Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach at its private island in The Bahamas looks to create the ultimate kid-free escape.

Hideaway Beach will be located on the western side of Perfect Day at CocoCay, behind Thrill Waterpark.

After months of keeping the details under wrap, Royal Caribbean posted details about the area to book on its Cruise Planner site.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thinks the new expansion will offer a compelling new way to enjoy a day at its private island, "Hideaway Beach is a completely new vibe and experience that vacationers are looking for on Perfect Day at CocoCay."

"Everything from its hidden-like location to the exclusive beach and pools to the private cabanas is designed for adults who want a day just for them."

Royal Caribbean Associate Vice President of Private Destination Development, Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, indicated the space can accommodate between 1,500 and 2,000 guests.

No specific day has been given when it will open, but Royal Caribbean did say it will open in January 2024 in tandem with the launch of Icon of the Seas.

Pricing & What's included

Like most Royal Caribbean's extra add-on options, there is variable pricing for the club.

Only guests that are 18 years old or older are allowed to enter.

For the inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing, access to Hideaway Beach will cost extra, with prices shown on the Cruise Planner site of $70.99 when pre-purchased . It says the onboard price will be $79.00.

• Icon of the Seas February 24, 2024 sailing, admission price is $52.99 per person ($59 onboard price).
• Wonder of the Seas March 17, 2024 sailing, admission price is $43.99 per person ($49 onboard price).
• Icon of the Seas June 29, 2024 sailing, admission price is $79.99 per person ($89 onboard price).
• Utopia of the Seas July 22, 2024 sailing, admission price is $70.99 per person ($79 onboard price).

There are also cabanas you can purchase, which includes admission to the area.

Royal Caribbean seems to have mimicked the pricing strategy for the nearby Coco Beach Club, which also charges an admission cost to enter.

Once inside Hideaway Beach, guests will find a large temperature-controlled freshwater pool, semi-circle beach, and reserved cabana area.

There will be complimentary in-water hammocks, resort-style loungers, and umbrellas to keep you made in the shade. A DJ will also be featured here to provide a party vibe.

Food and Drink

There are seven bars, including a beach bar and a new venue, known as On The Rocks.

On the Rocks

This al fresco bar along the rocky shore serves up live music, 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 has with two levels, so that guests can take their drinks poolside or without leaving the water.

Slice of Paradise

This all-new rustic pizza haven with a bar and complimentary food includes fresh-from-the-oven pizzas.

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.

Cabanas

There are two types of cabanas you could rent in Hideaway Beach.

Hideout Cabanas

The Hideout Cabanas are located in area known as, "The Hideout", and it's where you can bring up to 8 guests with you to enjoy a private cabana. Should you have a larger party, there is a charge of $50 per person, plus an additional cost for a Hideaway Beach Full Day Pass, for a maximum of 2 additional people.

Each poolside cabana has in-water loungers, outdoor shower access, Bluetooth speaker, floating beach mats, resort-style seating, a cooler, sink, mini fridge, charging outlets, ceiling fans, and private lockable storage space.

You'll also get access to the infinity plunge pool, exclusively for The Hideout guests.

Cabana guests can enjoy bottle service, along with complimentary food from the Snack Shack or Slice of Paradise.

Hideaway Cabana

Slightly cheaper are the Hideaway Cabana, which does not have access to The Hideout  plunge pool.

A Hideaway Cabana also 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.

Your Hideaway Cabana includes unlimited supply of bottled water, private lockable storage, sink and mini fridge, cooler, ceiling fan, charging outlets, resort-style seating, and floating beach mats.

Cabana guests can enjoy bottle service, along with complimentary food from the Snack Shack or Slice of Paradise.

The Hideout

This nook at one end of Hideaway Beach is meant to offer 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.

Work on a new adults-only area at Perfect Day at CocoCay indicate a great deal of progress is being made.

While visiting Royal Caribbean's private island on Saturday, I had a chance to take photos of the construction progress on the Hideaway Beach area.

Hideaway Beach will be a new area reserved exclusively for adults, although that's about all the details we know.

Back in September 2021, Royal Caribbean announced that they would be building a new adults-only area.

Hideaway Beach was the first expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay since Royal Caribbean launched the luxurious Coco Beach Club in 2020. 

Walking onto Perfect Day at CocoCay, it's apparent work is being done to add a new path to take guests to Hideaway Beach.

When guests walk to the Arrival Plaza, there are color coded pathways to make it easier to navigate to which area of the island someone wants to go.  It appears as the new path for Hideaway Beach will follow the coast and go around Thrill Waterpark and the tram area.

Walls prevent guests from getting close to the construction, so instead I took photos from the top deck of Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean hasn't released any kind of previews of what the area will look like, nor what amenities will be available. 

It appears they have carved out a beach area that is rather large. We do know that in a past earnings call, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley indicated the new area will increase the island's capacity by 3,000 guests.

Zooming in closer we can see one large building being built close to the shore.

There's also concrete structures along the outer edge of the lagoon.

Opposite the building closest to shore is another large building, along with other structures in various stages of construction.

If you're wondering when Hideaway Beach might open, it's also not clear.

Royal Caribbean has promised Hideaway Beach will be ready by the time Icon of the Seas begins sailing, which will take place in late January 2024.

Beyond that, it's anyone's guess at this point when the expansion might be ready before then, if at all.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has been a home run for Royal Caribbean because of the high ratings its customers have given it, along with additional revenue it generates.

The combination of passenger-approved things to do, coupled with extra cost add-ons that have been quite profitable has resulted in a win-win for passengers and cruise line.

"Hideaway Beach will make perfect day at CocoCay even more perfect with an entirely new experience expanding capacity to the island," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty during the company's first-quarter earnings call in 2023.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, and it’s a favorite port among cruisers. With white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and thrilling activities like a waterpark and zip line, visiting the island is truly a perfect way to spend the day.

Around two million passengers visit CocoCay each year, many of whom are visiting for the first time. Unsurprisingly, these first-timers have plenty of questions about the island, from questions about what’s included to how they should spend their day.

We hear many of the same questions over and over again here at Royal Caribbean Blog—we wanted to answer them in one place. While not "dumb" questions, knowing the answers to these commonly asked questions should better help you plan your day on the island.

Let's jump in to answer your really "dumb" Perfect Day at CocoCay questions.

Where is Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island located in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas. The island is 140 miles east of Miami and 64 miles north of Nassau.

CocoCay’s location makes it a quick hop away from Florida, which is why it’s such a popular port visit on 3 and 4-night cruise itineraries.

Because CocoCay is located further north than most other cruise ports in the Caribbean, the weather can be chillier than some cruisers expect in the winter months. Water temperatures in the ocean and pools may be cold from November to February, although weather conditions can change from day to day, with some days sunny and warm and others windy and cold.

For the majority of the year, however, weather at Perfect Day at CocoCay is pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

How do you pronounce CocoCay?

