Mahogany Bay Beach cabanas on Roatan (MERGED THREADS)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Going on the valor in december and considering the cabanas. Any news? Does it include food/drinks or not? How about water toys and snorkel gear? Is that included? Thanks!

 

I too am interested in updates - we just booked the Valor last weekend for 5/29/11, and am considering a Cabana.

 

We have enjoyed them at Grand Turk (twice) and HMC (once -- and it was HOT, not comfortable unless you SAT on the counter in front of the AC).

 

Curious about waiter service, food offered, cost of same -- etc...

 

After this much time, I'm assuming that MANY more people have tried these out!

 

Tom

[Elaine515]

Unless I missed it, I can't fnd a thing about renting a cabana while at Mahogany Bay... Has anyone rented one? Are there any pictures? Does it come with anything? Someone please do tell ..

 

All I know is that its $199.00 for up to 4 on the Carnival website...

 

Thanks...

Edited April 19, 2011 by Host Kat >^..^<
post merged into existing thread

[meatloafsfan]

I'll repost my review into this thread (it's on the Carnival Boards):

 

Roatan or Life is NOT a highway, it's a Cabana in Paradise.

 

So this morning rose bright and early; Jenna and I did not.

 

I had written up the door hanger for room service breakfast but forgot to hang it on the door. Fortunately, the Dream made a lot of noise trying to dock in Roatan.

 

Now I'll admit, I was lying in bed all cosy warm when I heard the docking start and it seemed to me that it was going on forever. Knowing that the Dream doesn't always manage to dock here, I starting thinking what would happen if we didn't dock - would I really be disappointed? My answer was "No." I was feeling so comfy and relaxed, I didn't really want to get out of bed. The idea of trudging through the port area, over to the ski lift, riding what was in my mind a questionable piece of equipment nicknamed "chairs of falling death", slogging through the sand (which in my mind was of course was like the Cozumel sand where I would sink a little with each step and it would take a lot of effort to go even a few feet) to a Cabana which would probably disappoint.

 

I could not have been more wrong. This was the best day of my two cruises.

 

Jenna and I had each had a piece of fruit for breakfast from the fruit basket. I was feeling a little nauseous and should have gone up to the buffet for something more substantial but since we were already late (the ship docked at 10am and the original plan had been off right away).

 

We got off the ship around 10:40 am. The walk through the port area wasn't bad and the chair lift was very easy to find. I have to admit though that my attitude wasn't great at this point. I snapped at Jenna when she made some smartass comment (which I regretted later) so she walked a couple of steps ahead of me until we got to the chairlift.

 

I eyed the chairlift with a great deal of mistrust. I thought no way is that thing stable. But the alternative was a healthy walk over to the beach and the chairlift was included in our cabana rental so.......

 

It was safe. Let me just say that. At no time were we in ACTUAL danger of falling into the waiting ocean or being splattered onto the hard ground below. But it sure felt like it to me. I am a big chicken and everytime the chair would sway or bounce even a little I would grip the bar in front of me. Jenna even offered to hold my hand if I was too scared.

 

I can be a little dramatic at times. The ride was long enough but not too long and you can get some great pictures. I was too frightened on the way over to get pics but I got several on my way back. Here is one of them loading a chair:

 

 

and a picture of the Valor in port:

 

 

The chairs were actually pretty comfortable. The seats are padded and they flip them up when not in use. This is especially nice on the way back to the ship. If they didn't flip them up, the seats would be super hot from the sun and would burn your butt. The bar that comes down to keep you in was quite generous and I can't imagine anyone not being able to ride the chairs. They can (and will) stop the chairs as you get off and on for ease.

 

On the way over they just slowed them down both when we got on and got off. At the end of the day I guess they figure people just don't move as quickly because they stopped for every chair to get on and off (not just us). There wasn't a line up either way when we rode them. If I had a large family and had to pay for each use, I might not try them but if they are included in a package (such as covered chairs or cabana), or you're not a fast walker, they are very convenient.

 

About the Cabana.

 

I know there is lots of talk about whether or not these Cabanas are worth the $200 price tag.

