Royal Caribbean named its private island in The Bahamas "perfect", and the moniker certainly holds up if you've been there to experience it.
Ever since Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019, it's been a revelation as to what a private cruise line beach day can be because of all the options offered.
Royal Caribbean opened Perfect Day at CocoCay in phases, going back to 2018 when construction on some of the first areas to be completed began allowing guests in.
One of those areas was the Oasis Lagoon, and it's since become my go-to spot, every time we visit CocoCay.
At its opening, Oasis Lagoon was the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. It covers 33,175 square feet, which makes it enormous.
Whether or not it still holds that title, it's exactly what I want from my private island day.
While I think most people on a cruise prefer the beach, I like a pool day better. I don't have to worry where I walk, there are no creatures lurking, and the water is always refreshing.
Royal Caribbean didn't just build a giant pool, they added the best swim-up bar I had ever been to, complete with seats on both sides.
Guests can swim up and sit at the bar, or opt to go to the "dry side" and enjoy drinks without being in the water.
There's no cost to access Oasis Lagoon or any of the chairs and umbrellas nearby.
In 2023, Royal Caribbean shared the swim-up bar at Oasis Lagoon is one of the highest rated attractions on the island.
There are also small islands throughout Oasis Lagoon for you to sit at as well, with plants and trees that provide just the right amount of shade.
For years I would immediately go to Oasis Lagoon first on almost every visit because it offered exactly what I wanted from my day. Sometimes we'd venture elsewhere and book a spot at the Coco Beach Club or one of the beaches. But I always preferred going to Oasis Lagoon.
The one problem I had with Oasis Lagoon was it tended to attract the party crowd because of the DJ that was originally placed near the swim-up bar.
I don't mind a party vibe to my pool day, but it evolved over the years and became more raucous, especially when there were 20 and 30 year olds hanging there.
When it got loud, I either enjoyed it, or moved to a different end of the pool.
A big shift in the dynamic of Oasis Lagoon occurred in 2024 when Royal Caribbean opened its adults-only area, Hideaway Beach.
An even bigger swim-up bar and giant pool was added to this area, and with it, went the DJ.
Royal Caribbean purposefully brought over that party vibe that had grown at Oasis Lagoon to Hideaway.
In their research to create the ultimate day for adults, feedback indicated guests want a drink in their hand with music to enjoy.
Since the opening of Hideaway Beach, the DJ has been removed from Oasis Lagoon and replaced with a programmed musical setlist.
The result has been the energy at Oasis Lagoon has been more subdued than pre-2024 levels, and I think it's made it better.
Without the DJ to raise the volume, I think the pool has remained fun and enjoyable without feeling like a Vegas pool party.
I'm sure everyone has their own feelings on what is the right level of music, energy, and partying for a pool. But I think Royal Caribbean has found a new normal for Oasis Lagoon that really meshes well without being overbearing.
To be fair, Hideaway Beach's pool is heated, whereas Oasis Lagoon's pool is heated by the sun and nothing else. It can be downright frigid in Oasis Lagoon at times.
While Hideaway Beach is newer, flashier, and has limited access, I think Oasis Lagoon is a fun spot to head to, and considering it's included in your cruise fare, it's hard to pass up that value.
My favorite Oasis Lagoon tips and tricks
While enjoying Oasis Lagoon, here are a few ideas to maximize your day.
If you bought a Royal Caribbean drink package, you can enjoy drinks at the pool too. There's no additional charge, and that's a great way to get your value back from a drink package.
Likewise, if you are a Diamond member or higher in Crown and Anchor Society, the daily drink vouchers work here too.
And no, you do not need to bring the soda cups with you off your ship to use them at Oasis Lagoon (or anywhere at CocoCay).
Just like at a bar on the ship, you just need to let the crew member know you want to use a drink voucher.
When you're feeling a little hungry, the Snack Shack is just a few steps away from Oasis Lagoon.
The quickest way to get there is exit the Oasis Lagoon pool on the "right side" of the bar. When facing the swim-up bar, there's a set of stairs out of the pool on the right side.
Walk past the smoking area and you'll see it across the tram path.
The Snack Shack is included in your cruise fare and has some of my favorite foods, such as the mozzarella sticks, funnel cake, and the "secret sandwich" that you can only order by name.
If you need shade but don't want to get out of the water, you can find lots of under the bridge that's near the bar.
There's always shade here, and it's close to the bar, so you don't have to venture far to get a refill.
There are islands and loungers in the water, and they are first-come, first-reserved.
My advice is get off the ship very early if you want to nab one of them.