If there’s one topic that’s controversial among Royal Caribbean cruisers, it’s how to pronounce Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With Bahamian pronunciation, CocoCay is pronounced Coco-KEY. A cay is a low elevation landmass formed on top of a coral reef, and CocoCay is a cay.

Nonetheless, many cruisers refer to the island as Coco-CAY, as it rhymes with Perfect Day. Making matters more confusing is that Royal Caribbean’s signature CocoCay song, which plays as guests arrive at the island, pronounces the island Coco-CAY as well.

Technically, there’s no wrong way to pronounce the island, but the correct Bahamian pronunciation is Coco-KEY.

Do you have to pay to go to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Admission to Perfect Day at CocoCay is included in your cruise fare. While some activities cost extra on the island, such as the waterpark and Coco Beach Club, the majority of the island is accessible to all guests at no extra cost.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

You can easily spend a whole day on the island without spending anything extra. Most visitors spend their day at one of the island’s white sand beaches or at the spacious Oasis Lagoon pool. Families with kids may enjoy spending time at Splashaway Bay, an aqua park with slides, water sprayers, and splash pads.

Participating in extra-cost activities can be fun, but it's not necessary in order to have an enjoyable day.

Is there food at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are several food venues at Perfect Day at CocoCay, most of which are included in your cruise fare.

Snack Shack is a popular grab and go spot on the island, and there are three locations. Snack Shack is best known for their crispy chicken sandwich, and other items include mozzarella sticks, burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

In addition to Snack Shack are two large buffets: Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill. Both buffets serve the same food, which includes tacos, sandwiches, salads, french fries, and dessert.

Guests who purchased a day pass to the Coco Beach Club have access to the Coco Beach Club Restaurant. More refined than the island’s grab and go venues, this sit-down restaurant has a Mediterranean flare, serving items like lobster, grouper, filet mignon, and ceviche.

An additional dining venue, Captain Jack’s, serves steak fries and chicken wings, but these come at an extra cost and are priced à la carte.

How much does Thrill Waterpark cost at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Of all the excursions you can purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Thrill Waterpark is among the most popular. This large waterpark has over a dozen waterslides, including the tallest slide in North America at 135 feet.

Related: Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay

In addition to slides is a wave pool and an adventure pool with floating obstacles and a rock climbing wall.

There is no set price of admission to Thrill Waterpark, and the price changes from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. The price can also change from day to day, so it’s challenging to predict the cost of Thrill Waterpark.

A good estimate for admission to Thrill Waterpark is around $100 to $150 per person. If you’re interested in visiting the waterpark, we recommend making a reservation as soon as possible. If the price lowers, you can always cancel and rebook the excursion with no penalty, thus taking advantage of the lower price.

The same repricing strategy works for any add-on or excursion you purchase at Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you book the Coco Beach Club for $199 per person and later see the price drop to $150, cancel and rebook the reservation for the lower price on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website.

Does my drink package work at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

If you purchased a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise, it will work at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

One major advantage of purchasing a drink package for an itinerary that visits CocoCay is that your drink package works on the island in the same way it works onboard. Regardless of whether you purchased the alcoholic, nonalcoholic, or soda package, you can enjoy unlimited drinks while on the island.

Related: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Info, Tips, Pros & Cons

Nothing screams vacation quite like a frozen fruity cocktail on the beach, so be sure to take advantage of your drink package perks while ashore.

Do you need cash at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

You do not need to bring cash to Perfect Day at CocoCay. All purchases including drinks, souvenirs, and extra-cost food items can be purchased using your cruise ship SeaPass card. Purchases will then be charged to your onboard account, which will charge to your credit card at the end of the cruise.

Related: How much cash should you bring on a cruise?

Even the artisan market, where you can purchase souvenirs from Bahamian vendors, accepts payments via your SeaPass card until 2:30PM. If shopping after 2:30PM, you can make payment in cash.

Is there an adults-only beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Yes, Hideaway Beach is an adults-only enclave on the north side of the island, located near Thrill Waterpark.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old to go into Hideaway Beach, and there is an admission cost to go there. The cost ranges between $20 - $75 per person, depending on the sailing.

Admission gets you access to a beach, heated pool with swim-up bar, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and food for lunch and snacks.

Related: Guide to Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay

How do you get around the island?

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a small island, and only one side of the island is developed for guests. Because of this, it’s easy to walk around the entire destination in one day on foot.

If you want quick access from one area to another, however, you can utilize the island’s free tram system. CocoCay has trams available that run in loops around the island, taking guests from beach to beach and back and forth from the ship.

You will find tram stations around the island, which are marked with signage and benches. Trams come frequently throughout the day, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait more than a few minutes for a tram.

Do chairs and umbrellas cost extra at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

There are thousands of beach chairs and umbrellas at Perfect Day at CocoCay and they are completely free to use. Chairs are on a first come, first serve basis. There are more than enough chairs for all guests, but the chairs closest to the water are snagged up quickly.

Most chairs also have a beach umbrella to provide shade, although some chairs do not. We recommend getting to the beach early in the day to find the best-located chairs.

In addition to beach chairs and umbrellas, there are hammocks, bean bags chairs, and other seating available on the island that is free to use.

If you want to rent a daybed or cabana, you will have to reserve a spot in advance. Prices can vary greatly depending on the type of cabana you book, so check the Cruise Planner for your particular sailing to see current pricing.

Related: Guide to CocoCay Cabanas

Does Royal Caribbean offer overnight visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

While some cruise lines may offer late night or overnight stays at their private destinations, Royal Caribbean does not.

The cruise line initially planned to offer overnight stays at Perfect Day at CocoCay but later decided against it. In fact, Royal Caribbean heard from guests that they preferred spending their evenings onboard after spending all day on the island.

In addition, Royal Caribbean makes more money when the ship is not docked overnight. The casino and retail stores cannot be open while a ship is docked, so those venues only make money while the ship sails.

Although the ship could theoretically sail away from the island and return the following morning, this isn’t something being offered at this time.

Where can I put my belongings while on the island?

If you’re worried about keeping your belongings and valuables safe while on the island, you can place them in a locker.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has lockers scattered around the island that are free to use. To use a locker, you’ll set a pin that will allow you to open and close the locker as you wish.

Related: Where to keep SeaPass Card, phone, and cash when on a shore excursion?

Inside the locker you can place items like your phone, wallet, camera, and other valuables. This comes in handy when you’re at the waterpark or going swimming as you won’t have to worry about whether or not your personal belongings are safe.

Check out more of your dumb cruise questions answered:

• Your really dumb cruise ship cabin questions answered
• Your really dumb cruise ship dining questions answered
• Your really dumb cruise ship shore excursions questions answered

If Celebrity Cruise's announcement that it will begin visiting Royal Caribbean's private island surprised you, you should know that the line is responding to customer demand.

Starting in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises is going to begin sailing from Florida to Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, to meet a need its customer base has been clamoring for.

