The HAL Retreat Cabana casino - pay your money and take your chances

[Florida_gal_50]

5 hours ago, Arrowinc said:

We rented a retreat cabana on our last cruise on Rotterdam and we’re less than pleased.  Although we did not have to deal with rampant children, meal and drink service took forever once the attendant showed up.  Further, the cabana is on a different floor than the lido, which makes visits more difficult. 
 

although I know that this is somewhat controversial, we actually enjoyed the lido cabanas on the smaller ships a lot more - far better and quicker service, and quicker access to the lido, bar, and pool.  Honestly, we also enjoyed the folks walking alongside. We struck up conversations with many. 

I don’t know that it’s controversial.  You like what you like.  I wouldn’t take a lido cabana for free because there are too many people around and I want to be outside.  I don’t usually find the cabana service to be that great.  I never ask them to get me food. I just want my water iced but it rarely is because they are running for food for everyone there, sometimes multiple times a day.

[kevingastreich]

On 1/26/2023 at 5:45 PM, OlsSalt said:

 

One reason a lot of people like the Lanai cabins on some of the older ships too - great for people watching from your dedicated lounger and chatting with those making their promenades around the 360  outside deck.

Are there any other pros and cons of these cabins?  I've always wondered what they would be like.  Thanks.

[wdw1972]

2 hours ago, kevingastreich said:

Are there any other pros and cons of these cabins?  I've always wondered what they would be like.  Thanks.

For me, looking out the window/door and having a view of a deck, railing & people passing by as opposed to having an unobstructed view of the ocean is a HUGE negative.  I'd book an ocean view or a verandah, but not a lanai.  Some people love them - just not me.

 

Sue/WDW1972

[RuthC]

7 hours ago, kevingastreich said:

Are there any other pros and cons of these cabins?  I've always wondered what they would be like.  Thanks.

The desk is inadequate, at best. Nothing like the size of the desk in the other inside or outside cabins.