Castaway Cay Cabana during Cooler Weather?

[cindyzig]

I have now convinced my DH and father-in-law (and DS7) that a cabana would be an excellent choice on our cruise the first week of December after great feedback on an earlier thread I posted. We are concierge, so we stand a good chance in a few weeks of getting one. However, I have read through the recent thread on cool water and air temps on Castaway Cay in the winter and am wondering if this is still a good idea. So, I have a few questions.

1. Does a cabana make for a fun day still when the weather is cooler?

2. Is it generally chilly the first week of December? What are the experiences of others at this time of year?

I am sure my DH would say I am analyzing this whole thing too much.

Thanks in advance!

 

[OKW Lover]

We had a Cabana for the November 30th sailing of the Magic. It was #25 (the last one at Serenity Bay) and while we were there the weather was perfect.

However, I've been to CC the around the same time in previous years and the conditions have varied. Some are nice and sunny with no wind, some were sunny but very windy. Windy to the point that the Serenity Bay beaches weren't really pleasant to be at. Under those conditions, I'd doubt that a cabana would be much fun either.

 

[cindyzig]

We had a Cabana for the November 30th sailing of the Magic. It was #25 (the last one at Serenity Bay) and while we were there the weather was perfect.

However, I've been to CC the around the same time in previous years and the conditions have varied. Some are nice and sunny with no wind, some were sunny but very windy. Windy to the point that the Serenity Bay beaches weren't really pleasant to be at. Under those conditions, I'd doubt that a cabana would be much fun either.

Great information! I am on the same sailing this year. I will take your data and any other I can find and present it to my crew and let them decide whether to take the risk.

 

[dcassetta]

Port excursions, including cabanas, can be cancelled up to 3 days before your cruise. So, although the weather may change, check the forecast right before you cruise. If it seems like Castaway Cay will be too cold/windy/rainy, you can cancel the cabana.

 

[cindyzig]

Port excursions, including cabanas, can be cancelled up to 3 days before your cruise. So, although the weather may change, check the forecast right before you cruise. If it seems like Castaway Cay will be too cold/windy/rainy, you can cancel the cabana.

That is excellent advice! I am so glad I asked.

 

[Aviator621]

What's the best way to check the forecast for Castaway Cay?

 

[nearlyfallinstar]

My Weather Channel app allowed me to save Castaway Cay as a favorite location, so you can probably get weather information about the island anywhere that you can get information about weather.

 

[Uncleromulus]

But don't rely on the Weather Channel for an accurate forecast! Check several of the other "national" services as well.

 

[diznymom]

We will be doing the same thing in 2016. Can't wait to hear back from you.

 

[Marita916]

Great topic! I am on the November 20 sailing on the Wonder. We are concierge, so most likely we will be able to reserve a cabana. But, I have been very concerned about the weather too. I've read quite a few reports of poor weather in November-February. Personally, I don't want to reserve a cabana, if the weather is poor. I heard, if you cancel the cabana just a few days before the CC arrival, and no one else books the cabana, you are responsible for paying the cabana rental fee. Is this right?

 

[dcassetta]

Great topic! I am on the November 20 sailing on the Wonder. We are concierge, so most likely we will be able to reserve a cabana. But, I have been very concerned about the weather too. I've read quite a few reports of poor weather in November-February. Personally, I don't want to reserve a cabana, if the weather is poor. I heard, if you cancel the cabana just a few days before the CC arrival, and no one else books the cabana, you are responsible for paying the cabana rental fee. Is this right?

You have to cancel at least 3 days before your cruise to avoid a charge.

 

[chimo2u]

I heard if there's inclement weather they won't charge? Is that just if the ship can't dock?

 

[dcassetta]

I heard if there's inclement weather they won't charge? Is that just if the ship can't dock?

I think this is something that might vary from cruise the cruise. Clearly if the ship can't dock, they are not going to charge people for port excursions. But if it's just inclement weather that may be a judgment call. Something that might prohibit the JetSki excursion to the para sailing excursion from occurring would not apply to a cabana. The cabana just sitting there.

 

[mousebrat]

We have had a cabana in late November and it was worth it. The water was warmer in November than in March for spring break and our weather was perfect. In fact we almost cancelled our last cabana in march 2 Years ago bc of the forecast. The concierge said it wouldn't be a problem because there was a wait list. We are glad we didn't cancel bc the cabana gave us a home base and we had a great day.

 

[VbChristy]

We had one in January and the weather was pretty crummy. But having the cabana saved the day we were able to chill in it and relax. My 1.5 year just played moving the sunblock around. After nap time (with a pack and play set up for us), we played in the sand and sat in the hammock. Pretty much no one went in the water that day for long. But it was still a great day. The cabana totally saved the day for us.