Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay, has reopened after undergoing a $200 million renovation. This newly transformed island, now formally called Perfect Day CocoCay, offers several new island experiences and adventures.
Already up and running are Thrill Waterpark, the Zip Line, Splashaway Bay aqua park, the Up, Up and Away helium balloon, the Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool, Captain Jill’s Galleon, Skipper’s Grill dining, Captain Jack’s dining, Chill Island and Chill Grill. South Beach, Coco Beach Club and the overwater cabanas will open in December 2019.
Considering a trip to this private oasis? Here are all the details you need to know about Perfect Day CocoCay.
The basics of Perfect Day CocoCay
Getting to CocoCay
About 240 miles from Port Canaveral, this small island is reserved only for Royal Caribbean's cruise ships. Nassau in the Bahamas is only about 65 miles away, but the only way to get to the island is on a cruise.
The list of ships visiting CocoCay continues to grow. Currently, you can plan the perfect weekend getaway to CocoCay on Mariner of the Seas or Navigator of the Seas. Also, Grandeur of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas will be stopping at this private island on future itineraries.
You'll need your SeaPass card to exit and reboard the ship. It’s also how you will pay for things like food, drinks and experiences on the island. If you want to buy local goods at the Straw Market, however, you'll need to bring some cash.
If you've been here before, you'll be glad to hear: No more tendering! Royal Caribbean has built a new pier at CocoCay so you'll be able to walk directly onto the island through the upbeat and colorful arrivals plaza.
What’s included on the Island
Many of the new attractions on CocoCay are complimentary. Among the new included options is the shipwrecked Captain Jill’s Galleon, loaded with slides and water cannons.
Also complimentary is the Splashaway Bay aqua park for kids. It includes fountains, pools, sprinklers, water cannons, five kid-size waterslides and two massive drench buckets.
If beaches aren't your thing, then head straight for the Oasis Lagoon. This expansive, and complimentary, lagoon is the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool. Cruisers can spend hours here lounging by the pool, enjoying a drink at the swim-up bar or floating out to one of the three small swim-up islands.
There are also several upgraded experiences that will cost extra money (see below).
Thrills at CocoCay
The Thrill Waterpark will be the go-to attraction for all you adrenaline seekers. The complex features 13 waterslides, the most slides found in any waterpark in the Caribbean. It features the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, a kid-friendly obstacle course pool — and the tallest waterslide in North America, Daredevil’s Peak.
Daredevil’s Tower features seven exhilarating slides, including twin Dueling Demon drop slides, Manta Raycers duo, the fully vertical Screeching Serpent, and the coiling Green Mamba. The highlight has to be Daredevil’s Peak at 135 feet.
In addition, the Family Tower includes six multi-rider slides. Among them are the Twister two-person raft, the Slingshot, a zero-gravity slide for four and the four-lane Splash Speedway racing slides.
Prices vary by season, ranging from $44 to $99 per person for a full-day pass or $39 to $74 for a half-day (afternoon) pass.
Zipline
Adventure seekers can also soar above CocoCay on a 1,600-foot-long zipline. If you brave the zipline, you can choose between a dry landing on shore or a water landing in the harbor.
Prices ranges from $79 to $139. Combination tickets can also be purchased for a full-day waterpark and zipline ($99 to $179 per person) or a half-day waterpark and zipline ($89 to $149).
Up, Up and Away
For a whole new perspective, cruisers can rise to new heights in a helium balloon 450 feet above the island. From this highest vantage point in the Bahamas, you will score amazing views of CocoCay. Prices range from $39 to $99 per person for adults and $24 to $64 for children 4 to 12 years old.
There will be other beach rentals available on the island as well such as kayaks, snorkel equipment and spa services.
Dining on CocoCay
CocoCay has five complimentary dining locations on the island.
The Chill Grill on Chill Island is the largest dining venue on CocoCay. Offering everything from tacos to BBQ and Caribbean favorites, the Chill Grill is a great casual spot to relax, enjoy some lunch and serve up your own beverage at the beer station.
