I went to Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It’s not for me, but I get why cruisers love it.

1 4 minutes read

I went to Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It’s not for me, but I get why cruisers love it.

At first glance, it may seem like Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone. Royal Caribbean’s 125-acre private island in the Bahamas is filled with thrilling adventures and relaxing beaches for vacationers.

You’ll find overwater cabanas, quiet places to chill, and shorelines bumping party music. Adrenaline seekers can race down gigantic waterslides, zip line across the island, and soar above it in a hot air balloon.

I visited CocoCay during my first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas in May 2022. Although it provided pretty much every activity I could think of for a Caribbean vacation, the island felt like an extension of the ship. I longed for a more authentic Bahamian experience.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s 125-acre private island in the Bahamas.

Perfect Day at CocoCay as seen from Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas cruise ship.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Royal Caribbean isn’t the only cruise line with a private island in the Bahamas. Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian each have their own exclusive Bahamian paradise.

The island is only accessible to cruisers on Royal Caribbean ships.

Two cruise ships docked at CocoCay on a partly-cloudy day with blue skies — Two ships docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

CocoCay was the final stop of my seven-night Caribbean cruise that sailed out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We also stopped in Roatán, Honduras, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

As cruisers step onto the island, a band greets them with Caribbean tunes.

Band plays under a hut at CocoCay — A band plays under a hut in CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought the band set the chill, Caribbean vibe as I walked off the dock.

Most attractions on the island are complimentary, including the food and many of the pools and beaches.

Poeple order from the Snack Shack at CocoCay with a blue awning above and clear blue skies above — People order food at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Guests could munch on the island’s burgers, hot dogs, salads, and sandwiches. There were also desserts like cookies, brownies, and funnel cakes.

Some exciting features cost extra, like the waterpark and hot air balloon rides.

side-by-side photos show ziplining (L) and the hot air balloon at CocoCay (R) — The island’s zip line and hot air balloon.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Other excursions also incurred an additional price, such as zip-lining, snorkeling, and jet skiing.

Maps, signage, and color-coded paths make the island easy to navigate.

A red path with a sign on the left directing guests at CocoCay on a partly-cloudy day — Signs direct guests around the island.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Green leads to Chill Island, orange leads to Oasis Lagoon, and blue leads to Thrill Waterpark.

Getting around is easy, too. You can either walk or ride a free tram to different parts of the island.

The tram station with palm trees on a partly cloudy day at CocoCay with blue skies — The tram station at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought the tram was a nice touch, but I preferred getting around on foot so I could take my time enjoying the paths in between beaches and activities.

If you’re looking to relax, head to Chill Island. It’s free to access.

People walk through entrance to Chill Island at Coco Cay on a partly cloudy day — People walk into Chill Island.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Chill Island is the place to spend a laid-back day in a lounge chair in the sand. It has no music, making it the quietest beach on CocoCay. The beach is lined with umbrellas and chairs, all of which are free to use.

If you want more privacy, you can rent a daybed on the beach.

You can also book an over-the-water cabana for an added price.

Floating cabanas at the beach in CocoCay with clouds in the background — People enjoy cabanas on the water.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

These floating cabanas cost $1,000 to rent when I visited.

Of course, there is a swim-up bar offshore.

People at a swim-up bar in CocoCay in the ocean with cloudy skies in the background — A swim-up bar at the beach of Chill Island.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Cruise ship drink packages extend to CocoCay.

For a more active beach day, check out South Beach on the other side of the island.

People play life-size pool and volleyball at CocoCay with palm trees in the background — People play billiards at South Beach.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Here, you’ll find plenty of activities, like basketball, volleyball, and jumbo-sized billiards, among others.

Both beaches offer complimentary amenities, including life vests.

A sign says "Cleaned and ready for you" above a rack of blue life vests on the beach at CocoCay with palm trees and cloudy blue skies in the background — Life vests at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This could be especially useful for families traveling with kids.

Both beaches have snorkeling shacks. I was able to rent gear for $37.

The author goes snorkeling at CocoCay — The author went snorkeling.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I went snorkeling at Chill Island and saw some neat fish close to the shore.

The beaches have vibrant souvenir shops.

Shops in the sand between palm trees at CocoCay on a partly-cloudy day — Shops on the beach under the palm trees.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spotted T-shirts, beachy accessories, and essentials, such as sunscreen, for sale.

If you prefer the pool, head to Oasis Lagoon.

A pool with five small fountains at the entrance at CocoCay with palm trees and cloudy blue skies in the background — Guests enjoy the pool in Oasis Lagoon.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

It is home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, according to the cruise line. The pool features several inviting coves and upbeat music. There’s also a swim-up bar.

Next to Oasis Lagoon, Splashaway Bay is a water playground.

People walk around Splashaway bay at CocoCay on a partly cloudy day — Guests hang out at Splashaway Bay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The playground resembles the Splashaway Bay found on Royal Caribbean ships. It is free for guests.

Next door is Thrill Waterpark, where you’ll find the waterslides for the “big kids.”

Several colorful waterslides at CocoCay with with palm trees between them and ocean waters in the background — Guests ride waterslides at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This area is home to waterslides and a wave pool. When I visited, access cost up to $140.

Thrill-seekers may also be interested in the hot air balloon ride that reaches 450 feet into the air.

The hot air balloon on CocoCay from above with palm trees surrounding it and clear ocean waters in the background — The hot air balloon at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When I was on the island, it cost up to $84 per person. I booked a ride, but unfortunately, the winds were too high for the balloon to operate. Royal Caribbean refunded my ride.

Back on the ship, I took in a panoramic view of CocoCay before departing.

The edge of CocoCay seen from above with clear ocean waters in the foreground and background — CocoCay as seen from the cruise ship.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I could see some of the other 700 Bahamian islands in the distance, and I wondered what it would be like to visit them.

While I had a fun and relaxing day at CocoCay, it felt more like an extension of the cruise ship than a visit to another country.

Thrill Waterpark (L) and the author in front of the shore at the beach in CocoCay — The reporter at CocoCay.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Since I’m not into the thrills of waterslides and zip lines, I would have rather spent time on a Caribbean island where I could have learned more about the culture.

For those looking for a resort-style destination, CocoCay has it all. From sports to peaceful beaches, the island is sure to fulfill all your vacation desires.

Sarah Walker 15 minutes ago