Royal Caribbean guests will face a surprising ban at its private island for one day this month.

Guests on two upcoming Royal Caribbean sailings learned that alcohol sales are banned from Perfect Day at CocoCay on the day of their scheduled visit. 

Although CocoCay is not the cruise line's newest addition to its private destination portfolio, it's undoubtedly a fan favorite, winning numerous accolades from major news outlets. 

It has everything from resort-style pools and over-the-water cabanas to an adult-only retreat, beautiful beaches, a massive water park, and more, ensuring that everyone has their "perfect day" ashore. 

Admission to the island is included in your cruise fare, meaning that it won't cost you anything extra to debark from the ship and enjoy a day frolicking in the Bahamian waters. 

However, cruise passengers on two upcoming sailings received a sudden email informing them that their visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay will come with an unexpected restriction: no alcohol sales anywhere on the island. 

"There is a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections. We've explored whether any exceptions could be made; however, this restriction applies nationwide throughout The Bahamas," the email reads.

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages will not be served at Perfect Day at CocoCay during your visit. Please note, Perfect Day at CocoCay will remain fully open, and nonalcoholic beverages will continue to be available throughout the island. You'll still be able to enjoy the beach, amenities, food, entertainment, and other offerings available during your visit."

The ban only applies to alcoholic beverages served on the island. This means that those who remain on the cruise ship can continue to take full advantage of their alcoholic beverage packages and Diamond drink vouchers. 

Two ships will be in CocoCay on Election Day — Oasis of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas — which is scheduled for May 12, 2026. 

The 226,838-gross-ton Oasis of the Seas will be on a seven-night Bahamas cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, according to Cruise Mapper. CocoCay is the last stop on the weeklong itinerary before the 5,602-passenger ship makes her way back up north. 

On the flip side, Wonder of the Seas will have just departed from Miami, Florida, on a four-night cruise. CocoCay is the first port of call on the short itinerary, followed by Nassau on the 13th. 

Alcohol sales were also banned from Royal Caribbean's new beach club last month

(Credit: BIS Bahamas / Facebook)

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is one of the cruise line's newest endeavors, offering guests an all-inclusive beach experience with upgraded dining, private beaches, and sweeping ocean views just minutes from the Nassau cruise port. 

Unlike CocoCay, admission isn't included in your cruise fare, and you can pay a pretty penny for the exclusive escape. For example, the open bar day pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining costs around $170 per person, before any pre-cruise discounts through the Cruise Planner.

However, on Thursday, April 30, the open bar day pass was essentially useless since alcohol service was banned at the private destination due to the ongoing early voting for the national elections. 

"Pursuant to section 99 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 7), the Parliamentary Commissioner hereby informs the general public that all licenses issued under the provisions of the Business Licence Act (No. 25 of 2010) for the sale of any intoxicating liquour shall be suspended during the hours of the day on which a poll is being held for a general election (including the Advanced Poll)," reads the public notice issued by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security.

The dates and hours on the public notice include Thursday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

"...[A]ny person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed doing so while not holding a licence under the provisions of the Business Licence Act," the notice continues.

As Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported, Royal Caribbean provided full refunds to guests who had purchased the alcoholic day passes on April 30. 

"Earlier today, we were informed of a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections where advanced polling stations are located," the letter given to impacted passengers begins. 

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages could not be served during your visit [to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island] due to this nationwide restriction that applies throughout The Bahamas... While this may not have matched your expectations, especially while enjoying your day ashore, guests continued to have full access to the beach, amenities, and all other aspects of the Royal Beach Club experience during the stay."

According to the public notice, Royal Caribbean cannot distribute alcohol on May 12, either, since it is a general election day in The Bahamas. As such, guests visiting the Royal Beach Club should expect similar restrictions at the beach club. 

The only Royal Caribbean ship docking in Nassau on May 12 is Utopia of the Seas, according to Cruise Mapper.

Cruisers took to social media to express their confusion about the ban at CocoCay

Alcohol sales at CocoCay were still permitted on April 30 during The Bahamas' early voting, so many cruisers are confused as to why the stricter enforcement now appears to apply to the private island. 

"I'm going down rabbit holes to figure out why this suddenly would apply to Coco Cay when it hasn't in the past (assuming that email is authentic). The Berry Islands were part of a voting district realignment new for this election but that doesn't seem to be relevant since it's not like they were unrepresented before," smokeybandit wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog discussion forum. 

They added, "I really hope RC clarifies why this is suddenly an issue. And I wonder if they'll avoid Coco Cay stops in future election years."

Why wasn't the island closed for maintenance during the national election?

This year, Royal Caribbean closed Perfect Day at CocoCay the week before the election. This is due to its annual maintenance to keep everything running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues down the road.

According to Cruise Mapper, CocoCay's next ship arrivals are not until Sunday, May 10, when Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas arrive on the final day of their Bahamian voyages from Florida.

As such, CocoCay is open and on the schedule during the national election, leaving some passengers wondering whether the cruise line underestimated the impact of The Bahamas’ nationwide alcohol restrictions when planning itineraries to CocoCay. 

"They usually do maintenance in May and close the island with no stops. I guess they didn't foresee this enough to coordinate it for this week," AshleyDillo remarked. 

Royal Caribbean’s private island will be unusually quiet this week, with no passengers basking in the tropical sun, racing down waterslides, or enjoying one too many Coco Locos.

Instead, Perfect Day at CocoCay is closed this week for annual maintenance. This helps keep everything in tip-top shape and mitigates the chances of sudden problems occurring down the road. 

According to Cruise Mapper, CocoCay won't see its next ship until Sunday, May 10, when Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas arrive on the final day of their three-night Bahamian voyages from Florida.

In an email to Royal Caribbean Blog, Royal Caribbean International confirmed that the temporary shutdown is part of its scheduled annual maintenance.

This happened last year, too. Royal Caribbean Blog previously reported that Perfect Day at CocoCay was closed from May 4-10, 2025, as part of the company's ongoing effort to keep its private destination running smoothly.

One cruiser, Russell McEwen, shared what he heard from a crew member working on the island, posting on Facebook that it was "mostly back of the house stuff being renovated. Some work on roads that shuttles use. Replacing worn equipment. [And] staff accommodations enhanced."

Annual maintenance is required to keep Perfect Day at CocoCay in award-winning condition

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is located in the Berry Islands chain in The Bahamas, about halfway between Nassau and Great Abaco.

The island underwent a $250 million renovation in 2019 that transformed the laid-back beach destination into a fully curated, well-thought-out private island experience.

