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We first visited CocoCay, in June 2018 when we sailed on the amplified Mariner of the Seas from Miami.
Since then, Royal Caribbean has spent $250 million dollars renovating their private island in the Bahamas, in an effort to really make it the perfect day in CocoCay. These improvements to CocoCay included adding the Thrill waterpark, wave pool, zip-line, a lagoon pool, and two dedicated kids playing areas.
We had the opportunity to revisit on a press trip where we were hosted on Navigator of the Seas. And we were not disappointed! I can truly say we had the most amazingly perfect day in CocoCay!
Now we fully understand the island’s new name. Check out this video of our Perfect Day at CocoCay. We spent the day doing all the things so I could come back here and give you an in-depth review detailing all the things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay for toddlers, older kids, parents, and the whole family!
What’s the Difference Between the New CocoCay and the ”Old CocoCay”?
Pretty much everything. When a company, like Royal Caribbean, invests 250 million into an Island that is under a mile wide and is roughly 125 acres you end up with an extreme Island makeover.
No acre was left untouched! The first time we visited CocoCay the main focus was the beach and water activities (snorkeling, jet skis, etc.). Where Thrill Water Park now sits was just a bunch of brush and vines. To say that the change was drastic is an understatement. The old CocoCay was just a relaxing day at a private beach, they’ve really made it perfect for people of all ages and interests.
Planning Your Perfect Day in CocoCay Ahead of Time
If CocoCay is on your cruise itinerary you will want to be proactive and review the Island and activities in your Royal Caribbean Cruise planner dashboard. Due to the pandemic cruising has changed quite a bit and most excursions are being booked ahead of time. It’s one of those situations where if you snooze you lose, and CocoCay is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss out on!
Is a perfect day at CocoCay included in the cruise price? What Costs Extra?
While there are free things to do in CocoCay (I will list them out below!) the main attractions like Thrill Waterpark, The Zip Line, and Up, Up, and Away do cost extra as well as any shore excursions you want to participate in.
If you want to rent a Cabana in Thrill Waterpark, Chill Island or Oasis Lagoon pricing usually starts at $299 and goes up from there. You can get discounts and package deals so be on the lookout for those in your cruise planner dashboard. It’s best to book excursions as early as possible as the fees can and do fluctuate – thank you supply and demand!
What can you do for free at CocoCay?
The good news is you can still have the perfect day in CocoCay without spending an extra penny. There are several free things you can do (and eat!).
- The Beaches
- Oasis Lagoon pool
- Captain Jill’s Galleon
- Splashaway Bay
- South Beach Sports Court
- Use of umbrellas, pool, and beach loungers are free
- Food and drink at Chill Grill, Skipper’s Grill, and the Snack Shacks
How to Get to CocoCay, Bahamas
Since CocoCay is a private island in the Bahamas, owned by Royal Caribbean, you can only get here on a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you want to visit you’ll need to book a ship sailing to the Bahamas, Caribbean or Bermuda. You can check Royal Caribbean’s website.
Thankfully Royal Caribbean’s renovation budget including adding a pier to CocoCay island. Previously guests had to tender onto the island, meaning the ship was anchored in the ocean and small boats took guests to and from the dock. This is a major improvement as now you can just walk on and off the ship as you please.
Do you need a passport to go to CocoCay?
Nope! You do not need a passport to go to CocoCay since it is privately owned by Royal Caribbean. BUT you’ll still want to take one anyways! With closed-loop cruises, you don’t technically need a passport but if you get sick at any port and have to get off the ship or miss the cruise and get stuck on an island you will need a passport to get a flight home. Royal doesn’t have any cruises that only go to Cococay so passengers should always travel internationally with a passport. I worked for Royal and know way too many horror stories to ever recommend cruising on a birth certificate only.
Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay with Young Kids
Previously CocoCay really only had the beach as an option for parents with young kids. While the beach here is gorgeous, we were very happy to have much more to do this time around. Perfect Day at CocoCay has 3 dedicated areas for those traveling with younger kids.
Captain Jill’s Galleon
Captain Jill’s Galleon is a pirate ship with 16 water cannons and 3 slides for little ones to enjoy. You’ll see the pirate as soon as you walk off the pier so good luck exploring the rest of the island once your little ones set eyes on this! My girls loved navigating through the ship trying to find hidden treasures and splashing me with water. Captain Jill’s Galleon is free of charge for guests!
Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay is also free of charge in CocoCay and is an open play area for kids. It has five waterslides and 2 drench buckets plus plenty of space for kids to run around and play on a soft surface. Don’t worry parents you can get in on the fun here too as my girls definitely had me going down the slides with them.
Thrill WaterPark The Highlight Of CocoCay (Perfect for Older Kids & Adults!)
