Royal Caribbean's private island staff glean a ton of insider knowledge through working every day on the cruise line's island in The Bahamas.
During a webinar, Royal Caribbean Senior Director of Private Destinations, Neva Heaston, and Royal Caribbean Vice President of Private Destinations, Dotan Ben Horin, shared their top secrets for guests visiting the island.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island, is a destination just for cruisers on Royal Caribbean ships.
Guests can access the 125-acre island for no additional cost, and there's a lot to experience.
"We provide the perfect balance of thrill and chill," Neva Heaston said, citing the island's waterslides, beaches, pools, and beach games.
The island has something for everyone, so how can you make the most of it?
Here's what its top staff want you to know.
Read more: What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit
You don't need to bring much off the ship
According to Ben Horin, one of the best things about Perfect Day at CocoCay is its comfort and simplicity for Royal Caribbean guests.
"It's just comfortable, simple and easy," he said.
You can leave your stateroom with just a towel and SeaPass card and be enjoying a gorgeous beach within 5 minutes.
Visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay doesn't require long security checks, entering a port, or the hassles of hailing a taxi.
"You can be on a gorgeous beach in the Bahamas with shade, with a chair, with a drink, and the only thing that you need to take with you is your slippers and a towel."
And if you do forget to bring a towel, water, or umbrella, those items are provided for free.
Get up early to make the most of your day
Heaston's top piece of advice for cruisers is to wake up early.
"I know it's so painful," she laughed, citing the late-night shows and parties that happen onboard. "But get up early, have your breakfast quickly, and get out to the island."
When your vessel stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the gangway will usually open around 8 or 9 A.M., but guests are free to exit and re-enter at any time.
However, Heaston recommends getting out onto the island as early as possible.
"You're going to have the whole island to yourself," she said.
You'll be able to find the best spots in the pool, to get onto the attractions first, and find perfect seating.
"It's so worth it just to get up a little bit early and to get the most out of your day."
Your beverage and WiFi package work on the island
Ben Horin wants Royal Caribbean cruisers to know that their beverage and WiFi packages will work just fine on CocoCay.
If you've purchased a drink package, whether that includes alcohol or just soda, you'll be able to use it at the bars and shacks on the island.
Simply show your SeaPass card the same way you would on the ship.
As for the WiFi package, if you have access to the VOOM Internet onboard the vessel, your device should connect automatically to the Internet on the island.
You don't have to worry about safety—lifeguards are everywhere
Visitors will be happy to know that there are 200 lifeguards employed at the private island.
Royal Caribbean takes guest safety seriously and has placed hundreds of crew members around the island to watch over playing children and swimming adults.
You'll see them standing guard at the pools, waterparks, and beaches.
Whether adults or children, guests don't have to feel worried about their own safety.
And as for other crew members, over 750 Royal Caribbean staff members live on the island.
It's all about the service, the safety that we want to have for our guests on board," Heaston said.
Try the coconut shrimp at the Hideaway Hut
Inside the adults-only party area Hideaway Beach, you'll find two casual fast-food places: The Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise.
Entry to the Hideaway includes access to these eateries.
One such eatery, the Hideaway Hut, is like an upgraded version of the Snack Shack, with extra dishes added to the base menu.
The venue features some tasty food, including great seafood dishes.
Heaston jumped to recommend guests try the coconut shrimp basket.
Read more: Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered
Plan your day in advance
Another way to make the most of your time on Perfect Day at CocoCay is to plan your day in advance.
Ben Horin recommends guests—especially families with kids—plan their time on the island, the attractions they want to do, and where they want to spend the day.
Choose a home base, as well as the attractions that are a priority for you.
Although the island is small, there are a lot of amenities included.
"You can experience the whole thing in one day," Ben Horin said, but he recommends a distinct plan to fit it all in.
Read more: 41 Things You Should Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay BEFORE You Go (2024)
You must try the mozzarella sticks
The mozzarella sticks are a fan favorite on Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Royal Caribbean's management aren't immune to the obsessions.
"I have a small addiction, maybe a large addiction to the Snack Shack," Heaston said, "because of the mozzarella sticks. They are the best ever."
She described the warm, cheesy fried snacks as "full of love" and "deliciously gooey."
Ben Horin agreed with her addiction, saying the two often steal each other's sticks when they share a meal.
Visitors to the island must try mozzarella sticks at the Snack Shack.
Ask for the secret menu item at the Snack Shack
The Snack Shack also has a secret, off-the-menu dish you can ask for.
"If you want the secret chicken sandwich, go check it out at the Snack Shack," Heaston said.
You'll have to ask for the secret sandwich, but it's worth the extra effort.
You can top the crispy chicken sandwich with mozzarella sticks and marinara dipping sauce, and you'll end up with a tasty chicken parmesan sandwich.
Read more: 11 food favorites at CocoCay that never disappoint
You don’t have to spend a cent
Heaston explained that the majority of Perfect Day at CococCay’s amenities come free with the cruise fare.
Hospitality is key to the cruise line, so things like umbrellas, beach access, towels, wheelchairs and strollers, and buffets and snack shops are all complimentary.
"We've got some great children's amenities and attractions like Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galley, and you do not have to go and pay for the waterpark to enjoy those things.”
You can also access the Oasis Lagoon, a massive pool with a swim-up bar, free of charge.
And that’s in addition to the beautiful beaches, tram service, lockers, and countless beach games.
“If you're into playing beach, pool, soccer, pickleball, or volleyball, all of those things are there for us,” Heaston said.
Renting a cabana will level up your experience
Both Ben Horin and Heaston recommended that guests rent a cabana to enhance their Perfect Day at CocoCay experience.
Private cabanas on Perfect Day at CocoCay come with a private cabana for use, complimentary water bottles, sofas and chairs, complimentary food delivery, floating beach mats, lockable storage, charging outlets, and concierge service.
Not only do they provide a private, luxurious experience, but they also come with a personal attendant.
Your cabana attendant is your guide to the island.
"They help you curate your time and give you those tips throughout the day," Heaston said. "It's like having your own buddy to tell you where to go and how to get things. And they're going to make sure that you feel special the entire time."
Plus, families with kids will appreciate that children can play on the sand right in front of the cabana.
"They basically [have] a private beach all for themselves to run around," Ben Horin said.
Ask staff for the hidden picture spots
One secret Heaston and Ben Horin want guests to know is how much work their staff puts into maintaining the landscaping and views on Perfect Day at Cococay.
Ben Horin said they rake the sand every morning so guests "feel like they are the first ones to touch the beach."
Heaston recommended that guests take lots of pictures, and take advantage of the beautiful views.
If you're someone who loves to take pictures, she suggests you ask team members where the best spots are for photos.
"We put a lot of work into [the landscaping]," she said. "So we're so proud and we're so happy that when we see [photos] online."
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