I went to Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. It wasn't for me, but I can see why cruise-goers love it.

Joey HaddenAug 13, 2024, 00:47 IST

Business Insider's reporter went to Perfect Day at CocoCay on her first cruise with Royal Caribbean.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean has a private island in the Bahamas called Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The island gives cruise guests a combination of thrilling activities and relaxing beaches.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's 125-acre private island in the Bahamas. It's filled with thrilling adventures and relaxing beaches for vacationers. Here, you'll find overwater cabanas, quiet places to chill, and shorelines bumping party music. Adrenaline seekers will find gigantic waterslides, zip lines, and hot air balloon rides.

I went to CocoCay during my first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in May 2022. It felt like an extension of the ship, but I longed for a more authentic Bahamian experience.

Welcome to Perfect Day at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean's 125-acre private island in the Bahamas. It's filled with thrilling adventures and relaxing beaches for vacationers.

Perfect Day at CocoCay as seen from Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas cruise ship.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

CocoCay is only accessible to cruisers on board Royal Caribbean ships.

Two ships docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

CocoCay was the final stop of a seven-night cruise starting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship also stopped in Roatán, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

A map showing the stops on the Royal Caribbean cruise the author took.Joey Hadden/Insider

CocoCay was the final stop of a seven-night cruise starting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship also stopped in Roatán, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

The only people who live on CocoCay are Royal Caribbean employees, according to the cruise line.

Employee housing on Perfect Day at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

As Royal Caribbean guests step onto the island, a band greets them with Caribbean tunes.

A band plays under a hut in CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Most attractions on the island are complimentary to cruise guests, including the food and many of the pools and beaches.

People order food at Perfect Day at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

But the exciting features tend to cost extra, like the waterpark.

The island's zip-line and hot-air balloon.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

There are tons of maps and signs to direct guests, as well as three color-coded paths.

Signs direct guests around the island.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

To get around, walk or ride a free tram to different parts of the island.

The tram station at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If you're the type of vacationer who just wants to relax, head to Chill Island, which is free to access.

People walk into Chill Island.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

You will surely find a comfortable spot.

People enjoy a day at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

There are also over-the-water cabanas.

People enjoy cabanas on the water.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Of course, there is a swim-up bar offshore.

A swim-up bar at the beach of Chill Island.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

For a more active beach day, check out South Beach on the other side of the island.

People play billiards at South Beach.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Both beaches offer free amenities that make your day easier and more enjoyable ...

Free lockers at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

... like free life vests for your safety.

Life vests at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Both beaches have snorkeling shacks where I was able to rent gear for $37.

The author went snorkeling.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The beaches have several shops that sell souvenirs.

Shops on the beach under the palm trees.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If you prefer the pool over the beach, head to Oasis Lagoon.

The entrance to Oasis Lagoon with a freshwater pool.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The pool features several inviting coves and upbeat music.

Guests enjoy the pool in Oasis Lagoon.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Next to Oasis Lagoon is Splashaway Bay, a water playground for children.

Guests hang out at Splashaway Bay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Next door is Thrill Waterpark, where you'll find the waterslides for the "big kids."

Guests ride waterslides at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Thrill-seekers also gravitate toward the hot air balloon ride, which costs up to $84 per person and reaches 450 feet into the air.

The hot air balloon at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Back on the ship, I quickly took in a panoramic view of CocoCay before departing.

CocoCay as seen from the cruise ship.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

While I had a fun and relaxing day at CocoCay, it felt more like an extension of the cruise ship than a visit to a foreign country.

The author at CocoCay.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent 9 hours in Qatar Airways' newest airport lounge. It had perks, but the quiet rooms felt like a dentist's office.

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I went to Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. It wasn't for me, but I can see why cruise-goers love it.

Welcome to Perfect Day at CocoCay: Royal Caribbean's 125-acre private island in the Bahamas. It's filled with thrilling adventures and relaxing beaches for vacationers.

CocoCay is only accessible to cruisers on board Royal Caribbean ships.

CocoCay was the final stop of a seven-night cruise starting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ship also stopped in Roatán, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

The only people who live on CocoCay are Royal Caribbean employees, according to the cruise line.

As Royal Caribbean guests step onto the island, a band greets them with Caribbean tunes.

Most attractions on the island are complimentary to cruise guests, including the food and many of the pools and beaches.

But the exciting features tend to cost extra, like the waterpark.

There are tons of maps and signs to direct guests, as well as three color-coded paths.

To get around, walk or ride a free tram to different parts of the island.

If you're the type of vacationer who just wants to relax, head to Chill Island, which is free to access.

You will surely find a comfortable spot.

There are also over-the-water cabanas.

Of course, there is a swim-up bar offshore.

For a more active beach day, check out South Beach on the other side of the island.

Both beaches offer free amenities that make your day easier and more enjoyable ...

... like free life vests for your safety.

Both beaches have snorkeling shacks where I was able to rent gear for $37.

The beaches have several shops that sell souvenirs.

If you prefer the pool over the beach, head to Oasis Lagoon.

The pool features several inviting coves and upbeat music.

Next to Oasis Lagoon is Splashaway Bay, a water playground for children.

Next door is Thrill Waterpark, where you'll find the waterslides for the "big kids."

Thrill-seekers also gravitate toward the hot air balloon ride, which costs up to $84 per person and reaches 450 feet into the air.

Back on the ship, I quickly took in a panoramic view of CocoCay before departing.

While I had a fun and relaxing day at CocoCay, it felt more like an extension of the cruise ship than a visit to a foreign country.