GSC Cabanas and OBP

Few questions.

What is the difference in location between the large cabanas and the small cabanas? The large ones appear to be more private but just curious if that means more walking.

It states that the small cabana is for 6 people and the large is for 8, $25 for each additional person. Do they really monitor them? Most in our group will be in and out so how are they to tell. Are we allowed "visitors"?

It states there is a food credit. So can I assume no food or drink comes with the cabana? Can we bring our own drinks off the ship? How far is it for food? Do they have waiters in the area or a bar? Can we use the UBP?

Hi Cheryl,

Here is a recent thread that will provide more details about GSC, including a couple of overhead photos in post #45:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2148738

Some additional answers to your questions are shown below in red:

What is the difference in location between the large cabanas and the small cabanas? The large ones appear to be more private but just curious if that means more walking.

The section of small cabanas is just slightly further than the section of large cabanas. See map in post #45 of the thread cited above. There are a set of steps leading up to each large cabana; that might be why they appear to be more private when seen in photos, but it makes them a little further away from the beach (as compared to the small cabanas).

It states that the small cabana is for 6 people and the large is for 8, $25 for each additional person. Do they really monitor them? Most in our group will be in and out so how are they to tell. Are we allowed "visitors"?

When you arrive, one of the attendants will give you a wrist band for each member of your party, up to the maximum amount (6 or 8). I never noticed any monitoring. You're pretty much on the honor system. But obviously, if 10 people congregate in the 6-person small cabana, the attendants will probably inquire at some point.

It states there is a food credit. So can I assume no food or drink comes with the cabana? Can we bring our own drinks off the ship? How far is it for food? Do they have waiters in the area or a bar? Can we use the UBP?

The cabana will be furnished with a small refrigerator that will contain bottled water (6 or 8 bottles) and a small fruit platter. Someone will later bring a small platter of tortilla chips and salsa (which they can replenish upon request).

A menu list for the $50 food/drink credit will accompany your excursion ticket in your cabin. You would select the desired items before the evening prior to the day at GSC. This credit is non-refundable; whatever you don't use, you lose.

It should be okay to take your own drinks off the ship.

The buffet lunch is complimentary to all. The distance from small cabanas to the food area is maybe a 5-minute walk. Attendants walk by occasionally to take drink orders.

The UBP works on GSC exactly as it does while on the ship. There should be no need to carry any cash, unless you wish to give additional tip to someone, or if you want to buy something from the straw market.

Although there is a second buffet area and a second bar that are closer to the cabana areas, I believe that they are only opened when the larger ships are visiting; they were not open for service when I was aboard the Sky in late December.