I got a peek at the new adults-only area at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. I'm sure it'll become a smash hit on the $350 million private island.

Brittany ChangFeb 17, 2024, 17:24 IST

Royal Caribbean launched Hideaway Beach, the new adult-only section of its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in January.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I spent an afternoon at Hideaway Beach, the new adults-only area of Royal Caribbean's private island.
The cruise brand has invested $350 million into Perfect Day of CocoCay, launched in 2019.

What do you get when you cross a Las Vegas pool club with a cruise ship and a private island? You get Royal Caribbean's new Hideaway Beach.

In January, the popular cruise line unveiled the newest extension of its Perfect Day at CocoCay private island in the Bahamas. And in a maybe unexpected move from its family-friendly image, the new Hideaway Beach is adults-only, loud, and boozy.

Like, very boozy.

When I visited the recently completed section during a short complimentary press sailing on Royal Caribbean's newest ship, Icon of the Seas', in late January, I immediately got flashbacks to my first and only encounter with an Atlantic City, New Jersey, pool club. (Before you ask — no, it wasn't my idea).

You'll likely see Hideaway if you’re scheduled for one of the cruise line's 2024 Caribbean sailings

Hideaway Beach's On the Rocks Bar has unobstructed views of the ocean and the island's berths.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Most of Royal Caribbean’s ships are scheduled to stop by Perfect Day at CocoCay this year

Two Royal Caribbean ships docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

No wonder it’s pushing the destination so hard: Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into the resort-like island since its opening in 2019.

The private island also has a waterpark. Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Once there, guests can splurge on the paid excursions, bars, and amenities, boosting the cruise line's profits.

Guests can play rounds of corn hole or lounge under palm trees in the hammocks.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

A grownups-only retreat wasn’t always part of its plans for the private island, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s president and CEO, told reporters in late January

Oasis Lagoon is CocoCay's largest freshwater pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

A grownups-only retreat wasn’t always part of its plans for the private island, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s president and CEO, told reporters in late January

And it did just that with Hideaway Beach — with a strong emphasis on “intoxicated people having a really good time.”

Hideaway Beach has a swim-up bar.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The retreat flexes two swimming holes: a semi-circle beach and, behind it, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean

Guests can sip and lounge on the pool's shaded beds.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Travelers will know no peace and quiet at Hideaway Pool, the defacto party hub

The bar had two halves: one on land and the other at pool level.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But if you’re like me and prefer something calmer, Hideaway’s beach is your best bet.

The semi-circle beach is surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The corner with in-water umbrellas and hammocks provided some peace from the bustling pool.

The beachside hammocks and swings are located in one of the quietest parts of Hideaway.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I spent most of the afternoon stationed at one of the ocean-front loungers.

There is no shortage of lounge chairs.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Other than the two beach bars and the pools’ bi-level watering hole, Hideaway also has a significantly quieter open-air bar.

On the Rocks Bar was one of the furthest points from the loud pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

If you’re in the mood for a light snack, there are two walk-up counters on either side of the beach.

Hideaway Beach's food options included grilled vegetables with a side of coconut shrimp.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Of course, it wouldn’t be a cruise-owned private island without some enticing up-charged options.

Guests can splurge on these eight-person 200-square-foot cabanas.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Not private enough?

The "hideout cabanas" have their own infinity pool.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

But after visiting, I probably wouldn't shell out the cash for these private lounges — or Hideaway Beach in general.

There are plenty of opportunities to grab a drink at Hideaway Beach.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

Look, you’re not going to Hideaway Beach for a quiet and relaxing afternoon under the sun.

Hideaway Beach is CocoCay's go-to destination for a boozy afternoon.Brittany Chang/Business Insider

I'm an interior designer. Here are 10 ways to make your home look more expensive for cheap.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website

I got a peek at the new adults-only area at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay. I'm sure it'll become a smash hit on the $350 million private island.

You'll likely see Hideaway if you’re scheduled for one of the cruise line's 2024 Caribbean sailings

Most of Royal Caribbean’s ships are scheduled to stop by Perfect Day at CocoCay this year

No wonder it’s pushing the destination so hard: Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into the resort-like island since its opening in 2019.

Once there, guests can splurge on the paid excursions, bars, and amenities, boosting the cruise line's profits.

A grownups-only retreat wasn’t always part of its plans for the private island, Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s president and CEO, told reporters in late January

And it did just that with Hideaway Beach — with a strong emphasis on “intoxicated people having a really good time.”

The retreat flexes two swimming holes: a semi-circle beach and, behind it, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean

Travelers will know no peace and quiet at Hideaway Pool, the defacto party hub

But if you’re like me and prefer something calmer, Hideaway’s beach is your best bet.

The corner with in-water umbrellas and hammocks provided some peace from the bustling pool.

I spent most of the afternoon stationed at one of the ocean-front loungers.

Other than the two beach bars and the pools’ bi-level watering hole, Hideaway also has a significantly quieter open-air bar.

If you’re in the mood for a light snack, there are two walk-up counters on either side of the beach.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a cruise-owned private island without some enticing up-charged options.

Not private enough?

But after visiting, I probably wouldn't shell out the cash for these private lounges — or Hideaway Beach in general.

Look, you’re not going to Hideaway Beach for a quiet and relaxing afternoon under the sun.