Celebrity Beyond is being redeployed to the Caribbean in 2024 and taking over Celebrity Reflection's sailings, rather than cruising through Europe. Guests booked on the 6- and 8-night sailings on Celebrity Reflection will automatically be transferred to Beyond. 

Those booked on Celebrity Beyond have the opportunity to be transferred to another European voyage. 

Instead of making 6- and 8- night sailings, Celebrity Reflection will make shorter cruises to The Bahamas: 3-night sailings departing every Friday and 4-night cruises departing every Monday. Currently, you can find 3-night sailings on Celebrity Reflection for under $300 per person for an interior cabin. 

"...having the opportunity to now have these short 3- and 4-night itineraries answers really a demand that we have in the market to have something new, something exciting, something elevated, and something quick to be able to really experience that short and quick getaway still in the Celebrity style," said Jennifer Suarez, Associate Vice President of National Accounts and Inside Sales for Celebrity Cruises.  

Related: 20 Celebrity Cruises Tips & Tricks

What sailings will be offered?

Celebrity Reflection will sail 3-night and 4-night cruises from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The 3- and 4-night cruises will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and either Nassau, Bimini, or Key West. 

Celebrity Beyond will be taking over Reflection's longer sailings that alternate between cruises to Grand Cayman, The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Will All Included be active on the island?

When you are booking a Celebrity cruise vacation, there are two options for fares. The first is a standard rate that includes accommodation, transportation between ports, entertainment, and select food and beverages.

The second is known as "All Included," which adds the Classic Beverage Package, gratuities, and Wi-Fi to the cost of your cruise. It is meant to give passengers a more inclusive experience.  

Whether you select this rate or purchase each package individually, those docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay on a Celebrity ship will be able to utilize the benefits of their package(s). 

Which ages and demographics are sailing on Celebrity Cruises?

The ages and demographics for Celebrity sailings to the Caribbean vary based on length.

51% of guests, for instance, on 7-night cruises are 60-years-old and older. This number drops to 37% for short Caribbean cruises, while it increases to 75% on long Caribbean cruises. 

On all Caribbean cruises onboard Celebrity vessels, Baby Boomers make up the majority of guests onboard, with anywhere from 47% to 63% of all guests coming from this generation. The total percentage of Millennial and Gen Z passengers is typically no more than 25%. The lowest percentage of this age group is found on short cruises, with the total percentage around 6%. 

Moreover, the percentage of families with children is currently below 15%, regardless of the duration of the sailing. 

And while Royal Caribbean remains the best cruise line to provide the ultimate family vacation, there is a distinction between traveling for and with children. 

"...[you] are going to start to see meaningful ways in which how we show up at Celebrity Cruises to ensure that traveling with your family and with your kids in engaging, is exciting, and is active in the right way for the Celebrity clientele," said Katina Athanasiou, Senior Vice President of Sales & Services, The Americas for Celebrity Cruises. 

Will there be other ships docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Due to the popularity of the island, there is a good chance that if you are sailing on Celebrity Reflection or Beyond, you will be docked beside of a Royal Caribbean ship. 

In any port of call, though, it is likely that your ship will not be the only one there. If you think about Nassau or Cozumel, you may be one of two, three, or even four ships in port that day. 

With Perfect Day at CocoCay, it is guaranteed that there will be a maximum of only two ships in port that day, and the island has been built to accommodate a high number of passengers. 

"...[This island] is specifically built for family of brands' guests, and so everything on there is very much controlled by us...it is literally just the Royal Caribbean Group guests joining the amazing destination for an amazing day," said Suarez. 

Booking incentive

If you book a cruise onboard Celebrity Reflection or Beyond between June 27 and July 31, 2023 that departs between May 1 and September 30, 2024, you are eligible to receive double club points through Celebrity's Captain's Club, the the cruise line’s loyalty program that provides exclusive perks and events to repeat cruisers. 

If you have yet to sail with Celebrity Cruises but have status with Royal Caribbean through their Crown & Anchor program, you may be eligible for their reciprocity program. 

Note that status matching does not extend to the highest levels for each cruise line. In other words, if you are Pinnacle with Royal Caribbean, you will not become Zenith with Celebrity. Celebrity's Elite tier is the highest level that you can match.

Celebrity Cruises will soon offer cruises that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean International's private island has been a mega success since getting a $250 million makeover in 2019, with high guest satisfaction scores along the way.

Sister brand Celebrity wants to share that experience with its passengers.

On Tuesday, Celebrity said it will start offering weekend cruises to The Bahamas, beginning in April 2024.

Celebrity Reflection will sail 3-night and 4-night cruises from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

3-night sailings departing Friday

• Key West
• CocoCay
• Bahamas getaways (Nassau & Bimini)

4-night sailings departing Monday

• Key West
• Bahamas
• CocoCay

In addition, Celebrity Beyond will sail from Florida year-round and offer visits to CocoCay.

Beyond is taking over Celebrity Reflection's 6 and 8 night sailings.

Guests booked on Reflection for those 6 and 8 night sailings will automatically be moved to Celebrity Beyond at a protected rate.

Celebrity Beyond, will offer a mix of six and eight-night cruises to places such as Grand Cayman, The Bahamas, Mexico, and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Anyone booked on Beyond in Europe will have opportunity to move to another European cruise.

"Our customers are consistently asking for more opportunities to visit this stunning region year-round, have more weekend options so they can getaway easier, and have expressed a desire for a private island destination. By introducing this new program, we can meet this demand and offer something new and historic to all our guests,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises.

"Perfect Day is a destination like no other, and we are honored to add it to our portfolio."

This will be the first time a non-Royal Caribbean International cruise ship has visited the private destination since the island was relaunched as Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Adding Perfect Day to enhance the cruise experience

If you've heard how well-received Perfect Day at CocoCay has been among the public, then Celebrity's decision to add visits there makes a lot of sense.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has a number of beaches, a water park, beach club, freshwater pool, and helium balloon, along with many other activities to choose from.

Royal Caribbean has touted the overwhelmingly positive guest feedback it has received about the island time and time again.

Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said earlier this year the island was a major success, "The demand for that product [Perfect Day at CocoCay] is exceptionally high."

"CocoCay is the number one destination that Royal Caribbean goes to in the world out of 100 global destinations, because it’s a curated experience designed and built to deliver a high-level experience to the customer."

Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty talked in May 2023 about how lucrative it's been for the company, "While demand has been strong across all products and markets, we continue to see exceptional strength from the North American consumer. This strength, in combination with the incredible perfect day at CocoCay has resulted in record yields for our Caribbean sailings."

All of that positive feedback had to be enticing to offer Celebrity Cruise guests as well.

More adult experiences coming

If you're thinking a day at CocoCay might not be a good fit for Celebrity's "modern luxury" vibe, keep in mind a major addition is coming.

The new adults-only Hideaway Beach is opening in early 2024.

This will be a new expansion to Perfect Day at CocoCay that offers an area of the island exclusively for the mature crowd.

