Quick little limited review of Allure and Hideaway Beach on Coco Cay

[chfenton]

Hello,

 

I have gained a lot of knowledge reading this board for many years and wanted to try to give a little back.  I'm envious of folks that write these really detailed reviews--this is not one of them.  Wanted to simply address a few areas that stood out for me.

 

First Demos-  M mid 50's - first RC cruise was Sovereign in 2002.  Have worked my way up to D+. Fortunate enough over the last several years to typically cruise in sky or star class and have been on 10 Oasis class cruise since Oasis launched and a couple of Freedom Class scattered in. This was my first Oasis class cruise of less than 7 days.

 

So went by myself for 4 night Cruise last week.  First time alone as spouse needed to be out of town for work.  No issue for me--I enjoy spending time reading, casino, and generally just meeting new people.  Spent some time in pub bar on 5 doing just that.  Had no issues as a solo cruiser.

 

Ate every dinner in Coastal Kitchen.  The maitre d and waiter were exceptional.  After first night , maitre D remembered my name and cabin for the remaining 3 nights and when I expressed how I liked my table that he gave me first night by the window--I got the same table for the remaining 3 nights.  Waiter was spot in service-remembered my drink choices after first night.  Thought the food was good to very good.  Ranking my 4 entrees from worst to best - Veal medallions, Ahi Tuna, Broiled lobster, and Filet Mignon.  I can't remember if CK gets it Filet's from Chops - but this was as good as any I have had on RC. Don't get me wrong--I thought even the veal was fine -just didn't stand out.

 

4 lunches were 2 at windjammer, 1 Boardwalk Dog and 1 Perfect day pizza place.  I would agree with many recent comments on Windjammer---while I could find something appealing -it seems its the same food everyday and hasn't changed much in 10 years.  Boardwalk dog was fine--I like their (relatively new?) everything bun option. Had grilled onions on the dog as well- was pretty good.

 

Perfect day was in fact near perfect for me- perhaps for my choice of venues which was exactly what I was looking for-  I went to the new Hideaway beach and really enjoyed it.  Was off the ship by 830ish and caught a tram to Coco Cay entrance and then transferred to the tram for Hideaway.  The area obviously still looks brand new, so not surprising that it seemed very clean.  Was also a lot bigger than I was picturing - a big half circle around their man made beach.  I went to the far end near the Hideaway cabanas ( the most expensive ones with the infinity pool).  Note I think they were $1999 for my cruise and as best as I could tell only 3 of the 10 were occupied last Thursday. 

 

Towel station right when you get off tram at HIdeaway so no worries if you dont bring towels from ship.  Had my choice of chairs at 845 and chose one "on the aisle" about halfway back.  Most set up as 2 or 4 with umbrellas at many and little cocktail table between the 2 or 4 chairs - was totally functional and all I needed.  Water/juice stations were abundant, many bars as well and the pizza/empanada place was right by me.  Pizza was fine tasted much like Sorrentos.  Also there is waitress service at your beach chair - which was also perfectly acceptable.

 

Also liked the hammocks and bar tables in the water---seemed like would be a nice are to hang out.  All in all a really good day.

 

Also our concierges were very helpful with any info I needed - no issues and they were in the Suite lounge when they said they would be.  Suite lounge hot appetizers in the evening were surprisingly tasty, the garlic shrimp stood out as well as the beef skewers.  Waiter/waitress service in suite lounge was exceptional - when I had a near empty glass and ordered a refill-two other waiters came by to ask me if I wanted another in the 3-5 minutes it took for first to return with my new drink!

 

Lastly - utilizing the suite priveleges I was 3rd person off the ship at 640 and literally was driving out of the parking garage by 646am - not bad at all!

 

That's about it--I will try to monitor -so please feel free to ask any questions and I'll be happy to try to answer.

[Tree_skier]

How loud was it at Hideaway?  Did you feel like it was a party atmosphere or was their any degree of peace?

[chfenton]

45 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

How loud was it at Hideaway?  Did you feel like it was a party atmosphere or was their any degree of peace?

You could definitely hear the music but that was over from the main pool in the middle of hideaway so from my perspective it wasn't very loud at all over by the cabanas and certainly didn't impact me having conversations or reading on my kindle.  Didn't feel like a party atmosphere in the chair area I was in but think it would if you were up in the main pool.

 

Also forgot to mention- I liked the fact that whole area is 18+, certainly changes the dynamics of what you are hearing in the background.

Edited February 11 by chfenton
typo

[Mycron]

I currently have "tickets" for Hideaway, but I'm considering switching over to getting one of the beach beds on the free side of the island.

 

Just wondering if you've ever rented one of the beds, and which would you prefer for a relaxing day at Coco Cay?

 

Thanks!

[LeeW]

We did B2B last year and had reserved a beach bed on Chill Beach for second cruise.  Canceled it because they are out in sun.  Chairs everywhere have umbrellas and lots of trees so bed would have been hotter.  Yesterday that area was fairly chilly so we moved inland.  Hideaway was also calmer and warmer.