Royal Caribbean built arguably the best private island experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay, but what should you know before you arrive?
This private island is exclusive for Royal Caribbean passengers, and there's so much to do, ways to relax, and exciting add-ons.
I've been here 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. Get ready to fall in love with Perfect Day at CocoCay!
A day spent here is about having fun within a tropical playground. There are beaches to visit, water park to conquer, cabanas to rent, and lots of food to try.
Your cruise fare includes admission to the island, with some areas included at no additional cost, and some aspects having an extra cost.
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 Perfect Day at CocoCay?
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.
Top things to do at CocoCay
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’s included (and what costs extra)?
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 with your cruise fare:
- 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
Optional Add-Ons:
- 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 the new Star of the Seas, which debuts this summer:
- Hideaway Beach pass: $37.38 per person
- Coco Beach Club pass: $98.98 per person
- Thrill Waterpark day pass: $53.88 per person
- Zipline: $37.37 per person
- Up Up & Away helium balloon: $42.88 per person
- Breezy Bay Full-Day Beach Bed Rental: $218.88 each
- Floating Beach Mat: $9.88 each
- Chill Island Cabanas: $658.90 each
These prices are on the lower end of the spectrum, and priced well because of a pre-cruise sale.
Dining choices around Perfect Day at CocoCay
After all the fun you'll have around the island, you're going to want lunch (and a few snacks).
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.
In terms of food quality, my favorite is the Coco Beach Club restaurant. Filet mignon, lobster, fried shrimp, and it's specialty restaurant level good stuff.
In terms of 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).
Do you need to book in advance?
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.
What 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.
Is CocoCay kid-friendly?
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.
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.
