it and the food directly behind the bathrooms. However, they will bring you all the food you want.:)

[sail7seas]

I agree that if your DD is only going to stop by, get a room key etc, there is no need to pay for her to do that. I am sure no one is going to stand guard and be sure that only 'paid pax' come to your cabana.


Enjoy....have a great time.

[Cruisergal1208]

Hi All,
We are cruising for first time on Hal in Jan. Have done lots of other ships but not on HAL. Could someone tell me all about the cabanas. I realize that after the hurricanes not much may be left of the island but I still want to be prepared. Are they worth the money and what all comes with it for what you pay?

[Candy]

I think the limit of four people in the cabana is actually for the amount of drinks and snacks provided and not for how many people sit inside. If you do have a couple of guests and the steward makes a BBQ run for you, please tip him accordingly.

[Ziggy7]

I also think part of the cost is for the snorkle gear and water mats that come with the cabana, I dont think it will matter to your cabana guy either, they are so laid back and so into whatever you want! It was great and well worth it to us :)

[Ziggy7]

Hi All,
We are cruising for first time on Hal in Jan. Have done lots of other ships but not on HAL. Could someone tell me all about the cabanas. I realize that after the hurricanes not much may be left of the island but I still want to be prepared. Are they worth the money and what all comes with it for what you pay?
We rented the turquoise cabana! We were given a priority tender pass with our cabana rental and were on the first tender out! 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 always making sure we had everything we needed or wanted, he brought us extra towels too. We felt it was well worth the money, what a day of being spoiled in Paradise!

[akeka]

Does the steward bring the BBQ to the cabana even if you don't have butler service?

Kay Lynn

[Krazy Kruizers]

glilies

I wouldn't worry about spending $45 for your daughter - besides the casino - you can have a few more drinks.

[Krazy Kruizers]

akeka

There is a boy assigned to usually 3 cabanas who will fetch things for you - like getting the BBQ - and making certain that yu have everything. This is not the same as the butler service.

[Ziggy7]

Does the steward bring the BBQ to the cabana even if you don't have butler service?

Kay Lynn
Yes, he will come take your meat (hamburgers, bbq chicken, hotdogs, pork spareribs) order and then bring you lots of salads and fruits and deserts! The butler package brings you food from the ship dinning room :) We thought the barBQ was great!

[akeka]

Thanks Krazy Kruisers and Ziggy for the answers. I did not even realize we had the services of a steward with our cabana.

This will make the last day of the cruise even more special!

[sail7seas]

We LOVE the barbeque.....I would be so disappointed to have dining room lunch at the beach. For us.....Ribs. :) We want ribs. That is the only place we ever eat them. In a swimsuit at the beach. That is a real treat for us.

[Candy]

It's not just Dining Room food... does anyone know what the Butler's Beach Menu is? I've heard it's some kind of elegant seafood, on a par with the Pinnacle.

We LOVE the barbeque.....I would be so disappointed to have dining room lunch at the beach. For us.....Ribs. :) We want ribs. That is the only place we ever eat them. In a swimsuit at the beach. That is a real treat for us.

[Ziggy7]

Thanks Krazy Kruisers and Ziggy for the answers. I did not even realize we had the services of a steward with our cabana.

This will make the last day of the cruise even more special!Your quite welcome, glad to help, what color cabana do you have ??? also do a search on this board for cabanas and you will find a link to a website by someone named Candy who has pictures of all the cabanas posted and locations too!

here it is http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=1372238&postcount=6

[Ziggy7]

Ooops sorry didnt see that Candy already posted :)

[akeka]

We have booked the yellow and green ones for nine adults. My sister thought it would be less crowded at the far end.

Having a cabana is the only way we can get our mother on the island. She does not do well in prolonged heat. The rest of the group didn't need it, but are spoiling ourselves.:)

[gliles]

Thanks everyone, we don't need the additional snorkel stuff as my sister and her partner are bringing their own. Now I need to talk DH into booking the cabana, his wallet squeaks when he opens it.
So:
Mat rental $6.00
Snorkel equipment $20.00
Clamshell $9.00
Air conditioning on the beach....priceless