Seaside, Ocean Cay, YC Cabana Question

[heidikay]

Check this article out:  https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/ocean-cay-port-5231

[LorraineP]

1 hour ago, heidikay said:

Check this article out:  https://www.cruisemapper.com/ports/ocean-cay-port-5231

Great info. Thank you. 

[js]

Thank you for the link.

 

I just don't understand why they took out the YC Cabanas those numbers of the excursions are clearly missing (as in my first post). My sailing is February 2020, so hoping I see them pop up again and if anyone sees them reappear, I am hoping you can please report back.  The lack of beach in YC area is a little disappointing, but it is what it is.

 

[cruiseguyinorl]

The YC Cabanas will not be completed when the island opens in November. They should be ready sometime in February. In fact, they are not supposed to be shown at all online. See below.

 

This from the Manager of Ocean Cay Operations:

Here are the facts:

YC Cabanas will NOT be available until Feb 2020
We WILL assign and reserve some of the regular cabanas to our YC guests
YC Cabanas will never be online as our system does not know how to differentiate between regular and YC guests to book them.
Butler/Concierge will contact guests onboard to offer cabanas (we are working on a system that concierge can call guests prior to cruise to book cabanas)

 

Hope this helps.

 

Bret

[marcoigna]

20 minutes ago, cruiseguyinorl said:

This from the Manager of Ocean Cay Operations:

Here are the facts:

YC Cabanas will NOT be available until Feb 2020
We WILL assign and reserve some of the regular cabanas to our YC guests
YC Cabanas will never be online as our system does not know how to differentiate between regular and YC guests to book them.
Butler/Concierge will contact guests onboard to offer cabanas (we are working on a system that concierge can call guests prior to cruise to book cabanas)

 

Funny - we have a YC cabana booked and paid for on the 9th November sailing - Meraviglia. 

[cruiseguyinorl]

10 minutes ago, marcoigna said:

 

Funny - we have a YC cabana booked and paid for on the 9th November sailing - Meraviglia. 

 

My clients have the same thing booked for January on the Divina. According to her, they will be assigned a cabana on the regular beach.

Bret

[Até]

Oops....  I suspect a little MSC glitch back when the YC ones popped up for a couple days.

[rikitikitavii]

They had no glitch taking my money for a December cruise cabana.  Although it is more than a glitch, there were 2 types of YC cabanas. One for ocean front and one for ocean view, both designated YC.

[js]

14 hours ago, cruiseguyinorl said:

The YC Cabanas will not be completed when the island opens in November. They should be ready sometime in February. In fact, they are not supposed to be shown at all online. See below.

 

This from the Manager of Ocean Cay Operations:

Here are the facts:

YC Cabanas will NOT be available until Feb 2020
We WILL assign and reserve some of the regular cabanas to our YC guests
YC Cabanas will never be online as our system does not know how to differentiate between regular and YC guests to book them.
Butler/Concierge will contact guests onboard to offer cabanas (we are working on a system that concierge can call guests prior to cruise to book cabanas)

 

Hope this helps.

 

Bret

 

Thank you very much for this helpful information.

I am sailing February 22 and hope they don't have concierge calling guests to book the cabanas since how will

it be determined who is called first, second, third, etc.? I'm hoping we can eventually book online "if" they open

up for February 22 and if not, perhaps I'll just rent two umbrellas now so I have in case they run out or whatever.

Your email from the Manage of Ocean Cay operations at least explains why we are no longer seeing them

show up in our Excursion offerings but I just don't understand how they won't be ready. I'm sure they are using the

same/similar model as the other cabanas.  I really would love a cabana, we always rent one on a cruise line's private island but if I have to choose between a cabana on another beach or being in the YC area at Ocean Cay, I'm going to choose the YC area with two umbrellas.

Thank you again.

[foodsvcmgr]

Other than the private YC area, are any amenities included on the island specifically for YC passengers?

[cruiseguyinorl]

3 minutes ago, foodsvcmgr said:

Other than the private YC area, are any amenities included on the island specifically for YC passengers?

 

I am waiting for clarification on this from the same person. I have been told generically that food and beverages will be included on Ocean Cay for YC guests. (Drink packages for non-YC are not valid on Ocean Cay.) I'll post again when I get more specific information.

 

Bret

[foodsvcmgr]

Great, thanks!

