After studying concerning the $200 million transformation in 2019, I used to be keen to go to Royal Caribbean’s personal island within the Bahamas – Perfect Day at CocoCay. Select Caribbean/Bahamian sailings to go to the island for the day, and it’s crammed with actions and facilities that may assist you’ve the proper day in your trip, no matter your preferences.
As somebody who loves the seaside, heat water, and enjoyable actions, I felt that Perfect Day at CocoCay could be the proper place to spend the day. During my first go to there, I used to be eagerly anticipating a return go to. Since then, I’ve been a further two instances, experiencing one thing somewhat completely different each time.
Disclosure: My sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas (and flights to/from the port) and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, had been complimentary. We additionally had a complimentary cabana and water park entry for the day. I’ve additionally visited with the Odyssey of the Seas at my very own expense (additionally with a cabana paid in full by us). All opinions are my very own.
Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay
What is Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s personal Bahamian island (often known as Little Stirup Island). Up to 2 ships can dock on the island at one time, and it’s staffed by 350+ workers who reside on the island full time. Despite the 2 cruise ships there throughout my go to, the island by no means felt overly crowded.
Not all Royal Caribbean ships cease at Perfect Day at CocoCay. So, if it’s one thing you positively need to do, you’ll need to be sure that your itinerary features a go to. Cruise ships departing from Galveston, for example, don’t usually cease at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
As a Bahamian island, you may typically count on good temperatures on Perfect Day at CocoCay year-round. However, the winter months could also be somewhat chilly. I’ve been to the Bahamas in January when it’s been each cooler and scorching, so it actually can fluctuate. It’s a good suggestion to have a look at the climate forecast earlier than you allow so as to be ready.
Arriving at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Once your ship is prepared for disembarkation, you’ll hear an announcement. If you’re doing an tour, you could be given a particular time to fulfill up. Otherwise, you may exit the ship every time you’re prepared, as soon as the ship is prepared. There’s even a enjoyable theme track that may play on the ship when you arrive.
Unless you’re spending the day at Coco Beach Club, you’ll need to deliver your personal towels from the ship. You can decide these up together with your key card from the towel kiosk close to the pool deck. Wet towels may be exchanged on the island. Be certain to deliver your used towels again to the ship when you find yourself achieved for the day.
A complimentary tram runs across the island from the ship. It is, nevertheless, very walkable, should you select to stroll. Don’t overlook to pack your seaside bag for the day with necessities. There are complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas positioned all through the island, with cabanas and daybeds accessible for lease. Since there are normally two ships docked on the island, you could need to enterprise out early you probably have a particular spot you need to be in.
Here’s what you’ll discover on the island:
The very first thing you’ll see as you head into the arrivals plaza is Captain Jill’s Galleon, a ship splash zone with water cannons and small slides. It’s nice for youthful children to splash round.
Thrill Waterpark
The Thrill Waterpark is a full waterpark positioned proper within the middle of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Home to the tallest waterslide in North America, the Thrill Waterpark is obtainable at a further cost. It’s price the additional payment should you plan to spend most of your day there. The waterpark add-on is obtainable as a full-day cross.
The waterpark consists of:
Splash Summit: six water slides together with the Sling Shot, Twister, and Splash Speedway.
Daredevil’s Tower: seven separate slides, together with the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America.
Wave Pool: the biggest wave pool within the Caribbean
Adventure Pool: provides an impediment course, a rock wall, and cord swings.
There are chairs and umbrellas positioned all through the waterpark, in addition to cabanas for lease. Freshwater showers can be found, as are seaside wheelchairs. Kids underneath 14 have to be accompanied by a paying grownup, whereas children underneath 4 get free admission.
Splashaway Bay
Like the favored and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay on the ships, this one consists of waterslides, swimming pools, and a drench bucket. It’s complimentary and nice for youthful children.
Oasis Lagoon
This central lagoon space provides the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool with three completely different coves. You’ll discover a zero-entry pool, a swim-up bar, and a soothing space. This is a superb place for the entire household as a result of youthful children will respect the zero-entry pool.
Chill Island
Want to go to the seaside in your trip? Then head to Chill Island, with beachfront entry, chairs, and umbrellas. This is a pleasant, stress-free space to get pleasure from swimming within the lovely Caribbean sea.
During my go to to Perfect Day at CocoCay, I spent a while within the afternoon cooling off within the water. It was surprisingly heat, and I used to be in a position to get some nice shade underneath an umbrella.
There’s additionally the second a part of Chill Island referred to as Breezy Bay at Chill Island. This space provides a sports activities court docket space with basketball and volleyball courts in addition to different enjoyable video games.
