After reading about the $200 million transformation in 2019, I was eager to visit Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas – Perfect Day at CocoCay. Select Caribbean/Bahamian sailings to visit the island for the day, and it’s filled with activities and amenities that can help you have the perfect day on your vacation, regardless of your preferences.
As someone who loves the beach, warm water, and fun activities, I felt that Perfect Day at CocoCay would be the perfect place to spend the day. During my first visit there, I was eagerly anticipating a return visit. Since then, I’ve been an additional two times, experiencing something a little different every time.
Disclosure: My sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas (and flights to/from the port) and Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, were complimentary. We also had a complimentary cabana and water park access for the day. I’ve also visited with the Odyssey of the Seas at my own expense (also with a cabana paid in full by us). All opinions are my own.
Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay
What is Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island (also known as Little Stirup Island). Up to two ships can dock at the island at one time, and it’s staffed by 350+ employees who reside on the island full time. Despite the two cruise ships there during my visit, the island never felt overly crowded.
Not all Royal Caribbean ships stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. So, if it’s something you want to do, you’ll want to make sure your itinerary includes a visit. Cruise ships departing from Galveston, for instance, don’t typically stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
As a Bahamian island, you can generally expect good temperatures on Perfect Day at CocoCay year-round. However, the winter months may be a little chilly. I’ve been to the Bahamas in January when it’s been both cooler and hot, so it really can vary. It’s a good idea to look at the weather forecast before you leave so that you can be prepared.
Arriving at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Once your ship is ready for disembarkation, you’ll hear an announcement. If you are doing an excursion, you may be given a specific time to meet up. Otherwise, you can exit the ship whenever you are ready, once the ship is ready. There’s even a fun theme song that will play on the ship once you arrive.
Unless you are spending the day at Coco Beach Club, you’ll want to bring your towels from the ship. You can pick these up with your key card from the towel kiosk near the pool deck. Wet towels can be exchanged on the island. Be sure to bring your used towels back to the ship when you are done for the day.
A complimentary tram runs around the island from the ship. It is, however, very walkable, if you choose to walk. Don’t forget to pack your beach bag for the day with essentials. There are complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas located throughout the island, with cabanas and daybeds available for rent. Since there are usually two ships docked at the island, you may want to venture out early if you have a specific spot you want to be in.
Here’s what you’ll find on the island:
The first thing you’ll see as you head into the arrivals plaza is Captain Jill’s Galleon, a ship splash zone with water cannons and small slides. It’s great for younger kids to splash around.
Thrill Waterpark
The Thrill Waterpark is a full waterpark located right in the center of Perfect Day at CocoCay. Home to the tallest waterslide in North America, the Thrill Waterpark is offered at an additional charge. It’s worth the extra fee if you plan to spend most of your day there. The waterpark add-on is offered as a full-day pass.
The waterpark includes:
Splash Summit: six water slides including the Sling Shot, Twister, and Splash Speedway.
Daredevil’s Tower: seven separate slides, including the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America.
Wave Pool: the largest wave pool in the Caribbean
Adventure Pool: offers an obstacle course, a rock wall, and rope swings.
There are chairs and umbrellas located throughout the waterpark, as well as cabanas for rent. Freshwater showers are available, as are beach wheelchairs. Kids under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult, while kids under 4 get free admission.
Splashaway Bay
Like the popular and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay on the ships, this one includes waterslides, pools, and a drench bucket. It’s complimentary and great for younger kids.
Oasis Lagoon
This central lagoon area offers the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool with three different coves. You’ll find a zero-entry pool, a swim-up bar, and a relaxing area. This is a great place for the whole family because younger kids will appreciate the zero-entry pool.
Chill Island
Want to visit the beach on your vacation? Then head to Chill Island, with beachfront access, chairs, and umbrellas. This is a nice, relaxing area to enjoy swimming in the beautiful Caribbean sea.
During my visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, I spent some time in the afternoon cooling off in the water. It was surprisingly warm, and I was able to get some great shade under an umbrella.
There’s also the second part of Chill Island called Breezy Bay at Chill Island. This area offers a sports court area with basketball and volleyball courts as well as other fun games.
Servers go around taking drink orders – while these are an extra fee, a drink package purchased on the ship does apply on the island. If you like tropical alcoholic drinks, try the Coco Loco – the signature drink on the island.
