Most of Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean cruises include a stop at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
Cruise lines are increasingly expanding their land-based portfolio with private islands and ports.
I’ve visited Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, three times.
These are my seven tips to make the most of your day.
If you’ve booked a Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean, you’ll likely visit the company’s $350 million private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The Bahamian retreat, located about 140 miles east of Miami, receives thousands of Royal Caribbean Group guests almost daily. It’s the cruise giant’s “highest-rated destination,” Jason Liberty, the company’s CEO, told investors in October, adding that it “drives greater demand for the brand.”
You’ll likely enjoy CocoCay if you’re fond of Royal Caribbean’s activity-packed ships. Like its floating resorts, there’s plenty to do, from riding the helium balloon to snorkeling in the clear blue waters.
Here are my seven tips to maximize your day there, from where to go with kids to where to find the best sweet treat.
1. The best lounge chairs will be claimed if you don’t go early.
Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
Don’t expect to find a prime lounge chair by the water if you disembark the ship a few hours late. You’ll still have options, but they might not be what you daydreamed about during the sea day.
2. Don’t feel forced to splurge on the exclusive areas.
The island has several complimentary beaches and pools.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
CocoCay has different areas for different travelers, whether you’re an adult looking for a boozy party or a child looking for waterslides.
I’ve visited every section of the island, including the upcharged ones. Your experience won’t be miserable if you stay in the free zones.
The complimentary beaches will be satisfactory if all you want is to lay in the sun and intermittently cool off in the ocean.
It can get noisy (the shoreline will likely be filled with sandcastle-building children). Still, they’ll have everything you need for a proper beach day, including rows of lounge chairs, food stands, and outdoor activities like ping pong.
3. If you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, consider Coco Beach Club.
Coco Beach Club is the most luxurious section of the private island.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
Coco Beach Club is perfect for relaxing with your hands around a piña colada and your legs dipped in the infinity pool. It’s the island’s highest-end retreat, where visitors can take a quiet nap on the beach after their filling filet mignon and lobster sandwich lunch.
However, peace is a luxury — cruisers have reported entry fees between $200 to $300 per person.
If you’re dead set on an upscale and calm experience, no other part of the island will compare. If you’re not picky about ambiance or food, save your money.
4. For a party, head to the new adult-only Hideaway Beach.
Hideaway Beach is adult-only.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
If Coco Beach Club is for detoxing, Hideaway Beach is for “retoxing.”
It’s where Las Vegas pool clubs meet the Bahamian breeze — where a visit to the five bars will quickly teleport you to your glorious Greek life days.
Hideaway Beach is boozy, rowdy, and loud. There’s no escaping the DJ’s booming speakers.
You could drink anywhere around CocoCay — the island has more than 10 bars. But if you’re exclusively looking for a Jersey Shore pool club-like ambiance, Hideaway Beach will be perfect.
Admission ranges from about $40 to $90 per person, a spokesperson told BI in February.
5. Looking to tire the kids out? Head to Thrill Waterpark.
Thrill Waterpark has 14 slides.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
The island’s complimentary Oasis Lagoon pool, saddled with a water playground and swim-up bar, is popular with families. In my opinion, it looks like every other large resort pool.
For something more memorable, consider the waterpark. There, you’ll find 14waterslides, a wave pool, and another with jungle gym-like activities.
It’s as fun, stomach-dropping, and exhausting as any traditional waterpark. Plus, there are plenty of lounge chairs for parents who’d rather sit out the tallest 135-foot-long slide.
Expect to pay around $100 per person.
6. The Snack Shakes have the best sweet treats on the island.
The island has several complimentary food stands.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
CocoCay has several complimentary buffets and food kiosks. All offer easy bites like salads, hot dogs, and burgers.
If you need dessert, find one of the three Snack Shacks. They’re the only stands that serve funnel cakes, presented hot out of the fryer with a snowy sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Delectable, nostalgic, and easy to throw back.
7. Consider heading back to the ship early.
The waterslides on Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships can have long lines during sea days.
Brittany Chang/Business Insider
Don’t feel forced to spend the full day at CocoCay. Instead, I suggest returning to the ship a few hours before the all-aboard time.
Most guests will still be meandering around the island, giving you free range of the ship. It’s the best time to try any popular onboard activities with long lines during sea days, such as the waterslides, zipline, and dry slides.
