How does Royal Caribbean's top two premium beach offerings compare: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island vs. Coco Beach Club?
I have visited both in the past, but I wanted to pit the two against each other since they represent the top ways to spend extra while sailing through The Bahamas.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened less than six months ago, and it's a new kind of higher-end shore excursion that is curated by the cruise line. A private enclave designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean passengers.
Then you have the Coco Beach Club, the original elevated way to splurge on a beach day. Within a secluded portion of Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll find an area with the best amenities and no crowds.
Each of them have an extra cost to visit, so I booked both over the same weekend while sailing on Utopia of the Seas in order to compare both and see which one stands out.
My goal was to look at how each delivers relaxation, food quality, crowds, and overall value.
Royal Beach Club combines the best features from its private island
It's clear Royal Caribbean designed the Royal Beach Club by taking all the lessons learned from building Perfect Day at CocoCay and combining it into a new offering.
I brought my family to the Royal Beach Club after pre-booking admission in the months leading up to the cruise. Thanks to a variety of sales, I was able to get admission for $89.99 per person for unlimited food, alcohol, and access.
If you've been to CocoCay before, I think you'll quickly notice Royal Caribbean took three ideas as the basis to craft this area:
- The concept of a premium, exclusive area from the Coco Beach Club
- The adults-focused energy and vibe of a pool party from Hideaway Beach
- The fun that a swim-up bar brings from the Oasis Lagoon
It makes sense: take the best ideas and turn them into one super idea, and that's what you have with the Royal Beach Club.
There are three zones, each with its own vibe. Chill Beach is where families can go to enjoy a sprawling pool and beach area. Party Cove has an all-day pool party with DJ pumping tunes, and Paradise Beach is the more laid-back hangout spot.
We opted for Paradise Beach zone, and primarily spent time in the pool. It's heated and has stunning views of the ocean and area around you.
No matter where you sit, there is fantastic waiter service. One waiter is assigned to each group of chairs, and they'll deliver any drinks you need.
Of course, you could grab a drink at the swim-up bar or even go between zones and grab a drink on your way. It's all very convenient and easy.
There are food stations throughout the property that serve quick-service options, such as burgers, salads, wraps, shrimp, and more. It's casual dining, but perfect to keep your day going without taking you out of the fun in and around the water.
The water is definitely the focus at the Royal Beach Club. You are immersed with the perfect pools and turquoise blue ocean water. You're never more than a few steps away from any of it.
Coco Beach Club is relaxing, easy to get to, and has amazing food
I've visited the Coco Beach Club many times over the years, and it's best selling point is you won't encounter crowds or have to compete for a beach chair.
It's effectively the same beach you'd find elsewhere on the island, but the difference is the elevated resort feel this area has compared to the rest of the island.
It's a short walk from the ship (there's tram service too), and as soon as you walk in, you'll see what I mean. A beautiful deck leading to a heated infinity pool that overlooks the white sand beach.
You can grab a chair along the beach, or try for one of the day beds near the pool. It's all first-come, first-serve.
At the chairs, you simply have to turn the flag up on the chair to request drink service. Keep in mind admission here does not include drinks, so you'll need to pay extra for beverages (unless you have a drink package from the ship).
Without a doubt, the food is where the Coco Beach Club truly excels. They have their own sit-down restaurant where you can dine on filet mignon, lobster, and more.
I believe this restaurant is just as good, if not better than, many Royal Caribbean ship-based restaurants. In fact, I dined at 150 Central Park for dinner on the same night I visited the Coco Beach Club, and I swear my steak at the club was better.
Each club does one thing better than the other
After trying both out, I can see a clear advantage to each offering.
The Royal Beach Club has a superior beach and pool experience. They have multiple pools, and their beach is arguably prettier with less seagrass.
While the Coco Beach Club has one heated pool, there are three heated pools. Plus, there's a party area for those looking for more energy in their pool day. And all the pools have swim-up bars, which are undeniably fun.
Moreover, the Royal Beach Club is all-inclusive.
The Coco Beach Club has some of the best food you'll find on ship or land.
The food at Royal Beach Club is good, but nothing you'll rave about. But the CBC restaurant is going to leave you dreaming about it for weeks to come after your visit.
It's amazing the high quality of the food here, and it's probably the top reason I'll return every time.
The biggest difference: price vs experience
The biggest variable in comparing the two beach clubs is price. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for each, and that means you could have wildly different prices than I did to visit.
In my experience, the Royal Beach Club prices usually range between $90 and $160 per person for the alcohol package when pre-purchased before your sailing.
The Royal Beach Club is usually priced around $130 - $250 per person before the cruise. Keep in mind no drinks are included with admission.
Both offer cabanas to rent for the day that include admission.
Almost certainly, you'll pay more to visit the Coco Beach Club because I've observed that Royal Caribbean has used price to balance demand for it since it opened.
Outside of price, you also have to think about what you want from your day.
Coco Beach Club can cost significantly more, but it's also more of an elevated feel than the Royal Beach Club.
You’re not getting the same experience, but you might not need it.
Final verdict
Having tried both, if I had to pick only one, I'd easily choose the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island instead of the Coco Beach Club.
I had a great day at both, but I think there's more to do and enjoy at the RBC without paying nearly as much. Plus, you get food and drink for the price.
While there's no question the food is far superior at the Coco Beach Club, I cannot justify paying the price there. This is especially true when the price is over $200 per person.
I also think the pools are more fun and enjoyable at the Royal Beach Club, and the ocean color and clarity is better.
Not to mention I could still have a great day elsewhere for no extra cost at CocoCay. I can't say the same about Nassau if I skipped the club.
You should pick the Coco Beach Club if you're okay paying more for exclusivity. But go for the Royal Beach Club if you want a fun, social beach day and care more about value.