[Beamafar]

Here's some of the latest information about the island:

 

Ocean Cay is a marine reserve and we are committed to preserving this natural paradise in its pristine state. Our aim is to minimize unnecessary waste while providing our guests with an ample choice of services.    

To minimize waste while on the island food and drinks will be served primarily on the ship, where all restaurants, buffet and bars will be operating regularly. Remember, the ship is docked at the island and you can come and go at any time.  

  
On the island, there are several options including a few bars, buffet and informal food carts – not included in your standard cruise ticket or onboard beverage package; but you can upgrade your onboard beverage package to include unlimited drinks on Ocean Cay. 

• Seaker's Buffet  
  Freshly prepared meals from a variety of international culinary traditions, including American classics and authentic Bahamian flavors, and several kids-favorites.  
   
• Food Carts  
  If you don’t feel like a sit-down meal, food carts with high-quality casual street food; we will have a taco truck, conch fitter truck, and much more. The trucks will be stationary during the day around the beaches and will move to the marine area at night creating a food truck festival.

• Springers   
  Established by the famous Bahamian Springers family and located in the Marina, this friendly bar offers cocktails and drinks in an authentic Bahamian style.   
   
• Lighthouse Bar   
  A red and white lighthouse rises 30 feet above the island, providing a striking landmark and a useful orientation point. It is also home to a Hemingway-style bar and a terrace where guests can enjoy the view as they sip a refreshing cocktail. Here guests can enjoy live music with DJs and a surprising visual experience that will further enhance the atmosphere.  
   
• Beach Bars 
  There are 7 beach bars spread across the island, each with its own personality and its own special look and feel.   
   
• Ice Cream Parlour and Coffee Bar  
• Located in the marina and in partnership with San Bernardo Ice Cream, this venue offers hundreds of different kinds of ice cream, from classics to more innovative flavors with a Bahamian twist. The coffee bar offers freshly brewed whole bean and ground coffee, espresso and cappuccino for an energetic start to your day on Ocean Cay or a quick boost later on.

Do onboard beverages packages include food and drinks on the island?

No. Food and drink on the island is not included in the cruise ticket or any beverage packages purchased while on board. However, you can upgrade any onboard beverage packages to include unlimited drinks on Ocean Cay. But since the ship is docked at the island itself, you can go back on board at any time to take advantage of the onboard buffet.

 

Is this island big? Will I have to walk long distances to visit places?

The most distant place on the island is only a 20-minute walk away, and easy-to-follow signs will guide you to wherever you wish to go. In addition, electric carts are available to transport you around the island.

 

How can I pay on the island?

All payments on the island will be processed through your Cruise Card. The only place that does not accept the Cruise Card is the Bahamian Straw Market, where only cash is accepted.

 

[js]

 

On 3/15/2019 at 4:46 PM, cruiseguyinorl said:

 

I am waiting for clarification on this from the same person. I have been told generically that food and beverages will be included on Ocean Cay for YC guests. (Drink packages for non-YC are not valid on Ocean Cay.) I'll post again when I get more specific information.

 

Bret

 

Thank you for your helpful information.  It would be great to find out the answer.

For now, I just rented two umbrellas and two mats. I was thisclose to renting a cabana on another part

of the island, wherever they are located, but I would rather be in the YC area, especially if food/drink may be included.

 

Thank you and will wait to hear what you have been told.

 

 

On 3/16/2019 at 7:34 AM, Beamafar said:

Here's some of the latest information about the island:

 

Ocean Cay is a marine reserve and we are committed to preserving this natural paradise in its pristine state. Our aim is to minimize unnecessary waste while providing our guests with an ample choice of services.    

To minimize waste while on the island food and drinks will be served primarily on the ship, where all restaurants, buffet and bars will be operating regularly. Remember, the ship is docked at the island and you can come and go at any time.  

  
On the island, there are several options including a few bars, buffet and informal food carts – not included in your standard cruise ticket or onboard beverage package; but you can upgrade your onboard beverage package to include unlimited drinks on Ocean Cay. 

• Seaker's Buffet  
  Freshly prepared meals from a variety of international culinary traditions, including American classics and authentic Bahamian flavors, and several kids-favorites.  
   
• Food Carts  
  If you don’t feel like a sit-down meal, food carts with high-quality casual street food; we will have a taco truck, conch fitter truck, and much more. The trucks will be stationary during the day around the beaches and will move to the marine area at night creating a food truck festival.

