Benefits of Family Cabana on Castaway Cay?

[PrincessShmoo]

Why do family cabanas cost more than serenity? Do you get more "perks" being on the family beach?

Because the base price on the Family beach covers up to 6 people. The base price on Serenity Bay only covers 4. Both locations can add more people (to a maximum of 10) at the same rate $50.00 per person. Comes out about the same.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are hoping to get the family cabana for our first cruise in May. There's a group of 12 of us so the space and privacy would be nice.

Well, you'll have to either get the Grand Cabana, or two single ones. Max number of people in the smaller cabanas is 10.

 

[Regan117]

Well, you'll have to either get the Grand Cabana, or two single ones. Max number of people in the smaller cabanas is 10.

We are planning on the grand cabana

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Seriously? Do these always get grabbed up by the Platinum members and concierge? I just logged it at 11:55pm. At the stroke of midnight my booking window opened for my gold status. I went to reserve a cabana and every single one of them is already gone. I guess I'll have something to do for the next 3 months. Check daily as often as I can for one to open up. UGH. To think I debated with myself on justifying the cost, I finally decided to just go ahead and splurge....to no avail.

 

[over50visits]

A couple of strategies…log in and check from time to time during the week before your cruise, those holding cabanas have until 3 days before to cancel them, and they might be holding out until the last minute. Check in with shore excursions when you board the ship, you never know! Even a wait list has a better chance than not being on it. Finally, you could consider posting here that you want to share. All the drawbacks of that option are evident, but once again who knows?

 

[Laughfreely]

Because the base price on the Family beach covers up to 6 people. The base price on Serenity Bay only covers 4. Both locations can add more people (to a maximum of 10) at the same rate $50.00 per person. Comes out about the same.

 

[ChicosWife]

Yes, you share the beach, but only with other Cabana guests (and there's only 21 cabanas). It includes (6/22/16):

Each cabana is furnished with comfortable seating,
a beverage refrigerator,
fresh fruit and snacks are included
complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.
safe,
ceiling fan,
plush towels and
sunscreen(Coppertone SPF products)
selection of magazines..
Outside on the patio, luxurious chaise lounge chairs,
a freshwater shower,
changing area with curtain
hammock and
sailcloth shade.
Dedicated beverage service is provided and
alcoholic beverage packages are available for purchase onboard at an additional cost.
Additionally, each cabana includes use of snorkeling equipment, floats, sand toys, and one hour of bike rental.
Private cabana beach.

Wow!!! That is much more than I expected to be in included!!! But, from what I read, it seems they are hard to get?? And they can be reserved when your check-in window opens and you can book port excursions, correct? Why is cabana #21 more expensive? Are the prices always about the same, even on varying cruises?

We just had a Cabana on July 3rd, LOVED it!! The cabana beach only had about 20 people on it at any given time. So quiet, and relaxing. We LOVED that we could just run back up to the cabana to get out of the sun, and shower off right there. The private place to eat lunch was awesome, instead of hunting for a table with a tray of food. Plus, if you add up all of the things it does include (bikes, floats, etc.), it's not THAT expensive IMO.

The cold towels were a huge hit with my daughter LOL

That looks so relaxing!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Wow!!! That is much more than I expected to be in included!!! But, from what I read, it seems they are hard to get?? And they can be reserved when your check-in window opens and you can book port excursions, correct? Why is cabana #21 more expensive? Are the prices always about the same, even on varying cruises?



That looks so relaxing!

There is a limited number of cabanas (only 21 on the Family beach and 4 at Serenity Bay). With the ships holding 2500-4000 guests, they are in high demand. Often they are fully booked as soon as the Concierge/Platinum window opens.

Yes, you'll find them under the excursions section.

#21 is the Grand Cabana. Unlike the others (that hold 6 with a maximum of 10), it holds 10 with a maximum of 16. It's double sized.

Prices:
CABANAS (12/18/14 price w/Bahamas 7.5% VAT)
Family beach: $549 $590.18 (Sep-Mar); $599 $643.93 (Apr-Sept Eff. 4/22/16-9/24/16)

Cabana #21 $ 899 $966.43

Serenity Bay: $399 $428.93

Price includes up to 6 guests on the Family Beach and up to 4 guests on Serenity Bay, additional $50 per person (plus VAT) up to a Maximum of 10 guests. Cabana #21 on Family Beach price is for up to 10 people with a $50 per person additional up to a maximum of 16.

 

[Laundress]

Do not loose hope
People cancel for lots of reasons.
Keep checking

 

[Control4Hermosa]

A couple of strategies…log in and check from time to time during the week before your cruise, those holding cabanas have until 3 days before to cancel them, and they might be holding out until the last minute. Check in with shore excursions when you board the ship, you never know! Even a wait list has a better chance than not being on it. Finally, you could consider posting here that you want to share. All the drawbacks of that option are evident, but once again who knows?

True, I would be one of those "holding out"

 

[ChicosWife]

There is a limited number of cabanas (only 21 on the Family beach and 4 at Serenity Bay). With the ships holding 2500-4000 guests, they are in high demand. Often they are fully booked as soon as the Concierge/Platinum window opens.

Yes, you'll find them under the excursions section.

#21 is the Grand Cabana. Unlike the others (that hold 6 with a maximum of 10), it holds 10 with a maximum of 16. It's double sized.

Prices:
CABANAS (12/18/14 price w/Bahamas 7.5% VAT)
Family beach: $549 $590.18 (Sep-Mar); $599 $643.93 (Apr-Sept Eff. 4/22/16-9/24/16)

Cabana #21 $ 899 $966.43

Serenity Bay: $399 $428.93

Price includes up to 6 guests on the Family Beach and up to 4 guests on Serenity Bay, additional $50 per person (plus VAT) up to a Maximum of 10 guests. Cabana #21 on Family Beach price is for up to 10 people with a $50 per person additional up to a maximum of 16.

Sorry, what's VAT?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Sorry, what's VAT?

Value Added Tax. That's their local taxes on items that are "for fun" things.

 

[ChicosWife]

Value Added Tax. That's their local taxes on items that are "for fun" things.

Oh, gotcha!

 

[Krs1300]

I recently was able to book one and I'm only at a Silver level. Obviously they were booked up by the time I was able to book excursions, but I just checked back often... obsessively at first and then I gave it a rest for a while. I randomly logged in and there was one available so I snatched it up. You never know unless you try!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I think concierge and platinum cruisers book them as " they can" then bulk later at the cost.

I personally think, for any cabana booking, you pay fully when you book it, that will make some think twice, increasing availability, and make a deposit penalty for cancellation.

I booked them 4/5 and would have been happy to pay in booking.

It will cut the on spec bookings that people cancel, and reduce random lucky bookings.

 

[ChicosWife]

I recently was able to book one and I'm only at a Silver level. Obviously they were booked up by the time I was able to book excursions, but I just checked back often... obsessively at first and then I gave it a rest for a while. I randomly logged in and there was one available so I snatched it up. You never know unless you try!

Good advice! I will do that!