Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Royal Caribbean has recently opened its new private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, in the Bahamas, which provides travelers with numerous options for activities and entertainment. Even if you have been to CocoCay in the past, the enhanced destination is still unrecognizable, and with several of the world's largest ships now calling on the island, it's essential to be prepared for your time spent ashore. After spending a full day on the island, the staff learned a thing or two and put together an insider's guide with tips and secrets to help make your day at Perfect Day at CocoCay truly perfect.
One of the recommended tips is to book all of your shore excursions before your cruise. The staff found that the rates for these tours were significantly lower before the trip, and the prices continued to rise as the trip got closer. Certain activities, such as cabanas, saw prices rise by hundreds of dollars. Also, it's advisable to bring some cash to the island, particularly for the Straw Market, which doesn't accept anything but cash.
Tendering is no longer practiced at the island, and visitors can now walk ashore or use provided transportation to get to the entrance. Additionally, the staff noticed that starting early is especially crucial, as they were able to enjoy the island virtually to themselves for several hours before other cruisers began arriving.
To make the most out of the island, knowing the restrictions on different activities is vital. For instance, The Thrill Waterpark has a single rider weight limit of 300 lbs, while family raft slides have a maximum combined weight limit of 550 lbs. The zip line, on the other hand, requires cruisers to weigh between 75lbs and 270lbs.
Additionally, visitors can use the Royal Caribbean provided map to tour the island or take advantage of the added paved walkways to get around quickly.
If you don't feel like walking or have mobility issues, there is a tram to get around the island
Family/group-owned loungers and umbrellas are complimentary, as almost all the food and drinks offerings, including alcoholic beverages, are inclusive. Visitors can take advantage of the included Voom Internet package for WiFi connectivity and have documented keepsakes to add to their memories, provided they comply with the camera policy.
The waterpark gets busy in the middle of the day, from 11 am to 2 pm, so the best time to visit is early or later in the day. Also, additional gear and premium offerings can be rented, such as kayaks, floating mats, snorkel gear, and cabanas. For those looking for a more luxurious option, South Beach offers Beach Beds and Bungalows, while Chill Island provides Cabanas with private beach access.
