CynthiaRI

So there is still a TON of construction on the island for the new area.  (Doesn't impact the beauty of the stay, though.)  I have no idea how it will be open by May, but they were actually working on a Sunday, so there's definite a push.  The new area will be amazing.  And will have over the water cabanas with a slide right into the ocean.  No idea how much that will cost, but I think I'll say definitely count me in! 🙂  

I believe the day beds have the regular big lunch buffet on the island.

We just got back from Coco Cay. We had the cabanas and it was AMAZING! Some thoughts/tips.

1. We did not have a suite but were able to book online. We did so VERY early though. And keep an eye on prices, sales pop up and you can adjust prices alny cancelling and rebooking. They did overbook cabanas for our day, so be sure to check your paperwork as soon as you get to your room, and go to shore excursion desk. We we're early enough that not only did we get a cabana, we got an ocean front.

2. Cabanas are close to the front, but you get a golf cart that takes you to your area. 

3. You have your own private deluxe buffet and small bar right in the cabana area. Outstanding! Seafood kabobs and fruit and chocolate fondue.

4. Max of 6 people. I'm not sure if you can more for extra people or not.

5. Cabanas have a private beach that is beautiful and calm. Would be perfect for kids.

6. It rained in the morning the day we were there. Everyone in our group with bungalows cancelled. Said everything was soaking wet. The cabanas have more solid sides. Things were barely damp. And our gear stayed dry while we were out snorkeling during the rain.

7. Bathrooms are a very close walk. I wouldn't be worried, even with kids.

8. Each cabana comes with 2 sets of snorkeling gear. They drive you over to the snorkeling are, which is AMAZING. I've never swam that far out from the shore when snorkeling. They have lifeguards out there and platforms if you need to rest. They have a shipwreck, plane wreck and cannons. Lots of wildlife. We saw a sea turtle, sting rays, a baracuda, and tons of other fish. I can't stress how much fun we had. We snorkeled for 2 hours straight.

9. Cabanas also come with 2 ocean mats. Water was cold so after snorkeling we didn't go back in but if it was warmer, it would have been perfect to float.

10. The cabana had a couch in the shelter, a wooden deck with 2 cushioned beach chairs, and 4 regular beach chairs in front of the cabana. 

The cabanas and Coco Cay were the highlight. Book early and don't hesitate. I always worry when I have high expectations. But they did not disappoint. On a day when most people stayed on the ship due to a couple of hours of rain and cooler weather, we had the time of our lives.

The photo of the island shows the cabanas to the left of the main beach area. Very easy walk from the tenders, but why walk when you can be driven! 😁

I'm heading on Enchantment of the Seas.  Right now we have the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day reserved.  But now I'm trying to decide between that and the VIP Balmoral Beach day.  Any suggestions on which is better?  I'm getting nervous because I've seen some recent poor reviews of the VIP Blue Lagoon day.  I want to be able to relax but still enjoy the water.  We have our own snorkel gear and would like to snorkel on our while there.

I agree about the no noise.  We had a cabin directly across from the laundry room.  It was lovely, actually.  Only one day in 2 weeks was there any noise and that was just people standing in hallway.  I could check if a machine was open and keep an eye on my laundry without having to stand there the entire time.  And we quickly learned the busiest times and avoided those.  It worked out well for us!

What can you tell me about the VIP Blue Lagoon Beach Day. Is it worth it???

We have done both the bungalow and cabana. We were just there last month. IMHO the cabana is the way to go, especially with little kids who want to be in water. Although the bungalow has a nice location, the water by the bungalow had a lot of sea grass and a rocky location there, not good for the little ones to swim. The cabana area was all sand in water, on a nice roped off area, perfect for swimming and floating on the mats that are provided. There were a bunch of families with kids there, and kids were having a Blast playing/ swimming in the water and on beach. Plus the private Buffett in cabana area was awesome! Bar for both is close. Cabana was just more private with a nicer swimming area, also a lot of fish swimming around in the water for the kids to check out! You also get a deck with the cabana.

 

But no matter which one you pick- you will enjoy it. They are really both nice. We just love the cabana. Coco cay is one of our favorite places to visit.

Do you have any photos of both? Everything I read just confuses me more.

Bungalows: Pre-order food, rockier beach, slightly closer to bathrooms and activities, Solid back wall, curtain sides, no snorkeling equipment or beach mats/chairs

Cabana: Deluxe buffet, deck PLUS bungalow, no rocks, private beach, snorkeling equipment

Is that about right? Thanks a lot!!

Nothing has changed with regard to Coco Cay cabanas or bungalows since this thread: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2623024

Thanks. So same locations as this thread? I keep hearing how they "recently" moved the cabana location. Also, which would you recommend - bungalow or cabana? We are having a hot debate. :-) I'm pretty sure I'm right in picking the cabana, but am not sure.