• Springers   
  Established by the famous Bahamian Springers family and located in the Marina, this friendly bar offers cocktails and drinks in an authentic Bahamian style.   
   
• Lighthouse Bar   
  A red and white lighthouse rises 30 feet above the island, providing a striking landmark and a useful orientation point. It is also home to a Hemingway-style bar and a terrace where guests can enjoy the view as they sip a refreshing cocktail. Here guests can enjoy live music with DJs and a surprising visual experience that will further enhance the atmosphere.  
   
• Beach Bars 
  There are 7 beach bars spread across the island, each with its own personality and its own special look and feel.   
   
• Ice Cream Parlour and Coffee Bar  
• Located in the marina and in partnership with San Bernardo Ice Cream, this venue offers hundreds of different kinds of ice cream, from classics to more innovative flavors with a Bahamian twist. The coffee bar offers freshly brewed whole bean and ground coffee, espresso and cappuccino for an energetic start to your day on Ocean Cay or a quick boost later on.

Do onboard beverages packages include food and drinks on the island?

No. Food and drink on the island is not included in the cruise ticket or any beverage packages purchased while on board. However, you can upgrade any onboard beverage packages to include unlimited drinks on Ocean Cay. But since the ship is docked at the island itself, you can go back on board at any time to take advantage of the onboard buffet.

 

Is this island big? Will I have to walk long distances to visit places?

The most distant place on the island is only a 20-minute walk away, and easy-to-follow signs will guide you to wherever you wish to go. In addition, electric carts are available to transport you around the island.

 

How can I pay on the island?

All payments on the island will be processed through your Cruise Card. The only place that does not accept the Cruise Card is the Bahamian Straw Market, where only cash is accepted.

 

Thank you Bea. Nothing noted about the YC I see and it is too bad that we need to pay for food and drink packages cannot be used but this is the same thing that they started on NCLs new private island.  We paid $600 or so for a cabana, was in the Haven, and still had to pay for food/drinks.  Guess this is the new normal.

Thank you.

 

 

[Beamafar]

Nothing concrete at all about YC, JS.  As we're scheduled to be the first to visit, I'm keeping a rein on expectations, though I can't imagine them charging YC guests for drinks on the island.  The YC area is one of the furthest points from the ship;  there's no way people who've paid YC prices are going to tolerate being expected to go back and forth to the ship for food and drinks to avoid extra charges.

[js]

37 minutes ago, Beamafar said:

Nothing concrete at all about YC, JS.  As we're scheduled to be the first to visit, I'm keeping a rein on expectations, though I can't imagine them charging YC guests for drinks on the island.  The YC area is one of the furthest points from the ship;  there's no way people who've paid YC prices are going to tolerate being expected to go back and forth to the ship for food and drinks to avoid extra charges.

 

Thank you.  Your reasoning above, is the exact reason I didn't want to get a cabana on another area of the island. I wanted to be in the YC area.  I very much hope your sailing is able to enjoy the island and look forward to finding out more about the cabanas (and the YC area at Ocean Cay).

 

 

[Beamafar]

There are quite a number of CC members on our sailing, so, if the island is up and running, there will be plenty of reports about it.

 

I reckon it'll be similar to inaugural sailings as in the crew not having a clue about anything and everything being done in an ad hoc way.  I'll be happy to be a guinea pig, though, as long as there are butlers on hand.  

Edited March 18, 2019 by Beamafar

[js]

LOL

I agree with you that I bet, although hope not, that the crew may not have any idea for the first month or so about what is included/not included in YC Ocean Cay but hope we can experience it either way.

 

 

[marcoigna]

with MSC other Private Beach in the UAE, - Sir Bani Yas -this is the way they treat YC guests:

 

"If you’re travelling with the MSC Yacht Club, you’ll be escorted to a private part of the beach and offered gourmet finger food and refreshments, just like those you enjoy on board"

 

Not that MSC is known for consistency - but it could be hopeful....time will tell...

 

Cant wait to be escorted to my YC Cabana, which wont be there - the crew may be spending all day looking for it...LOL!!!!

 

on same sailing as Beamafar - and really don't hold out too much expectation for the first ship to arrive...but we are the type of travelers that not too much bothers us and just laugh it off....