Royal Caribbean has not announced yet what exactly you'll be able to experience at Hideaway Beach, but the new area is coming to coincide with the launch of Icon of the Seas in January 2024.

The addition of Celebrity Cruises visiting the island along with the new adults-only area opening seems to be perfect timing.

If you’ve cruised to the Caribbean, you more than likely visited a cruise line’s private island or destination. Nearly every major cruise line, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Norwegian, have a private destination for guests to enjoy. 

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are two of the biggest (and most popular) cruise lines in the world. As such, if you’ve sailed on one of these cruise lines, there’s a very good chance that your itinerary included a stop at the cruise line’s private destination. 

Most would agree that Royal Caribbean has one of the best private islands in the cruising industry. Perfect Day at CocoCay is the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas - and it’s exclusively used by Royal Caribbean guests. The idyllic paradise is the result of a $250 million investment, which transformed the island into a tropical oasis. Here, guests will find a variety of waterslides, bars, lounges, beaches, pools, cabanas and more. 

In fact, more than 2 million guests visited Perfect Day at CocoCay each year. The island’s dock is able to accommodate two Royal Caribbean ships each day, bringing thousands of guests to CocoCay daily. This number is only likely to increase with Royal Caribbean’s fleet expansion with Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas. 

However, competitor Carnival Cruise Line also has private destinations for guests to enjoy. This includes the very popular Amber Cove resort, which is located in the Dominican Republic. While this is not an island, the resort area - conveniently located to Puerto Plata - is exclusively available for cruise guests. 

With a whopping $85 million investment, Carnival transformed this pocket of paradise into Amber Cove in 2015. The destination now hosts around 250,000 passengers each year. Because Carnival’s ships are not as big as Royal Caribbean, Amber Cove does not accommodate nearly as many passengers. However, the hefty investment is nearly 3x more per visiting guest as Royal Caribbean’s investment in CocoCay. 

I recently visited Amber Cove for the first time while sailing onboard Carnival Mardi Gras - and I was very surprised to see similarities to CocoCay. After visiting CocoCay in January of this year, it was pretty easy to draw comparisons between the two resort-style cruise experience. 

Here is how my recent experiences at Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay compared to visiting Carnival’s Amber Cove private destination. 

Initial Impressions

I’ve visited CocoCay a few times over the years, as I sail almost exclusively with Royal Caribbean. My very first visit to CocoCay was actually back in 2009, when the island was barebones with not much to do. More than a decade later, I visited CocoCay again - with low expectations based on my earlier visit. 

Much to my surprise, Perfect Day at CocoCay blew me away! I appreciated the ultimate convenience of everything. We spent all day in the Oasis Lagoon listening to the DJ blast pop tunes across the island - with a cocktail in hand, of course. There were so many beaches, pools, eateries and bars to explore!

While thrill-seekers can enjoy the waterslides, hot air balloon and zip-line, beach bums can enjoy multiple places around the island scattered with soft sand, floating tiki bars and crystal clear waters. 

As mentioned above, my first visit to Amber Cove was a few months ago while sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras. I am not necessarily a loyal Carnival cruiser, so I was excited to see what the private destination had to offer. Unexpectedly, Amber Cove reminded me a lot of CocoCay.

I had not done any prior research to my visit, but I had heard a few experiences from other cruisers. While some had enjoyed their time at Amber Cove, others said it was mediocre. Therefore, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

While there isn’t striking resemblance, the convenience, ambiance and amenities are certainly similar with Amber Cove. We found there to be pools, bars, cabanas and tons of loungers in the resort area to enjoy. Additionally, there was a splash pad area for kids, a waterslide and a zip-line. Similar to CocoCay, I also enjoyed listening to the DJ play party tunes throughout the day. 

Additionally, Amber Cove was much bigger than I anticipated! The area was expansive and didn’t feel crowded during our day docked there. With plenty to do, including activities and amenities, it was a great place to spend the day.

Location

Amber Cove is located in the Dominican Republic, which is located right outside of the bustling city of Puerto Plata. Carnival’s private destination is on the northern point of the Dominican Republic, which is mountainous and luscious. Not to mention, the water is strikingly blue, making the island absolutely gorgeous! 

For history lovers, you might recognize this city as the location of where Christopher Columbus established his first settlement in the Americas. As such, there is a lot of history in the area, which could be perfect for those interested in history. Carnival’s Caribbean itineraries feature Amber Cove stops frequently. If the private island vibe isn’t your cup of tea, you can take a quick visit into Puerto Plata since it’s just 20 minutes away. 

In comparison, Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is, indeed, a private island. This means you aren’t able to spend your time anywhere else. Instead, your entire time is spent at CocoCay because you are not able to venture from the island. 

Further north from Amber Cove, you will find Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas. The private island has plenty of local flair throughout. More precisely, you can find CocoCay about 55 miles north of Nassau in The Berry Islands. 

Less than a mile wide, CocoCay is a private island that covers nearly 130 total acres of white sand, blue water and palm trees. Your odds of visiting CocoCay are pretty high, as most of Royal Caribbean’s itineraries in the Caribbean feature a stop at the island. 

Both private destinations feel like a tropical oasis, although CocoCay features more natural beauty throughout the island. You will feel relaxed the minute you step ashore!

Beach Access

If you’re a beach lover, you definitely will not want to visit Amber Cove. This is where the two destinations vary the most. You might be envisioning that Amber Cove is beachy, but this isn’t the case. Because Amber Cove is not a private island, the area has absolutely no beach access. 

Of course, you are still surrounded by the ocean and the mountains, but you won’t be finding any beaches at Amber Cove. 

On the contrary, CocoCay has multiple beaches for Royal Caribbean guests to enjoy - and these beaches are fabulous. As the name implies, you can have a perfect beach day at CocoCay. The private island features complimentary beach access throughout with loungers and soft sand. The ocean water is gorgeous and blue - perfect for swimming. You can even swim to a floating tiki bar at CocoCay!

I found that both of these destinations had tons of complimentary sun loungers for guests to use. Those who prefer the shade can also snag a complimentary umbrella as well. Amber Cove’s loungers are located throughout the pool area while CocoCay has loungers located around the pools and beaches. 

Those looking to visit these destinations will want to determine if beach access is a priority, as CocoCay will be the better choice for beach goers. 

Pools

Since Amber Cove does not have beach access, you can instead find a large pool to enjoy throughout your day. This massive pool, which holds 300,000 gallons of water, includes a swim-up bar, pool loungers and even a lazy river that loops around the resort.

Similar to CocoCay, you can also find a DJ playing party music throughout the day. This creates a very fun, loud and upbeat atmosphere for cruise guests. Many people enjoy their day in the pool, listening to music with a cocktail in hand from the nearby bar!

Families will definitely enjoy all of the pools at Amber Cove as well! Kids (and adults alike) who are looking for thrills can enjoy the nearby waterslide (for a fee, discussed below). Smaller children will definitely want to spend time at the complimentary Wet Zone and Splash Pad, which features a few mini slides and a splashing bucket. 

