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Upgrade Your Perfect Day At Cococay

By Robert Schrader | Published on February 9, 2024

It isn't difficult to imagine having a fabulous time at Perfect Day at CocoCay®, given that it's a sun-dappled private island in The Bahamas. But since it's not every day that you get to have paradise to yourself, you may want to consider upgrading elements of your experience, whether that means cooling off at a thrilling waterpark or taking in a stunning panorama from the highest vantage point in The Bahamas.

What is included at this private island hideaway? Most of the experiences are complimentary, including access to gorgeous white-sand beaches (Breezy Bay at Chill Island® and South Beach) and a sprawling pool (Oasis Lagoon^®, the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas). Obviously, you'll be on an island in the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, so you can take a dip at your leisure. Beach towels, umbrellas and lounge chairs in all of these spaces are included, as are showers and changing rooms, lockers, sports courts and even a tram service that takes you around the island. Little ones and tweens can spend time at Splashaway Bay^℠and Captain Jill's^℠ Galleon without any extra charges, sliding down water slides and playing with water cannons, dump buckets and whirlpools. Captain Jill's Galleon, designed to look like a pirate ship, is sure to be memorable for the littlest cruisers in your crew.

There are also plenty of included dining options, such as the all-you-can-eat offerings at Skipper's Grill (home to burgers, barbecue chicken and soft-serve ice cream), Chill Grill (for rib-eye cheesesteaks and tacos) and Snack Shack (the spot for crispy chicken sandwiches and warm chocolate-chip cookies).

So how do you upgrade an experience that's already best-day-ever-level good? Read on for our favorite picks of experiences that are worth the extra splurge, and let us be your guide to adventure at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

1. Coco Beach Club

This elevated beach club experience feels like a true upgrade, with an infinity pool designed to look like it's melting into the ocean, thatched-roof bars, chic white lounge chairs set right in the cool pool water, and plenty of pool attendants on hand to cater to your every need. Choose to join the fun at Coco Beach Club and you'll get access to the chic waterfront restaurant there, which serves Mediterranean dishes (such as Greek salads and dips and grilled grouper and lobster) and comes included in the entrance fee. Cabanas and daybeds throughout Perfect Day at CocoCay involve a fee, but the ones to book for a serious indulgence are the first overwater cabanas in The Bahamas, which deliver a taste of French Polynesia without the flight halfway around the world. Cabanas include a private wet bar and your own food and beverage attendant.

2. Hideaway Beach

You’ve discovered the ultimate beachfront party in paradise—Hideaway Beach, exclusively for adults on Royal Caribbean®. Swim right up to the popping Hideaway Bar, where non-stop DJ-spun beats set the tone for a nonstop party. Choose from four additional bars serving expertly crafted libations to keep the good times flowing. Hungry? Satisfy your cravings with tasty pizzas from Slice of Paradise and elevated bites from Hideaway Hut. For a more relaxed vibe, unwind in your exclusive pool at one of The Hideout cabanas. Let the ultimate beach bash begin.

3. Captain Jack's

You may wonder, is it worth visiting Captain Jack's when there are included restaurants on the island? This a la carte restaurant is home to a menu of the kind of vacation-worthy treats you crave when you're sitting in the sun with your toes in the sand, such as tequila chicken wings and crisp steak fries. That said, the best part may be the hanging rope swings and beachfront jams. You'll find live music here all day long, and if you're someone who believes that the sound of an acoustic guitar is the anthem of warm-weather vacations, then we'll call this one a can't-miss spot.

4. Thrill Waterpark

Relaxation is great, but have you tried screaming your lungs out? Thrill Waterpark more than lives up to its name, whether you take a dip at the largest wave pool in the Caribbean or race down one of the 13 water slides, including the 135-foot-tall Daredevil's Peak® (the tallest water slide in the Caribbean). One caveat: If your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay includes kids, you'll want to review the details of these thrill rides in advance. There is a height requirement — 48 inches — to ensure all thrill seekers stay safe. If you think your kids might not meet the height requirement, you'll want to set their expectations in advance.

5. Go For A Zip Line Ride

Soar above the colorful lounge chairs, beach umbrellas and cabanas — as well as the sand and aquamarine pool water — on this zip line ride of a lifetime. Our advice: Do it first thing when you arrive on the island, before you hear the delighted but jarring shouts and screams of other cruisers above your head. And don't forget to wear closed-toe shoes — flip-flops and sandals are not allowed on this ride, and you won't want to miss out if it's on your to-do list.

6. Up, Up And Away Helium Balloon

Some of the experiences at CocoCay are thrilling — and others are downright unforgettable. If you've ever dreamed of soaring through the clouds in a hot air balloon (and really, who hasn't?) you'll want to take a ride on the rainbow-colored Up, Up and Away helium balloon. This is the highest vantage point in The Bahamas — you'll enjoy a panorama of the entire island from a whopping 450 feet above land. The balloon's remarkable ascent is a great way to put into perspective the mesmerizing beauty of The Bahamas' aquamarine water and sky as you watch the kaleidoscope of blue swirls beneath you.

7. Beach Toy Rentals

In addition to day beds and cabanas, you can rent snorkeling gear and kayaks and even join a jet ski tour. This allows you to save space in your suitcase that might have gone to masks and fins, without missing out on the blue marlin and skipjack tuna that swim among the coral in this part of The Bahamas.

Who says you can't improve upon perfection? When you tailor your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay with indulgences, you take it from "best beach day ever" to "best vacation day overall."