Since reopening, it's earned numerous accolades. Most recently, Perfect Day at CocoCay won "Best Private Island/Destination" at Travel Weekly's Readers’ Choice Awards for the sixth consecutive year. 

Today, you'll find everything from over half a dozen beaches to a massive water park, freshwater pool, adult-only retreat, kids' splash area, zip line, hot air balloon, and more. 

Annual maintenance helps ensure everything continues operating at the high standard guests have come to expect. After all, passengers do not want to disembark to learn that certain amenities are out of order, turning what is marketed as a "Perfect Day" into a frustrating and disappointing ordeal. 

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Cruise ships are also taken out of service to undergo routine maintenance and add new amenities 

Dry docks are scheduled years in advance to ensure all necessary materials and personnel are available. During this time, ships are pulled out of service, which allows workers to conduct comprehensive inspections, such as hull openings and critical systems like firefighting, navigation, and lifesaving equipment.

The ship's crew can also replace things like carpets, bedding, and other minor cosmetic upgrades. However, the ship may also undergo bigger changes to bring it up to speed with modern vessels in the fleet. 

Royal Caribbean's Royal Amplification program, for example, was designed to give new life to the line's older cruise ships, such as Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas. 

Unlike a standard dry dock, which focuses more on maintenance and repairs, these amplifications go further, adding new ways to drink, play, relax, and dine. 

For instance, in 2018, Mariner of the Seas underwent a major refurbishment that introduced new venues, refreshed public spaces, and added experiences throughout the ship, including the Perfect Storm waterslides, the cruise line's first-ever Polynesian-inspired tiki bar, Izumi Hibachi and Sushi, the FlowRider surf simulator, and more. 

Allure of the Seas finally received a long-anticipated refurbishment in 2025. This brought popular amenities, activities, and more to the Oasis Class ship — ranging from The Lime and Coconut to the Pesky Parrot tiki bar, Perfect Storm waterslides, The Mason Jar Southern Restaurant & Bar, and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide.

Three ships are currently wrapping up dry docks in Europe and Asia, receiving similar upgrades and enhancements as part of Royal Caribbean's ongoing fleet modernization: Harmony of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas. 

How does Royal Caribbean's top two premium beach offerings compare: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island vs. Coco Beach Club?

I have visited both in the past, but I wanted to pit the two against each other since they represent the top ways to spend extra while sailing through The Bahamas.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened less than six months ago, and it's a new kind of higher-end shore excursion that is curated by the cruise line. A private enclave designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean passengers.

Then you have the Coco Beach Club, the original elevated way to splurge on a beach day.  Within a secluded portion of Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll find an area with the best amenities and no crowds.

Each of them have an extra cost to visit, so I booked both over the same weekend while sailing on Utopia of the Seas in order to compare both and see which one stands out.

My goal was to look at how each delivers relaxation, food quality, crowds, and overall value.

Royal Beach Club combines the best features from its private island

It's clear Royal Caribbean designed the Royal Beach Club by taking all the lessons learned from building Perfect Day at CocoCay and combining it into a new offering.

I brought my family to the Royal Beach Club after pre-booking admission in the months leading up to the cruise.  Thanks to a variety of sales, I was able to get admission for $89.99 per person for unlimited food, alcohol, and access. 

If you've been to CocoCay before, I think you'll quickly notice Royal Caribbean took three ideas as the basis to craft this area:

• The concept of a premium, exclusive area from the Coco Beach Club
• The adults-focused energy and vibe of a pool party from Hideaway Beach
• The fun that a swim-up bar brings from the Oasis Lagoon

It makes sense: take the best ideas and turn them into one super idea, and that's what you have with the Royal Beach Club.

There are three zones, each with its own vibe.  Chill Beach is where families can go to enjoy a sprawling pool and beach area. Party Cove has an all-day pool party with DJ pumping tunes, and Paradise Beach is the more laid-back hangout spot.

We opted for Paradise Beach zone, and primarily spent time in the pool.  It's heated and has stunning views of the ocean and area around you.

No matter where you sit, there is fantastic waiter service.  One waiter is assigned to each group of chairs, and they'll deliver any drinks you need.

Of course, you could grab a drink at the swim-up bar or even go between zones and grab a drink on your way.  It's all very convenient and easy.

There are food stations throughout the property that serve quick-service options, such as burgers, salads, wraps, shrimp, and more.  It's casual dining, but perfect to keep your day going without taking you out of the fun in and around the water.

The water is definitely the focus at the Royal Beach Club. You are immersed with the perfect pools and turquoise blue ocean water.  You're never more than a few steps away from any of it.

Coco Beach Club is relaxing, easy to get to, and has amazing food

I've visited the Coco Beach Club many times over the years, and it's best selling point is you won't encounter crowds or have to compete for a beach chair.

It's effectively the same beach you'd find elsewhere on the island, but the difference is the elevated resort feel this area has compared to the rest of the island.

It's a short walk from the ship (there's tram service too), and as soon as you walk in, you'll see what I mean.  A beautiful deck leading to a heated infinity pool that overlooks the white sand beach.

You can grab a chair along the beach, or try for one of the day beds near the pool. It's all first-come, first-serve.

At the chairs, you simply have to turn the flag up on the chair to request drink service.  Keep in mind admission here does not include drinks, so you'll need to pay extra for beverages (unless you have a drink package from the ship).

Without a doubt, the food is where the Coco Beach Club truly excels. They have their own sit-down restaurant where you can dine on filet mignon, lobster, and more.

I believe this restaurant is just as good, if not better than, many Royal Caribbean ship-based restaurants.  In fact, I dined at 150 Central Park for dinner on the same night I visited the Coco Beach Club, and I swear my steak at the club was better.

Each club does one thing better than the other

After trying both out, I can see a clear advantage to each offering.

The Royal Beach Club has a superior beach and pool experience.  They have multiple pools, and their beach is arguably prettier with less seagrass.

While the Coco Beach Club has one heated pool, there are three heated pools. Plus, there's a party area for those looking for more energy in their pool day.  And all the pools have swim-up bars, which are undeniably fun.

Moreover, the Royal Beach Club is all-inclusive.

The Coco Beach Club has some of the best food you'll find on ship or land.  

The food at Royal Beach Club is good, but nothing you'll rave about.  But the CBC restaurant is going to leave you dreaming about it for weeks to come after your visit.

It's amazing the high quality of the food here, and it's probably the top reason I'll return every time.

The biggest difference: price vs experience

The biggest variable in comparing the two beach clubs is price.  Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for each, and that means you could have wildly different prices than I did to visit.

In my experience, the Royal Beach Club prices usually range between $90 and $160 per person for the alcohol package when pre-purchased before your sailing.

