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 Hadden
- 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.
Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line with a private island in the Bahamas. Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises each have their own Bahamian paradise, according to Cruise Critic.
CocoCay is only accessible to cruisers on board Royal Caribbean ships.
Many Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries include a stop here.
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.
Admiral Cruises, a company Royal Caribbean acquired in 1988, leased the island until 2050 in 1985, according to Royal Caribbean. In 2019, the island got a $250 million makeover.
The only people who live on CocoCay are Royal Caribbean employees, according to the cruise line.
Two Royal Caribbean ships can dock at CocoCay at the same time. Here's what it's like to visit.
As Royal Caribbean guests step onto the island, a band greets them with Caribbean tunes.
I thought the band set the relaxed, Caribbean vibe as I walked off the dock.
Most attractions on the island are complimentary to cruise guests, including the food and many of the pools and beaches.
Guests could munch on burgers, hot dogs, salads, and cookies on the island.
But the exciting features tend to cost extra, like the waterpark.
Other excursions like zip-lining, snorkeling, and hot-air balloon rides also incurred an additional price.
There are tons of maps and signs to direct guests, as well as three color-coded paths.
Green leads to Chill Island, orange leads to Oasis Lagoon, and blue leads to Thrill Waterpark.
To get around, walk or ride a free tram to different parts of the island.
I thought the tram was a nice touch, but I preferred getting around on foot.
If you're the type of vacationer who just wants to relax, head to Chill Island, which is free to access.
Chill Island is the place for a laid-back day on a lounge chair in the sand. It has the quietest beach on CocoCay, with no music. It's full of umbrellas and chairs, which are all free to use.
You will surely find a comfortable spot.
According to Royal Caribbean, the island has 6,000 lounge chairs and 12,000 umbrellas.
If you want to be extra chill, you can rent a daybed on the beach.
There are also over-the-water cabanas.
These floating cabanas cost $1,000 to rent, according to the cruise line.
Of course, there is a swim-up bar offshore.
Luckily, your cruise ship drink package extends to CocoCay.
For a more active beach day, check out South Beach on the other side of the island.
Here, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, like basketball, volleyball, and even life-size billiards.
Both beaches offer free amenities that make your day easier and more enjoyable ...
This includes lockers for your change of clothes and valuables.
... like free life vests for your safety.
This could be especially useful for families traveling with kids.
Both beaches have snorkeling shacks where I was able to rent gear for $37.
I went snorkeling at Chill Island and saw some pretty cool fish.
The beaches have several shops that sell souvenirs.
I spotted T-shirts and essentials like sunscreen for sale.
If you prefer the pool over the beach, head to Oasis Lagoon.
It is home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, according to the cruise line.
The pool features several inviting coves and upbeat music.
There's also a swim-up bar.
Next to Oasis Lagoon is Splashaway Bay, a water playground for children.
The playground looks just like the Splashaway Bay found on Royal Caribbean ships. It is free for guests.
Next door is Thrill Waterpark, where you'll find the waterslides for the "big kids."
This area of the island hosts all the waterslides and the wave pool. Access can cost up to $140.
Thrill-seekers also gravitate toward the hot air balloon ride, which costs up to $84 per person and reaches 450 feet into the air.
Unfortunately, the winds were too high for the balloon to be used when I visited.
Back on the ship, I quickly took in a panoramic view of CocoCay before departing.
In the distance, I could see some of the other 700 Bahamian islands, and I wondered what it would be like to visit them.
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.
Since I'm not into the thrills of waterslides and zip lines, I would have rather spent time on a Bahamian island where I could have learned more about the culture.
Popular Right Now
Advertisement