Harmony Aug 4, 2019 - We're not on Empress anymore.

[vanelli56]

Going on Harmony in late September... Chill Island cabana going for 1200.00 and they are sold out on the cruise planner. 

[Clarea]

1 minute ago, vanelli56 said:

Going on Harmony in late September... Chill Island cabana going for 1200.00 and they are sold out on the cruise planner. 

 

Hard to believe.

[vanelli56]

Just now, Host Clarea said:

 

Hard to believe.

Unfortunately, its true. 
One person from our group of 6 decided to treat us all and purchased it yesterday. Must of gotten the last one... b/c it showed sold out right after he purchased. I double checked this morning on my cruise planner... still showing as sold out. 

[Sea Dog]

1 hour ago, A&L_Ont said:

Book early in my mind is the key and realisticlly consider how much time will you use it for.  

Good point! That is the key. Sounds like your strategy and forethought will pay off. I hope you have a great time.

[tcmagnum]

On ‎8‎/‎18‎/‎2019 at 10:06 AM, John&LaLa said:

Just dropped the blue bag, headed home for pre cruise libations 

 

 

Wow!!  Would be crazy nice to live so close to a port.  But a 10+ hour drive it is for us and worth it!!

 

Have a great time on trip 2...

[torpeedo]

3 hours ago, Lionesss said:

I am following other threads here stating the cost of the cabanas on Cococay.  

 

We never booked one on Labadee, with doing excursions and such, we would never be in it. And could not see using the money for so little time in it.

 

Can you find out if that is really the cost people are paying????

 

It seems very high to me.

 

 

Also, are they left un-booked (for lack of a better word).

 

I just cannot believe the cost!

 

TY

 

We had a Chill Island Cabana in May and paid $299 booking well in advance and well worth that.  BUT the prices of $1300 plus are not worth the hours we spent there with only 2 people.  I have asked the concierge on several cruises after May that  stopped at Coco Cay with huge price tags on the cabanas and yes, all were sold and people actually waiting.   I assume many sharing as ours allowed 8 people in the Cabana.  Also many newbies who will almost buy anything.  The water park is the main draw but there are a lot of no cost chairs and umbrellas so it's really doable for any budget.  We don't like a lot of sun and the umbrellas are really plentiful and easy to find a nice seat. Kids love it.

[SilkySal]

22 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

I'm sure that can be arranged.  Not sure I can bring her to Raddison.  I'll look into that when we get back

 

#pooleparty

If that's a yes, would love to see her on the 7th at the Rad too!! If not, maybe our little Bobo (Cav) can meet miss Bella when Tom and I begin our condo hunt! Would love to be near Cocoa! Maybe you'd be willing to vouch for us?!! Bribed, if necessary!!🙄 Just under 3 weeks away until Kay and I board Allure! Enjoy HOS "again"!

[Lionesss]

I did not know that the cabana included the cost of the all day passes......to do what is offered here.

 

That does seem to make it more realistic than just having a place to chill.

 

So the passes would cost just under $600 for a party of 6???

 

Which would bring the price down to around   $ 600ish for just the cabana.......

 

The passes are included right?

 

Or am I reading the thread wrong?

[Milwaukee Eight]

3 hours ago, BND said:

We used them on Labadee back when they were like $175 (around 2012-2015) and they were new.  Once they went over $250, we said forget it.  There's shade under trees and now we book a clamshell instead at Labadee.  For our upcoming Harmony b2b cruise, cabanas on Coco (and Labadee) are ridiculously priced.   And, yes, people are paying those prices.  It's really supply and demand.  They are just way too expensive for what they are, yet they do sell. 

A $20 tip on Labadee Suite area to the local attendant, we had loungers and umbrellas and free flowing drinks (we had the drink package). 

 

I think @John&LaLa can vouche for this. 

[Milwaukee Eight]

1 hour ago, Host Clarea said:

 

Hard to believe.

Why do you say that?  Royal caters to families who might only Cruise a couple times a year or every few years. They might save for some time and likely to go all out. I believe a cruise is still cheaper than spending the same 7 nights in a Disney World Hotel and Theme Park tickets. 

 

Face it, our Economy is strong. People are more likely to spend $ when they few good about the economy and their jobs. 

 

I can understand how it seems odd to those that travel/cruise often and are on a more restricted budget (due partially to many cruises in a year) and would like a cabana or park passes. It’s a choice, cruise less, spend more or spend less outside of cruise fare, and cruise more often. 

 

We always buy the drink package. Has more to do with selection and brand/choice. If we cruised more often, we would certainly be more frugal. 

 

In my opinion

Edited August 19, 2019 by Milwaukee Eight

[SilkySal]

We sprung for the beach bungalow on Columbus Cove in Labadee for our December, 2020 cruise with family/friends (party of eight) and paid $260. I am sure we'll enjoy having a place to leave our "stuff", have a little shade, and have a great attendant/drink runner (we all have Dx packages)! We may be a "little" older but still like to partaaaaay!😋

[John&LaLa]

And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

 

'Begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop.'  Lewis Carol

 

We dropped Bell with Jerry and headed to the port right before 11am. Arrive 10 minutes later, said goodbye to Jerry, and headed into Terminal 1.

 

Same check in folks prior to security, no lines outside. Something is definitely working here to get folks on the ship. Pretty much headed straight to the SL. Up there before 11:30.

 

Had a couple Amstels at the bar. That's when we met Ellen and Dan.  Them over to CK when it opened at noon.

 

I got the mozzarella wrap for the first time. Sans mushrooms. It was very good will get it ag ar in before menu changes on Day 5.