The Royal Beach Club is usually priced around $130 - $250 per person before the cruise. Keep in mind no drinks are included with admission.

Both offer cabanas to rent for the day that include admission.

Almost certainly, you'll pay more to visit the Coco Beach Club because I've observed that Royal Caribbean has used price to balance demand for it since it opened.

Outside of price, you also have to think about what you want from your day.

Coco Beach Club can cost significantly more, but it's also more of an elevated feel than the Royal Beach Club.

You’re not getting the same experience, but you might not need it.

Final verdict

Having tried both, if I had to pick only one, I'd easily choose the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island instead of the Coco Beach Club.

I had a great day at both, but I think there's more to do and enjoy at the RBC without paying nearly as much.  Plus, you get food and drink for the price.

While there's no question the food is far superior at the Coco Beach Club, I cannot justify paying the price there. This is especially true when the price is over $200 per person.

I also think the pools are more fun and enjoyable at the Royal Beach Club, and the ocean color and clarity is better.

Not to mention I could still have a great day elsewhere for no extra cost at CocoCay. I can't say the same about Nassau if I skipped the club.

You should pick the Coco Beach Club if you're okay paying more for exclusivity. But go for the Royal Beach Club if you want a fun, social beach day and care more about value.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone, from thrill seekers to partiers, families, and sun-seeking relaxers. However, if you've never been to the private island before, you might not realize that some of the best areas are those frequently overlooked by guests. 

Bryan James, a former Royal Caribbean entertainer, recently took to social media to share a vlog documenting his recent visit to CocoCay. Since being published, the nine-minute YouTube video has received over 40,000 views, 2,000 likes, and 150 comments.

In this video, James' girlfriend Jaidyn, a dancer aboard Star of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest Icon Class vessel, explained where crew members like to go when they have free time at the private island.

"This is one of the beaches that's not really on the map, I'd say," she said, talking about Breezy Bay.

"I feel like the main ones are Chill Beach [and] South Beach. [Breezy Bay] is the one that the cast comes to because they don't really advertise it...It's definitely one of the quieter places to be."

"There's a lot going on over here, but not many people, which is nice. I think that's why we come here," she added. 

Chill Island is the first beach most cruisers encounter as they walk along the main pathway around the island. It's also the best snorkeling spot at CocoCay, with calm, clear water, schools of tropical fish, and a sunken shipwreck. For those reasons, Chill Island gets crowded quickly. 

South Beach is another popular spot for guests. While it's further from the arrivals area, it offers a wide stretch of soft sand, tons of lounge chairs, and easy access to nearby bars and dining, including the floating tiki bar. The area also has a lot of sports activities, including a life-sized pool "table" and beach volleyball. 

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks, and secrets

Is Breezy Bay worth it? 

Between the two lies Breezy Bay. If you've visited CocoCay before, likely, you've at least walked past Breezy Bay when grabbing the island's famous mozzarella sticks, chicken sandwich, or funnel cake from the Snack Shack. But unlike Chill Island or South Beach, Breezy Bay remains largely untouched by cruise passengers compared to other areas on CocoCay. 

"Personally, I love Breezy Bay because of how close it is to Oasis Lagoon (pool), bathrooms, Snack Shack, Bar, and Chill Grill (Buffet). There are also beach games, basketball, and hammocks in the area," shared Jenn Yazzetti in a public Facebook group. 

Someone else agreed on Reddit, writing, "We did Breezy Bay and loved it for our family (with 3 young kids). We were so close to everything we needed - multiple food options, pool, restrooms. The water was calm and clear and the beach wasn't rocky at all."

When they aren't splurging on admission to the Coco Beach Club, TheSilliestMoose agreed that Breezy Bay at Chill Beach is their favorite "normal" spot at CocoCay. 

Breezy Bay at Chill Island also has some day beds available to rent. For an upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, pricing starts at $248.99 when purchased in advance through the Cruise Planner. 

The price includes two floating beach mats, two reserved lounge chairs, a pre-stocked cooler with four water bottles (other drinks are available at an extra charge unless a beverage package has been purchased), and beach towels. A maximum of four guests can use the beach bed, making it a good option for families or small groups who want a little extra comfort during their "perfect" beach day. 

Something else worth mentioning is the bar near Breezy Bay is quite lovely. It has a wooden deck to it, where you can watch people around the beach or the nearby excursions that depart.

There are two downsides to Breezy Bay. First, it's probably the furthest distance from the cruise ship, since it's located on the opposite side of the island from the pier.

The good news is you can take the island's complimentary tram service to get there.

The other issue is the beach and swimming area is partially obstructed by some Coco Beach Club Cabanas.

Not only is the view not pristine, but you cannot swim near the cabanas or you'll be reprimanded by the lifeguards.

You can easily shift down the beach and avoid that, but coming later in the day may be an issue.

That said, you can take advantage of the complimentary lounge chairs if you don't want to shell out any extra money — it isn't a paid-only admission area like Hideaway Beach or the Coco Beach Club. 

In fact, you can split your time ashore easily between Breezy Bay and the Oasis Lagoon pool. The lagoon, which is open to all guests, is not far from the heart of Breezy Bay, making it easy to rotate between fun in the sand and pool all day long. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

The pier at CocoCay sustained damage over the weekend, causing at least one ship to be diverted to another port of call at the last minute. 

Passengers were informed of the itinerary change aboard Freedom of the Seas after they embarked on Monday, February 2. 

Rather than calling at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Tuesday as planned, guests were told that they'd now enjoy a sea day before heading to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday. 

"As the Captain announced earlier, due to this past weekend's winter storm, which included strong winds and heavy seas at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, catwalks fell into the sea on the eastern side of the pier," read a letter delivered to current cruisers. 

(Credit: Sara Lynn/Facebook)

Continuing on, "Unfortunately, divers have not been able to locate all of them, which prevents us from safely docking the ship at Perfect Day at CocoCay. After exploring and exhausting all other alternatives, we'll skip our visit. We'll now enjoy a sea day tomorrow and visit Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM." 

There's no change to Freedom's scheduled visit to the Bahamian capital of Nassau on Friday. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of Royal Caribbean’s most popular destinations. The private island has won numerous awards and features something for every traveler, from thrill seekers to relaxation-focused cruisers. As such, it's a major selling point on Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries.

(Credit: Cruise Mapper. Screenshot taken at 6:20 p.m. EST on Feb. 3)

Cruise Mapper further confirms the change, showing the Freedom Class ship sailing past Cuba en route to the Dominican Republic.

At the time of publication, Royal Caribbean has not yet publicly commented on the extent of the damage to the pier or how long repairs are expected to take. This means that it's unclear how many future sailings to the private island will be impacted.