 

My answer is YES - for me. Maybe for you. Depends on who you are, what you like, if privacy is important to you, if you want floats, shade, comfortable seating, air conditioning, or a waiter on call.

 

I'm going to give you just a little teaser. Here is the view from the front porch of my cabana:

 

[meatloafsfan]

So you check in at a small shack (the same place you rent floats, or water bikes or whatever). They give you a key to your Cabana and take your Sign and Sail card in exchange (I guess to ensure that you give them back the key at the end of the day).

 

You are then led to your cabana by one of the workers. He (or I guess she but I didn't see any she's) will lead you down the beach to the Cabana. I think we had Cabana #5 which was right next to the walkway to the washrooms and where the waiter kind of hung out if no one wanted anything. When you get there he will open the cabana, turn on the air conditioner, hang up your hammock, place the cushions on your chairs (all 4 of them) and get you your floats.

 

All I can say is Wow! The cabana is an actual little cabin with a door, lights, air conditioner, ceiling fan, electrical outlets, a sectional couch, a comfy chair and a coffee table. There is also a small garbage can over to the side.

 

On the deck of the cabana are two padded loungers. Over to the left of our deck was the outdoor shower. Out front were they big round "chairs" that are shared by the group of cabanas (though I only saw people sitting in them to take pictures so I can't vouch for their comfort). Each cabana has their own large hammock and then in front of those are two more padded loungers (which I think are connected in the centre by a small table).

 

There was security and most of the time they caught people before they got too comfortable in the private cabana area. It was actually pretty surprising how many people came through the path to the cabana area, looked around, realized it was private and turned back without being told anything (I was very pleasantly surprised). There were a few people who didn't get the idea though.

 

After we settled into the cabana, Jenna went back to the chairlifts and went to the Clip'n'Zip to go ziplining. She did 18 lines and says she screamed her head off the whole time on the first 5, screamed some on the next 12 and it was only the last one that she wasn't scared on. She loved it though! I had contacted clipnzip before we left to find out if she could zipline without me or if I needed to sign any kind of consent form. They had no issue with her zipling without me and I didn't need to sign a consent form. She said her group was an extended family with 15 members, 1 couple and then her. She says the guides were always checking on her and telling her how to do things to have the best zip because the family of 15 were always talking and ignoring the guides so Jenna said it was like her and the couple were their own group and got lots of individual attention.

 

While she was gone I ordered a Banana Berry Colada in a sports bottle. It says there was alcohol in it but I certainly didn't taste any. The sports bottle was a cute souvenier but if I did it again, I'd just order the regular cups (and try more variety of stuff).

 

The couple from Maine that Jenna and I had met at Nachi Cocum wandered into the area and I invited them to use my beach chairs. With my burn I was waiting until at least 2pm before going into the water or the direct sun. Our floats were also just sitting there dry so I offered they could use them as well (at least until Jenna came back cause I knew she'd want to go into the water). They were so thankful. It actually helped me out a bit because it meant that I didn't need to confront the two people who had sat down into my beach chairs about 10 mins prior. The couple from Maine just went and moved those peoples things to the empty chairs beside (with no cushions on them because one of the cabanas had not checked in yet so they hadn't put them down yet). When the other couple came out of the water they started to make a fuss about "their chairs" so security came over. The couple from Maine said they were with me and I confirmed it so security let them stay in my chairs (even though they didn't have the cabana wrist band) and security asked the other couple to leave explaining this was a private area. This was the only issue I had with other people trying to encroach on my area.

 

I just laid back with my drink and listened to music. After a while I figured Jenna would be almost done ziplining so I went into the cabana and changed into my swim suit.

 

I also visited the restrooms. They were clean and well maintained.

 

Here are some pictures to go along with what I've described:

 

View to the left of our deck:

 

View to the right of our deck:

 

You can see from those pictures how empty the general area was - even though the cabanas were all occupied. To my right was a family of 5 (mom, dad & 3 grown kids) and to my left were 3 adult women with 2 little girls.

