Perfect Day At Cococay Cabana Guide

1. Get The Lay Of The Land

2. Understand The Cost

Pricing for cabanas ranges depending on the type of cabana you're interested in and the season (you can find the prices for your sailing when you sign in to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner). There are two types of cabanas in this resort-style space: overwater cabanas and standard cabanas. Overwater cabanas are located at Coco Beach Club®. They're priced from $949-$1,900 per day and are the most exclusive option on the island. There are just 20 of these coveted gems, and each accommodates up to eight guests.

The standard cabanas are spread out across four locations. The ones in Chill Island® ($299-$569), Oasis Lagoon® ($299-$569) and Coco Beach Club® ($949-$1,549) accommodate up to eight guests, while the ones at Thrill Waterpark® accommodate up to six guests. The ones in Thrill Waterpark® ($499 to $869) are a little smaller, but because they come with up to eight tickets to the water park (valued $84-$129 per person, per day), they can save you money.

All of the cabanas have a few things in common. In addition to unlimited bottled water, you'll have a dining area, plenty of places to sit (four lounge chairs and a sofa), a ceiling fan, a mini fridge, a coffee table with a safe built into it, towels, Bluetooth speakers and outlets to charge your phones and tablets. In addition, cabanas come with butler service. Attendants can be summoned by a button in regular cabanas and with a touchscreen in the Coco Beach Club® overwater and beachfront cabanas. Those Coco Beach Club® cabanas also include complimentary access to the beach club and a specialty dining menu, while other cabana guests have access to the included foods that all other guests can dine on. If you have a drink package or internet package on the ship, you can use those on the island, regardless of whether you book a cabana.

3. Determine What's Included In Floating Cabanas

These overwater cabanas feel reminiscent of what you might find in French Polynesia. Walk down a pier until you reach your private palapa-topped hideaway. Encompassing a whopping 2,600 square feet each, they're the largest cabanas on the island — and the only overwater bungalows in The Bahamas. Slat-style walls allow the breeze to pass through, and curtains can be closed for privacy or opened for fresh air. Inside, you'll find a changing room with a shower.

 Hungry? Thirsty? You don't have to go far or lift a finger. In addition to having a private wet bar, you can choose from items on a menu that's complimentary and exclusive. The in-wall touch screen you use to call attendants also controls your ceiling fan and allows you to play music.

In addition to the lounge chairs, there's a catamaran net attached to the bungalow that you can stretch out on or leap into the water from. If you have kids, the best feature is the private waterslide that allows you to splash down into the Bahamian water in seconds. Snorkeling gear is included in your cabana, so you can spend some time exploring the sea life. There are lifeguards on the beach and in the water, but be sure to grab complimentary life jackets onshore if you have kids and didn't pack your own.

Here's something to keep in mind: because these cabanas hover over the waves, they have a tendency to bounce a little. If that concerns you, consider booking one of the equally posh Coco Beach Club® beachfront cabanas, located onshore behind the overwater ones.

4. Decide: Are Cabanas Worth It To Your Crew?

Doing the math on how many people you're traveling with and the cost per person will help determine if this is an upgrade that makes sense for your cruise. You'll have an average of 10-12 hours to take advantage of your cabana. The overwater cabanas have lights in case you're still there when the sun sets.

That said, imagine what you want to take advantage of on the island. If your crew will spend the whole day trying all 13 slides at Thrill Waterpark®, it might not make sense to book an overwater cabana. Then again, if you are traveling with a group of water babies who will splash, slide and snorkel right off of your private, thatched-roof home for the day, you might find the indulgence is worth it.

5. Establish How Far In Advance You Have To Book

With the possibility of two ships docking on a single day, you could be competing with thousands of people for cabanas. Cabana bookings only open 60 days before your sailing. Already know what kind you want? Book your cabana as soon as you can — especially if you've decided to splurge on an overwater one.

If you haven't booked yet, check out these excellent sun-filled cruises — all of which will carry you and your crew to this unforgettable destination in The Bahamas.