Celebrity Reflection is also skipping CocoCay

According to one Facebook user, Celebrity Reflection is skipping its scheduled visit to CocoCay on Feb. 4. Instead, it will be calling at Freeport, Bahamas. 

However, Utopia of the Seas' visit remains unchanged, revealing that the issue appears to be isolated to one side of the pier, rather than impacting the entire dock. 

Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay was also damaged 

According to a letter dated February 2, 2026, the pier at Great Stirrup Cay, which just recently opened, is unsafe to dock at due to damage sustained over the weekend. While passengers can still visit the private island, they will be tendered ashore — weather permitting. 

"We’re reaching out with an update ahead of your visit to Great Stirrup Cay, our private island in The Bahamas. Following the winter storms that moved through the region this weekend, the island’s pier and pool will be temporarily unavailable as our teams work to bring them back online later this week," the letter reads. 

Because tendering is dependent on the weather and sea conditions, it may be likely that some guests will end up missing their visit to Great Stirrup Cay, as was the case for guests sailing aboard Norwegian Prima earlier this week. 

"[W]e were supposed to dock but needed to tender due to damage to the pier from the storm, oh and the pool is closed.. Now, tendering [can't'] happen due to the swells," shared a guest on Facebook. 

NCL Prima was supposed to visit the island on Tuesday, February 2, according to Cruise Mapper. 

Read more: Cruise line spends $150 million to make its private island even better

Winter Storm Gianna wreaked havoc on the cruise industry over the weekend

Strong winds and rough waves from an unusual winter storm forced multiple Royal Caribbean Group ships to cancel every port of call on their itineraries over the weekend. 

Wonder of the Seas was supposed to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, but ended up sailing to nowhere. Similarly, Celebrity Reflection's visit to Key West, Florida, was canceled. 

Utopia of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas also had their itineraries altered, though less dramatically, along with vessels from competitors, including Carnival Sunshine, Norwegian Getaway, and Disney Wish. 

Read more: Winter storm forces two ships to sail "cruise to nowhere"

Winter Storm Gianna brought freezing temperatures, extreme winds, and record-breaking snowfall to the East Coast. The historic nor'easter slammed North Carolina particularly hard. 

FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel claimed the storm rivaled some of the most intense he's experienced during his 30-plus-year career covering extreme weather, FOX News reported.

Inland, Charlotte saw the largest snowfall in over 20 years, with 11 inches falling. That total ties for the fourth-largest one-day snowfall on record in the Queen City. Additionally, many surrounding areas, including Kannapolis, China Grove, and Concord, saw over one foot of snow. 

Royal Caribbean has arguably the best private island with Perfect Day at CocoCay, and it's loaded with so much to try.

This is an exclusive place for Royal Caribbean passengers, and there are many ways to relax and optional add-ons to purchase.

I've visited CocoCay over 50 times so far, and explored just about every corner of it to determine the best things to do and how to maximize your visit. 

I love the variety of ways to spend a day within this tropical playground. There are beaches to visit, water park to conquer, cabanas to rent, and lots of food to try.

Admission to the island comes with your cruise fare, but there are certain areas that require an extra cost admission. Most of it is included with your fare.

If you're ready to learn everything you can do, how to make the most of your time, and whether it's something you should be excited about, here’s everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.

What is a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay like?

Many Caribbean cruises include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, which is an island in The Bahamas owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.

Unlike other ports your cruise may visit, this one is just for Royal Caribbean passengers. Your ship pulls up to the pier and docks with up to one other ship.

Expect to be docked at the island for about 8 to 10 hours. You'll get a schedule of times you can disembark and the time to be back onboard by.

You can then walk off the ship and explore at your leisure.

The island is divided up into different zones, with each trying to provide a different vibe or experience. 

It's easy enough to walk around the island, but there is free tram service to take you around if you prefer. I'd estimate you could walk off your ship and to the furthest point in about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace.

The best things to try

It's up to you which area of Perfect Day at CocoCay you want to visit. Aside from an excursion or specific activity you book, you can roam the island as you see fit.

Nearly all the activities involve being in, around, or near the water.  The beach is number one activity, and you'll find a few different beaches to choose from:

• Chill Island: The traditional beach day experience
• South Beach: Beach day meets music, activities nearby, and even a floating bar
• Harbor Beach: An inlet that has little to no waves, great for young swimmers
• Breezy Bay: Another beach option that's convenient to other areas of the island
• Cove Beach: The place to go if you want to get away from everyone else because of it's remote location

There's also a giant freshwater pool at Oasis Lagoon which has a really fun swim-up bar. There's music playing here, and it has more of a pool party vibe to it.  

There are two aquatic play areas for young kids that you won't want to miss if you have children under the age of 8.

Captain Jill's Galleon is a pirate ship themed playground. There are slides, geysers, fountains and plenty of excuses to climb, descend, and get wet.

Right behind that is Splashaway Bay, which is an extra large version of the kids water play area found on many ships. There are even a few kiddie water slides here.

There are so many ways to get absolutely soaked, but luckily there are comfortable Adirondack chairs around it for parents to sit and watch while staying dry.

Thrill Waterpark is home to the giant water slides and wave pool. There's an admission cost, but you'll find all sorts of slides to challenge your sense of excitement.

The waterpark is quite popular with teens, but there's enough here for all members of the family.

If you prefer an upscale beach day, check out the Coco Beach Club.  

The beach club has a limited capacity and elevated features. The chairs are nicer, there's a wonderful sit down lunch offered in its own restaurant.

Another popular option is the adults-only area of Hideaway Beach.  Admission requires you to be at least 18 years old, and there's an enormous temperature-controlled pool, DJ playing music, and a few casual restaurants.

What costs extra and what is included?

It's your choice if you want to spend extra on the optional add-ons for your day at CocoCay.

There's enough included for free by Royal Caribbean that you don't need to pay for other things.

Included for no extra cost

• Oasis Lagoon pool access
• Chill Island beach access
• Breezy Bay beach access (including sports courts & games)
• South Beach beach access (including sports courts & games)
• Harbor Beach beach access
• Cove Beach beach access
• Captain Jack’s (for seating, not food)
• Splashaway Bay
• Captain Jill's Galleon
• Towels (from ship), beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks
• Buffet-style lunch at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill
• Food from Snack Shack
• Tram service
• Lockers
• Beach access wheelchairs

Costs extra

• Thrill Waterpark
• Zipline
• Up Up & Away helium balloon
• Cabanas
• Day Beds
• Snorkel gear
• Jet skis
• Coco Beach Club
• Hideaway Beach
• All bars and self-serve beer stations (Your drink package still works on the island)

Prices for these add-ons vary depending on your sailing. There isn't a standard cost, because Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing based on demand.