 

 

[Nashna]

I notice that there is an opportunity to rent umbrellas on Ocean Cay.  I would hope that they would be complimentary in the YC area.  We are sailing in January.  From what I have read from Bea's posts, there will still be construction going on in the YC area while we are on the Island.    Hopefully, it will just impact the vicinity of the YC cabanas.

  

[js]

16 hours ago, Nashna said:

I notice that there is an opportunity to rent umbrellas on Ocean Cay.  I would hope that they would be complimentary in the YC area.  We are sailing in January.  From what I have read from Bea's posts, there will still be construction going on in the YC area while we are on the Island.    Hopefully, it will just impact the vicinity of the YC cabanas.

  

 

I rented two umbrellas and two mats.  When it gets closer to my sailing (February) and it looks like they are complimentary, I will cancel my order but for now, wanted to make sure I had them since we need the shade.

 

17 hours ago, marcoigna said:

with MSC other Private Beach in the UAE, - Sir Bani Yas -this is the way they treat YC guests:

 

"If you’re travelling with the MSC Yacht Club, you’ll be escorted to a private part of the beach and offered gourmet finger food and refreshments, just like those you enjoy on board"

 

Not that MSC is known for consistency - but it could be hopeful....time will tell...

 

Cant wait to be escorted to my YC Cabana, which wont be there - the crew may be spending all day looking for it...LOL!!!!

 

on same sailing as Beamafar - and really don't hold out too much expectation for the first ship to arrive...but we are the type of travelers that not too much bothers us and just laugh it off....

 

 

 

Yes, let us know how that works out for you but I'm hoping there really will be a cabana there for you to enjoy!

We, too, don't let things bother us on vacation but it is at least nice to know what we are getting ourselves into LOL
The worse that will happen is that you will be in the YC area, without a cabana and just get that money refunded back to your card.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

[Nashna]

I'm just hopeful that the YC area will be done enough to enjoy for our January 16th cruise.  

 

[js]

After reading on another thread that the YC area of Ocean Cay will not be open for the first few sailings, and actually the YC area is no longer listed on the Ocean Cay map, I am wondering if any of you that have paid for a cabana have been contacted by MSC and/or refunded your money or, possibly, if you will be placed in other cabanas on other parts of the beach.

 

For now, I just rented a couple of umbrellas and mats but we sail February 22 and although I really want to rent a cabana in the YC area, still doesn't seem possible.

 

[marcoigna]

mine is still there - not changed - not refunded - not contacted:

 

Excursion
Booked

OCC16 - 11/09/2019

OCEAN VIEW YACHT CLUB CABANA (max. 6 guests) 

 

Price

399.00 $ (PP)

 

 

i also got hold of a Meraviglia MSC Brochure - distinctly for New York and Miami sailings - on the Ocean Cay Page it has a blurb about the YC as well:

 

as a distinguished MSC Yacht Club guest - the VIP treatment transcends from the ship to the shore - retreat to your private island destination with butler service - dine from a special a la carte menu with complimentary delivery to the clubhouse or while you bask in paradise in an exclusive cabana (a fee applies for the cabana)

Edited March 27, 2019 by marcoigna

[js]

31 minutes ago, marcoigna said:

mine is still there - not changed - not refunded - not contacted:

 

Excursion
Booked

OCC16 - 11/09/2019

OCEAN VIEW YACHT CLUB CABANA (max. 6 guests) 

 

Price

399.00 $ (PP)

 

 

i also got hold of a Meraviglia MSC Brochure - distinctly for New York and Miami sailings - on the Ocean Cay Page it has a blurb about the YC as well:

 

as a distinguished MSC Yacht Club guest - the VIP treatment transcends from the ship to the shore - retreat to your private island destination with butler service - dine from a special a la carte menu with complimentary delivery to the clubhouse or while you bask in paradise in an exclusive cabana (a fee applies for the cabana)

 

Thank you.  I'm hoping all good for you.

I suspect the printed material will stay the same since already printed, but the electronic version of the Ocean Cay map no longer is showing the YC area.

 

From another member...craigncarol:

 

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/20235-msc-cruises-to-offer-caribbean-paradise-at-ocean-cay-starting-nov-9.html says there will be a beach for Yacht Club. Like you said I couldn't find anything on MSC site now. The section on the west island on the map which said its north shore was the dedicated Yacht Club section has now been removed from the map. 

 

Edited March 27, 2019 by js