I went to Perfect Day at CocoCay for the primary time, and I realized some issues that can improve my expertise after I return to the island.
The first (and final) time I visited Royal Caribbean’s personal island CocoCay was in 2010 after I was eleven years outdated. Since then, loads has modified. In 2019, it obtained a $250 million renovation and was renamed to “Perfect Day at CocoCay.”
Royal Caribbean targeted on including unbelievable thrills, together with a 1,600 foot zip line, freshwater pool, helium balloon, and waterpark that options one of many tallest waterslides on the planet at 135 ft.
The island’s seashores are brimming with seashore chairs and umbrellas for passengers who would quite spend the day absorbing rays on the gorgeous seashores. If you’re prepared to spend the cash, personal cabanas are additionally accessible for hire.
Pricing varies based mostly on crusing, however they often begin at $999 for a cabana on Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, and South Beach.
Additionally, they added a colourful pier to the island, that means that company not need to tender ashore. The stroll time from ship to the Arrivals Plaza is about six minutes, and each attraction might be reached in one other ten minutes from there. There are additionally trams that escort company all through the island.
I had such an amazing day hanging out on the revamped island for the primary time, however listed here are my ideas on what I’ll do in another way subsequent time!
Stick to at least one important exercise
From zip lining, splashing round on the waterpark, sunbathing on the seashore, and snorkeling, to kayaking and swimming with pigs, there’s a lot to do and so little time to do all of it.
Since it was my first time visited the renovated island, I needed to see and do as a lot as attainable.
I booked the complete day cross for Thrill Waterpark, and I used to be so excited to experience Daredevil’s Peak, one of many tallest waterslides within the world.
Both Odyssey of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas have been docked on the day I used to be there, so the waterpark was busier than I assumed it might be. It took about an hour and a half simply to experience two waterslides!
There have been different rides that I needed to strive, just like the Sling Shot and Twister, however the traces have been about an hour lengthy every, and I used to be wanting ahead to stress-free on the seashore for awhile.
The subsequent time I go to CocoCay, I’ll stick to at least one exercise, whether or not that’s the waterpark, seashore, or hanging out at Oasis Lagoon.
Get off the ship early
I want I had disembarked the ship as quickly as I might, as I waited about an hour to go ashore.
By the time I acquired the waterpark, most rides had a wait time of at the least thirty minutes. Unless, that’s, you have been prepared to experience the Screaming Serpent (I wasn’t!).
I believe that if I had gotten off early, I might have been in a position to sneak a number of further rides in, however even when the traces would have been the identical size as after I arrived, it might have been good to hangout within the wave pool earlier than it acquired crowded.
By the time I acquired to Chill Island, it was not possible to discover a vacant chair, so I ended up putting my objects on my towel off to the aspect as a result of I didn’t wish to spend a very long time scouting for one.
If you need a entrance row lounger, it’s essential that you just get off the ship as quickly as you possibly can to safe your spot for the day! Plus, why wouldn’t you wish to spend as a lot time as you possibly can on the island? You can at all times head again in early in case you get drained or wish to benefit from the ship’s facilities with fewer individuals onboard.
Buy shore excursions upfront
I’m an enormous fan of buying all the pieces upfront by way of the Cruise Planner, however since this was technically a piece journey and I didn’t know what my schedule would entail, I avoided doing so.
I made some mates onboard who had booked the Thrill Waterpark, and I spontaneously determined to tag alongside; I didn’t purchase my cross till the evening earlier than, so I paid a whopping $149!
They, nevertheless, acquired a Black Friday deal and paid round $50 every.
While I assumed using Daredevil’s Peak was each nerve-racking and unbelievable, I don’t suppose it was well worth the practically $150 price ticket, particularly since I solely rode one different slide earlier than all of us headed to Chill Island for some a lot wanted rest.
Looking forward at my future cruises that go to CocoCay, I can buy a cross for $79.99 and $88.99, which appears way more cheap to me.
Plan forward and guide your shore excursions for CocoCay beforehand! This will not be solely a method to save cash, however some experiences are likely to promote out shortly, just like the cabanas and Coco Beach Club.
Bring snorkel tools
While I used to be hanging out on Chill Island, I stored listening to individuals discuss all of the fish that they have been seeing! Usually, I solely snorkel on dedicating snorkeling excursions; nevertheless, I wish to begin carrying a masks with me in case the chance presents itself!
I’m acquainted with the normal seashore warning flags (i.e., purple for prime hazard, yellow for medium, and inexperienced for low), however I didn’t know that purple meant presence of marine life. They had a purple flag blowing within the breeze, so I really feel I missed out on seeing some neat stuff!
I used to be a bit bummed that I wasn’t in a position to see the “huge” fish and stingray that everybody was speaking about!
I additionally visited Honeymoon Island on this cruise and having snorkel tools would’ve been nice there, too.
Check the occasions for the Snack Shack (and different eating venues)
Here at Royal Caribbean Blog, many are followers of the mozzarella sticks at CocoCay, so I used to be planning on giving them a strive whereas I used to be there!
Unfortunately, I didn’t verify the working occasions for the Snack Shack, and it was already closed after I acquired there round 3:30pm. Our all aboard time was 5:30pm, so I assumed that they might have remained open a little bit bit later.
I used to be annoyed that I didn’t get to see if the mozzarella sticks lived as much as the hype, so that is first on my checklist of issues to do after I return in a number of weeks.
I noticed lots of people carrying round funnel truffles, and so they seemed tasty, too!
Thankfully, although, I used to be in a position to eat a scrumptious meal on the Chill Grill, so I wasn’t left hungry and dissatisfied. I loved having the ability to make my very own tacos, and I assumed they have been a lot better than El Loco Fresh onboard.
Overall ideas on Perfect Day at CocoCay
I don’t bear in mind all that a lot in regards to the island from my first go to years and years in the past, however my dad stated that he loved a day ashore with solely the ship’s company.
The seashores are pristine, and the day might be no matter you wish to make of it.
Personally, I choose it over Labadee by far. I by no means really feel the necessity to buy an tour there; I’m content material simply discovering a spot to hangout on the seashore.
I like how Perfect Day at CocoCay’s actions are supposed to attraction to a wider vary of individuals and pursuits; you possibly can go to a waterpark, experience a helium balloon, hang around and hearken to music on the swim up bar in Oasis Lagoon, or chill out on the seashore all day.
Plus, the market can also be way more relaxed. You can stroll out and in of the person shops with out feeling strain to purchase something.
I’m so glad that I lastly acquired to expertise it, as I’ve been wanting to go to because it was revealed practically three years in the past.