Labadee Cabana (Over the water/Oasis/Jan 19)

[Artemis908]

I just wanted to give a quick review of our Cabana on Labadee...

 

I had done a ton of research on cabanas from this site and thought that I'd be able to choose my own cabana. Unfortunately, all of that went out the window when the cruise came.

 

Thinking if we arrived early we'd get a better cabin, we got off the ship within about 30 mins of arriving to Labadee. Per directions a reviewer had left here we went down the dock, to where you are forced to the right, then went left toward the stone gates. Right after the entrance, to the right, there are golf cart drivers. They don't say anything or even give you a hint of what they are there for, they just sit silently and stare at everyone. I approached them reluctantly and noticed their name tags did say they were Cabana drivers. I showed him my ticket, he mumbled something and we got in the back. He dropped us off at the right beach and we ended up having to walk the rest of the way, which wasn't too long.

 

When we arrived, we were able to find a woman who had the cabana assignments. There is really new signs or directions to tell you where to go, you just have to ask. Cabanas were already assigned and I could see a list of people with their cabana numbers next to them. I was a bit disappointed.

 

Our cabana was right next to the beach, which made it a little less private. People kept on coming up the ramp to the cabana and many tried to use our neighbor's stairs. We faced the other cabanas, not much more ocean. I think it would have been nicer to get one of the cabanas further away from the beach since there were people constantly in the water where we were and they could sometimes be loud.

 

The cabana came with two floating mats, a cooler of bottled water, and seating that was both covered and in the sun. There was a fan too and plugs if you need to charge something. I stayed in the shade while my husband spent more time in the sun. That was the primary reason we chose a cabana, because I really shouldn't be in the sun since I get burnt easily and my husband loves the sun.

 

The attendant would check in on us every 30 minutes or so. The only non-alcoholic drinks they had besides soda was to a virgin Labadoozie. No pina coladas or daiquiris. It was good though and tasted like a daquiri. We had the non-alcoholic drink plan so I just ordered a lot of virgin drinks.

 

The buffet was in fact, regular buffet. Even though the site says you get the upgraded, you don't. Your ticket even says you don't get an upgraded buffet. This was a little disappointing since I had heard on this site some people got the upgrade. Our attendant though told us when the buffet was being served (around 11:45) and a driver took us to the buffet, picking us up 30 mins later. We were able to get food, find an empty spot, and bring food back with us to the cabana.

 

We stayed until around 3 and I tipped our attendant $15. We weren't offered a ride back to the ship (though the suite beach people were) and so we walked back.

 

Would I do it again? For two people, I say no. My husband though felt it was worth it. I think if you have a family, it would definitely be worth it.

[Kitty9453]

Thanks for your review. We have a cabana reserved in April. I am disappointed the site says we will have the upgraded buffet but won't. I have been wondering how we were to find our cabana. Thanks again.:)

[Artemis908]

I meant to write "no signs" not "new signs" :( sorry about that.

 

Also wanted to mention, if you have a balcony facing away from the dock, go outside right after the ships dock. It looked like they had every jet ski and and ship out there making lots of noise and welcoming everyone, it was fun.

[angelhelly]

We were on the allure cruise on the 25th. We booked ours online and I had a print out from our excursion which mentioned upgraded buffet, that I highlighed to show to the attendant. We got upgraded buffets.

[Kitty9453]

We were on the allure cruise on the 25th. We booked ours online and I had a print out from our excursion which mentioned upgraded buffet, that I highlighed to show to the attendant. We got upgraded buffets.

 

I'll try this too. Not a big deal if we don't get it, I know we won't starve.

[PCWalton1]

I'll try this too. Not a big deal if we don't get it, I know we won't starve.

 

We were on the same cruise as the OP and I think were assigned the opposite side of the beach as them (cabana NW6) which was more desirable as it was quieter. We were told we could switch to one that was not yet occupied but liked the location. If we had been assigned the OP's side I would have asked to switch. Unfortunately they don't communicate this when you check in so be aware.

 

We printed out the online information that listed upgraded buffet but didn't need it as our attendant brought us the VIP wristbands so we could go over to the Barefoot beach buffet. He also escorted us over to Barefoot Beach when we were ready to eat. If he had not offered I would have asked.

 

It is a shame the OP's attendant did not arrange transportation back as that is their responsibility. We let ours know we were leaving and by the time we got packed up the transportation was there. We have an terrific time and definitely will do it again some day. :)

 

Pictures of the Nellie's Beach cabanas are here.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1784685

 

[Kitty9453]

I like the location of these cabanas. Is the water very deep?

[PCWalton1]

I like the location of these cabanas. Is the water very deep?

 

The water at the base of the stairs for 6/5 was over my wife's head. At the base of the 7/8 stairs was more shallow.

[flowers44]

Water depth also depends on what time of day your are there. The water changes depth with the tides coming in and going out. We had #10 when we were there and the water was about three feet from the bottom of the handicap ramp that goes down to the water. I have seen pictures of the water being several yards away from the ramp and a lot more beach in front on # 9 and #10. But, the water does get deeper out near #5 & #6 for sure. Entrance into the water by a ladder didn't look like fun either. Either the ramp or the steps were the best entrances, I think.

[Kitty9453]

Thank you. My 10 yr old daughter is 5'1". I thought it looked like she may be able to walk around and it wouldn't be over her head. She can swim and will love floating on a mat. The pictures are gorgeous. I think the stairs would be better. I am not sure I can pull myself up that ladder to get back to the cabana.

[Majestic-NJ]

Great thread! Thanks for all of the details!

[MPH711]

What cabana did the OP have??

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Thank you for the wonderful review. Since we booked our cabana far in advance I have a letter confirming the upgraded buffet. I will be sure to bring it along!