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.
August 12, 20240
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.
I went for the first time in 2022. While I found it fun, I longed for a more authentic port stop.
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.
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.
Employee housing on Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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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.
People order food at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
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Guests could munch on burgers, hot dogs, salads, and cookies on the island.
But the exciting features tend to cost extra, like the waterpark.
Signs direct guests around the island.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
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.
People walk into Chill Island.
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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.
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 …
Life vests at CocoCay.
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This could be especially useful for families traveling with kids.
Both beaches have snorkeling shacks where I was able to rent gear for $37.
Shops on the beach under the palm trees.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spotted T-shirts and essentials like sunscreen for sale.
If you prefer the pool over the beach, head to Oasis Lagoon.
Guests enjoy the pool in Oasis Lagoon.
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There’s also a swim-up bar.
Next to Oasis Lagoon is Splashaway Bay, a water playground for children.
Guests ride waterslides at CocoCay.
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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.
CocoCay as seen from the cruise ship.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
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.
The author at CocoCay.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
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.
