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Guide to Hideaway Beach adults-only beach at CocoCay

In:
02 Nov 2021

Royal Caribbean announced it will add a new adults-only area to Perfect Day at CocoCay, called Hideaway Beach.

Hideaway Beach Club render

Opening in January 2024, Hideaway Beach is the first adults-only area to be developed for a Royal Caribbean private island.

It's an all-day experience complete with a private beach and pools, new bars and restaurants, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

Here is what you need to know about Hideaway Beach when it opens.

What is Hideaway Beach?

Hideaway Beach Club render

On September 1, 2021, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley announced plans for an expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Hideaway Beach is the first adults-only escape on CocoCay. Guests must be age 18 and older to access it.

It features a private beach, two pools, 20 cabanas, seven open-air bars and spots to grab a bite, and more.

There is an additional cost to enter the area.

Beaches & Pools

Hideaway Beach Club render

Guests will find white sand beaches and turquoise waters exclusive to Hideaway Beach guests. There's also resort-style loungers and umbrellas along the shore or on
the in-water hammocks and swings while playing beach games.

The Hideaway Pool will feature a DJ that will play tunes all day at the swim-up bar. There are in-water seating and loungers, and poolside loungers throughout the infinity-edge pool.

Cabanas

Hideaway Beach Club render

For an additional cost, guests can rent one of 10 poolside cabanas that have a range of amenities like cabana attendant service at the push of a call button, a mini-fridge, floating beach mats and charging outlets.

There are two types of cabanas to rent: Hideout Cabanas & Hideaway Cabanas.

Hideaway Beach Club render

Essentially, the difference is the Hideout Cabanas include access to The Hideout area and have access to the infinity plunge pool, exclusively for The Hideout guests.

The Hideout is a nook at one end of Hideaway Beach, which carves out an exclusive, elevated experience.

In one of 10 Hideout Cabanas, those looking for a more VIP, chill vibe can kick back at a heated infinity-edge plunge pool – exclusive to The Hideout guests – and enjoy the convenience of perks like cabana attendant service, in-water loungers, an outdoor shower and resort-style seating.

Where will Hideaway Beach be located?

CocoCay map with Hideaway Beach

Hideaway Beach is located behind the CocoCay waterpark.

As you walk onto Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll take a right turn and follow the coast to Hideaway Beach.

There will be a walkway and tram access.

Will Hideaway Beach cost extra or will it be complimentary?

Hideaway Beach Club render

Royal Caribbean will charge an admission fee to access Hideaway Beach.

Pricing depends on your exact sailing, but initial costs range between $43.99 and $79.99 per person.

If you purchase a cabana, it includes entry to Hideaway Beach for up to 8 adults. Extra passes are $50 per person, plus an additional cost for a Hideaway Beach Full Day Pass, for a maximum of 2 additional people.

Hideaway Beach dining

Hideaway Beach Club render

On the Rocks – The area’s new and unofficial lookout, this al fresco bar along the rocky shore serves up a vibrant scene of live musicians, TVs to watch live sports, games like pool and shuffleboard, and memorable ocean views along with refreshing drinks like frozen margaritas and mai tais.

Hideaway Bar – The swim-up bar at Hideaway Pool is the place to be and be seen, and with two levels, vacationers can take their drinks poolside or without leaving the water to maximize every minute of their island time.

Slice of Paradise – This all-new rustic pizza haven with a bar and complimentary food includes fresh-from-the-oven favorites, island twists like a Bahamian guava barbecue chicken option and more.

Snack Shack – A staple on Perfect Day at CocoCay, this new location offers the popular menu’s complimentary chicken sandwiches, burgers, fried mozzarella sticks, fresh salads and more, as well as shaded seating, and Adirondack chairs and tables on the sand.

Beach Bars – Rounding out the experience are two full-service beach bars located on both sides of the new beachfront paradise, so a drink is never far away.

More Perfect Day at CocoCay information

Royal Caribbean will add adults-only area to Perfect Day at CocoCay

In:
29 Oct 2021

A new expansion at Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas will cater to adults.

Royal Caribbean opens Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

In September 2021, Royal Caribbean teased a new expansion coming to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Hideaway Beach.

The announcement confirmed the expansion and name, but no other details.

