serenity bay details

[over50visits]

If you have a cabana are there towels in there already - or do you need to grab a couple on the way?

Every time we've been in a cabana there have been plenty of towels....both a basket with regular towels, and a stack of chilled towels in the fridge (those are nice!!)

 

[over50visits]

Where do you get towels on SB? Do they already have them laying on the chairs for you on the beach? This is our first cruise & you guys have really helped me, especially with the info on the tram..... I never even thought to ask that question. We will be enjoying the SB side, no kiddos.

You can get a towel first thing when you get off the ship (I've seen people take more than one, I guess they have some need for them). At the end of the day there is a bin to place them in at SB so you don't have to carry your used towels all the way back to the ship.

Serenity Bay is really all about serenity. No game areas, no stores, no paddle boat or snorkeling rentals, no music playing, no crab races, and of course no kids. They do have a bar with bar servers walking around the beach, and once in a while Captain Sparrow shows up strolling along the waterline, but other than those two the beach is quiet and filled with adults sunning, reading, sleeping, getting ready to go back out wading again. Since relatively few people are there (relative to the thousands in the family area), everything is really close to everything else. I mean really close. I think you could go from beach to bar to bathroom to bike rental to food to shower and back to the beach in fewer than 100 steps.

One interesting thing to do is stand on the SB beach and look far to the left along the shoreline. You will likely see some people down there swimming and relaxing. That is the crew beach!

 

[chimo2u]

As for the BBQ, of course you can use it as an adult, but it isn't close to the FB. It's a healthy (but fun) walk or a tram ride. Your advantages of the FB cabanas are right on, with the private beach, closeness to a lot more activities, and a beautiful view of the ship. SB is cheaper, the beach though for everyone is not crowded at all, you are close to the SB bbq area with the better food and shorter lines, and the environment is much quieter (it is an adult beach).

I think you'd be happy with either one for different reasons.

I wonder if the cabana host would drive us to SB for the adult bbq? Then we could go back after exploring SB a little

 

[over50visits]

I wonder if the cabana host would drive us to SB for the adult bbq? Then we could go back after exploring SB a little

Don't know, but the tram stop is right there near the entrance to the cabanas, and it is a nonstop 2 minute trip to the entrance to the SB bbq (and everything else at SB). Won't take long to explore SB

The tram runs all the time and might even be more comfortable than the golf cart the hosts have.

 

[waggles02673]

I've currently got #5 booked on the Family Beach for my cruise in 3 weeks. Someone in my cruise group wants to switch for SB #25.... I was considering it as it is just my DH and myself. However I picked the family beach for several reasons - private beach area, view of the ship, and the more protected waters with the swim net surrounding the family beach. The only thing that interests me at SB is the adult bbq!
Those who've experienced both beaches, which is better? Can adults use the SB bbq if they are on the family beach side?
I don't know if I should consider the offer to switch or if I should just stay put with what we have!
Oh, another plus of the SB cabanas are the cheaper price....
Hard decisions!

Here is a link to a video of Cabana 25. It is our favorite and we try and get it every cruise

 

[MickeyEarrings]

I had the best steak on CC at the adult beach - better than the ones in the MDR!

 

[NCConch]

I wonder if the cabana host would drive us to SB for the adult bbq? Then we could go back after exploring SB a little

There is a call button to have the CM come get you to bring you to the tram stop/buffet. I think the bar will deliver.

 

[Mickey4me!]

Here is a link to a video of Cabana 25. It is our favorite and we try and get it every cruise

[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the link! We have #25 booked for leg #2 of our Nov. b2b and love the idea of it being a little more secluded. We have #24 on the first leg but only because #25 was already booked.

 

[waggles02673]

Here is a link to a video of Cabana 25. It is our favorite and we try and get it every cruise

Thank you for the link! We have #25 booked for leg #2 of our Nov. b2b and love the idea of it being a little more secluded. We have #24 on the first leg but only because #25 was already booked.[/QUOTE]

We love Cabana 25 and have had it every concierge cruise except our Nov 6th cruise which I believe we have Cabana 22. Very smart getting a cabana for both legs of you B2B we did that on our B2B this past May. Watch out for Capt Jack as he stumbled onto the deck unannounced every trip

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

You can get a towel first thing when you get off the ship (I've seen people take more than one, I guess they have some need for them). At the end of the day there is a bin to place them in at SB so you don't have to carry your used towels all the way back to the ship.

Serenity Bay is really all about serenity. No game areas, no stores, no paddle boat or snorkeling rentals, no music playing, no crab races, and of course no kids. They do have a bar with bar servers walking around the beach, and once in a while Captain Sparrow shows up strolling along the waterline, but other than those two the beach is quiet and filled with adults sunning, reading, sleeping, getting ready to go back out wading again. Since relatively few people are there (relative to the thousands in the family area), everything is really close to everything else. I mean really close. I think you could go from beach to bar to bathroom to bike rental to food to shower and back to the beach in fewer than 100 steps.

One interesting thing to do is stand on the SB beach and look far to the left along the shoreline. You will likely see some people down there swimming and relaxing. That is the crew beach!