South Beach
This active area of the beach, South Beach offers beach chairs and umbrellas along a narrow stretch of beach. It’s one of the newer parts of the island and is on the opposite side of the island from the Arrivals Plaza.
There, you’ll find the floating bar, a barge in the middle of the sea where you can get some of your favorite drinks. There are also sports courts for volleyball and basketball.
Coco Beach Club
If you are looking for a more luxurious day on the island, the Coco Beach Club may be perfect for you. This area is available at an additional fee and offers unique floating overwater cabanas, waterfront cabanas, a freshwater pool, and more. There’s also a private restaurant in this area, just for guests of the Coco Beach Club.
This is a beautiful spot, and a great splurge if you’d like to have a more luxurious experience during your family cruise vacation. The food is especially delicious and is different from what is served on the rest of the island.
Hideaway Beach
In January 2024, Royal Caribbean opened the latest addition to Perfect Day at CocoCay – Hideaway Beach. This part of the island is adult-only, and access is available for an additional fee.
Hideaway Beach offers a DJ, a swim-up bar, two separate bars, and cabanas offered for an additional charge.
Activities on Perfect Day at CocoCay
Your Cruise Compass (and the Royal Caribbean app) will include a listing for planned activities during your Perfect Day at CocoCay. During our sailing, these included open-play volleyball, basketball, giant Jenga, bean bag toss, foot billiards, and table tennis.
You’ll also find entertainment options on the island, including the Island Junkanoo Dancers – held both at arrivals and in the afternoon at the Oasis Lagoon Pool. There are also bands and other live music performers, as well as a DJ. Specific times and options are listed in the Cruise Compass.
Excursions on Perfect Day at CocoCay
You can also book excursions and extra experiences on the island. Keep in mind that availability will be varied, and can always be canceled based on weather conditions. Activities should be booked in advance through Royal Caribbean. Because there are usually two ships docked, there’s more demand for the excursions and activities.
Some of the more popular excursions include the Up Up and Away helium balloon ride (which can be canceled due to wind), kayaking, a zip line, spa treatments, jet skis, scuba diving, and swimming with pigs. While they add to your experience, there are plenty of included activities on the island if you don’t want to spend any additional money. Be sure to bring closed-toed shoes if planning to ride the zip line.
Cabanas are available to rent in various areas of Perfect Day at CocoCay including the Coco Beach Club, Chill Island, South Beach, Thrill Waterpark, and Oasis Lagoon. Cabanas at the waterpark and Coco Beach Club also come with complimentary admission to those areas (for 6 people at the waterpark and 8 people at the Beach Club).
During our winter break cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas, we had a cabana on Chill Island. ally a nice experience. You’ll have shade, a quiet place to hang out, and a server to bring you food and beverages. They are a splurge, but they can be a great option for a more relaxing experience. Cabanas do sell out, so you’ll want to book them through the website in advance.
You can also rent snorkel equipment and rafts at various locations on the island. Again, these aren’t essential but could make your beach day more fun.
Shopping at Perfect Day at CocoCay
I always love shopping, and luckily, there is a great shopping area on Perfect Day at CocoCay. The straw market is located right by Chill Beach and includes small hut buildings with wares from various local Bahamians. There’s also a small kiosk with Perfect Day at CocoCay logo merchandise. I do wish there were more branded items, but that’s just a small area with a few items.
Food at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Of course, you’ll want to eat lunch at some point during your day, and there are plenty of options on the island. If you have rented a cabana for the day, your cabana comes with attendant service, and your cabana attendant can help with getting your food. Otherwise, you can visit one of the many venues.
There are three locations of the Snack Shack, which offers hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, and appetizers. For tacos, burgers, salads, and more, visit the Skipper’s Grill next to Splashaway Bay There’s also the Chill Grill, at Chill Island, with similar food offerings. Captain Jack’s Wings and Fries offers a la carte options (for an additional cost) if you’d prefer that menu.
To have the Perfect Day, it’s a good idea to do some planning in advance. Make sure you make any purchases of extras (including excursions) as soon as you can. Check the specific details to ensure you know exactly what type of things you’ll need for the excursion.
You’ll also want to pack a beach bag to take with you including sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, and anything else you’ll need to protect yourself from the strong Caribbean sun and enjoy your day. While the ship won’t be too far away, you won’t want to go back to get any items you’ve forgotten.
Considering a family cruise? Check out our guide to family cruising, with posts about popular cruise terminals, cruise ships, and cruise lines, as well as tips for cruising.