During an earnings call with investors on Friday, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO confirmed Hideaway Beach will be an adults-only area.

Top 5 things to do on Royal Caribbean for adults | Royal Caribbean Blog

"We have an expansion taking place in perfect day with the addition of Hideaway Beach, which is a new experience that will open in late '22 for Perfect Day," Mr. Bayley said while talking about port projects on the books. "The beauty of Hideaway Beach is that it is an adult only area as part of Perfect Day."

Mr. Bayley said the new area will increase the capacity of the private island by "approximately 3000" passengers.

Mr. Bayley also added that Hideaway Beach will help improve the cruise line's overall profitability and drive more more revenue, which seems to indicate Hideaway Beach will have an extra cost.

The choice of an adults-only was part of a survey sent to some guests in late September for what sort of activities they would want see added to the island experience.

Hideaway Beach will be located on the western end of the island in a cove area that is slowly being developed.

The western end of the island is undeveloped land, as well as backstage storage and lodging, but it appears those operations can be relocated.

This will be the first expansion of CocoCay since the pandemic, and first since the Coco Beach Club was completed in early 2020.

Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay

In:
15 Oct 2021

If you want thrills in your private island day on Royal Caribbean, check out Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Best things to do on Royal Caribbean while there is limited capacity onboard | Royal Caribbean Blog

With so many slides and pools, you may want to know what is included with a visit to the waterpark, and how to get the most out of your visit. This guide will give you a good overview of what the waterpark offers, as well as tips and tricks for a great day.

Overview

Spotted: 2-Day Thrill Waterpark Pass | Royal Caribbean Blog

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a private island only Royal Caribbean cruise ships can visit, and one way to spend your day there is to visit the waterpark.

Thrill Waterpark has an additional cost, which means only those that purchase admission can come into the park. Admission to the waterpark is priced per person, and includes full day admission.

Royal Caribbean used to offer a half-day pass, but that is no longer offered. Everyone that wants to come into the park needs to pay for entry, regardless of it they want to ride a slide or not.

Royal Caribbean Post Round-Up: May 5, 2019 | Royal Caribbean Blog

Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed Guest age 14 or older to enter Thrill Waterpark.

To get into the park, you just need your SeaPass card. Scan it as you walk in and you're good to go. No separate admission needed.

There are two entrances to Thrill Waterpark, although nearly everyone uses the main entrance.  The main entrance is located to the right of the arrivals plaza at Perfect Day at CocoCay. There is an additional entrance closer to Oasis Lagoon and Splashaway Bay, primarily meant for a convenient way to get back into the waterpark.

It is made up of three basic areas: Daredevil's Peak, Splash Summit tower, and the pools.

View the 2021 Perfect Day at CocoCay map | Royal Caribbean Blog

You will find chairs, umbrellas, and picnic tables around each of the water slide towers, as well as near both pools. These chairs and tables are complimentary and first-come, first-reserved.

There are complimentary lockers near the main entrance where you can stash your stuff for the day. Restrooms and a first aid station are also located near the lockers.

Thrill Waterpark cost

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

The exact cost for Thrill Waterpark admission per person will vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. In short, there is no set price for every sailing.

You can purchase admission before the cruise via Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website, onboard the ship at the Shore Excursion desk, or even on CocoCay at the entrance.

How much you will pay is determined by demand, time of year, ship you sail on, and other factors.

Prices usually range between $50 and $100 per person, but there is a great deal of fluctuation.

Admission to the waterpark is included with a Thrill Waterpark cabana (more on that further down this post).

What slides are there at Thrill Waterpark?

Royal Caribbean designed Thrill Waterpark to offer fun and thrilling water slides to enjoy.

There are two towers in the waterpark, with slides of varying speeds and intensity.

Video: Royal Caribbean Constructs Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

Daredevil’s Tower stands at 135-feet high and are all body slides that feature the longest, tallest, and fastest rides in the park.

  • Daredevil's Peak: 135 feet tall, this is the tallest waterslide in North America (Rider minimum: 48")
  • Dueling Demons: Two drop slides launch riders 75 feet from a vertical position (Rider minimum: 48")
  • Green Mamba: A 50 foot tall slide with lots of turns (Rider minimum: 48")
  • Screeching Serpent: Another 50 foot tall fully vertical speed slide (Rider minimum: 48")
  • Manta Raycers: Twin racing slides (Rider minimum: 48")

Splash Summit is the family tower, where you can ride with other members of your group together.

