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    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.

    By Joey Hadden,

    2024-08-12
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1aGR10_0uvYYzth00
    Business Insider's reporter went to Perfect Day at CocoCay on her first cruise with Royal Caribbean.
    • 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.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0mJOhI_0uvYYzth00
    Perfect Day at CocoCay as seen from Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas cruise ship.

    Royal Caribbean isn't the only cruise line with a private island in the Bahamas. Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, and Princess Cruises each have their own Bahamian paradise, according to Cruise Critic .

    CocoCay is only accessible to cruisers on board Royal Caribbean ships.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=16zMqc_0uvYYzth00
    Two ships docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

    Many Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries include a stop here.

    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.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1jQnHJ_0uvYYzth00
    A map showing the stops on the Royal Caribbean cruise the author took.

    Admiral Cruises, a company Royal Caribbean acquired in 1988, leased the island until 2050 in 1985, according to Royal Caribbean . In 2019, the island got a $250 million makeover .

    The only people who live on CocoCay are Royal Caribbean employees, according to the cruise line.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3wpszu_0uvYYzth00
    Employee housing on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

    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.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1ydWBG_0uvYYzth00
    A band plays under a hut in CocoCay.

    I thought the band set the relaxed, Caribbean vibe as I walked off the dock.

    Most attractions on the island are complimentary to cruise guests, including the food and many of the pools and beaches.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=16pEZY_0uvYYzth00
    People order food at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

    Guests could munch on burgers, hot dogs, salads, and cookies on the island.

    But the exciting features tend to cost extra, like the waterpark.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1sXvKR_0uvYYzth00
    The island's zip-line and hot-air balloon.

    Other excursions like zip-lining, snorkeling, and hot-air balloon rides also incurred an additional price.

    There are tons of maps and signs to direct guests, as well as three color-coded paths.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4dS3TJ_0uvYYzth00
    Signs direct guests around the island.

    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.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0o6eMR_0uvYYzth00
    The tram station at CocoCay.

    I thought the tram was a nice touch, but I preferred getting around on foot.

    If you're the type of vacationer who just wants to relax, head to Chill Island, which is free to access.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2BTFac_0uvYYzth00
    People walk into Chill Island.

    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.

    You will surely find a comfortable spot.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=33U1tZ_0uvYYzth00
    People enjoy a day at CocoCay.

    According to Royal Caribbean , the island has 6,000 lounge chairs and 12,000 umbrellas.

    If you want to be extra chill, you can rent a daybed on the beach.

    There are also over-the-water cabanas.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0J5HZ2_0uvYYzth00
    People enjoy cabanas on the water.

    These floating cabanas cost $1,000 to rent, according to the cruise line .

    Of course, there is a swim-up bar offshore.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=07WRSQ_0uvYYzth00
    A swim-up bar at the beach of Chill Island.

    Luckily, your cruise ship drink package extends to CocoCay.

    For a more active beach day, check out South Beach on the other side of the island.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2PdzOP_0uvYYzth00
    People play billiards at South Beach.

    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 ...
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1uGGnj_0uvYYzth00
    Free lockers at CocoCay.

    This includes lockers for your change of clothes and valuables.

    ... like free life vests for your safety.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1rnxrv_0uvYYzth00
    Life vests at CocoCay.

    This could be especially useful for families traveling with kids.

    Both beaches have snorkeling shacks where I was able to rent gear for $37.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1CMqnf_0uvYYzth00
    The author went snorkeling.

    I went snorkeling at Chill Island and saw some pretty cool fish.

    The beaches have several shops that sell souvenirs.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=15vdyY_0uvYYzth00
    Shops on the beach under the palm trees.

    I spotted T-shirts and essentials like sunscreen for sale.

    If you prefer the pool over the beach, head to Oasis Lagoon.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=10Hi5R_0uvYYzth00
    The entrance to Oasis Lagoon with a freshwater pool.

    It is home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, according to the cruise line .

    The pool features several inviting coves and upbeat music.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1by0R8_0uvYYzth00
    Guests enjoy the pool in Oasis Lagoon.

    There's also a swim-up bar.

    Next to Oasis Lagoon is Splashaway Bay, a water playground for children.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2VjI0z_0uvYYzth00
    Guests hang out at Splashaway Bay.

    The playground looks just like the Splashaway Bay found on Royal Caribbean ships. It is free for guests.

    Next door is Thrill Waterpark, where you'll find the waterslides for the "big kids."
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0h2xBT_0uvYYzth00
    Guests ride waterslides at CocoCay.

    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.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0UfAhv_0uvYYzth00
    The hot air balloon at CocoCay.

    Unfortunately, the winds were too high for the balloon to be used when I visited.

    Back on the ship, I quickly took in a panoramic view of CocoCay before departing.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3BwxVE_0uvYYzth00
    CocoCay as seen from the cruise ship.

    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.
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2oS0ns_0uvYYzth00
    The author at CocoCay.

    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.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
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    Comments / 27
    Add a Comment
    stinkwrinkle
    11d ago
    Gen Z entitled
    savedemocracy
    30d ago
    Its a very nice place to go and just unwind and enjoy the island,lots to do.I am glad they put in an adults only beach.
    View all comments
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