Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted October 7, 2016 #1 Share Posted October 7, 2016 Ok, I realize that after Matthew things may be different (trust me, there is angst over Castaway Cay on Disney forums as well), but... I'm booked on my first NCL cruise on the Breakaway on the 4/9 sailing, and am starting to do my research - just on this one as I'm pretty familiar with Nassau and VERY familiar with the Orlando area. I found the map on the NCL site and see several places to rent clamshells. Is this super necessary? Or are there chairs and umbrellas around? Is there a place that's geared for 18+ like Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay? Or is everything for everyone - other than the part that's exclusive for Haven people? What are the top tips for a newbie for a day at GSC? Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BirdTravels Posted October 7, 2016 #2 Share Posted October 7, 2016 There is little to no shade on the island. And the sun can be brutal. I highly recommend a clamshell. The clam shell attendant will set it up for you once you pay or provide a shore ex ticket. Make sure to get one with a ventilation panel on the back, else be a baked clam. They will sell out on he mega ships. There are lots and lots of loungers. No problem gett a lounger. But no umbrellas and very very limited trees (maybe freer after today). If he seas are calm, the wave runners between islands are fun. And the sting ray encounter is great. They are putting in a zip line and other activities during this refirb period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esm54687 Posted October 7, 2016 #3 Share Posted October 7, 2016 None of the loungers have umbrellas...... very few of the loungers have trees for shade The clamshells are a welcome relief from the intense sun (make sure to ask for a clamshell with a mesh panel for air circulation). The clamshell also includes two loungers. You can only reserve these when on the ship through the Excursion Dept Just want to clarify you are talking about clamshell.... NOT cabanas. Sent from my SM-T700 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted October 7, 2016 Author #4 Share Posted October 7, 2016 None of the loungers have umbrellas...... very few of the loungers have trees for shade The clamshells are a welcome relief from the intense sun (make sure to ask for a clamshell with a mesh panel for air circulation). The clamshell also includes two loungers. You can only reserve these when on the ship through the Excursion Dept Just want to clarify you are talking about clamshell.... NOT cabanas. Sent from my SM-T700 using Forums mobile app Thanks! And correct, it's just me, so a clamshell would be great. So you reserve them once on board only? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esm54687 Posted October 7, 2016 #5 Share Posted October 7, 2016 Yes, can only reserve on board and you reserve a specific beach.... then when you get to that beach, you see an attendant and pick your clamshell (they are first come first serve). Also, because they are an "excursion" then you get priority tender which is a bonus. sent using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted October 7, 2016 Author #6 Share Posted October 7, 2016 Yes, can only reserve on board and you reserve a specific beach.... then when you get to that beach, you see an attendant and pick your clamshell (they are first come first serve). Also, because they are an "excursion" then you get priority tender which is a bonus. sent using Forums mobile app Thanks. Is one beach preferred over the other(s)? The map was kind of confusing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennism Posted October 7, 2016 #7 Share Posted October 7, 2016 Thanks. Is one beach preferred over the other(s)? The map was kind of confusing. If I were you I would lean towards being near or at the lagoon. The further from the main area you get the fewer people, the area right next to the tenders was far to crowded for my tastes. We had the lagoon to ourselves when we visited GSC in the Dawn. Of course if you have mobility issues that may be a challenge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esm54687 Posted October 7, 2016 #8 Share Posted October 7, 2016 I personally like the main (Bacardi) because more going on (music, food, restrooms are close) Cabana Beach is in the middle and quieter but a walk is required to the food. Lagoon is the furthest away but a tram takes you there. Many enjoy it because the lagoon is really nice. This is all depending on the construction and possible repositioning of buildings...... I have not seen a current map that reflects the renovations. sent using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted October 7, 2016 Author #9 Share Posted October 7, 2016 If I were you I would lean towards being near or at the lagoon. The further from the main area you get the fewer people, the area right next to the tenders was far to crowded for my tastes. We had the lagoon to ourselves when we visited GSC in the Dawn. Of course if you have mobility issues that may be a challenge. Thanks. No mobility issues (knock on