  • Sling Shot: Family raft slide. Up to 4 people in a raft that ride up a wall to provide zero gravity sensations (Rider minimum: 48" or 40" with life vest)
  • Splash Speedway: Mat slide, where up to 4 people can race down (Rider minimum: 48" or 40" with life vest)
  • Twister: Two riders slide down a tube slide (Rider minimum: 48" or 40" with life vest)

There are also two pools at Thrill Waterpark:

  • Wave pool: Royal Caribbean says this is the largest wave pool in the Caribbean
  • Adventure Pool: A pool with obstacles you can climb, walk, and swing onto. This includes lily pads, rope swings, and even a rock climbing wall (Guests under 48" must wear a life vest at all times)

Dining

There is only one First Time - Mariner of the Seas B2B Oct 14-18, 18-21 - Page 2 - Live Blogs - Royal Caribbean Blog

All the slides and pools will generate quite an appetite, so Royal Caribbean included a Snack Shack location inside Thrill Waterpark.

Snack Shack is complimentary, and offers hot dogs, salads, burgers, and lots more. The chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks are must-trys.

In addition, it is very easy to depart the waterpark and get food from elsewhere on the island. Skipper's Grill is the closest option, and offers more variety.

There is also a bar in the waterpark for any cocktails, beers, or non-alcoholic drinks you may want. If you have a drink package purchased from your cruise ship, the benefits work here as well.

Cabanas

In addition to purchasing admission to the park, you could opt to rent a cabana for the day.

CocoCay Cabanas provide a private space to enjoy throughout the day, along with a cabana attendant who can bring food and drinks whenever you need it.

Thrill Waterpark cabanas can accommodate up to 6 guests and offer a lush sectional sofa and 2 resort-style chairs, as well as power outlets. Your Cabana Concierge will provide you with 8 towels and stock your cooler with 8 complimentary water bottles. Additional water bottles will be available for purchase.

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

Included with your cabana purchase is admission to the waterpark for up to six guests.

Royal Caribbean has placed cabanas in three clusters around the waterpark:

  • Near Daredevil's Peak
  • Near Family Tower
  • Near the wave pool

The price of a cabana usually ranges between $499 - $899. Just like the cost of admission to the water park, the exact price will vary from sailing to sailing.

The reason to book a cabana is to have a dedicated space for your family, as well as the service provided by the attendant.  In many cases, the cost of the cabana becomes negligible when you factor in admission it includes for larger families.

Tips and secrets

1. Don't bring towels from the ship

Save the effort of going to get towels to bring with you to the waterpark.

There is a towel station near the wave pool where you can get towels, as well as exchange them for fresh ones.

If you rent a cabana, towels are provided for you at the cabana.

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

2. Adults can use the Adventure Pool

While it may look like the Adventure Pool activities are for kids, adults can use them too.

The rope swing is a lot of fun, and you can race your kids on the lily pads.

Royal Caribbean Blog - Unofficial blog about Royal Caribbean cruises

3. Best times for short slide waits

When your cruise ship is sailing to capacity, there are two good times to beat the lines for the popular slides.

First and foremost, get off the ship early and hit Daredevil's Peak and Sling Shot as fast as you can. Lines for these two slides will always be the longest.

The best times to ride slides with a short wait are:

  • Before 11am
  • After 3pm

Perfect Day at CocoCay October 2021 photo update | Royal Caribbean Blog

4. Your drink package works here

If you have an unlimited drink package already, then you can use the benefits while in the waterpark (and everywhere else at Perfect Day at CocoCay).

5. Look for chickens

If you hear a rooster, it's not your imagination. 

CocoCay is home to a variety of animals, including wild chickens. They walk around the island, but tend to frequent the waterpark the most.  

Look for them darting in and out of the bushes.

Regardless of which animal you see, please do not feed any of them.

Is Thrill Waterpark worth it?

Royal Caribbean delivers on thrills and fun with Thrill Waterpark, so the decision to go depends on what you want to do and the price.

There are enough waterslides and pool activities to keep you busy all day long during your visit. When the park is full, lines can develop for the popular slides during the day, but you should still have enough time to experience them all.