I head they switched the locations of the cabanas. Can anyone comment on that location? And the "Ocean View" - are they all ocean front? We are having a debate on whether these are better or worse than the bungalows. Thoughts? This is all so crazy. I have reserved an ocean view cabana, but friends have the bungalow. It's really hard to find the difference on the website.

I know this has been asked before but the discussion is several months old now and I know they're doing updates to the island. Can someone please tell me the difference between the Bungalows and the Cabanas? And both are available on Coco Cay, correct? Thanks!

We are going to Coco Cay in January with RC. I thought I read that that cabanas were reserved for "frequent travelers" but I just logged on to my activities/excursions page and it let me reserve a Deluxe Ocean View Cabana. Is this correct? (Don't want to be disappointed later)

Also, any advice on cabanas or things I need to know?

Thanks!

The cabanas get an "upgraded" buffet....all the food still comes from the ship, so it's on par with what's onboard. You will have a few different items than the standard buffet. Is it worth almost $400-500? That's up to you to determine!

Isn't a single price for the cabana? So not really $400?? I read you only reserve under one person and then you have the cabana.

Any updates on this thread? I'm thinking of renting the cabana. Figure I can always cancel - at this point I'm still 6 months out! Would love to see Cabana pics.

Do they have a lobster night in the main Brittania dining room?

My copy of the book arrived today. Used but in perfect condition! So excited. We fly out on Wednesday morning! Embark on Friday!! Almost packed!

In addition to our regular, checked suitcases, we are going to have a couple of rolling carry-ons. (We'll be in NYC for 2 days prior to our cruise.) If luggage appears quickly in our, I am assuming I can probably have those "checked" at the port when we arrive, so we only have to carry on the back packs. Does that make sense? Thanks again for all of the wonderful advice!

Just ordered my copy from Amazon. Apparently it was the last one in stock. Suspect all the others have gone to readers of this thread :D

LOL! You're probably right! I ordered yesterday and it shipped out that same day. Crossing fingers it arrives by Tuesday. I didn't pay for extra shipping, deciding to risk it!

What a great idea! So if we're doing a RT, I sign up for the flower arranging class and I'll have flowers in my room for over half of our trip!

Bring along a copy of John Maxtone-Graham's "The Only Way to Cross" (the copy in the library will probably be gone by the time you get there), find a nice proper deck chair and unless it's pouring with rain, sit outside and savour the subtle pleasures of a good book, the damp salt air of the North Atlantic and the most sublime of all destinations: mid Atlantic on an ocean liner.

Every day I learn something new. Just ordered. Crossing fingers and toes that it arrives before we fly out next Wednesday!

Our daughters, practicing for Afternoon Tea!

We are in the final stages of packing. Having some disagreements with DH as we're planning clothes for children. On the evenings we plan to stay casual, I assume children are also still expected to be in slacks, not shorts? I've packed entirely too much and need to remove some outfits. I think "dressy" shorts are not as important if they will be in slacks in the evening either way. It is a challenge to get us to 4 suitcases for myself and 4 children. At least I don't pack for husband, too! :-)

Try here for photographs of QM2

 

https://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/photos/ships/queen-mary-2-qm2-294/launderettes-312916/

Thanks Host Hattie! This is very helpful! Is there one on each level? A little concerned as our room is very close. But we don't plan on spending much time in the room. And maybe we can even be an audience to the famed disagreements! :-)

Cynthia,

I think we've all been following along as you've been preparing for your trip. So many GOOD questions. Please report back afterwards!

- Mark

Thanks! I think! :-) Needless to say, we're a little excited about this trip! With so many variables with 4 kids and my mom, I need to plan as much as possible ahead of time. So I am able to relax when I'm there!

Only 2 weeks to go till our first QM2 and Cunard experience! I have a few questions I was hoping the group would be able to help answer.

1. In another thread, I've heard people state they are able to order room service on embarkation day. Does anyone know the specific times that room service is available?

2. We are planning to skip dinner in Britannia on the first night so we can be on deck for the departure. (We have the early sitting.) I know that there are special dinners in Kings Court in the evening. Is the regular buffet still available as well?

3. On average, how early will we need to leave our luggage out the night before disembarkation?

4. For those who have utilized kids club, have you tipped at the end of your voyage? If so, how do you decide whom to tip? Just curious on this one!

Thanks for your help!

We just got off the QM2.....two 7 day B.B. cruises......each segment had a laundry special at the end of the week. $40 for up to 20 items but they must all fit inside the laundry bag. We fit 20 pants, shirts, pjs.....by carefully bundling them. We did one self service load of under clothes and socks in two weeks. Worked out great.

Excellent! Thanks for this news. That may help us our tremendously.