Here are some example prices for a visit on Star of the Seas in summer 2026 when pre-purchased before the cruise:

• Hideaway Beach pass: $55.99 per person
• Coco Beach Club pass: $229.99 per person
• Thrill Waterpark day pass: $104.00 per person
• Zipline: $62.99 per person
• Up Up & Away helium balloon: $78.99 per person
• Breezy Bay Full-Day Beach Bed Rental: $549.00 each
• Floating Beach Mat: $15.99 each
• Chill Island Cabanas: $1,449.00 each

Some of these prices are on the lower end of the spectrum, and priced well because of a pre-cruise sale.

Food options

After all the fun you'll have around the island, you're going to want lunch (and a few snacks).

Royal Caribbean includes a lot of food for your CocoCay visit. There are four Snack Shack locations you can visit, and it's a great grab-and-go option. Be sure to try the best mozzarella sticks ever. 

Alternatively Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill have a buffet, including a taco bar. There's also more typical island fare, like burgers, hot dogs, and salads.

If you go to the paid areas (Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, or Thrill Waterpark), there are restaurants in each of those areas too.

My favorite food from food quality perspective is the Coco Beach Club restaurant.  Filet mignon, lobster, fried shrimp, and it's specialty restaurant level good stuff. 

For free food, I really like the taco bar because I can make a taco bowl and load it up with so many toppings. It's the perfect beach day refresh.

There are no shortage of bars, and some are really fun. 

The floating bar in South Beach requires a short swim to reach, but it's worth the effort. Far easier to get to, the swim-up bar in Oasis Lagoon is a party and has lots of shade. If you're more of a beach bar person, try the Wacky Seagull (Chill Island) or Coconut Willie’s Bar (South Beach).

Should you reserve things before your visit?

The free areas require no advanced reservations or bookings. It's all first-come, first-reserved.

But if you want to purchase any of the optional add-ons, I would recommend booking it in advance because they sell out often.

Demand for these activities has been higher because Royal Caribbean has done a better job at marketing them.

Plus, the cost is always cheaper if you pre-book, rather than waiting to book it onboard the ship or even on the island. In fact, I think it's a mistake to wait to book these items because of the elevated risk of it selling out.

You can book anything at Perfect Day at CocoCay before the cruise begins on the Cruise Planner site or in the Royal Caribbean app.

I prefer to use the Cruise Planner site because it's easier to quickly navigate. Log into your Royal Caribbean account and then find your upcoming sailing.

There is a Perfect Day at CocoCay section, and from here you can find every single add-on to purchase.

Recommendations to bring with you

Visiting CocoCay is a lot like any cruise port in that you should bring certain items with you.  

You absolutely need to bring your SeaPass card with you to get on and off the ship. Plus, it's the only way to pay for drinks or add-ons around the island.

Before you head ashore, here's what you should have with you.

• Swimsuit & cover-up
• Shoes (flip flops or water shoes)
  • Closed-toe shoes if you're doing the zip line
• Sunscreen
• SeaPass card
• Towels (provided on ship)
  • If you are in a cabana or Coco Beach Club, towels are provided for you.

Of course, I'd recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, rash guard, and a beach bag to help make your day more enjoyable.

One thing you definitely don't need to bring is your passport. Leave it on the ship.

Got kids? Here's what to know

Without a doubt, you'll find lots for kids to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Thrill Waterpark is an obvious choice for families, given the water slides are such an inviting option.  You can buy day passes for everyone, or opt for a Thrill Waterpark cabana because it includes admission for up to six people.

Keep in mind there are height requirements for the water slides, ranging between 42 inches and 48 inches.

Families with young children will love the two splash areas that are near the entrance to the island. 

Not only are both free, but it's perfect for kids to run around and get drenched. There are life guards here (and at every pool and beach), so it's a safe environment for them to play and splash.

If you want a family beach day, Harbor Beach is a great choice if you have swimmers that aren't very strong. There aren't big waves at CocoCay top begin with, but the cove here is almost like a pool because of how calm the water is.  

Plus, it's the least crowded beach you're likely to find.

In terms of food, there's no shortage of the usual foods picky eaters love. There's no excuse for your kids being hangry given how much food is offered, and that it's all included.

Hot dogs, burgers, tacos, and more are available at both Skipper's Grill and Chill Grill. 

My top tips for your first visit

Before you head off the ship and start your day, here's my top recommendations for Perfect Day at CocoCay do's and don'ts.

Get off the ship as early as you can: You really should arrive early to claim a spot for your family.

There are lots of chairs and umbrellas, but they do go quickly. The first area to run out of chairs is Oasis Lagoon, followed by Chill Island.

I'd recommend disembarking the ship before 10am to get a shady spot in the area you want.

Bring a waterproof phone case for pool/beach pics: You're going to want to take photos, so I'd recommend a good waterproof case. (This link contains an affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra)

Buy cabanas or passes early: No matter the price, most of the extra cost options around CocoCay will sell out before your cruise begins.

Plan ahead and book your shore excursions beforehand! 

You can always cancel and rebook later if there's a price drop, but waiting to book it is usually a mistake.

Your beverage and WiFi package work on the island: If you bought a Voom internet package or drink package, those benefits work also on CocoCay. It's a huge amunt of added value.

Best times for the water park slides: Lines are worst from mid-morning to about lunch time.  

Try to hit the slides before 10:30am or after 2pm.

Swimming with the pigs is overrated: Trust us, as cute as it sounds, it's a waste of money and you're going to end up surrounded by pig poop.

Swap your wet towels out: There are towel stations around the island, so there's no reason to bring back wet towels.

Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas has ships visiting almost every day, but there aren't overnight visits yet.

Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of the most popular destinations among cruisers, so much so that Royal Caribbean's newest ships sail exclusively to the private island. Despite that, though, CocoCay itineraries are limited to daytime visits only. 

In a recent Reddit post on the r/royalcaribbean thread, cruisers questioned why the cruise line doesn't offer overnight stays to CocoCay. Rival MSC Cruises, for example, offers late-night stays to its private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. 

"I think [overnight stays would] be amazing especially with a themed all white night or something for a sunset party. I also [don't] know the logistics and legalities behind having this as an option on international waters," wrote No_ThankYouu. 

Another Redditor added, "I get [that] logistically it probably can't happen. But how awesome would it be to have options to have a beach bonfire, or glow-kayaks, or [a] luau pool party."

Royal Caribbean toyed with late-night and overnight stays in the past 

While the idea was great in theory, it turned out not to be feasible. 