The wave pool in particular is underrated as a fun activity, and some of the waves get very high in the deep end.

Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

When deciding if it's worth it to go to the waterpark, you have to consider what else there is to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean packs in a lot of fun on its island, and you can find some really compelling alternatives at the beaches, pools, and beach club.

When Royal Caribbean opens Hideaway Beach in late 2022, there will be another compelling alternative to consider.

If you have only children under the age of 6 or so, you may consider skipping the waterpark and instead taking them to nearby Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon.  Both are complimentary and aimed at younger/smaller children, and still have slides for them to enjoy.

If you have 4 or more people in your group, be sure to price compare buying admission for everyone versus booking a cabana. In many cases, the cabana makes a lot of sense to reserve because it includes admission, as well as the amenities it offers.

Ultimately, if you want to ride a lot of really fun waterslides and splash your way around everything else, Thrill Waterpark delivers it all.

Perfect Day at CocoCay October 2021 photo update

In:
11 Oct 2021

With cruises sailing again, changes are happening at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While visiting Royal Caribbean's private island on a Mariner of the Seas sailing this past weekend, I took a look around some of the most recent changes happening on the island.

Hideaway Beach progress

As you may or may not know, Royal Caribbean is expanding Perfect Day at CocoCay with a new area called "Hideaway Beach".

There are no details yet as to what this area will offer, but here is a look at where the new venue will be located.

These photos were taken from the family tower in Thrill Waterpark, as well as from the cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean recently sent guests an email survey with ideas for what Hideaway Beach could offer.

South Beach reopened

This weekend saw Royal Caribbean re-open South Beach.

Since cruises restarted, South Beach had been closed since ship capacity was so low that there was no need to open up South Beach.

However, Freedom of the Seas and Allure of the Seas were in Perfect Day at CocoCay this past Saturday, bringing around 7,000 guests in total to the island. As a result, South Beach was opened up again for passengers.

South Beach has two bars, Coconut Willie's Bar and South Beach Bar.

There are also cabanas for rent at South Beach.

Not only did Royal Caribbean re-open South Beach, they moved the floating bar back to South Beach. It was previously located at Breezy Bay at Chill Island, but that was a temporary location while South Beach was closed.

Royal Caribbean surveys guests on possible ideas for Perfect Day at CocoCay expansion

In:
24 Sep 2021

A number of Royal Caribbean guests have received an email survey asking their thoughts on possible ideas for the next phase of the CocoCay expansion.

Royal Caribbean announced a few weeks ago it would expand Perfect Day at CocoCay with a new area, called Hideaway Beach.

The announcement had no additional details, but perhaps this new survey could shed some light onto what to expect.

Earlier this week, many Royal Caribbean cruise fans reported receiving a survey in via email that asked many questions about what they thought about potential ideas for what the cruise line might add to the area.

Royal Caribbean commonly uses surveys to get feedback from guests. It is not necessarily an indication of anything they may or may not do.

The first part of the survey asks what sorts of areas would you like to see added to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Then they ask how appealing an adults only area would be for guests 18 or older.

The survey also asks guests to share which vacation scenes appeal to them, and which do not.

The second part of the survey wants feedback on the idea of a southern BBQ restaurant on its ships.

The menu would include smoked brisket, rubs, fried chicken and plenty of appetizers, sides and desserts.

Respondents were asked which name of the restaurant they preferred.

Royal Caribbean will expand Perfect Day at CocoCay with Hideaway Beach

In:
01 Sep 2021

There will soon be a new area of Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas to enjoy.

40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets | Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean announced on Tuesday an expansion to Perfect Day at CocoCay with a new area.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley revealed in an email to Crown and Anchor Society guests plans for the new area.

"I can also hardly wait to share more news about our plans in The Bahamas, including another expansion to make Perfect Day at CocoCay even more perfect with an entirely new experience we’re calling Hideaway Beach — you heard it here first!"

View the 2021 Perfect Day at CocoCay map | Royal Caribbean Blog

There were no additional details, but this is the first expansion of the private island since the completion of the Coco Beach Club in early 2020.

Prior to the cruise industry shutdown of 2020, Royal Caribbean alluded to the idea of expanding CocoCay following the early successes of the Perfect Day makeover.