wood)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMerritt Posted October 7, 2016 #10 Share Posted October 7, 2016 Ok, I realize that after Matthew things may be different (trust me, there is angst over Castaway Cay on Disney forums as well), but... I'm booked on my first NCL cruise on the Breakaway on the 4/9 sailing, and am starting to do my research - just on this one as I'm pretty familiar with Nassau and VERY familiar with the Orlando area. I found the map on the NCL site and see several places to rent clamshells. Is this super necessary? Or are there chairs and umbrellas around? Is there a place that's geared for 18+ like Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay? Or is everything for everyone - other than the part that's exclusive for Haven people? What are the top tips for a newbie for a day at GSC? Thanks!! Yes reserve Clamshells - your concierge will do it for you, as posted, chairs galore but no umbrellas. Haven Guests have priority tender boarding - your concierge will escort you onto a tender. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esm54687 Posted October 7, 2016 #11 Share Posted October 7, 2016 Yes reserve Clamshells - your concierge will do it for you, as posted, chairs galore but no umbrellas. Haven Guests have priority tender boarding - your concierge will escort you onto a tender. I'm not sure the OP has a concierge or is in the Haven...... I think they made reference to "Haven area" based on the GSC renovations sent using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare WrittenOnYourHeart Posted October 7, 2016 Author #12 Share Posted October 7, 2016 I'm not sure the OP has a concierge or is in the Haven...... I think they made reference to "Haven area" based on the GSC renovations sent using Forums mobile app Correct. That is why I mentioned the Haven area. I'm in the opposite - a studio. I was just referencing that in terms of areas on the island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oregonian123 Posted October 10, 2016 #13 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Hi, does anyone have a current map? The one I saw still has the Hippo Slide on it. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BirdTravels Posted October 10, 2016 #14 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Hi, does anyone have a current map? The one I saw still has the Hippo Slide on it. Thanks. Since the island is closed for major refurbishment, there are no current maps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amydandrea Posted October 10, 2016 #15 Share Posted October 10, 2016 since the island is closed right now, where do the cruises stop instead? I read that it reopens late October, I assume the lagoon does not reopen then as the renovations are more extensive. Any idea when the lagoon area is going to be ready....? Considering a January cruise..:) love GSC! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sissaaaaaa Posted October 10, 2016 #16 Share Posted October 10, 2016 since the island is closed right now, where do the cruises stop instead? I read that it reopens late October, I assume the lagoon does not reopen then as the renovations are more extensive. Any idea when the lagoon area is going to be ready....? Considering a January cruise..:)love GSC! We haven't gotten word on the damage at GSC yet. Both Sandals resorts in the Bahamas are closed though. That doesn't sound good for GSC :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amydandrea Posted October 10, 2016 #17 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Not a lot of protection from storms out there. I hope it wasn't too bad Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted October 10, 2016 #18 Share Posted October 10, 2016 There is NO NEED to pay for shade. Loungers abound..and trees provide shade...move your lounger where you want, if one isn't where you want to be! Folks get so "caught up" in booking cabanas and clamshells...they aren't needed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckyinpa Posted November 29, 2016 #19 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Hi, does anyone have a current map? The one I saw still has the Hippo Slide on it. Thanks. do you mean no more hippo slide? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegsue06 Posted November 29, 2016 #20 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Does anyone know about how much this would cost? Thank you in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare BirdTravels Posted November 29, 2016 #21 Share Posted November 29, 2016 Does anyone know about how much this would cost? Thank you in advance! Clam Shells have been running $30. In the past, they have sold out onboard on the mega ships. There is little shade on the island and the sun can be brutal. The clam shell attendant will set up a shell for you on the beach. When you select a shell, pick one with the meshed ventilation panel along the back. The solid canvas clam shells get very hot and you could end up being a cooked clam if you pick one of those. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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