With more nautically inspired decor, Skipper’s Grill is another casual spot to refuel on all your lunchtime favorites. There are also three Snack Shacks located throughout the island, including at South Beach and the Thrill Waterpark.
The Grille at Coco Beach Club is exclusive to those paying for access to the Coco Beach Club. When it opens, the venue will serve freshly made Mediterranean fare with a side of ocean views.
There is also Captain Jack’s, the island hangout. Here you can grab a drink at the rowboat bar while chilling on a rope swing seat. Or you can enjoy a la carte food items like chicken wings with signature sauces or crispy steak fries.
Here's our 10-minute video overview of Royal Caribbean's private island.
Beaches on CocoCay
You'll also find plenty of soft, sandy beaches at Perfect Day CocoCay.
Chill Island, now open, provides cruisers with their own slice of paradise. Create your own perfect day on the island by lounging on the complimentary beach chairs and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Be sure to order up your favorite summer vacation drinks from one of the bars or bar servers roaming this beach. You can even use the Wave Runners, snorkel or take a boat tour excursion for an additional fee.
If you are looking for a little adrenaline rush on the beach, then you'll want to head over to South Beach. This beach offers a complimentary sports court for beach volleyball, basketball and more. After working up a thirst, you can enjoy a drink at the floating bar. Additional activities include paddle boarding and glass bottom kayaking. South Beach is scheduled to fully open by December 2019.
If you want to upgrade your beach experience, you can reserve a day at the Coco Beach Club, opening in December 2019. Admission grants you access to an exclusive beach, a private bar, an oceanfront infinity pool, dining at the Grille and an overwater cabana. It costs $54 to $99 per person and $34 to $69 for children ages 4-12. Your day of luxury at the Coco Beach Club will certainly be a highlight of your vacation.
Renting a cabana on CocoCay
In addition to the clamshells and daybeds available to rent, there will be several locations to rent cabanas on CocoCay as well.
The Chill Island cabanas on the beach can accommodate up to eight guests. Prices range from $299 to $569. If you prefer a poolside cabana, they are also available to rent at the Oasis Lagoon for the same price.
If your family wants the best of both worlds — luxury and thrills — then you can rent a cabana at the Thrill Waterpark. These cabanas cost $499 to $869 for the day. The price includes admission to the waterslides for up to six guests.
Coco Beach Club offers beach cabanas as well as over-water cabanas. Purchase of either cabana is valid for up to eight guests and includes admission to the club. The beach cabanas are priced at $949 to $1,549 and the over-water cabanas at $999 to $1,599. If you're willing to splurge for your very own taste of Bora Bora in the Bahamas, you'll receive attendant service, a private hammock, a minibar and your own personal slide!
Final details about being ashore on CocoCay
The best way to reserve all of the great experiences above is by using the online Cruise Planner on Royal Caribbean’s website. Once you've booked your cruise, you can start planning your ultimate vacation.
Once you get there, CocoCay now has Wi-Fi. That’s right: You'll be able to use your Internet package to post all your island adventures to social media.
In addition, your beverage package will work on CocoCay. You can grab a coco loco or your favorite vacation drink at a number of bars on the island for no additional cost if you have the deluxe drink package.
The island is being equipped with complimentary freshwater showers, restrooms and changing rooms. The beaches will have towels, beach chairs, and umbrellas for your use. Lockers will be located throughout the island and available to rent for a small fee.
Kids are allowed and there are no age restrictions on CocoCay. Of course, some activities do have height and weight restrictions.
There is a tram service around the island with five stops, including Thrill Waterpark, South Beach, Coco Beach Club, Chill Island and Oasis Lagoon. The trams are scheduled to run every 15 minutes and are handicap accessible.
Your take
Do you have a cruise booked to the new Perfect Day CocoCay? What are your thoughts on all the upgrades to the island? Leave a comment below to share your experiences visiting Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
Updated from an earlier version.
