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I went to Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. It’s not for me, but I can see why cruise-goers love it.

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A composite image of the author in her snorkeling gear and a view of CocoCay from above
Business Insider's reporter went to Perfect Day at CocoCay on her first cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

  • Royal Caribbean has a private island in the Bahamas called Perfect Day at CocoCay. 
  • The island has thrilling activities, relaxing beaches, and underwater adventures.
  • I went for the first time in 2022. While I found it fun, I longed for a more authentic port stop.

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 also experience gigantic waterslides, zip lines, and hot air balloon rides.

I visited CocoCay during my first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in May 2022. Although it felt like an extension of the ship, I longed for a more authentic Bahamian experience.

Welcome to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's 125-acre private island in the Bahamas.
Perfect Day at CocoCay island with hot air balloon and water slides seen from above with clear blue waters surrounding it and partly cloudy skies behind

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 Bahamian paradise.

CocoCay is only accessible to cruisers on Royal Caribbean ships.
Two cruise ships docked at CocoCay on a partly-cloudy day with blue skies

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

CocoCay was the final stop of my seven-night Caribbean cruise.

The ship sailed out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and also stopped in Roatán, Honduras, as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

As Royal Caribbean guests step onto the island, a band greets them with Caribbean tunes.
Band plays under a hut at 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, including the food and many of the pools and beaches, are complimentary to cruise guests.
Poeple order from the Snack Shack at CocoCay with a blue awning above and clear blue skies above

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Guests could munch on the island's burgers, hot dogs, salads, and cookies. 

But some exciting features cost extra, like the waterpark.
side-by-side photos show ziplining (L) and the hot air balloon at CocoCay (R)

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Other excursions, such as zip-lining, snorkeling, and hot air balloon rides, also incurred an additional price.

The island is easy to navigate, thanks to maps, signage, and color-coded paths.
A red path with a sign on the left directing guests at CocoCay on a partly-cloudy day

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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

To get around, 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

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I thought the tram was a nice touch, but I preferred getting around on foot.

If you're a vacationer looking to relax, head to Chill Island, which is free to access.
People walk through entrance to Chill Island at Coco Cay on a partly cloudy day

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.

There are also over-the-water cabanas.
Floating cabanas at the beach in CocoCay with clouds in the background

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

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

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Here, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, like basketball, volleyball, and even life-size billiards. 

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

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

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I went snorkeling at Chill Island and saw some pretty cool fish.

The beaches have several shops that sell souvenirs.
Shops in the sand between palm trees at CocoCay on a partly-cloudy day

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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

If you prefer the pool over the beach, 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

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 is Splashaway Bay, a water playground for children.
People walk around Splashaway bay at CocoCay on a partly cloudy day

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

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

This area of the island hosts all the waterslides and the wave pool. When I visited, access cost up to $140.

Thrill-seekers also gravitate toward 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

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When I was on the island, it cost up to $84 per person, but unfortunately, the winds were too high for the balloon to be used.

Back on the ship, I quickly 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

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 a foreign country.
Thrill Waterpark (L) and the author in front of the shore at the beach in 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 Bahamian island where I could have learned more about the culture.

But 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.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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