Where could Hideaway Beach be located? Much of the western end of CocoCay is undeveloped.

Royal Caribbean has utilized the area immediately west of Thrill Waterpark for supplies, lodging, and other backstage needs.  But the beaches to the west and south are unused.

Of course, cruise fans are excited to know what will be part of the Hideaway Beach area.

There has not been a trademark filing yet with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, so unfortunately no clues in any of those filings yet.

Royal Caribbean opens Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

What do you think Hideaway Beach will be? Share your predictions in the comments below!

Royal Caribbean adds weather station to Perfect Day at CocoCay

In:
20 Aug 2021

You can now check just how perfect the weather is anytime you like at Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

Royal Caribbean has added a new weather station that is publicly accessible via the Weather Underground website.

Weather Underground is a community of over 250,000 weather stations that allows just about anyone to add their sensor's outdoor readings with Weather Underground.

Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet shared the news that the weather sensors are functional and online.

The sensors are placed at the top of Thrill Waterpark, which is the tallest waterslide in North America, and provide the public with real-time weather information from this corner of The Bahamas.

"Yessssss!!! I am thrilled to share with you that our Royal Caribbean Weather Sensors on top of the Water Slides at CocoCay are now online!", Mr. Van Fleet posted on Twitter.

You can access the weather station information anytime by visiting the station link on Weather Underground.

As excited as cruise fans are to be able to check how much better the weather is at CocoCay than at home, many also asked Mr. Van Fleet when they might be able to see just how much better the weather is.

Quite a few people asked when a webcam might be added, to which Mr. Van Fleet responded adding a webcam is on his wish list, but would be something to tackle "once we are a little farther down the road of being back in business."

Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

In:
12 Jul 2021

The Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay is a dedicated part of the private island experience for those who value an elevated experience.

Think of the Beach Club as somewhere you can go to pay extra for a limited capacity experience with enhanced dining options.

What do you get with the Coco Beach Club (CBC) for the extra cost, and is it worth it?

Here is what you need to know about the CBC and if you should spend the money to try it out yourself.

Coco Beach Club Overview

Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay, has beaches, pools, and dining options for everyone to enjoy, but the cruise line decided to add an exclusive, brag-worthy spot for those that like that sort of thing.

The island is designed to handle 9,000 - 12,000 guests, but the CBC has a capacity of just a few hundred people. The idea is to have a place where the number of people are limited, and the offerings included are enhanced.

Here is what admission to the Coco Beach Club includes:

  • Light breakfast (coffee and pastries)
  • Higher quality pool towels
  • Access to an exclusive
    • Beach
    • Infinity pool
    • The Clubhouse
    • Beach chairs with umbrellas
  • Complimentary dining at the Coco Beach Club restaurant
  • Floating mats

In addition to a day pass, there are two types of cabanas you can rent, which include admission into the CBC. The Coco Beach Club cabanas are larger than the cabanas outside of the Coco Beach Club, and come with unlimited bottled water, a dining area, four lounge chairs, a sectional sofa, a fridge, a ceiling fan, lockable storage, and a charging outlet.

The standard beach cabanas are located along the beach and accommodate up to eight guests, plus attendant service.

Floating Cabanas are the largest cabanas offered by Royal Caribbean, and even have a a two-person overwater hammock, a slide that plunges right into the ocean, and your own wet bar.

Read moreGuide to Perfect Day at CocoCay Cabanas

Yes, kids of all ages are allowed into the Coco Beach Club.

What is the cost of the Coco Beach Club?

The price to get into the Coco Beach Club will vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing.  In short, it depends on your sailing and the prices really run the gamut.

Ever since the CBC opened, lots of cruise fans wanted to try it out for themselves, and prices have definitely trended upwards since then.

It is not unreasonable to see a day pass cost run somewhere between $80 and $180 per person.

As previously mentioned, the cabanas include admission to the CBC, and their prices are a little more stable, albeit not cheap either.

Prices for cabanas will vary, but here is a general ballpark of pricing:

  • Coco Beach Club Beach Cabanas: $949 – $1549
  • Coco Beach Club Floating Cabanas $1299 – $2199

You can book a day pass or a cabana by visiting Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website before your sailing. Cabanas sell out first, so be sure to rent one once you know you want one.

