Fantasy... Concierge Cat T 6/6-6/13/2015

[tomjude]

just returned from Port Canaveral. We absolutely loved the fantasy, having previously sailed on the Wonder in 2013 and last year on the Magic for the 12 day med trip. We had concierge for all three trips and I would highly recommend for any trip on the Fantasy. Probably the most important thing that in retrospect we were glad we did not do was booked a cabana on Castaway. We didn't arrive on the island until about 10:00 a.m. and had to return to the ship by 4:45. Because we live in Florida, we have beach all the time. We ended up snorkeling, exploring the island a bit on bicycles, and having some food. At about 2 o'clock, we had had enough and returned to the ship, which was nearly completely empty and therefore very nice to enjoy extremely short waits in the line for AquaDuck, etc. I would say that for the price, the cabana was just not worth it for us. I I would have been very disappointed to have spent that kind of cash. I think the cabana is only worth it if you need to park someone in a single spot for a day. Otherwise, there are so many lawn chairs, lounge chairs, and umbrellas, that the Cabana just doesn't seem worthwhile. I've seen a lot of people stress out here on this board about which cabana and which beach and I personally wouldn't give it a second thought. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it as it makes a difference. Their equipment is kind of cheap. The sun deck on the concierge level is delightful but can get windy. there is direct access to satellite falls which can be quite refreshing. The current concierge staff includes Amanda, Kemisha, and Tawanda. Amanda is leaving in a few weeks to go home for about a month. They were all wonderful. Oh...and take the stairs when you can. waiting for elevators can be quite a task and you can get your cardio and earn another dessert quite easily on this ship.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

We loved our cabanas.

 

[GioCruise]

I love going back to the boat early as well! I think we might do the bikes and just explore and do the fun water park thingy this next time ....

 

[chimo2u]

Thank you for your review! I am booked concierge for the fantasy on Oct 31-Nov 7.... I am still yo-yo-ing on the Cabana issue myself, and which beach to book my cabana for if I do decide to go for it. AT this date, I am thinking of the Family Beach, just for the private beach/ and netted swim area, It's such a hard decision though! I honestly probably change my mind at least once a day!!!

 

[tomjude]

Thank you for your review! I am booked concierge for the fantasy on Oct 31-Nov 7.... I am still yo-yo-ing on the Cabana issue myself, and which beach to book my cabana for if I do decide to go for it. AT this date, I am thinking of the Family Beach, just for the private beach/ and netted swim area, It's such a hard decision though! I honestly probably change my mind at least once a day!!!

If you are an active family who fancies doing lots of things on the island, save your $$, find a shady spot on the beach by pelican tram stop (second tram stop) & enjoy. You can def enjoy theconcierge offerings w/o cabana...just head back to uncrowded ship early

 

[Marita916]

Thank you for your review too. My family and I are sailing on the Wonder this Thanksgiving, and we are totally yo-yo ing about the cabana too. Since we are cruising concierge, we get first dibs on the it. Part of me would love a cabana, for the privacy issue. We can get out of the sun, lie in a hammock, cold beverages at our fingertips etc. But it sure is pricey, especially for just three people. I am concerned about the weather. If it is really windy, cold or even raining, we have to pay for the cabana? I have read reports of Castaway Cay, and the weather can be poor with heavy winds. I'd hate to have to pay for it, and then not be able to use it.
I may just book a cabana, and continue to 'think about it', as our booking window opens next month. But, I may just cancel it, as we get closer to the cruise. I think we probably can have a great time on the island, with no cabana.

 

[Eeyorebabies]

We had a Cabana and it was money well spent. But we went during the Summer. It was amazing!
That being said, I am in the same boat (pardon the pun). We are going concierge in December and have first dibs on the cabanas. I am reluctant, because, like you said, the weather could be iffy. If we can't even dock, then we won't get charged for the cabana. But if they let anyone off the boats, then regardless of the weather, we would get charged. Yet we won't know until that day, which is too late to cancel. I don't necessarily think we need a cabana. DH really wants one. Plus we have 3 seniors coming with us. Two of them are on medications that they aren't supposed to have sunlight for too long. So yeah, we keep going back and forth. We didn't necessarily feel "tied" down like others have said. Since they spent all of the money, they figured they needed to stay at the cabana.

 

[VbChristy]

We had a cabana in January and it was a VERY windy and cool day. The cabana actually was a help help to enjoy being out at the beach. We wouldn't have stayed with our toddler otherwise.

 

[conandrob240]

I like staying floating in the water on CC until the very last possible second. Plenty of ship time the rest of the week to miss hours at one of the nicest places on earth!