Amber Cove showcases one large pool for guests to enjoy, while Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay has three different pools that expand across the island. Because CocoCay is nearly four times the size as Amber Cove, Royal Caribbean has utilized its space to offer multiple pools for cruisers. 

Oasis Lagoon is the main pool at CocoCay. In fact, this is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean! Royal Caribbean has made Oasis Lagoon as a complimentary pool for guests to use. Those who want to spend their day here can take advantage of the DJ playing music and the swim-up bar for easy drink access. 

Those who purchase access to CocoCay’s exclusive club, Coco Beach Club, will find another pool to use. This infinity pool is relaxing and serene. After visiting Coco Beach Club earlier this year, I can confirm that this pool is as amazing as it looks in pictures! The entire space feels like a secluded tropical paradise. I don’t think I’ve ever swam in a more beautiful pool!

Finally, CocoCay has a third pool in Thrill Waterpark, which is a Wave Pool. This waterpark is not complimentary and requires daily admission. Those who love waterslides will want to consider a visit here, as you will find some of the wildest waterslides in all of North America! Thrill Waterpark is a full-scale waterpark with multiple pools, slides and rides. 

Those who want to spend their day poolside will find that Amber Cove and CocoCay are both great choices! Because of CocoCay’s size, you can find more pools throughout, including the more serene experience at Coco Beach Club. 

Unique Activities

If you prefer to spend your vacation being active, you will enjoy many activities at both CocoCay and Amber Cove. Because CocoCay is so much larger, guests will find more unique activities at Royal Caribbean’s private island. However, I was surprised to find a number of activities at Amber Cove as well, including zip-lines and jet skis. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is packed with so many activities, you won’t even know where to start. There’s so much to do on the island that Royal Caribbean created distinct neighborhoods: Oasis lagoon, Thrill Waterpark, Coco Beach Club, Chill Island, South Beach, Up Up and Away, and Arrival’s Plaza. 

Those looking for an adrenaline rush will want to try CocoCay’s zip-line, as it spans across the entire island. The Up, Up and Away helium balloon is another unique feature of CocoCay, which takes guests soaring to new heights with a tethered balloon ride. Of course, Thrill Waterpark allows guests to try some of the craziest waterslides in North America. Finally, CocoCay has snorkel equipment, jet skis, paddle boards and kayaks to guests to rent.

While there is plenty to do for free on CocoCay, everything listed above is not complimentary and requires an additional fee. Complimentary activities on the island include volleyball, basketball and other beach games to be enjoyed on the sports court. 

Similarly, Amber Cove also has no shortage of activities for cruisers to enjoy. Two of the biggest activities include a zip-line that spans across the pool area and a large waterslide.

These both include unlimited rides for a set price, which was $20 during the time we visited. Similar to CocoCay, guests can rent paddle boards, hydro bikes, kayaks, snorkel equipment and more. 

Finally, a unique experience at Amber Cove that you won’t find at CocoCay is swimming with dolphins! The Ocean World Adventure Park allows guests to feed and play with dolphins during their visit. This is one of the largest man-made dolphin encounters, which also includes sea lions and tropical birds.

Regardless of how you spend your day, you will tons of activities and fun things to do in 

Drinks and Food

Amber Cove doesn’t even compare to CocoCay when it comes to complimentary dining. CocoCay knocks it out of the park in terms of dining. Additionally, you can use your Royal Caribbean drink package at CocoCay, which is a huge perk of this private island. 

While CocoCay has many different places to eat for free, you won’t find any complimentary dining during your time at Amber Cove. Also, if you have purchased a Carnival drink package, you won’t be able to use it at Amber Cove either. You will be expected to pay for drinks out of pocket, along with food.

Those wanting to eat and drink during their day at Amber Cove will find delicious options, including a few local vendors as well. There is a marketplace at Amber Cove with Coco Cana Bar and Restaurant. In addition, you can enjoy the poolside bar with a swim-up portion. There is also Sky Bar and Cabana Bar at Amber Cove. 

On the contrary, CocoCay is filled with places to eat and drink. One of the most popular bars at the private island is Oasis Lagoon’s Swim-Up bar. Here, you don’t even need to get out of the water because you can swim right up to the bartender and grab aborter drink. You can also find something very unique at CocoCay - a floating tiki bar off the coast of South Beach. This is a vacation experience you do not want to miss!

If you’re looking for complimentary dining, you can enjoy Snack Shacks throughout the island. Here, you can snack on chicken sandwiches, funnel cakes, brownies, mozzarella sticks and more. CocoCay's Chill Grill buffet is a larger dining space that is also complimentary options for visitors. Surcharge dining spots include Skipper’s Grill and Captain Jack’s. 

Cabana Rentals

Those looking for a more luxurious experience can find cabana rentals at both Amber Cove and CocoCay. Cabana rentals can create a very unique experience during your time at a private island or destination. Why fly all the way to the Maldives when you can rent an over-the-water bungalow right in the Caribbean?! Both destinations have cabana rentals that will transport you to a truly private and tropical paradise - all to yourself!

Royal Caribbean has some incredible cabanas to rent at CocoCay. These cabanas can be rented at Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon and Thrill Waterpark. Cabana rentals are perfect for those who want to have a quiet space to retreat to during their time at CocoCay. With a cabana rental comes complimentary snacks, water, concierge service and more. 

Additionally, Coco Beach Club cabanas include access to the beach club while Thrill Waterpark cabanas provide access to the waterpark. 

Prices range greatly for renting a cabana at CocoCay. Guests can look to spend $299 to $999 for cabanas in Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon and Thrill Waterpark. The more lucrative cabana rentals are the floating cabanas located in the beach club. These are priced anywhere from $1,000 to $2,5000, but pricing is based purely on demand. 

I was surprised to see Amber Cove feature a number of cabanas that could be rented as well! These cabanas are categorized as Ocean, Grand, Poolside and Hillside cabanas, which is based on their location. Those who want to rent one of these cabanas will enjoy a refrigerator stocked with drinks, snacks and water throughout the day. Additionally, you will receive cabana service, including a waiter who will help get you drinks throughout the day. 

Amber Cove cabanas also include showers, Wi-Fi and lounge chairs for guests to use. The Poolside cabanas feature air-conditioning while the Ocean cabanas sit over the beautiful ocean, similar to an over-the-water bungalow. Amber Cove also has a Grand cabana that features a private dining room and furnished living room.

Prices range from $500 to $2,000 at Amber Cove, which is dependent on which cabana you choose to rent. 

Environment and Design

Both Amber Cove and CocoCay offer vibrant and fun atmospheres. Both of these private destinations have great party vibes throughout the day. Those looking to let loose will certainly enjoy both of these destinations. 

CocoCay and Amber Cove are stunning destinations surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful, blue water. Everywhere you look, it feels like a tropical vacation. The environments are very upbeat with many places to not just have fun, but also kickback and relax. You are on vacation, after all!

