Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s Private Island

After over 20 sailings, it’s safe to say that I’m in my cruise era. For me, the highlight of any itinerary is a visit to a cruise line’s private island, and there’s nowhere better than Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. I’ve been to every major cruise line’s private island in the Caribbean, and Royal Caribbean’s shines with standout dining, stunning beaches, and loads of fun activities.

 Located in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay has everything you’d want out of the private island experience, from thrill to chill. There’s a can’t-miss water park with one of the tallest waterslides in North America, a Vegas-style adults-only pool, and much more. The destination is so popular that the cruise line is adding a second private destination, Perfect Day Mexico.

Ready to make a splash? Here’s everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Getting There

Royal Caribbean has over 25 ships, with more on the way, including the Star of the Seas, set to debut this summer. Many of these ships sail the Caribbean with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, so before booking, be sure to check the ship’s port-of-call schedule.

The island’s pier is equipped to hold up to two ships at one time. And the best part? No tender is required, so guests can simply walk off the ship and enjoy themselves. The fun kicks off immediately with live Junkanoo performers welcoming cruisers.

Depending on your itinerary, stops at CocoCay typically last around eight to 10 hours, so there’s plenty of time to explore or simply stretch out on your favorite beach. The island spans over 120 acres and is walkable, with the furthest point being around 15 minutes away, but cruisers can also hop aboard a free tram that brings you to some of the more distant locales. Complimentary beach-access wheelchairs and strollers are available, too.  

 Before heading off the ship, make sure to fill up with a quick breakfast, as most dining locations on the island don’t open until at least 10:30 a.m. And bring your SeaPass card as you’ll need that to exit and come aboard the ship. A towel is provided when disembarking, and if you need a fresh one, exchange stations are located at the Oasis Lagoon, Coco Beach Club, and Thrill Water Park. The island also features first aid stations, changing rooms, smoking sections, restrooms, and freshwater showers.

Things to Do on Perfect Day at CocoCay

While most attractions and beaches on Perfect Day at CocoCay are included with your cruise fare, some destinations and attractions require an additional fee.

Free Things to Do 

Across the island, there are several free-to-visit beaches: Chill Island, Harbor Beach, South Beach, Breezy Bay at Chill Island, and Cove Beach. The two furthest, South Beach and Cove Beach, are around a 12-minute walk from the ship and are my personal favorites. Because of the distance, these tend to be a bit quieter than the beaches closer to the ship. 

If you want to splash around a pool instead, grab a seat by the family-favorite Oasis Lagoon. Here, you’ll find the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, complete with a swim-up bar and three islands. Note that while lounge chairs and umbrellas are free on a first-come, first-served basis, cabanas and daybeds can be rented for a fee.

Tiny cruisers won’t want to miss Captain Jill’s Galleon, a sprawling pirate ship with slides, water cannons, and more fun, or Splashaway Bay, which features drench buckets, fountains, pools, and waterslides.

Looking to work up a sweat before taking a dip? The Nature Trail is a beautiful scenic walk between South Beach and Cove Beach, and courts for volleyball, basketball, and cornhole are available at the sports pavilions at Breezy Bay and South Beach.

Paid Activities

 If you want to amplify the fun, there are plenty of paid activities on the island, including excursions, private beach clubs, adults-only spots, and the Thrill Water Park. The sprawling water park features water slides, the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, and an obstacle-loaded adventure pool. My favorite part is Daredevil’s Peak, a towering, 135-foot enclosed water slide that’s the tallest in the Caribbean. Everything you need for an action-packed day can be found within the water park, including a snack shack with complimentary eats and two bars. 

Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed guest aged 14 or older to enter the water park, and some slides have height and weight requirements (so check before you pay to avoid disappointment). If the weather isn’t cooperating, don’t worry—Royal Caribbean will automatically credit your account for the ticket fee. 

The Coco Beach Club is an exclusive slice of paradise that offers overwater cabanas, elevated dining, and an infinity pool for a premium island experience. CocoCay’s newest addition, Hideaway Beach, is a beachfront pool area for guests ages 18 and up with a live DJ, dining, a swim-up pool bar, and more.

There’s also a range of beach rentals, including snorkels and kayaks, and off-island excursions available.

Dining on Perfect Day at CocoCay

All these activities can work up an appetite, and luckily there are five complimentary dining options found around the island. Several snack shacks offer backyard barbecue eats, like burgers, hot dogs, and salads, while Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill offer more options. Paid sections of the island, including Coco Beach Club and Hideaway Beach, serve up their own food, too.

Craving a fruity, umbrella-topped cocktail? The island features a number of watering holes. My favorite is Captain Jack’s, a full-service restaurant that features live music; I highly recommend the famous chicken wings. And be sure to stop by the Wacky Seagull Bar, which serves the island’s signature Coco Loco cocktail, a frozen drink that blends rum and tropical fruit juices.

In my experience, the included foods are fantastic, from freshly grilled cheeseburgers to a surprisingly delicious ceviche served within Hideaway Beach. My family is obsessed with the complimentary mozzarella sticks that are a longtime staple of the island — and a tasty pairing for the boozy tropical cocktails.

Vegetarian and gluten-free cruisers will find options at all of the island’s dining venues, though those with more specific requests may need to be accommodated at one of the ship’s onboard restaurants. 

Family-friendly Activities

Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for families, with something for every age and interest, and kids are welcome to make Perfect Day at CocoCay their very own vacation playground. In addition to the water-filled fun mentioned above, there are dry activities that little ones will enjoy too, including a 1,600-foot zip line and a helium-filled balloon ride that offers picturesque views of the entire island.

Looking to chill? Skip the activities and head to one of the family-friendly beaches or the Oasis Lagoon, a favorite among kids. While Hideaway Beach is off-limits to children, the upscale Coco Beach Club offers family-friendly overwater cabanas that feature a private shower, concierge service, and — of particular interest to the young and young at heart — a private water slide that drops you directly into the ocean.

There’s no dedicated kids club on the island, but the ship’s Adventure Ocean spaces remain open on board if you want to drop your kids off before heading ashore.

Adults-only Activities

Hideaway Beach is hands-down my favorite adults-only area on any cruise line’s private island. Royal Caribbean utilizes dynamic pricing, meaning the charge to visit this area will fluctuate based on demand and the date of your visit, but I promise it’s worth it. In addition to the stunning white-sand coastline, the highlight is its massive Vegas-style pool party. With a DJ in the middle of the lagoon pool, this is the place for those looking to turn things up a notch. There’s a sprawling swim-up bar, too, so you won’t have to leave the water for a margarita — and that’s just one of 5 bars and several dining outlets in this area. While the energy is high, there are also quieter spots and cabanas on the beach’s outskirts. I had so much fun during both of my visits that I’ll be booking this every time I visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the future.

Tips for Visiting

• Popular excursions, like swimming with the famous Bahamian pigs, are known to book up well in advance. All excursions, activities, and entrance to the beach clubs and water park can be booked within the Royal Caribbean app. If your desired excursion is sold out in advance of your trip, keep checking, as more spots might come available.
• If you purchase an onboard Internet package, you can also use it on the island.
• Specialty drink packages also apply to your drinks on the island.
• Crowds typically dwindle later in the day, especially at Thrill Water Park.
• Don’t forget to return your towel at the end of your visit. Royal Caribbean charges a fee for towels not returned.
• If you’re planning to explore the island on foot or take part in a dry activity like ziplining, bring closed-toe shoes.
• Complimentary lockers are available throughout the entire island, in case you want to drop things off as you explore. 
• Buyer’s remorse? If you want to cancel your private cabana or day pass to Hideaway Beach, this must be done at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.