Keep in mind that you can always cancel and rebook any purchase without penalty if there is a price drop on these items before your sailing.

Coco Beach Club restaurant

Why go to the Coco Beach Club? Certainly the limited capacity is the primary motivation, but the elevated dining options are truly compelling.

The food served by the Coco Beach Club restaurant is included in your admission, and it is worthy of being a specialty restaurant back onboard.

Cabana Burger, Bahamian lobster rolls, fresh fruit salad and more, plus flavorful entrees like herb-marinated filet mignon, grilled Bahamian lobster, thyme-roasted chicken breast, and garlic tiger prawns — all complimentary with your admission. 

The filet mignon, lobster sandwich, and grouper are all really good choices.  In fact, all the food is excellent, and unlike any other private island dining experience I have ever been to.

Lunch here is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., followed by light snacks from 3 p.m. 

If you are in a cabana, your attendant will deliver the food to you. Otherwise, you can stop by the desk and make a reservation time to dine.

Is the Coco Beach Club worth it?

Should you pay extra to go to the Coco Beach Club? It really boils down to how much you value being somewhere exclusive.

The amplified service, dining, and seating choices at the CBC are fantastic.  If you are concerned it may sound nicer than it is, fear not.  The club lives up to what it promises in terms of boosted options.

In fact, the restaurant alone is worth going to at least once.  If there was air conditioning in the restaurant, I might never have left.

Read moreI tried it: Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay

The infinity pool, along with the in-pool loungers and daybeds nearby are equally impressive, and you will find many guests staking out a spot immediately there.

Like so many things in life, it all comes down to the cost and how much you are willing to pay.  Without a doubt, prices have trended up compared to when the club first opened, so the days of spending $40 - $80 per person are likely long gone.  

I think of the CBC like I do a first class airplane seat, a suite at a hotel, or even the express lanes on a highway. You spend extra, not because it is going to necessarily get you a one-to-one return on your investment, but because you don't mind spending more to get more.

Read more8 things you should know about the Coco Beach Club before you go

A day at the CBC is about splurging and relaxing, and it delivers on the relaxing.  

Anyone looking to indulge while at Perfect Day at CocoCay will find the Coco Beach Club worthy of their needs.

Royal Caribbean says passengers will not have to wear face masks on Perfect Day at CocoCay

In:
12 May 2021

While Royal Caribbean has not revealed its full protocols for its summer cruises on Adventure of the Seas, face masks will not be necessary on its private island.

Face masks have been a major point of contention among cruise fans who want to know where and when you will have to wear masks, but Royal Caribbean has confirmed face masks are not going to be required on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Vicki Freed, confirmed to travel agents during a webinar the nature of its private island makes not wearing a mask on the island safe.

Beginning June 12, Adventure of the Seas will begin offering cruises out of Nassau, Bahamas and include two days in a row at the cruise line's private island.

Read moreRoyal Caribbean Summer 2021 Cruise Planning Guide

"At Perfect Day at CocoCay, because it is our private destination and everybody who lives on the island will have the vaccination and all guests will be vaccinated who are 18 and older, you will not have to wear a mask when you're at Perfect Day at CocoCay," Freed said during the opening of her call with travel agents.

Ms. Freed said Royal Caribbean is still working on where else you will have to wear masks, including the other ports of call the ship will visit.

Read moreDo's & Don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay

"We are still trying to get the details on Cozumel, and Grand Bahama Islands, and hopefully by next week we'll have all those details to share with you."

Royal Caribbean said adults would be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to sail on the voyages. Children under the age of 18 will be able to sail with just proof of a negative COVID-19 test. All crew also will require COVID-19 vaccinations to work on the ship.

Since Adventure of the Seas is sailing from outside the United States and not visiting any U.S. ports, the ship does not have to adhere to any guidance or recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC recently released requirements and recommendations for health protocols on cruise ships for test sailings from the U.S., which have largely been seen as overbearing and overly conservative.

Specifically, the CDC said in its technical instructions that "mask use and social distancing must be observed" while at a cruise line private island.

Royal Caribbean's ships will have reduced capacity (around 50% initially) along with fully vaccinated adults onboard.

This week, the New York Times called the CDC's outdoor COVID-19 outdoor transmission statistics a "misleading statistic."