Because CocoCay is four times the size of Amber Cove, you will find more bars, pools, eateries and amenities. Royal Caribbean’s sizable investment does not go unnoticed, as I would argue that CocoCay is a bit more upscale. You can also find unique spaces like Coco Beach Club and Thrill Waterpark, meaning there’s a little something for everyone. 

I was still pleasantly surprised by Amber Cove, perhaps because I had low expectations. I kept referring to the space as ‘a mini version of CocoCay’ during the day. There are many parallels between the two destinations, such as the DJ playing poolside party music, the swim-up bar, the massive pool, loungers, activities, cabanas and more. 

It does feel like CocoCay has an edge on Amber Cove because of its size and location. There’s also a vibrant energy across the expansive space. With more space, you can find multiple pools and beaches; on the other hand, Amber Cove is much smaller and features just one main pool. 

CocoCay also allows guests to utilize their drink and internet packages from onboard, which is a big perk for Royal Caribbean’s private island. You can also find more complimentary eateries around CocoCay, which creates a more laidback and all-inclusive feel. 

This isn’t to say that I did not enjoy my time at Amber Cove. I was impressed by the space and enjoyed how much was included. There was still a great vacation feel at Amber Cove - everyone was having a fun time for sure. Also, some of the amenities at Amber Cove were much more affordable than CocoCay. For just $20, you can ride the zip-line or waterslide an unlimited number of times. 

At the end of the day, it would be pretty tough not to enjoy your time at both of these private destinations. What’s not to love about the warm sun, palm trees and the sea breeze?!

Royal Caribbean's expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay has added a lot of compelling spots to spend your day, but there's something about Chill Island that I really love.

Since the Perfect Day makeover, I've visited Royal Caribbean's private island dozens of times and tried every beach and pool they have.  Each has its advantages, but on my most recent visit, I wanted to go back to the original beach at Chill Island.

Maybe it was because this was the last day of our Wonder of the Seas cruise and I was just ready for a relaxing day, but the idea of laying on a lounge chair under an umbrella sounded perfect to me.

I also felt a sort of nostalgia for the Chill Island beach because before Royal Caribbean renovated and improved the island, this was the beach everyone went to and part of me missed going here. 

So while I won't complain about going to the Coco Beach Club or South Beach by any means, I really like Chill Island for a few good reasons.

1. The serenity

Maybe this is a sign I'm getting older, but I greatly appreciate the fact that Chill Island is advertised in its name and is pretty tame compared to other areas of CocoCay.

I enjoy a pool party as much as anyone, but I have to be in the mood for loud music at the pool.  With my kids in tow, the pool scene at Oasis Lagoon isn't always my jam.

Plus, I really like how much shade there is, between the umbrellas at every group of chairs and lots of palm trees.

Being that it was the last night of a 7-night cruise, I was also ready for a wind down beach day.  Royal Caribbean designed Chill Island to be the quiet option.

If you look at a CocoCay map, the general idea is as you go from left to right, the island transitions from "chill" to "thrill". 

If you value serenity over energy, Chill Island is the spot for you.

2. The ocean

I really like the inlets Chill Island has, because of the rocks that protect the beach from the waves.

While you wont confuse CocoCay's ocean water with St. John or Aruba, it's still pretty and before a lot of other guests there later in the day, the clarity is lovely.

There's also a few swim platforms near Chill Beach, which provides a challenge to get out there.  The furthest out platform is really a dare to guests to try to make it out there.

The north end of the beach seems calmer and more secluded, which means you can find the right area for your taste.

Essentially, the ocean around Chill Island has more "character" than the beach elsewhere on the island.

3. Wacky Seagull bar

I remember the first time I went to fetch a drink from the Wacky Seagull bar and thinking to myself, "this place is really nice."

Rather than run back to my lounge chair, I sat down in one of the Adirondack chairs and enjoyed the view.

Because the bar has a roof, there's lots of shade and the breeze seems to always kick up a bit more here than back in my chair.

I'm a sucker for shade, a drink, and a stiff breeze, so I've returned to the Wacky Seagull just to sit and watch the ocean as I sip on my beer or cocktail.

4. Best beach cabanas outside Coco Beach Club

If I had to rank the beach cabanas you can rent at CocoCay, I think the Chill Island cabanas are the best outside the Coco Beach Club.

The Chill Island cabanas are further set away from the general part of the beach, but they aren't as remote as the beach cabanas at South Beach.  It's still a short walk when you need to venture out.

Each cabana accommodates up to eight guests and comes with attendant service. 

Another benefit to the Chill Island cabanas being somewhat isolated from the rest of the beach is that they're quieter and the couch inside any of them is quite inviting for a nap.

While the price of a CocoCay cabana has been steadily going up, if you're in the market for a beach cabana, I would always consider the Chill Island cabanas first.

5. Lots of other things close by

It's a short walk to many other things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay from Chill Island and I think that makes a difference.

Since it's always about food, Chill Grill is directly behind Chill Island.  Not only is it a short commute to eat lunch, but I can send my kids to get a drink, ice cream, or fruit without worrying they'll get lost along the way.

Chill Grill serves up salads, sandwiches, build-your-own tacos, fruit, and lots of grilled food (chicken, burgers, hot dogs).  My favorite is to make a taco bowl and load it up with salsa, guacamole, and lots of veggies.

And the best part, it's free!

There's also the straw market for some light shopping.  Unlike the artisan market in Labadee, there's no sales pressure here and a convenient place to pick up a Bahamas souvenir.

There's also the snorkeling and excursion meetup right behind the Chill Island cabanas, and if you're looking for a hammock, there's a few on your way back to the ship.

How to get to Chill Island

There's two ways to get to Chill Island: on foot or by tram.

If you want to walk, as you get to the Arrivals plaza, take a left turn and follow the sea green path across the bridge and you'll enter Chill Island.

Alternatively, you can hop on the complimentary shuttles located near Thrill Waterpark and it will give you a grand circle tour of the island, culminating with a stop at Chill Island.

Common Chill Island questions

Is Chill Island on CocoCay free?

Yes, there's no admission cost to Chill Island. 

All the chairs and umbrellas are first-come, first grabbed and there's no extra cost to access the beach.

There are cabanas and day beds you can rent for an additional cost at Chill Island.

How much is a Chill Island cabana?

Prices for a cabana will vary from sailing to sailing, but they usually begin around $899 and can go for as much as $1399 per cabana.

The cabanas feature curtain closures on three sides, with comfortable sectional seating inside, four beach loungers outside for sunning and an umbrella-shaded dining area with four tables and chairs.

Is Chill Island adults only?

No, Chill Island is open to all guests of all ages.

Hidewaway Beach is the only adults-only beach at CocoCay.

We paid $1,800 for a floating cabana at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It was unquestionably luxurious—with an over-the-water hammock and exclusive lunch—but I wouldn’t recommend it to every traveler.

