Royal Caribbean announced a change to one of its conveniences at its private island.
When cruise ship passengers disembark a ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay, there had been an optional tram they could wait for to get a ride from the ship to the arrivals plaza.
As of October 1, 2024, Royal Caribbean has decided to eliminate that service with one exception.
"Beginning October 1, 2024, tram service at CocoCay pier will be discontinued," an official statement in the Royal Caribbean app read.
This effects just the tram service between the where the cruise ships dock and the beginning of the pier. The trams that take guests around Perfect Day at CocoCay are still operational.
Tram service on the pier was primarily offered as a convenience. Unlike the trams that run on the island, the pier trams were limited and available to those willing to wait for a ride.
According to Royal Caribbean, the walk time down the pier, from ship to Arrivals Plaza, is approximately 6 minutes.
The exception to this change is for guests with special needs.
"Trams for guests with special needs, wheelchairs, scooters, etc. will still be available by the end of the pier (close to the Forward gangways)."
Passengers worried about eligibility for a tram ride
The top concern among cruisers has been what constitutes a special need to qualify for a tram ride.
In the Perfect Day CocoCay Information Hub Facebook group, Jennifer Kern-Kaminsky wrote, "I just hope they will be accommodating to people with invisible disabilities."
Marcell Fitzgerald added, "Some conditions are exercise or heat induced."
Some people even went as far as to suggest bringing a doctor's note with them on the cruise to prove they qualify for it.
While Royal Caribbean did not specify the requirements for a ride, it seems unlikely proof of a disability is needed. It's probable they will rely on the honor system, and if someone needs a ride, they can simply wait for one.
Accessible options on CocoCay
Royal Caribbean says its private island is accessible.
There are complimentary beach access wheelchairs available throughout the island on a first come first served basis.
Select trams that go around the island are wheelchair accessible as well.
Wheelchair accessible areas include:
- Coco Beach Club: complimentary beach wheelchairs, pool lift, lower counter at the bar, and ramps to the dining area. Pool lifts at the freshwater pool
- Oasis Lagoon: Pool lifts the freshwater pool
- Thrill waterpark: the Wave Pool is wheelchair accessible
Getting around CocoCay
For those able to walk, the walk around CocoCay is quite manageable on foot.
Once a passengers reaches the Arrivals Plaza, they can elect to walk anywhere on the island or take a tram.
Tram service is complimentary and located in front of Thrill Waterpark.
The tram service around CocoCay runs all day with three stops: Arrivals Plaza (near Thrill Waterpark); South Beach; Coco Beach Club/Breezy Bay/Oasis Lagoon; and Chill Island. Guests can board the tram near Arrivals Plaza.
There is a separate tram service to go between the Arrivals Plaza and Hideaway Beach
There are walking paths to bring you to every area of the island.
Estimated walking distances from the Arrivals Plaza are:
- Thrill Waterpark Less than 1 minute
- Harbor Beach about 3 minutes
- Oasis Lagoon about 5 minutes
- Chill Island about 5-10 minutes
- Breezy Bay at Chill Island about 6-8 minutes
- South Beach about 10 minutes
- Coco Beach Club about 10 minutes
- Hideaway Beach about 10 minutes
