Royal Caribbean Takes First Guests to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Royal Caribbean opened the first part of its new, upgraded private Bahamas island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, to cruisers last weekend.

Mariner of the Seas docked on Saturday at CocoCay, marking the first time a Royal Caribbean ship docked and disembarked guests on the island. Ahead of the grand opening in May, they got to experience the new pier, Oasis Lagoon (“the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean”), as well as dine at Chill Grill and Snack Shack concessions near the beach. Chill Grill is a Caribbean-style eatery featuring tacos and barbecue, a beer station, and picnic-table seating.

The Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas will make the inaugural voyage to the destination on May 3, when the first phase is completed. That includes Thrill Waterpark, home to the “tallest waterslide in North America” 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak; and Splashaway Bay aqua park. Guests can also ride in a helium balloon, 450 feet in the air, and overlook the Bahamas; or ride a 1,600-square-foot zipline across the harbor. Other amenities include two beaches for either relaxation or recreation, and more eateries.

Offering a more exclusive experience, the Coco Beach Club VIP area with overwater luxury cabanas (the first in the Bahamas) will open in December 2019, marking the project’s second phase.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a $200 million upgrade to the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas that was first announced in March 2018. Royal Caribbean ships departing from its New York, Maryland, and Florida ports will visit CocoCay, which will serve as the model for more of the brand’s “Perfect Day Island Collection” private islands, which are slated for Asia, Australia and other Caribbean destinations.

Coco Beach Club has an upscale take on the island’s authentic Caribbean vibe.