 

inside the cabana (sectional couch)

 

Other part of the sectional couch (and the little garbage can):

 

side window:

[meatloafsfan]

Cabana continued......

 

The fan / lights in the cabana. I turned on the fan and closed the door after the air conditioner was on and the cabana cooled off really quickly.

 

 

Here's also a picture of the air conditioner. I know there was some debate about whether or not there was an actual air conditioner in the cabana so let me assure there is:

 

 

Electrical outlets in the side of the cabana. I wish I'd know this ahead of time because I would have brought my chargers so my ereader and mp3 player.

 

 

Picture of 1 of the 4 cushioned lounge chairs:

 

Picture of our hanging hammock / beach chairs and you can see one of the floats (the turquoise thing):

__________________

[meatloafsfan]

Menus

 

The bar at Mahagany Beach is Fat Tuesdays.

 

I took photos of the menus to post here since this was information I found difficult to find before I left:

 

 

 

 

 

[meatloafsfan]

I felt that the cabana was worth the $200 price tag. It really was private and much calmer than the free area. There was lots of shade, and nice cool air conditioning. Comfortable cushioned chairs and floats are included. The waiter was pretty much always right there for whatever you wanted.

 

The only thing I would do differently is order just the regular cups of drinks (but order more and a greater variety) instead of the sports bottle. :p

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I felt that the cabana was worth the $200 price tag. It really was private and much calmer than the free area. There was lots of shade, and nice cool air conditioning. Comfortable cushioned chairs and floats are included. The waiter was pretty much always right there for whatever you wanted.

 

The only thing I would do differently is order just the regular cups of drinks (but order more and a greater variety) instead of the sports bottle. :p

 

Thanks so much for reporting back here about your experience! PERFECT timing too, as we sail on the Valor ONE WEEK FROM TODAY and have rented a cabana!

 

Can't wait!!

 

Tom

Edited May 22, 2011 by Tom-n-Cheryl

[RedHeadTexan]

Meatloafsfan: Thanks for posting the review and pictures! I have been on the fence about renting a cabana in January, and your review has convinced me to do it. :D

[meatloafsfan]

Thanks so much for reporting back here about your experience! PERFECT timing too, as we sail on the Valor ONE WEEK FROM TODAY and have rented a cabana!

 

Can't wait!!

 

Tom

 

Meatloafsfan: Thanks for posting the review and pictures! I have been on the fence about renting a cabana in January, and your review has convinced me to do it. :D

 

I don't think either of you will regret it. The area was so much more relaxing than the "regular" beach part and the cabanas and amenities were very nice - plush comfortable seating, air conditioning, a shower, and floats. Be prepared that you will need to leave your sign and sail card at the check in shack. I'm not certain if the server takes credit cards as I carried cash to pay for our food and drinks.

 

When we checked in, the guy who brought us over turned on the air conditioner and then I turned on the fan and closed the door - when I went back inside it had cooled down nicely.

 

The shower is the outdoor kind and is kind of cold, just so you're prepared. It's okay for rinsing off but I wouldn't count on really "cleaning up" at the end of the day.

 

When the guy escorted us to the cabana we walked along the sandy beach but at the end of the day we took the paved path that goes behind the cabanas.

 

You get your wrist bands after you've ridden the flying beach chairs for the first time (when you check in at the rental shack). I found that odd that you didn't get the wrist bands first but it worked okay.

[dairywoman]

I just went in to book a Cabana and it states that it is only for 6 hours. Does anyone know if we really have to be out by 2:00 or do they just have that on for booking purposes??? We are in port until 5:00, so I would hate to have to find something for 3 hours:)

[meatloafsfan]

I just went in to book a Cabana and it states that it is only for 6 hours. Does anyone know if we really have to be out by 2:00 or do they just have that on for booking purposes??? We are in port until 5:00, so I would hate to have to find something for 3 hours:)

 

You don't need to be out by 2pm. Our ship left at 6pm (I think?) and we left our Cabana an hour before so we could do a bit of shopping. People were still at the Cabana on the other side of us though (they stayed even later).