"I've been considering overnight stays for Perfect Day almost since the beginning. One of the issues that we had, ironically, was that we had so many ships going there, it became problematic," said Royal Caribbean International CEO Michael Bayley during a webinar in April 2020.  

"Part of the ongoing capital investment in Perfect Day was allowing us to accommodate additional ships so we could have one ship stay overnight."

Bayley added that many capital projects that were lined up were put on hold since they didn't have any revenue coming in during the pandemic. 

Years later, however, Royal Caribbean is reporting record-breaking demand and revenue, with ships sailing at or near full capacity to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Even so, the cruise line has shown no indication that overnight or late-night stays are moving forward.

With CocoCay already delivering strong guest satisfaction as a daytime port of call, there's little financial incentive to restructure the model that’s already working.

Offering late-night stays would require significant operational changes that would impact the ships' staffing. 

"[I]t doesn't look like we will be doing overnights because our guests, even with our late-night stays, once they want to come back, they really do want to come back onto the ship and enjoy the fine dining and they want to enjoy the entertainment that we have onboard," Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Relations, said. 

In another webinar with travel agents, Freed added that many guests would prefer a two-day visit to CocoCay, rather than an overnight stay. 

Other Redditors chimed in with their own speculations about why Royal Caribbean won't offer late-night visits to CocoCay

One person brought up the fact that late-night stays would require the crew to remain on the island, thus reducing the ability to provide services on the cruise ship. This means, for example, fewer bartenders and servers in the restaurants. 

Another important consideration is that Royal Caribbean would lose revenue from the onboard shops and casino. Although the casino remains open while docked at CocoCay, it’s restricted to slot machines — table games can’t operate until the ship is back in international waters. 

Table games, like blackjack, poker, and roulette, are a significant draw for many gamblers and generate a lot of revenue for the cruise line. 

Additionally, with cruisers staying out on the island later, fewer would opt for add-ons like specialty dining. 

Then, there's the issue of safety, as liability concerns related to nighttime beaches are likely a major factor holding them back. They would need to ensure that the island has proper lighting and lifeguard coverage. 

Some hazards, including marine life, are harder to see at night, too. You wouldn't want to be in the ocean, steps away from a stingray or shark, and not be able to see it!

Although late-night visits to CocoCay aren't likely to happen in the near future, guests can still make the most of their time on the island. 

If you get off as early as possible, you'll have at least seven hours to enjoy everything the island has to offer — from Thrill Waterpark to the upscale Coco Beach Club, adults-only Hideaway Beach, Oasis Lagoon pool, and multiple beaches. 

Read more: Hideaway Beach vs Coco Beach Club: Which Royal Caribbean day pass is worth it?

Your next visit to Royal Caribbean's private island could have a beer that's been missing for almost six years.

It's been a while, but the cruise line confirmed it's bringing back the Chilla Thrilla beer to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The cruise line introduced this exclusive brew that was produced in partnership with Funky Buddha Brewery.

Before you throw a few back, here's what's been revealed.

Coming to private destinations and ships

When Royal Caribbean opened Perfect Day at CocoCay, the introduced a lot of firsts, including a branded beer.

Chilla Thrilla was available for just a few months in 2019, as the cruise industry shutdown of 2020 halted distribution.

When cruises restarted in 2021, the beer wasn't brought back because of apparent supply chain issues.

However, that's changing, as Royal Caribbean confirmed Chilla Thrilla is coming back. The cruise line shared on its social media feeds an update:

The Royal Caribbean x Funky Buddha Brewery Chilla Thrilla is a refreshing blonde ale brewed with a splash of mango and guava, perfect for a full day of soaking up the sun.

Grab this Florida-brewed tropical ale at any of our private destinations and ships sailing out of the US.

This marks the first time since early 2020 the beer will be available, and it sounds like as long as your cruise ship sails from the U.S., you'll be able to sample it. Funky Buddha claims the beer is available on any ship sailing to the Caribbean.

In fact, it's already been spotted on Explorer of the Seas.

And yes, the beer is included with Royal Caribbean's popular drink packages.

What does it taste like?

According to the brewer, Chilla Thrilla is a "Blonde Ale with Mango and Guava". 

It's a drink meant to evoke a tropical taste, which is why it leans in the fruity direction.

"A crisp body and tropical vibe makes Chilla Thrilla perfect for a day packed full of fun in the sun."

Funky Buddha claims it pairs well with the food you can get at CoocCay, including a Cuban sandwich, mango and habanero wings, carnitas tacos, fresh citrus and stone fruits.

Beer fan site Untappd listed the fan reviews of Chilla Thrilla at 3.5 stars across over 500 reviews.

Perfect Day at CocoCay quickly became a fan favorite after its multi-million dollar renovation in 2019. Royal Caribbean transformed the island into a vibrant paradise tailored to every kind of traveler. However, many first-time visitors don't understand what is and isn't included. 

Thankfully, there are so many complimentary activities that you don't have to worry about spending extra money on the island. Everything from the sprawling beaches to the massive swimming pool, live music, and kids' splash zone is included in your cruise fare. 

Perfect Day at CocoCay also offers a variety of complimentary dining options that make it easy to grab a quick snack or refuel during lunch without needing to return to the ship. 

There are four Snack Shacks on the island that dish up favorites like mozzarella sticks, crispy chicken sandwiches, funnel cakes, and more. 

Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill offer more variety, from BBQ classics to tacos, sandwiches, salads, soft-serve ice cream, and more. Every dining venue also has at least one drink station with complimentary water and juice. 

Guests can enjoy as much food as they'd like throughout the day. For instance, you can visit the Snack Shack for a mid-morning snack of mozzarella sticks, then head over to the buffet later for a more filling lunch.

Perfect Day at CocoCay food

Starting with the Chill Grill and Skipper's Grill, you will find everything from a taco bar to Cuban sandwiches, hot dogs, freshly grilled burgers, and more. 

The taco bar is, understandably, a favorite. Each tortilla is freshly made with the on-site tortilla press, and I think they're better than the ones served onboard at El Loco Fresh! 

Plus, there are flour and corn options. The latter is perfect for those who enjoy the traditional taste of authentic tacos (and yes, you can add cilantro and lime!). 

When it comes to protein, options typically include pork, chicken, and steak carnitas, as well as marinated beans for vegetarians. 

Mexican rice is also available. It's a great filling or side!

There are different choices for cruisers who have had their fair share of tacos on board. Other complimentary options include burgers (with or without cheese), hot dogs, and BBQ chicken. 

And what goes better with a juicy burger than corn on the cob or French fries? 