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, has twenty private bungalows “floating” over the island’s turquoise waters. These cabanas are, by far, the most opulent way to spend a day on the island.

On my recent cruise, my travel party and I reserved a floating cabana for $1,800. There were eight of us sharing the cabana, which broke down to $225 per person. It wasn’t the cheapest way to spend our day by any means, but we were hopeful the cost would be worth it.

And while I certainly enjoyed myself during my eight hours on the island, I left with a few key takeaways I think others should be aware of.

From increasing prices to unexpected sea creatures, here’s why I wouldn’t recommend Perfect Day at CocoCay’s floating cabanas to everyone.

What is a floating cabana? Let’s take a tour

Royal Caribbean's floating cabanas are located within the Coco Beach Club, an exclusive area of Perfect Day at CocoCay that must be reserved in advance.

Related: Coco Beach Club: cost, tips & review

The beach club has its own infinity pool, Mediterranean restaurant, bar, and seating areas, along with private beach access. Floating cabana guests are free to use any of the Coco Beach Club’s facilities in addition to enjoying time at their private cabana.

As you walk along the Coco Beach Club’s lush, flowery paths, you’ll reach the entrance to the floating cabanas. There are two sets of ten cabanas on the island, which are located on opposite ends of the beach club.

Your cabana attendant will guide you to your cabana for the day. Cabana attendants act as your personal concierge and can deliver drinks, food, and anything else you may need directly to the cabin.

A covered living space in the cabana includes a plush couch and two lounge chairs, along with a coffee table. A screen is located on the wall next to the couch, where you can control the music from your cabana’s speaker and call your cabin attendant.

Also under the covered section of the cabana is a sink and mini fridge. Drinks in the mini fridge cost extra, but are included in Royal Caribbean’s drink packages.

The cabana also features a freshwater shower. Snorkeling equipment is found inside the shower area, which is complimentary for cabana guests.

Outside from under the roof of the cabana are four pool chairs, which are perfect for sunbathing between dips in the ocean. An umbrella can be opened between the pool chairs for extra shade, and a cooler with complimentary water bottles are found here as well.

Next to the pool chairs is a dining area. This area is perfect for enjoying lunch from the Coco Beach Club restaurant, which you can either get delivered to the cabana or eat in the restaurant itself.

Suspended over the crystal clear, turquoise Bahamian waters is a netted hammock, which is arguably the best place to relax in the entire cabana.

Of course, we can’t forget about the slide. Each cabana features a neon green slide launching guests directly into the ocean. This slide is especially popular for kids, but is fun for guests of all ages.

Are the floating cabanas worth it? Here’s why I wouldn’t recommend them to everyone

Whether or not something is “worth it” on a cruise is highly subjective, as it ultimately depends on your travel style and budget. For some cruisers, booking a $700 drink package may be worth the cost whereas others may prefer saving that money for an upgraded stateroom or shore excursion.

Nonetheless, here are six takeaways I took from my experience in the floating cabana that you should consider when choosing whether to book one or not.

For $1,800, we got a good deal on the floating cabana, but prices are increasing

While we paid $1,800 for a floating cabana, it’s not uncommon to see prices as high as $3,000 for a one day reservation. Prices at Perfect Day at CocoCay have been increasing due to high demand, so it’s unlikely you’ll see pricing lower than $1,800 for the cabana.

In fact, on my upcoming sailing on Icon of the Seas, the floating cabanas are priced at a whopping $3,799! Even if you split the price with eight guests, it’s nearly $500 a person.

It’s hard to justify spending over $3000 for an eight hour cabana rental, even if it provides an unforgettable day. That $3000 could easily be put toward other onboard expenses like drink packages, dining packages, or spa treatments.

It could even cover the cost of a weeklong cruise in a balcony room!

The cabana is fun with a large group, but may be unnecessary for just two people

Cabanas are priced per cabana and not per person, so you’ll pay the same amount whether sharing the cabana with your spouse or with seven of your friends.

Unless you’re celebrating a special occasion—such as a honeymoon or 50th anniversary—or you really don’t care about the cost, I would argue the cabana is almost too much space for just a few people.

If I were traveling with just one or two other people, I might opt for a different kind of cabana on the island. Outside of the floating cabanas are private cabanas on land at the Coco Beach Club, Thrill Waterpark, and Chill Beach. Not only are these priced lower, but they still offer a private, luxurious way to spend the day.

Related: Guide to Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Even if cost isn’t a factor, the floating cabanas have so much space and amenities that it’s hard to take advantage of everything in just one day, especially if there are so few people in your travel party.

There’s so much to see at Perfect Day at CocoCay

Perfect Day at CocoCay has no shortage of free, fun things to do. From Oasis Lagoon pool to kids splash areas and a variety of beaches, there’s really no need to spend anything extra on the island.

While I certainly loved my time at the cabana, I found myself just as happy on previous trips to Perfect Day at CocoCay where I enjoyed only complimentary areas. I spend most visits to the island lounging in a chair at Chill Beach, where I spend $0 extra and still have an incredibly relaxing day.

Even if you do want to book something extra, there’s a lot more than just the Coco Beach Club. Consider trying the zip line, booking a jet ski excursion, or renting snorkeling gear for the day. A quiet day at the cabanas is not for everyone when there are more adrenaline-filled activities elsewhere on the island!

The cabanas are a great choice for adults, but your kids might be bored

If you’re cruising with kids, a floating cabana may not be the best idea. While you may appreciate the peaceful, private atmosphere of a cabana, they aren’t the most kid-focused activity.

Related: 50 best cruising with kids tips & secrets

Many families prefer spending the day at Thrill Waterpark, the Oasis Lagoon pool, or Splashaway Bay. These areas of the island are exceptionally family-friendly and provide endless fun for kids of all ages.

The Coco Beach Club offers incredible amenities, but you don’t need a cabana to experience the club’s best perks

The Coco Beach Club is an excellent place to spend your day at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The club’s infinity pool, lounge areas, and beach access is perfect for guests in search of a peaceful atmosphere.

In lieu of reserving a cabana, you can always choose to buy a day pass to the Coco Beach Club. Day passes can be reserved on the Cruise Planner for around $150-250 depending on the sailing, and they include access to all areas of the club aside from private cabanas.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner site

Day pass access also includes lunch at the Coco Beach Club restaurant, which offers a more upscale menu compared to other food options on the island.

I’d argue that the amenities and hangout spaces of the Coco Beach Club almost rival that of the floating cabanas. During our day in the cabana, I found myself wanting to use the beach club’s amenities, but I felt almost obligated to spend time in the cabana we reserved due to the price we paid.

If you book a floating cabana, be prepared for some unexpected guests in the water

As soon as I got to the cabana, the first thing I did was climb up the slide and slide into the water below. If I had known about the unexpected guests we’d receive later in the day, though, I might have decided against it.

On our way back from lunch at the Coco Beach Club restaurant, we spotted a nurse shark swimming below the cabanas. Later in the day, a few members of our group were in the water when a stingray swam right past them!

