Chances of booking CC cabana in September as a first-timer?

[Rubeng724]

Wondering if what I’ve read so far (that CC cabanas are virtually impossible to book for first-timers and non-concierge) also applies to off-peak dates such as September. Are chances higher or still virtually 0?

 

[scrappinginontario]

Sorry but extremely rare. These are often filled when the first group is able to book them.

 

[ngl]

Of course anything is possible but so many people in front of you in line to book the cabana and just not many cabanas. It also depends on the ship. Wish has 2x the concierge cabins that Dream has, for instance. We have only sailed concierge with a group of friends and family during Tgiving over the years. None of us ever had a problem getting a cabana when we were on the Dream. This past Tgiving on Wish 2 of the cabins (concierge) could not get a cabana (emailing literally at midnight when concierge window opens). One of those is doing a cruise with some other friends in February on Wish and both cabins put in requests for cabanas again the second the window opened and both got shut out. In your situation, you also have Platinum, Gold & Silver that can book a cabana before your window opens. Even during off-peak dates it is still difficult due to the low amount cabanas on CC. Of course, there is always a chance someone can cancel. My guess is that is your best bet.

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

Wondering if what I’ve read so far (that CC cabanas are virtually impossible to book for first-timers and non-concierge) also applies to off-peak dates such as September. Are chances higher or still virtually 0?

If you’re on the Wish, odds are better that you’ll be hit by lightning.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Very, very hard to get. But you can always keep checking. I did snag one that way one time aboard the Magic, I think.

There were cabanas available on our cruise/Dream this past September, once on board. I think 3 of them, but they are offered to concierge first-there was a flyer on the desk in the lounge. We got ours that way as we were late to book our concierge cruise and they were all taken at that point. I would head over to guest services when you board and have your name put on the waitlist. Plans change and what doesn't get taken by concierge may be your opportunity.

 

[Geomom]

I agree that it is unlikely, but wanted to add that you don't need a cabana to enjoy Castaway Cay. Our first trip to Castaway was this past June on the Fantasy (3rd cruise...1st 2 were Alaska and Europe). Plenty of chairs available everywhere we went, saw a hammock available at the adult beach, etc. DH and DD18 did the Stingray Adventure, DD22 and I did part of the snorkeling trail (we had prebooked 2 of the Getaway packages that include snorkel equipment, floats, and bikes,but you can rent equipment there vs prebooking). Since we're all adults, we took a tram to Serenity Bay and had the free grill lunch there. (There are 2 free grill lunch places in the family area as well, includes soda station/soft serve ice cream.) Then our kids wanted to head back to the ship, which they did and DH and I did the bike rental, and enjoyed biking around the island. There are other things to do on the island (like basketball, Pelican Plunge,etc), that's just what we did.

 

[n2mm]

Sorry it’s not going to happen. I’m platinum and have never been able to book a Cabana. Just last week my booking window opened for 2 cruises (b2b). No cabanas at midnight on platinum night For neither 7 night cruise. Once the new level, Pearl, starts, we will see how it will impact this hard to get excursion. It might be my first time after 30+ cruises.

 

[lanejudy]

There are less than 30 cabanas (27 maybe?). There is no "off-peak" season for Castaway Cay cabanas with that few. You can expect they will all be booked when your online activity booking date opens. If you are really persistent and check daily or even multiple times a day, you may luck into one as the sail date gets closer and folks adjust their plans.

 

[Jason Martin]

I have been to Castaway 16 times and only gotten a Cabana twice. My only two successes were on the Dream as a Platinum member logging in at 12:01a 120 days before and finding 1-2 that weren't picked up by concierge

 

[SleepyDeb]

I'd say impossible, but then people win the lottery. It's not impossible, it's just really really really unlikely.