Once you’ve filled your plate, the salsa and toppings bar is a must-visit. Whether you want to spruce up your burger with tomatoes, lettuce, and onions or fill your taco with cheese, guacamole, shredded cheese, and jalapeños, there's no shortage of ways to customize your meal. 

There's even a decent selection of hot salsas for those who want an extra kick. 

In addition to all the island BBQ staples, Chill Grill and Skipper’s Grill also serve up a variety of ready-to-go sandwiches. 

These include the shaved ribeye cheesesteak sandwich, the Cuban sandwich, and the portobello & mozzarella sandwich. 

There's an assortment of fresh salads, too. 

From crisp mixed greens to the heartier country potato salad and refreshing tomato cucumber salad, there's a side for everyone. 

No beach day is perfect without fresh fruit, either. 

You can grab as many slices of watermelon, pineapple, bananas, or oranges as your heart desires since it's all included. 

And to satisfy those with a sweet tooth, there are brownies and cookies (conveniently located near the fruit). 

I love getting a brownie and topping it with vanilla soft-serve ice cream! You can even make a small ice cream sandwich to enjoy on the beach. 

Outside of the two buffets, there are four Snack Shacks around the island, located in Breezy Bay, Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Beach, and South Beach.

Although some of the food is the same as the buffets (i.e., chocolate chip cookies, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, and chocolate caramel brownies), there are a few items that have developed a cult-like following — most notably, the mozzarella sticks. 

Pro tip: Order the crispy chicken sandwich and mozzarella sticks with marinara to create a DIY chicken parmigiana sandwich. Instead of the cheese being melted, you get an extra crunch from the breaded mozzarella sticks. 

You can also order lighter options from the Snack Shack, such as a grilled vegetable salad or a Greek salad. 

Coco Beach Club menu and food

Coco Beach Club is not included in your cruise fare. However, if you purchase admission to the upscale club, you can eat at the private restaurant, which features an elevated 3-course menu, for no extra charge. 

The sit-down meal begins with a selection of tapas, including hummus, ceviche, and baba ganoush. Then, you can pick a made-to-order entrée. The entrées aren't basic hot dogs or burgers, either — think entire lobsters, filet mignon, and garlic tiger prawns. 

The third course, dessert, shouldn't be missed. It features decadent options like the Bahamian rum-soaked cake, tropical fruit sorbet, and brownies. 

Hideaway Beach Coco Cay food

Like with the Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Beach isn't part of the complimentary amenities at CocoCay. That said, the adult-only beach is more reasonably priced compared to Coco Beach Club. 

The food at Hideaway Beach is also included in the price of admission — and there are a few exclusive options that can't be found at other venues around the island. 

For example, although the Hideaway Hut essentially is just another Snack Shack, it also offers a coconut shrimp basket (my personal favorite!), a fish sandwich, and ceviche.

Additionally, Hideaway Beach is the only place on the island where guests can get pizza and empanadas. The Island Guava Barbeque Chicken is a favorite for its sweet and tangy flavor. 

How do the adults-only beach clubs at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay and Carnival’s Celebration Key compare?

Adults-only areas are in high demand not only on cruise ships, but also at cruise line private destinations.

Last year, Royal Caribbean opened Hideaway Beach, the cruise line’s adults-only beach club at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Carnival Cruise Line soon followed suit with the opening of Pearl Cove Beach Club at the brand-new Celebration Key.

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Celebration Key

I spent the day at both cruise lines’ adults-only areas to see what makes them similar and different from each other.

On the surface, these two adults-only areas share many similarities. They are reserved for guests 18 years and older, come with an extra charge, and offer a pool, beach, swim-up bar, and dining options.

Yet during my visits to Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club, I realized that each cruise line had a different approach. Royal Caribbean’s beach club offered a bigger party vibe, whereas Carnival’s focused more on tranquility and relaxation.

Here’s what I thought of each adults-only beach club, and how the two destinations compare.

Royal Caribbean offers a dynamic pricing model to enter Hideaway Beach

Like all cruise add-ons offered by Royal Caribbean, a day pass to enter Hideaway Beach can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors. Certain ships and times of year may see higher prices, and sales can cause prices to rise or fall throughout the year.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100 per person for entry to Hideaway Beach.

Read more: Is Hideaway Beach worth the cost?

Fortunately, Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and rebook add-ons if you notice a price drop up until 48 hours before your cruise. So, if you book your Hideaway Beach day pass for $85 and later notice a price drop to $60, you can cancel and rebook at the lower price.

After visiting Hideaway Beach, I would definitely pay $40 or $50 for entry, but I’d question the value of entry if the price got above $60. Although the beach club offers exclusivity, there are plenty of other places around Perfect Day at CocoCay to unwind without spending extra.

Carnival, however, has three separate entry options for Pearl Cove Beach Club

Unlike with Royal Caribbean, you can expect predictable prices for admission to Pearl Cove Beach Club at Celebration Key.

Whereas Hideaway Beach only has one entry option, Pearl Cove Beach Club offers three.

First is the Pearl Cove Beach Club: All-Inclusive entry. For $180, the entry includes admission, lunch at the Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant, and up to ten alcoholic beverages from a limited menu.

Then there’s the Pearl Cove Beach Club: Open Bar entry. At $140, this entry is cheaper than the all-inclusive option, but it still includes up to ten alcoholic beverages. It does not include lunch at the on-site restaurant.

Finally, you can book the Pearl Cove Beach Club Access entry. This is the cheapest option at $100 per person, but it does not include lunch at the on-site restaurant. No drinks are included either, with the exception of a welcome drink upon arrival.

I paid $100 for the most basic access to Pearl Cove Beach Club on my visit. Later, however, I realized the open bar admission offered a much better value.

For just $40 extra, I could have enjoyed up to ten drinks, effectively making each drink just $4 on top of my admission fee. Paying $100 without any inclusions felt high for what was offered.

Hideaway Beach has a higher capacity (and bigger party vibe) than Pearl Cove Beach Club

After visiting both Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club, I’d argue that Pearl Cove Beach Club is more similar to the Coco Beach Club than Hideaway Beach.

Coco Beach Club is an exclusive (but not adults-only) beach club at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It’s laid out very similarly to Pearl Cove Beach Club, with an infinity pool, on-site restaurant, and private beach.

Read more: Coco Beach Club review at Perfect Day at CocoCay

While Hideaway Beach also has an infinity pool, the space is significantly larger. Hideaway Beach can accommodate 1,800 guests. Capacity numbers have not been released for Pearl Cove Beach Club, but I imagine the capacity number is much smaller given the limited space.