Servers go round taking drink orders – whereas these are an additional payment, a drink bundle bought on the ship does apply on the island. If you want tropical alcoholic drinks, strive the Coco Loco – the signature drink on the island.
South Beach
This lively space of the seaside, South Beach provides seaside chairs and umbrellas alongside a slender stretch of seaside. It’s one of many newer elements of the island and is on the other aspect of the island from the Arrivals Plaza.
There, you’ll discover the floating bar, a barge in the course of the ocean the place you will get a few of your favourite drinks. There are additionally sports activities courts for volleyball and basketball.
Coco Beach Club
If you’re on the lookout for a extra luxurious day on the island, the Coco Beach Club could also be good for you. This space is offered at a further payment and provides distinctive floating overwater cabanas, waterfront cabanas, a freshwater pool, and extra. There’s additionally a personal restaurant on this space, only for company of the Coco Beach Club.
This is a lovely spot, and an awesome splurge should you’d wish to have a extra luxurious expertise throughout your loved ones cruise trip. The meals is very scrumptious and is completely different from what’s served on the remainder of the island.
Activities on Perfect Day at CocoCay
Your Cruise Compass (and the Royal Caribbean app) will embrace a list for deliberate actions throughout your Perfect Day at CocoCay. During our crusing, these included open-play volleyball, basketball, large Jenga, bean bag toss, foot billiards, and desk tennis.
You’ll additionally discover leisure choices on the island, together with the Island Junkanoo Dancers – held each at arrivals and within the afternoon on the Oasis Lagoon Pool. There are additionally bands and different reside music performers, in addition to a DJ. Specific instances and choices are listed within the Cruise Compass.
Excursions on Perfect Day at CocoCay
You can even e book excursions and further experiences on the island. Keep in thoughts that availability might be diversified, and may at all times be canceled primarily based on climate situations. Activities must be booked prematurely by means of Royal Caribbean. Because there are normally two ships docked, there’s extra demand for the excursions and actions.
Some of the extra fashionable excursions embrace the Up Up and Away helium balloon experience (which may be canceled resulting from wind), kayaking, a zipper line, spa therapies, jet skis, scuba diving, and swimming with pigs. While these can positively add to your expertise, there are many included actions on the island should you don’t need to spend any further cash. Be certain to deliver closed-toed footwear if planning to experience the zip line.
Cabanas can be found to lease in numerous areas of Perfect Day at CocoCay together with the Coco Beach Club, Chill Island, South Beach, Thrill Waterpark, and Oasis Lagoon. Cabanas on the waterpark and Coco Beach Club additionally include complimentary admission to these areas (for six folks on the waterpark and eight folks on the Beach Club).
During our winter break cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas, we had a cabana on Chill Island. It’s actually a pleasant expertise. You’ll have shade, a quiet place to hang around, and a server to deliver you meals and drinks. They are a splurge, however they could be a nice choice for a extra stress-free expertise. Cabanas do promote out, so that you’ll need to e book them by means of the web site prematurely.
You can even lease snorkel tools and rafts at numerous places on the island. Again, these aren’t important however may make your seaside day extra enjoyable.
Shopping at Perfect Day at CocoCay
I at all times love purchasing, and fortunately, there’s a nice purchasing space on Perfect Day at CocoCay. The straw market is positioned proper by Chill Beach and consists of small hut buildings with wares from numerous native Bahamians. There’s additionally a small kiosk with Perfect Day at CocoCay emblem merchandise. I do want there have been extra branded gadgets, however that’s only a small space with a couple of gadgets.
Food at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Of course, you’ll need to eat lunch in some unspecified time in the future throughout your day, and there are many choices on the island. If you’ve rented a cabana for the day, your cabana comes with attendant service, and your cabana attendant might help with getting your meals. Otherwise, you may go to one of many many venues.
There are three places of the Snack Shack, which supply scorching canines, hamburgers, salads, and appetizers. For tacos, burgers, salads, and extra, go to the Skipper’s Grill subsequent to Splashaway Bay There’s additionally the Chill Grill, at Chill Island, with related meals choices. Captain Jack’s Wings and Fries provides a la carte choices (for a further price) should you’d choose that menu.
To have the Perfect Day, it’s a good suggestion to do some planning prematurely. Make certain you make any purchases of extras (together with excursions) as quickly as you may. Check the particular particulars to make sure you know precisely what kind of stuff you’ll want for the tour.
You’ll additionally need to pack a seaside bag to take with you together with sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, and anything you’ll want to guard your self from the robust Caribbean solar and luxuriate in your day. While the ship gained’t be too far-off, you gained’t need to return to get any gadgets you’ve forgotten.