That's not entirely true about the no music. The bar does play music and you can hear it a little ways down the beach. It isn't loud or annoying music, at least it didn't annoy me. It is beachy themed music though.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

That's not entirely true about the no music. The bar does play music and you can hear it a little ways down the beach. It isn't loud or annoying music, at least it didn't annoy me. It is beachy themed music though.

Of course, that's subject to change, however. Especially if Disney goes through with the proposed/speculated teen beach being added on the other side of the rope past the bar area.

I can't see a teen beach adding to the "serenity".

 

[iambrink]

Although i have not had the pleasure of experiencing serenity bay yet, I am disappointed that they are considering adding a teen beach in the same area.

 

[kiford]

Serenity Bay is a beautiful place to spend the day. The buffet is similar to the main one, maybe less crowded. Snorkeling off the beach is nice, no net so sometimes big things swim in! The water is shallow compared to the snorkeling at the family beach. Sometimes it can be a little rocky but we've never used water shoes. Overall we just love it there!

I think that the buffet/bbq there is much quieter and far fewer people. We hardly ever have a wait and have never had a problem getting a table. We've often seen long lines at the bbq at the family beach as we passed to get on the tram, got to the adult beach and had no lineups for lunch.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I think that the buffet/bbq there is much quieter and far fewer people. We hardly ever have a wait and have never had a problem getting a table. We've often seen long lines at the bbq at the family beach as we passed to get on the tram, got to the adult beach and had no lineups for lunch.

It's a matter of timing if there is no line at Serenity Bay buffet


We were there 3 times last year on our cruises and every time, when the place first opens, there was a line out the door (well, the entry area through the hedge). Usually lasting close to 45 minutes to an hour. We waited until later to eat two of the times, but once we were actually walking by when they opened, so we were very near the front of the line. One time, even though we waited a bit, finding a table was an issue (we don't mind sharing, but there weren't even spaces available at any of the table at the buffet area).

 

[over50visits]

I think that the buffet/bbq there is much quieter and far fewer people. We hardly ever have a wait and have never had a problem getting a table. We've often seen long lines at the bbq at the family beach as we passed to get on the tram, got to the adult beach and had no lineups for lunch.

That has been our experience too in a lot of cruises in various seasons. I'm sure in the many days we haven't been there the might have been a line, but it's pretty clear from our own experience, reading these blogs, and talking to CMs there, you're right on about the real advantages to the SB buffet. It's better food, quieter, shorter lines, and right there next to a nice seating area with natural shade.

 

[Mickey4me!]

We were there 3 times last year on our cruises and every time, when the place first opens, there was a line out the door (well, the entry area through the hedge). Usually lasting close to 45 minutes to an hour. We waited two of the times, but once we were actually walking by when they opened, so we were very near the front of the line. One time, even though we waited a bit, finding a table was an issue (we don't mind sharing, but there weren't even spaces available at any of the table at the buffet area).

Wow- we've never seen a line at the SB buffet nor have we ever had problems finding a table. We usually don't eat until later though so that might be the reason. Will definitely make sure not to be there right at opening.

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

We had #25 on our last cruise and loved it. It's not very "private" though because people take the ropes down and walk by the cabana to get to the beach. It clearly states cabana guests only but they remove them anyway.

 

[mmmears]

OP - Thanks for asking these questions.

We've been to Castaway before, but my D was younger and we spent the day at the family beach and had a great time. I didn't get the chance to even check out SB. Do people split their time (ie. should we go to the family beach first thing and hang out there for a while and then head on over to SB) between the two, or now that we are all over 18 would you recommend spending the entire day at SB?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

OP - Thanks for asking these questions.

We've been to Castaway before, but my D was younger and we spent the day at the family beach and had a great time. I didn't get the chance to even check out SB. Do people split their time (ie. should we go to the family beach first thing and hang out there for a while and then head on over to SB) between the two, or now that we are all over 18 would you recommend spending the entire day at SB?

Whatever works for you. Some people prefer as much kid avoidance as possible and head directly to Serenity Bay. Others like to hang out on the Family Beach for a bit (more activity/shopping). Pelican Plunge is on the Family Beach, some people like doing that then maybe heading over to SB. Or sticking with FB whatever they're comfortable with.

 

[MUN]

I have spent some time searching, but still have some questions about serenity bay. As my upcoming cruise is my first without kids, i am thinking it makes sense to spend the Castaway Cay day at Serenity Bay. Having never been there on previous stops, I know nothing about it...although did pass it on a bike ride! Is there a different lunch buffet over there? if yes, is there a different food selection? (I am not overly fond of the barbecue). is there a place to get drinks? is the beach rocky or sandy? any thoughts/suggestions/details would be greatly appreciated.

Serenity Bay is very nice. My wife and I spent some time there on our cruise in June. It's very peaceful compared to the family beach. Just keep in mind that there are more shark sightings at Serenity Bay than at the family beach. However, your chances of being viscously attacked by a shark at Serenity Bay are very low. Have a great cruise!

MUN