The share of transmission that has occurred outdoors seems to be below 1 percent and may be below 0.1 percent, according to multiple epidemiologists.

More protocols coming soon

This small piece of information about masks on CocoCay is one part of Royal Caribbean's plan for guests and crew once ships do resume sailings.

Ms. Freed confessed that the original plan was for Royal Caribbean to announce their full set of protocols and how ships will resume cruises again today, but the line needs more time.

"We had truly hoped that we would be able to announce our protocols and our return to service today," Ms. Freed said during the webinar. "So as we get the information on the protocols and return to service, you will hear it here first."

Ms. Freed said she is headed to Washington D.C. next week, but she said the new protocols could be coming as early as next week, "if we're ready to announce a return to service and our protocols and our deployment, ... we're going to give you something that I know you've all been waiting for."

The return to service Ms. Freed alluded to could be regarding Royal Caribbean's plans to restart cruises from the United States, similar to what Carnival did yesterday.

Carnival Cruise Line announced it has canceled July sailings for all but four of its 24 vessels, with those vessels potentially restarting from Texas, Florida, and Seattle.

View the 2023 Perfect Day at CocoCay map

In:
17 Feb 2021

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas, and getting around is very easy.

The island underwent a major refurbishment, and re-opened in 2019 as Perfect Day at CocoCay, which offers guests a wider choice of fun activities to do while visiting.

Getting onto the island is complimentary, and not dissimilar from any other port you visit.  Since this is a private island, only Royal Caribbean ships can stop here, and the choice of what you can do during the day is quite extensive.

You will find plenty of signs around the island to let you know how to get to various places, but a map gives a great overview of the layout of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

CocoCay features map

The island is divided  up into a few major areas to help navigate, as well as provide a simple overview of what is offered in each area.

Read moreDo's & Don'ts of Perfect Day at CocoCay

Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay | Royal Caribbean Blog

You'll also see color coded paths around the island's main walkways.

The light green walkway will take you to Chill Island, which is the classic beach day experience.

The light blue walkway will take you right to the CocoCay water park.

The orange walkway will take you to Oasis Lagoon pool.

Chill Island is the name of the traditional beach day area on the island's west end. If you had been to CocoCay before it became Perfect Day at CocoCay, this should be the most familiar to you.

Chill Island is a laid back area, which features a large beach expanse with plenty of seating and umbrellas for guests to use.

There is no cost to access Chill Island.

Oasis Lagoon is located in the center of the island, and is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.  For those that prefer a pool day over a beach day, this is heaven and features a large swim up bar.

There is no cost to access Oasis Lagoon.

Coco Beach Club is an exclusive area for guests that want a limited access, elevated beach day experience.

When you pay to get into the Coco Beach Club, there is an private beach with seating and umbrellas, as well as an infinity pool. The beach club has its own restaurant available for anyone who enters the club, which serves up the kind of top-notch food you would find on the cruise ship.

Read moreI tried it: Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay

There is an extra admission cost for Coco Beach Club.

South Beach is located on the eastern side of CocoCay, and is the perfect beach retreat for anyone that values seclusion.

Another holdover from the original CocoCay, South Beach is a long expanse of sand and shore to enjoy.

There is no cost to access South Beach.

Thrill Waterpark is where water slide fans will want to visit to enjoy some incredible thrills.

At the heart of Thrill Waterpark is Daredevil's Tower, which has a slides of various thrill factor, including the tallest waterslide in North America, Daredevil's Peak.

The other major slide complex in the park is Splash Summit, which has six really fun slides for the entire family.


Thrill Waterpark Map

You will also find the Caribbean's biggest wave pool to enjoy in Thrill Waterpark.

There is an extra cost for admission into Thrill Waterpark.

Harbor Beach is the closest beach to the pier that brings you back to the ship, and it is great for anyone that wants no waves.

Since it is an inlet, it is a great area for unexperienced swimmers, young children, or anyone else that prefers extremely calm ocean water.

There is no additional cost to access Harbor Beach.

Perfect Day at CocoCay cabana map

Cabanas are a very popular option for a day in the sun, and here is a map of all of the cabana and daybed locations at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cabanas at Perfect Day at CocoCay are available for rent in six different areas, while day beds are availble in four areas.

More Perfect Day at CocoCay information:

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