Private islands are no longer just for billionaires, but also for cruise line clients. Many Royal Caribbean cruises include a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. The 125-acre island offers plenty of fun for everyone, whether it's a relaxing beach holiday, family fun at the water park or a pool party.
Many Royal Caribbean sailings call at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The company's private island in the Bahamas offers 125 acres of entertainment for every taste, from lazy beach relaxation to water rides and pool parties.
Following a $250 million renovation in 2019, the island now boasts a host of activities. It now features the tallest water slides in North America (13 in total), overwater bungalows, a 1,600-foot zipline and an adults-only area. The renovation also added a pier that can accommodate two ships, so guests can simply disembark rather than take a boat to the island.
If you would like to book excursions or private bungalows for Perfect Day at CocoCay, please do so as early as possible. Excursions can be booked online before departure, but Royal Caribbean typically opens reservations gradually rather than all at once. Six months before departure, check what's available. Anything remaining at the time of departure can be booked on board.
Here's what you need to know about Perfect Day at CocoCay before you go on a cruise with Royal Caribbean
How to get there
Royal Caribbean's fleet is huge, with 26 ships and counting. Many of them spend the entire year in the Caribbean, allowing you to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay at any time of the year. Of course, not every cruise visits this port, so be sure to check the itinerary before booking.
Once your ship docks at Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll have 8 to 10 hours to explore the island. Sometimes your ship will be the only one at the pier, and sometimes there will be another one there. In this case, there could be more than 10,000 guests on the island.
As soon as you step off the pier, you will be greeted by island staff and shown where everything is. At this point, you can take advantage of the free tram that will take you to outlying spots like Hideaway Beach (adults only) or Breezy Bay on Chill Island (family friendly). You can also walk around the island, which will take approximately 15 minutes. Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis - ask the crew where to find them.
The only things you need to bring to Perfect Day at CocoCay are your SeaPass and a towel. Towels are provided on board before leaving the island unless you have booked a bungalow that already has towels provided. There are several places on the island where you can get a new towel if you need it.
What to do on Perfect Day at CocoCay
While admission to Perfect Day at CocoCay is free, some areas and attractions require additional fees.
Free entertainment
At no additional cost, guests can visit Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon (two children's water attractions), Oasis Lagoon (the Caribbean's largest 3/4-acre freshwater pool), and Breezy Bay beaches at Chill Island and South Beach (free sun loungers, but tents and bungalows are rented for an additional fee).
Entertainment for an additional fee
For a fee, the entertainment really starts to amaze. Thrill Waterpark, with 13 water slides and a wave pool; zipline 485 meters long; and Up, Up, and Away (helium balloon ride) require an additional fee. You also have to pay to enter the exclusive areas of Coco Beach Club and Hideaway Beach - the former has overwater bungalows, while the latter has an adults-only area. Other paid activities include snorkeling and kayak rentals, as well as jet ski rides and scuba diving.
Meals at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Meals included at Skipper's Grill, Chill Grill and Snack Shacks at Perfect Day at CocoCay; Here you can find burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads and even ice cream. There is also a restaurant called Captain Jack's, which is famous for its chicken wings. If you pay admission to Coco Beach Club, your visit includes meals at the Mediterranean restaurant. Likewise, entry to Hideaway Beach includes access to its Snack Shack and Slice of Paradise, a pizzeria.
Family fun
Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line, and virtually the entire island of Perfect Day at CocoCay is family-friendly, except for the adults-only Hideaway Beach area.
There is plenty of entertainment for children here. Little ones might enjoy the Captain Jill's Galleon or Splashaway Bay splash pads, while older kids will want to go to Thrill Waterpark, with towering water slides and a wave pool. There are also land-based activities, such as zip-lining and a helium balloon ride.
If you prefer a relaxing holiday, there are three family beaches where you will find free sun loungers and beach strollers. If a pool is more your style, Oasis Lagoon offers an area with a gentle entry into the water. For added privacy, you can book a bungalow for the whole family. The Coco Beach Club bungalow is pure luxury, with two hanging hammocks, a water slide, shower and concierge service.
Unfortunately, there are no children's clubs on the island, so parents will have to take their children with them. However, the ship's Adventure Ocean areas remain open, so you can leave the kids there if you want to visit Hideaway Beach.
Entertainment for adults
Admission to Hideaway Beach will cost you between $39 and $89 depending on the day. If you want a pool party, this is the place to be. There is a DJ in the middle of the lagoon, as well as a pool bar (it's only one of four bars in this area). The staff even walks around with champagne guns, shooting directly into the mouths of thirsty guests. If you want privacy, try the far end of the beach, where there are bungalows with semi-private pools. There the music is almost inaudible.
Tips for visiting
Use the app to book attractions and excursions, such as a zip line ride or entry to the beach clubs and water park.
The zipline requires closed shoes, so be sure to bring them with you.
The island is busiest in the morning because many guests return to the ship in the late afternoon. If you don't want the crowds, try going ashore later.
If you purchased Wi-Fi on board, it will also work on the island. Likewise, drink packages apply to all bars at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Don't forget to return your towel on board. If you don't return it, you may be fined $25.
There are height and weight restrictions for slides. The minimum height is 105 or 120 cm, and the maximum weight is 135 kg.
If you plan to buy something at a local store, bring cash - SeaPass doesn't work here.
There are lockers and showers on the island, but you can always return on board and disembark again
