After studying concerning the $200 million transformation in 2019, I used to be keen to go to Royal Caribbean’s non-public island within the Bahamas – Excellent Day at CocoCay. Choose Caribbean/Bahamian sailings to go to the island for the day, and it’s stuffed with actions and facilities that may assist you’ve got the right day in your trip, no matter your preferences.
As somebody who loves the seashore, heat water, and enjoyable actions, I felt that Excellent Day at CocoCay can be the right place to spend the day. Throughout my first go to there, I used to be eagerly anticipating a return go to. Since then, I’ve been an extra two instances, experiencing one thing a bit totally different each time.
Disclosure: My sailings on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas (and flights to/from the port) and Royal Caribbean’s Surprise of the Seas, had been complimentary. We additionally had a complimentary cabana and water park entry for the day. I’ve additionally visited with the Odyssey of the Seas at my very own expense (additionally with a cabana paid in full by us). All opinions are my very own.
Information to Excellent Day at CocoCay
What’s Excellent Day at CocoCay?
Excellent Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s non-public Bahamian island (often known as Little Stirup Island). As much as two ships can dock on the island at one time, and it’s staffed by 350+ workers who reside on the island full time. Regardless of the 2 cruise ships there throughout my go to, the island by no means felt overly crowded.
Not all Royal Caribbean ships cease at Excellent Day at CocoCay. So, if it’s one thing you positively wish to do, you’ll wish to make sure that your itinerary features a go to. Cruise ships departing from Galveston, for example, don’t sometimes cease at Excellent Day at CocoCay.
As a Bahamian island, you’ll be able to usually count on good temperatures on Excellent Day at CocoCay year-round. Nevertheless, the winter months could also be a bit chilly. I’ve been to the Bahamas in January when it’s been each cooler and scorching, so it actually can fluctuate. It’s a good suggestion to have a look at the climate forecast earlier than you allow so as to be ready.
Arriving at Excellent Day at CocoCay
As soon as your ship is prepared for disembarkation, you’ll hear an announcement. If you’re doing an tour, chances are you’ll be given a selected time to satisfy up. In any other case, you’ll be able to exit the ship at any time when you’re prepared, as soon as the ship is prepared. There’s even a enjoyable theme track that may play on the ship when you arrive.
Until you’re spending the day at Coco Seashore Membership, you’ll wish to deliver your personal towels from the ship. You may decide these up together with your key card from the towel kiosk close to the pool deck. Moist towels might be exchanged on the island. Make sure you deliver your used towels again to the ship if you find yourself executed for the day.
A complimentary tram runs across the island from the ship. It’s, nonetheless, very walkable, should you select to stroll. Don’t neglect to pack your seashore bag for the day with necessities. There are complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas situated all through the island, with cabanas and daybeds out there for lease. Since there are normally two ships docked on the island, chances are you’ll wish to enterprise out early you probably have a selected spot you wish to be in.
Right here’s what you’ll discover on the island:
The very first thing you’ll see as you head into the arrivals plaza is Captain Jill’s Galleon, a ship splash zone with water cannons and small slides. It’s nice for youthful youngsters to splash round.
Thrill Waterpark
The Thrill Waterpark is a full waterpark situated proper within the middle of Excellent Day at CocoCay. Residence to the tallest waterslide in North America, the Thrill Waterpark is obtainable at an extra cost. It’s value the additional payment should you plan to spend most of your day there. The waterpark add-on is obtainable as a full-day move.
The waterpark consists of:
Splash Summit: six water slides together with the Sling Shot, Tornado, and Splash Speedway.
Daredevil’s Tower: seven separate slides, together with the 135-foot Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America.
Wave Pool: the biggest wave pool within the Caribbean
Journey Pool: presents an impediment course, a rock wall, and cord swings.
There are chairs and umbrellas situated all through the waterpark, in addition to cabanas for lease. Freshwater showers can be found, as are seashore wheelchairs. Youngsters below 14 have to be accompanied by a paying grownup, whereas youngsters below 4 get free admission.
Splashaway Bay
Like the favored and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay on the ships, this one consists of waterslides, swimming pools, and a drench bucket. It’s complimentary and nice for youthful youngsters.
Oasis Lagoon
This central lagoon space presents the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool with three totally different coves. You’ll discover a zero-entry pool, a swim-up bar, and a calming space. This can be a good spot for the entire household as a result of youthful youngsters will respect the zero-entry pool.
Chill Island
Wish to go to the seashore in your trip? Then head to Chill Island, with beachfront entry, chairs, and umbrellas. This can be a good, stress-free space to take pleasure in swimming within the lovely Caribbean sea.
Throughout my go to to Excellent Day at CocoCay, I spent a while within the afternoon cooling off within the water. It was surprisingly heat, and I used to be capable of get some nice shade below an umbrella.
There’s additionally the second a part of Chill Island known as Breezy Bay at Chill Island. This space presents a sports activities court docket space with basketball and volleyball courts in addition to different enjoyable video games.