Look, I know you should expect to encounter fish and other sea creatures in the ocean, but if you’re afraid of swimming in close proximity to sharks and other large sea creatures, you might be better off spending the day in more shallow waters!

Would I book a floating cabana again?

Even though I wouldn’t recommend Royal Caribbean’s floating cabanas to everyone, I wouldn’t be opposed to booking one again for the right price.

Whether or not I would book the cabana again would come down to a few factors:

• Group size: Splitting the cost of the cabana with a large group is much more affordable than booking it for just 2-4 people
• Overall price: I definitely wouldn’t spend over $3000 for the cabana, but if I found it for $1800 again, I would consider making a reservation
• Purpose of vacation: If I were sailing to celebrate a milestone or special occasion, enjoying the island in a cabana would be an enticing option

Overall, having a “home base” on the island was definitely a nice perk, and the cabana was a fun way to splurge and enjoy quality time with our travel party.

I went to Perfect Day at CocoCay for the first time, and I learned some things that will enhance my experience when I return to the island.

The first (and last) time I visited Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay was in 2010 when I was eleven years old. Since then, a lot has changed. In 2019, it received a $250 million renovation and was renamed to “Perfect Day at CocoCay.”

Royal Caribbean focused on adding incredible thrills, including a 1,600 foot zip line, freshwater pool, helium balloon, and waterpark that features one of the tallest waterslides in the world at 135 feet.

The island’s beaches are brimming with beach chairs and umbrellas for passengers who would rather spend the day soaking up rays on the beautiful beaches. If you’re willing to spend the money, private cabanas are also available for rent.

Pricing varies based on sailing, but they usually start at $999 for a cabana on Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, and South Beach.

Additionally, they added a colorful pier to the island, meaning that guests no longer have to tender ashore. The walk time from ship to the Arrivals Plaza is about six minutes, and every attraction can be reached in another ten minutes from there. There are also trams that escort guests throughout the island.

I had such a great day hanging out on the revamped island for the first time, but here are my thoughts on what I’ll do differently next time!

Stick to one main activity

From zip lining, splashing around at the waterpark, sunbathing on the beach, and snorkeling, to kayaking and swimming with pigs, there’s so much to do and so little time to do it all.

Since it was my first time visited the renovated island, I wanted to see and do as much as possible.

I booked the full day pass for Thrill Waterpark, and I was so excited to ride Daredevil’s Peak, one of the tallest waterslides in the world.

Both Odyssey of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas were docked on the day I was there, so the waterpark was busier than I thought it would be. It took about an hour and a half just to ride two waterslides!

There were other rides that I wanted to try, like the Sling Shot and Twister, but the lines were about an hour long each, and I was looking forward to relaxing on the beach for awhile.

The next time I visit CocoCay, I’ll stick to one activity, whether that’s the waterpark, beach, or hanging out at Oasis Lagoon.

Get off the ship early

I wish I had disembarked the ship as soon as I could, as I waited about an hour to go ashore.

By the time I got the waterpark, most rides had a wait time of at least thirty minutes. Unless, that is, you were willing to ride the Screaming Serpent (I wasn’t!).

I think that if I had gotten off early, I would have been able to sneak a few extra rides in, but even if the lines would have been the same length as when I arrived, it would have been nice to hangout in the wave pool before it got crowded.

By the time I got to Chill Island, it was impossible to find a vacant chair, so I ended up placing my items on my towel off to the side because I didn’t want to spend a long time scouting for one.

If you want a front row lounger, it’s crucial that you get off the ship as soon as you can to secure your spot for the day! Plus, why wouldn’t you want to spend as much time as you can on the island? You can always head back in early if you get tired or want to enjoy the ship’s amenities with fewer people onboard.

Buy shore excursions in advance

I am a huge fan of purchasing everything in advance via the Cruise Planner, but since this was technically a work trip and I didn’t know what my schedule would entail, I refrained from doing so.

I made some friends onboard who had booked the Thrill Waterpark, and I spontaneously decided to tag along; I didn’t buy my pass until the night before, so I paid a whopping $149!

They, however, got a Black Friday deal and paid around $50 each.

While I thought riding Daredevil’s Peak was both nerve-racking and incredible, I don’t think it was worth the nearly $150 price tag, especially since I only rode one other slide before we all headed to Chill Island for some much needed relaxation. 

Looking ahead at my future cruises that visit CocoCay, I can purchase a pass for $79.99 and $88.99, which seems much more reasonable to me.

Plan ahead and book your shore excursions for CocoCay beforehand! This is not only a way to save money, but some experiences tend to sell out quickly, like the cabanas and Coco Beach Club.

Bring snorkel equipment

While I was hanging out on Chill Island, I kept hearing people talk about all the fish that they were seeing! Usually, I only snorkel on dedicating snorkeling excursions; however, I want to start carrying a mask with me in case the opportunity presents itself!

I’m familiar with the traditional beach warning flags (i.e., red for high hazard, yellow for medium, and green for low), but I didn’t know that purple meant presence of marine life. They had a purple flag blowing in the breeze, so I feel I missed out on seeing some neat stuff!

I was a bit bummed that I wasn’t able to see the “huge” fish and stingray that everyone was talking about!

I also visited Honeymoon Island on this cruise and having snorkel equipment would’ve been great there, too.

Check the times for the Snack Shack (and other dining venues)

Here at Royal Caribbean Blog, many are fans of the mozzarella sticks at CocoCay, so I was planning on giving them a try while I was there!

Unfortunately, I didn’t check the operating times for the Snack Shack, and it was already closed when I got there around 3:30pm. Our all aboard time was 5:30pm, so I assumed that they would have remained open a little bit later.

I was frustrated that I didn’t get to see if the mozzarella sticks lived up to the hype, so this is first on my list of things to do when I return in a few weeks.

I saw a lot of people carrying around funnel cakes, and they looked tasty, too!

Thankfully, though, I was able to eat a delicious meal at the Chill Grill, so I wasn't left hungry and disappointed. I enjoyed being able to make my own tacos, and I thought they were much better than El Loco Fresh onboard. 

Overall thoughts on Perfect Day at CocoCay

I don’t remember all that much about the island from my first visit years and years ago, but my dad said that he enjoyed a day ashore with only the ship's guests. 

The beaches are pristine, and the day can be whatever you want to make of it.

Personally, I prefer it over Labadee by far. I never feel the need to purchase an excursion there; I’m content just finding a place to hangout on the beach.

I love how Perfect Day at CocoCay's activities are meant to appeal to a wider range of people and interests; you can go to a waterpark, ride a helium balloon, hang out and listen to music at the swim up bar in Oasis Lagoon, or relax on the beach all day.

Plus, the market is also much more relaxed. You can walk in and out of the individual stores without feeling pressure to buy anything.

I’m so glad that I finally got to experience it, as I’ve been wanting to visit since it was revealed nearly three years ago.