 

Grabbed a not quite chilled beer for the road and headed down to 7 right at 1pm.  

 

Took the wrong elevator. 😥

I need to remember to use the port elevators outside CK for the future. 

So back down to 6, cross over. And back up to 7 port side.

 

While heading to cabin, I think I see my blue suitcase. Nope, not mine. What are the odds.

 

Unpack Laura's case then head to Spa to schedule quality time with Wanpen. Laura got a hair appointment.  Win Win for me.

 

Back to the cabin, no suitcase. Turn on full search mode. Head forward, nooe, but other blue one still there. Turn aft, and there she is. Probably there all along.

 

Need to unpack and head to muster. E2 on the Royal Promenade.  How civilized.

 

Muster was uneventful,  perfect. 

 

Next up, le Grande suite

 

[John&LaLa]

26 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

A $20 tip on Labadee Suite area to the local attendant, we had loungers and umbrellas and free flowing drinks (we had the drink package). 

 

I think @John&LaLa can vouche for this. 

 

Indeed, but they don't accept Diamond+ beer BOGO at Labadee for us more frugal passengers.  

 

I believe Rory ended up buying me a Corona or two.🍺🍺🇲🇽

[TripleQ]

25 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

While heading to cabin, I think I see my blue suitcase. Nope, not mine. What are the odds.

 

 

 

 

For some reason I found that text face on the luggage hilarious.  When the internet bleeds back into real life.. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[John&LaLa]

Home away from home

 

Welcome to our GS. This probably rivals the RS on Empress. Love all the storage. Something like 17 drawers,  10 cabinets, 8 shelves, and tons of countertops. 

 

I've since moved this table in front of bedroom window. Kept stubbing my toe

 

Bar by entry door. The catch all spot. I'll be told it's a mess by tomorrow 

 

Huge safe, way to many tchotchkes 

 

I like the closet, but need more hangers 

 

TV in LR, but no movie player

 

110v outlet far side is sofa

 

110v outlet for coffee machine.  I use that plug for cell phone charger

 

110v outlet at far nightstand 

 

Laura's realm

 

Outlets st vanity area. No USB, though

 

Bedroom TV. I like the wall and curtains of these versions

 

 

Drawers behind bar

 

Alex brought 7 more hangers 😁

 

Shelves in closet

 

next up, the bathroom and balcony

Edited August 19, 2019 by John&LaLa

[Milwaukee Eight]

35 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Indeed, but they don't accept Diamond+ beer BOGO at Labadee for us more frugal passengers.  

 

I believe Rory ended up buying me a Corona or two.🍺🍺🇲🇽

Actually, we were never charged for the Corona. Chalk it up to the $20 tip (most likely) or sharing the drink package (less likely). 

[MrsKC08]

You sure are living the suite life this week. Did you hear any update on the medical emergency from last night?

[Milwaukee Eight]

15 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

Home away from home

 

Welcome to our GS. This probably rivals the RS on Empress. Love all the storage. Something like 17 drawers,  10 cabinets, 8 shelves, and tons of countertops. 

 

Bar by entry door. The catch all spot. I'll be told it's a mess by tomorrow 

 

 

Keep this space clear.  This is where all the goodies show up. I’m surprised no fruit dish and  cookies for Suites not to mention what you get for being a P?  Maybe they showed up later. 

 

 Chocolate Covered strawberries later in the week and maybe a cheese plate. 

Edited August 19, 2019 by Milwaukee Eight

[molly361]

I think we have your hangers😇

[Andy C]

I stayed in a GS port side on Deck 7 on Harmony - I believe it was 7254.  

 

On Rory's comment about Barefoot @ Labadee, I always tip those guys the second I meet them (with a $20 as well) and have consistently found their service to be slow, lazy and unmotivated.    

Edited August 19, 2019 by Andy C

[brillohead]

2 hours ago, Lionesss said:

I did not know that the cabana included the cost of the all day passes......to do what is offered here.

That does seem to make it more realistic than just having a place to chill.

So the passes would cost just under $600 for a party of 6???

Which would bring the price down to around   $ 600ish for just the cabana.......

The passes are included right?

Or am I reading the thread wrong?

It depends on the cabana..... if the cabana is in the waterpark, it would come with passes.  If it's just at the pool or on the beach, no passes for the waterpark.

[John&LaLa]

Odd thing about the bath. Ot doesn't have a metal ceiling,  so I cant do this. Kind of a feature of my reviews in the last couple years. 

 

Oh well plenty of other places to put it. 

 

 

 

 

Our balcony doesn't have loungers but these chair things recline, as I've been reminded.

 

 

People eat on this🤔

[John&LaLa]

1 hour ago, MrsKC08 said:

You sure are living the suite life this week. Did you hear any update on the medical emergency from last night?

 

Not yet, and I had my chance.  Stay tuned

[John&LaLa]

1 hour ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Keep this space clear.  This is where all the goodies show up. I’m surprised no fruit dish and  cookies for Suites not to mention what you get for being a P?  Maybe they showed up later. 

 

 Chocolate Covered strawberries later in the week and maybe a cheese plate. 

 

Cheese plate came while I was catching up. Was able to put the cheese in the fridge. Ice bucket and wine keep showing up there. 

Edited August 19, 2019 by John&LaLa

[Lionesss]

16 minutes ago, brillohead said:

It depends on the cabana..... if the cabana is in the waterpark, it would come with passes.  If it's just at the pool or on the beach, no passes for the waterpark.

Thank you

 

Never been to cococay, going there next year twice.

Guess I have a lot of reading to do.

 

Thanks for heads up