Servers go round taking drink orders – whereas these are an additional payment, a drink bundle bought on the ship does apply on the island. In case you like tropical alcoholic drinks, attempt the Coco Loco – the signature drink on the island.
South Seashore
This energetic space of the seashore, South Seashore presents seashore chairs and umbrellas alongside a slim stretch of seashore. It’s one of many newer elements of the island and is on the alternative facet of the island from the Arrivals Plaza.
There, you’ll discover the floating bar, a barge in the course of the ocean the place you will get a few of your favourite drinks. There are additionally sports activities courts for volleyball and basketball.
Coco Seashore Membership
If you’re searching for a extra luxurious day on the island, the Coco Seashore Membership could also be good for you. This space is accessible at an extra payment and presents distinctive floating overwater cabanas, waterfront cabanas, a freshwater pool, and extra. There’s additionally a personal restaurant on this space, only for company of the Coco Seashore Membership.
This can be a lovely spot, and an incredible splurge should you’d prefer to have a extra luxurious expertise throughout your loved ones cruise trip. The meals is particularly scrumptious and is totally different from what’s served on the remainder of the island.
Actions on Excellent Day at CocoCay
Your Cruise Compass (and the Royal Caribbean app) will embrace an inventory for deliberate actions throughout your Excellent Day at CocoCay. Throughout our crusing, these included open-play volleyball, basketball, big Jenga, bean bag toss, foot billiards, and desk tennis.
You’ll additionally discover leisure choices on the island, together with the Island Junkanoo Dancers – held each at arrivals and within the afternoon on the Oasis Lagoon Pool. There are additionally bands and different reside music performers, in addition to a DJ. Particular instances and choices are listed within the Cruise Compass.
Excursions on Excellent Day at CocoCay
You too can e-book excursions and further experiences on the island. Needless to say availability will probably be assorted, and might all the time be canceled based mostly on climate situations. Actions ought to be booked prematurely via Royal Caribbean. As a result of there are normally two ships docked, there’s extra demand for the excursions and actions.
A few of the extra common excursions embrace the Up Up and Away helium balloon journey (which might be canceled as a consequence of wind), kayaking, a zipper line, spa therapies, jet skis, scuba diving, and swimming with pigs. Whereas these can positively add to your expertise, there are many included actions on the island should you don’t wish to spend any extra cash. Make sure you deliver closed-toed footwear if planning to journey the zip line.
Cabanas can be found to lease in varied areas of Excellent Day at CocoCay together with the Coco Seashore Membership, Chill Island, South Seashore, Thrill Waterpark, and Oasis Lagoon. Cabanas on the waterpark and Coco Seashore Membership additionally include complimentary admission to these areas (for six individuals on the waterpark and eight individuals on the Seashore Membership).
Throughout our winter break cruise on the Odyssey of the Seas, we had a cabana on Chill Island. It’s actually a pleasant expertise. You’ll have shade, a quiet place to hang around, and a server to deliver you meals and drinks. They’re a splurge, however they could be a nice choice for a extra stress-free expertise. Cabanas do promote out, so that you’ll wish to e-book them via the web site prematurely.
You too can lease snorkel gear and rafts at varied areas on the island. Once more, these aren’t important however might make your seashore day extra enjoyable.
Purchasing at Excellent Day at CocoCay
I all the time love procuring, and fortuitously, there’s a nice procuring space on Excellent Day at CocoCay. The straw market is situated proper by Chill Seashore and consists of small hut buildings with wares from varied native Bahamians. There’s additionally a small kiosk with Excellent Day at CocoCay emblem merchandise. I do want there have been extra branded objects, however that’s only a small space with a couple of objects.
Meals at Excellent Day at CocoCay
In fact, you’ll wish to eat lunch sooner or later throughout your day, and there are many choices on the island. You probably have rented a cabana for the day, your cabana comes with attendant service, and your cabana attendant can assist with getting your meals. In any other case, you’ll be able to go to one of many many venues.
There are three areas of the Snack Shack, which provide scorching canines, hamburgers, salads, and appetizers. For tacos, burgers, salads, and extra, go to the Skipper’s Grill subsequent to Splashaway Bay There’s additionally the Chill Grill, at Chill Island, with related meals choices. Captain Jack’s Wings and Fries presents a la carte choices (for an extra price) should you’d favor that menu.
To have the Excellent Day, it’s a good suggestion to do some planning prematurely. Be sure to make any purchases of extras (together with excursions) as quickly as you’ll be able to. Test the precise particulars to make sure you know precisely what sort of belongings you’ll want for the tour.
You’ll additionally wish to pack a seashore bag to take with you together with sunscreen, a hat, lip balm, and anything you’ll want to guard your self from the sturdy Caribbean solar and revel in your day. Whereas the ship received’t be too distant, you received’t wish to return to get any objects you’ve forgotten.