[Elaine515]

Does anyone have a map/layout of the Island and where the Cabanas are in conjuction with the restrooms, food, bars etc.... How many cabanas are there? Do they come with food/soda anything, wait service?

 

Any and all information would be most welcomed... We just rented our 1st Cabana on Half Moon Cay this August and will then decide if we want to rent one on Roatan too...

 

Thanx...

[sassy_mrsjay]

Do you have to walk to the cabana? We have one person who can't walk far our group.

[vacation fool]

I just went in to book a Cabana and it states that it is only for 6 hours. Does anyone know if we really have to be out by 2:00 or do they just have that on for booking purposes??? We are in port until 5:00, so I would hate to have to find something for 3 hours:)

How do you book a cabana? Any info or pic of what they look like would be appreciated. Thanks :)

[meatloafsfan]

Does anyone have a map/layout of the Island and where the Cabanas are in conjuction with the restrooms, food, bars etc.... How many cabanas are there? Do they come with food/soda anything, wait service?

 

Any and all information would be most welcomed... We just rented our 1st Cabana on Half Moon Cay this August and will then decide if we want to rent one on Roatan too...

 

Thanx...

 

Sorry no map but the cabanas are located very near a large bathroom, and there is a bar basically right behind it. There is also a server that is there to just serve the cabanas. On the day we were there, he was very on the ball and was constantly available when we needed him. It does not have any food or drink included.

 

Do you have to walk to the cabana? We have one person who can't walk far our group.

 

Yes - you have to walk to the cabanas. You take the flying chairs over to the beach and then walk to the cabanas. There is a paved path that runs to the cabanas (instead of walking along the beach - which is how we were taken to the cabana). I'm not much of a walker and I managed so I understand the concern. It wasn't too bad but I certainly recommend the paved path instead of the beach for someone who has difficulty walking. It was about 5 mins at a slow-ish pace from the cabana to the check in shack (and flying chairs back to the ship). It was longer to walk from the ship to the flying beach chairs (and slightly up hill).

 

How do you book a cabana? Any info or pic of what they look like would be appreciated. Thanks :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=29187289&postcount=53

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=29187306&postcount=54

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=29187314&postcount=55

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=29187323&postcount=56

 

I've attached the links to my review I did after renting a cabana. There are several pictures of the inside and the outside amenities.

[winddawn]

Do you have to walk to the cabana? We have one person who can't walk far our group.

The magical flying beach chair ride is included in the price of the cabana rental. It takes you over to the cabana area.

Edited June 19, 2011 by winddawn

[mom2girlsVT]

So it appears there is a server/waiter. Is he just getting drinks for you or will he order and bring food to you too?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

So it appears there is a server/waiter. Is he just getting drinks for you or will he order and bring food to you too?

 

You will be given a menu from which to order, and he will bring the food (along with the final bill) to you as well.

 

Tom

[ciship]

Can you pick out which Cabana you want? I want to be on the very farthest end......not in the middle.

[Jilldo33]

Has anyone rented one of these recently?

 

I have a cruise booked for May and the Cabanas aren't even showing as an excursion. I really wanna book one but can't figure out why they're not showing as an option. Thanks in advance.

[cmoglesby]

Has anyone rented with a family of 5? I don't mid paying a little extra, but can't pay for another cabana for just 1 more. I know some people have said to have the other kid just come anyway. However I don't like the idea of feeling like a guard is going to approach us at any time during the day because 1 of us does not have on a wrist band. I want to relax with no worries at all.

[lt]

So, the all the people who work around Mahogany Bay.....don't live there...and don't get paid?

[Guest 2000]

This is the only map I can find, there is a pop up tool bar on the bottom right corner to enlarge... it shows the magic chair going to the beach but no map of the cabanas. If that link doesn't work it is all part of this web site . There is a note if you need more info about the beach cabanas ya gotta have chat with your cruise excursion people.

 

Jilldo33 ~ are you sure your ship docks in Mahogany Bay? There is another port on the island.

Edited October 13, 2011 by Guest 2000

[frito58]

How fast do these book up ? I assume you need to prebook this way before you cruise as they are limited. :)