Hideaway Beach, therefore, provides a louder, more energetic atmosphere. If I’m being honest, I don’t find it to be the most tranquil space to relax at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A live DJ blasts music from the swim-up bar, and it’s more akin to a Las Vegas-style pool party than a peaceful adults-only retreat. It's definitely fun, but don't expect a soothing environment.

I found Pearl Cove Beach Club to be quieter than Hideaway Beach. Admittedly, I was aboard one of the first cruises to Celebration Key, and the beach club was not crowded at all.

There was music playing near the small swim-up bar, but overall, the atmosphere reminded me more of the Coco Beach Club rather than Hideaway Beach.

If you’re looking for a Hideaway Beach party vibe at Celebration Key, I’d head to Calypso Lagoon instead. There, you’ll find a party at Long Necks Swim Up Bar, and the area is available to all guests without an extra cost.

Both beach clubs feature infinity pools and a beach

The infinity pool at Hideaway Beach is 18,000 square feet, whereas the one found at Pearl Cove Beach Club is 11,000 square feet. Hideaway Beach’s infinity pool is heated, but Carnival has not stated whether or not the pool at Pearl Cove Beach Club is heated.

On my visit, it didn’t appear to be heated, but it was exceptionally refreshing in the extremely humid July temperatures. Come February, it could feel cold on a chilly day.

That being said, some guests complain that the heated pool at Hideaway Beach is too warm in the summer months, so there are pros and cons to either option.

As far as beaches, I prefer the beach at Hideaway Beach. It’s located in a manmade cove, and the water is calm with soft sand.

At Pearl Cove Beach Club, the beach is more rocky and has somewhat rougher waters.

Food is included at Hideaway Beach, and drink packages work ashore

When it comes to food and drink, there are a lot of ways to indulge at CocoCay’s Hideaway Beach.

The adults-only club features two complimentary restaurant options, both of which are casual, grab-and-go venues.

Hideaway Hut offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and small bites like mozzarella sticks. Here, you can choose between classic American fare like a cheeseburger, or opt for a Caribbean favorite like coconut shrimp and a crispy fish sandwich.

The second restaurant is Slice of Paradise, which serves up an array of pizzas and empanadas.

Both restaurants are included in entry to Hideaway Beach, and there’s no limit on how much you can order during your time ashore.

On my visit, I grabbed two slices of pizza for lunch. The food wasn't anything special, but for what it’s worth, Hideaway Beach is the only place at CocoCay to enjoy a slice of pizza.

Next time, I’d probably try the coconut shrimp, as I’ve heard many cruisers rave about the dish.

Like on the rest of the island, drink packages, as well as Crown & Anchor Society drink vouchers, are honored at Hideaway Beach. Guests with drink packages can enjoy unlimited cocktails, mocktails, beers, and soda while ashore.

Food and drinks come with an extra cost at Pearl Cove Beach Club

At Pearl Cove Beach Club, the rules around food and drinks are more strict than those at Hideaway Beach.

There is one on-site restaurant at Pearl Cove Beach Club, and unlike the grab-and-go venues at Hideaway Beach, this restaurant offers a full-service, sit-down meal.

Guests who purchased the all-inclusive entry to Pearl Cove Beach Club receive a Mediterranean platter for an appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. There are nine entrée options, including a wagyu burger, grilled octopus, seafood pasta, and lobster tail. For dessert, guests can enjoy either baklava or chocolate cake.

Those who did not purchase the all-inclusive option can order food from an à la carte menu. This menu includes the same items as the all-inclusive menu, but also offers sushi rolls and additional appetizer options.

If guests do not want to spend extra on food at Pearl Cove Beach Club, they can dine elsewhere at Celebration Key and return to the beach club after lunch.

I opted to grab lunch at the nearby Captain’s Galley Food Hall, but it was somewhat cumbersome to go back and forth between the beach club and other dining venues. Plus, Celebration Key only offers one meal to each guest throughout the day, so if I got hungry again, I would have to spend extra.

Read more: What I loved and hated about visiting Celebration Key

As far as drinks, whether or not they’re included at Pearl Cove Beach Club depends on your entry ticket. Carnival’s drink packages do not work at Celebration Key, and you can only receive included drinks at the beach club if you purchased the open bar or all-inclusive ticket.

My basic entry included a welcome rum punch on arrival, but I didn’t want to spend $17 each for additional cocktails. Next time, I would definitely book the open bar or all-inclusive option to enjoy drinks without worrying about the cost.

Cabanas are offered at both destinations, but I preferred those at Hideaway Beach

Private cabanas are popular upcharge items offered at cruise line private destinations. Around both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key, you can find a wide selection of cabanas.

There are basic cabanas offered on the sand near the beach as well as luxury, over-the-water cabanas at each destination.

Read more: Guide to CocoCay cabanas

Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club offer their own variations of cabanas, and rentals include admission to the adults-only beach clubs.

After touring cabanas at both private destinations, I preferred those at Hideaway Beach.

All cabanas at Pearl Cove Beach Club are on the sand, and they offer close access to both the infinity pool and beach. At Hideaway Beach, though, you can find the Hideout Cabanas, which offer a cabana experience unlike any other at CocoCay.

These cabanas have direct access to their own private infinity pool, making the exclusive beach club even more exclusive.

Overall, Pearl Cove Beach Club offers a more luxurious experience, but there’s more to do at Hideaway Beach

My time at Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club felt more upscale than my day at Hideaway Beach, even though the latter offered more to do, see, and eat.

Subtle differences made Carnival’s adults-only club stand out. Pool and beach loungers are padded, for example, making them more comfortable than the unpadded loungers at Hideaway Beach.

The welcome drink was a nice touch, too, and it's something that is not included at Hideaway Beach. Plus, having access to a sit-down restaurant provides a more peaceful dining atmosphere than the quick-service options at Hideaway Beach.

Yet in terms of things to do, Hideaway Beach offers more choices. The pool is significantly larger, there’s live music at On The Rocks bar, and having two restaurants provides more options to guests.

I prefer how Royal Caribbean honors drink packages at Hideaway Beach, although the $140 open bar admission at Pearl Cove Beach Club is still a great value.

Although I’m usually a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser, I enjoy trying other cruise lines from time to time. My first visit to Celebration Key left me impressed, and Pearl Cove Beach Club certainly lived up to my expectations.

However, if I were looking for an experience akin to Pearl Cove Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay, I would probably book admission to Coco Beach Club rather than Hideaway Beach.

Regardless, I wouldn’t say one destination is necessarily better than the other. It’s hard to go wrong with an adults-only getaway, and I would gladly book another day pass to Hideaway Beach and Pearl Cove Beach Club again.