If you have older kids who want a more thrilling experience don’t worry as there are plenty of options for them to experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Thrill Waterpark Overview
Here you’ll find 13 waterslides between Splash Summit and Daredevil’s Tower, a wave pool, an adventure pool, beach chairs with umbrellas, and complimentary Snack Shack dining. Thrill waterpark is not free, unfortunately, but it is so worth it! There is no charge for children 0-3 years old. Price varies per sailing but as of now, pricing starts at $79 for a full-day pass for adults and children. Space is limited, Royal Caribbean only sells a certain number of excursion tickets to the water park so if it’s something you and your family really want to do while stopping at CocoCay you’ll need to buy your tickets early. If you want to rent a cabana for the day on CocoCay Thrill waterpark tickets are included for up to 6 guests.
Splash Summit is where you can find six of the slides at Thrill Waterpark. Four of the slides are called Splash Speedway racers where you go down the slide face forward racing against the three other guests sliding down at the same time. Children must be 42” to go down this slide. The Twister seats two people and your twist and turn until you reach the bottom. You have to be 48” to ride or 40” if you wear a life vest. We didn’t make it down The Slingshot which up to four people can go at once (same requirements as the Twister) because I am terrified of drops and it’s a zero-gravity slide but everyone who went down was having a great time!
Daredevil’s Tower has the remaining 7 of the 13 slides in Thrill Waterpark including the tallest waterslide in North America, Dare Devils Peak. It sits 135 feet up in the air and my daughter conquered it, while I cheered her on! Two of the slides at Daredevil’s Tower, the Mantaray Raycers have a 40” height minimum while the other slides all require a minimum height of 48”. If you’re really looking for a thrill be sure to try out the Dueling Demons waterslides where the ground is literally snatched from under your feet and you free fall straight down!
The Adventure Pool is great for kids or parents looking for a little challenge. Here you can race across the lily pads or realistically just see if you can even make it from one side of the pool the other stepping on them. There is also a small rock climbing wall in the pool and a rope swing to splash into the water.
The Wave Pool is the best place to take a break in between all the thrills. Kids under 48” need to wear a life vest in the pool but there is a shallow area where they can run around and play.
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Zip Lining Across CocoCay
If you weigh at least 50lbs but no more than 300 you can enjoy Zip-Lining at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The zip-line is 1,600 feet long and broken into 3 parts flying you over various parts of the park. Just remember you need closed-toe shoes to go on the zip-line or you’ll be turned away. The zip-line isn’t included in your cruise fare and costs and additional $79-$139 per person. You can combine the thrill waterpark and zip line and get a discount for doing so.
Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay With the Whole Family
Don’t worry parents, there are plenty of fun things for you to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay as well. I personally enjoyed
Up, Up and Away
Up, Up and Away is a Helium Balloon that will take you up to 450 feet in the air. If you want the most epic aerial views of the island and Caribbean Ocean this is for you. As someone terrified of heights the ride was actually quite smooth and I remained calm the entire time! Kids 0-3 are free, kids 4-12 cost $24-$64, and for anyone 13 and up the cost ranges from $39-$99
Oasis Lagoon
The Oasis Lagoon is a 33,175 square foot pool at Perfect Day at CocoCay. There is a swim up bar and in the bar area you’ll hear plenty of music. There is also a shallow area great for kids and like all other parts of the island life vests are available free of charge.
Chill Island
If you’re not into thrills or need a break from them during your Perfect Day at CocoCay check out Chill Island. Here you can relax on the beach chairs under rainbow umbrellas or wade in the ocean. You can also go jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, or play a variety of games like volleyball and corn hole.
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Child Care at Perfect Day at CocoCay
If the thrills of Perfect Day at CocoCay sound too good to miss but you’re traveling with kids who aren’t tall enough, don’t worry! While there isn’t dedicated child care on the island the Adventure Ocean kids club stays open on board. Enjoy the activities on the island you can as a family and then bring them back on board. Adventure Ocean is free of charge, just double check the hours of operation while the ship is in port.
Where to Eat at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Complimentary meals are included on the island at Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, or any of the three Snack Shacks. These are all buffet style so lunch won’t take up too much of your fun time on the island. While Captain Jack’s is a la carte with an additional fee we heard the wings and fries were too good not to try. We definitely agree, my five year old may just have eaten 10 wings on her own! Our favorite flavors were the mango habanero and bourbon barbeque.
Can I use my drink package at CocoCay?
You’ll be glad to know if you purchased a drink package for your cruise it extends to the island. Continue to order all the drinks your heart desires, just remember specialty drinks in pineapples and coconuts aren’t included.
My Overall Review Of Our Perfect Day In CocoCay
We had an amazing time experiencing the Perfect Day at CocoCay. My eldest daughter who’s birthday we were celebrating declared this is how she’d like to spend her birthday every year moving forward!
With So Many Fun Things To Do on Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay Island It Really Is a Perfect Day
Whether you are cruising with children or traveling with your partner or friends CocoCay is fun for all ages. We’ve given you a glimpse of how perfect this day at CocoCay can be. With so many free activities and unlimited food options, there’s something for everyone. What are you looking forward to doing most while on the Island? Let us know in the comments! If you found this article helpful please share it!
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