I went to Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas. I can see why cruise-goers love it, but I wouldn’t go back.

Perfect Day at CocoCay, 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.

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.

Many Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries include a stop here. 

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, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Admiral Cruises, a company Royal Caribbean acquired in 1988, leased the island until 2050 in 1985, according to Royal Caribbean. In 2019, the island got a $250 million makeover.

The only people who live on CocoCay are Royal Caribbean employees, according to the cruise line.

Two Royal Caribbean ships can dock at CocoCay at the same time.

As Royal Caribbean guests step onto the island, a band greets them with Caribbean tunes.

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.

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

But the exciting features tend to cost extra, like the waterpark.

Other excursions like 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.

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.

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

If you’re a vacationer who just wants to relax, head to Chill Island, which is free to access.

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 full of umbrellas and chairs, which are all free to use.

You will surely find a comfortable spot.

According to Royal Caribbean, the island has 6,000 lounge chairs and 12,000 umbrellas.

If you want more privacy, you can rent a daybed on the beach.

There are also over-the-water cabanas.

These floating cabanas cost $1,000 to rent when I visited.

Of course, there is a swim-up bar offshore.

Cruise ship drink packages extend to CocoCay.

For a more active beach day, check out South Beach on the other side of the island.

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

Both beaches offer free amenities that make your day easier and more enjoyable …

This includes lockers for your change of clothes and valuables.

… like free life vests for your safety.

This could be especially useful for families traveling with kids.

Both beaches have snorkeling shacks. I was able to rent gear for $37.

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

The beaches have several shops that sell souvenirs.

I spotted T-shirts and essentials like sunscreen for sale.

If you prefer the pool over the beach, head to Oasis Lagoon.

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.

The playground looks just like 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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 and thrills to peaceful beaches, the island is sure to fulfill all your vacation desires.

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