What I Wish I Knew Before I Visited CocoCay (Royal Caribbean's Private Island)

If you're sailing on a Royal Caribbean cruise from practically anywhere on the East Coast... it's almost assured that you're going to make a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay -- the cruise line's private island.
Now I've visited this spot countless times... including well before the island was completely transformed. So what do I think people will wish they knew before they visited?
See a map of CocoCay here:
www.royalcaribbean.com/conten...
For more on CocoCay, check out the following articles on Cruzely.com:
🌴 24+ Things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay (Including 12 FREE Things)
www.cruzely.com/24-things-to-...
🌴 CocoCay: 21+ Tips & Things to Know for Royal Caribbean’s Private Island
www.cruzely.com/the-ultimate-...
🌴 Is Thrill Waterpark on CocoCay Worth It? Pricing at $161 Per Person Seen
www.cruzely.com/is-thrill-wat...

[@brianrobertson935]

Information is spot on !!! Thanks for sharing and I wish I knew about the Cabana and admissions that came with it

[@kamaniaray]

Knowing that the lunch is provided in the ticket for the beach club makes it worth it for me. Thank you for that info!!!

[@karagregory69]

A day at Coco Cay is the best day to stay on the ship. I love it. I had the whole pool deck to myself, watched a movie on the jumbotron screen and had 3 servers all to myself. The ship did have a fire drill with so many guests off the ship, the ship did fire training. It was cool to watch as they made announcement staircase P7 and P6 are closed to simulate a stairwell unusable in a real fire, the crew got out fire hoses and air tanks and masks. They made repeated announcement this was just training and there is no emergency so crew can keep their skills sharp in an unlikely event of an actual emergency.

[@TMFfuntime]

Sounds like a blast. I've heard this is the best stop of the entire week. Looks fun!

[@iftheteafits]

This is the only reason why I would love a stop here. Cause most would get off the ship! 😆

[@Jg-be7it]

Yea, stay on the ship during the best stop of the cruise.

[@gmw1635]

I would have to agree

[@donnamanitu8673]

We love Coco Cay so much that a seasoned cruiser gave us the tip to book a 4 and 3 day cruise so we get to visit it twice in one week. We did that on Liberty of the Seas in April and that was a great suggestion she gave us.

[@ItzMarktheGod]

Share please

[@larry4111]

@@ItzMarktheGod Assuming she means a back-to-back, it's easy and I recommend it, as well. Last year the 3 Freedom Class ships sailed out of the 3 South Florida ports doing 3 day (Fri-Mon) and 4 day (Mon-Fri) cruises continuously. They are so popular that larger ships are doing it now, too. From Miami, Lauderdale, and Canaveral there are sailings in 2023 on Independence, Allure, Liberty, Oasis, Mariner, Freedom, and Rhapsody.

[@Scorpion-zq7tg]

Coco Cay is so beautiful and relaxing. The depth and water condition was perfect most of the time. I sailed on Freedom last January and I'm about to sail onboard Allure this December. I wish I knew/read/viewed this video earlier. But for sure I will be back again to try Wonder and Icon. @@larry4111

[@barbarawwarren4554]

I am doing a side by side to visit Coco Cay twice. A 6 day on Adventure, followed by a 3 day on Allure.

[@cwg73160]

@@ItzMarktheGod Share what? They literally told you what they did. Do you need someone to hold your hand?

[@MabelAlmodovar]

Excellent video and info about cococay. We went there 2 years ago and paid for the waterpark day pass. We used it for most of the day and missed a lot of what the island has to offer. We loved the oasis pool more than anything and it was free🤦🏻‍♀️. We are going back in March and thanks to your video, I plan to enjoy the beach and all the good free stuff they have.

[@wonderfuldays4794]

First time seeing your channel. Thanks for the tips. My daughter and I are cruising on Wonders of the Sea July 2nd sailing. It is our first RC cruise and first time at the island. I am happy your channel came up in my search.

[@SD-mo4io]

Tremendous amount of awesome information (that I didn't realize I needed) delivered in a steady manner. Most excellent--THANK YOU!

[@arlenemaxwellcopeland1644]

Very helpful information! Although I've been to Coco Cay several times, I didn't know half of what you detail!

[@omarytorres]

Love your videos! Thank you for this valuable information!

[@TravelwithEbby]

I love the snack shack!! South beach is the perfect spot for me.. I found a nice shaded area there with a hammock that I love and it’s near a bar and the snack shack is a short walk away! Perfect!!! I will definitely try to get that spot everytime I’m there lol

[@larry4111]

Great tips! Here are my 3 top tips: 1) Cruisemapper! I always check to see if another ship is coming in and WHEN (there are other sites/apps, as well). My last time there was on Liberty and I saw that Oasis was arriving one hour later. So I knew to get off the ship in the first hour to get a chair where I like before the crowds arrived. 2) South Beach. I agree 100%. I go straight to the water's edge there. And I walk instead of taking the tram because sometimes they wait for the tram to fill up and I can walk there sooner. Of course, this only applies if one is able to do so. Bonus: getting to South Beach ASAP means a better chance of snagging one of those floating rings. 3) Two meals! I want to maximize my gastronomic enjoyment so I hit Snack Shack as soon as they open (which is earlier than the Grill) and then hit the Grill buffet before they close (since they close later).

[@Cruzelycom]

Great tips. Appreciate you sharing!

[@ladiiyb]

thanks for sharing

[@jbob1548]

When you say walk to South Beach, can you cut through the middle or just use the "road"

[@larry4111]

@@jbob1548 They don't allow you to use the road so you cut through. Just go straight (left of the waterpark) towards Oasis Lagoon but turn right before the balloon and that takes you straight there. It's easier and quicker because it's more direct (the tram goes way out of the way) and smoother (the road is rocky).

[@jbob1548]

@@larry4111 Great thanks. Why do you suggest it over chill Beach/Island?

[@CookandBakewithSamer]

Thank you for these hints and details. Very helpful

[@danieldzurko8053]

Thank you for these unique tips!

[@NorthShoreTravelers]

Glad to know about the wifi and drink packages, we are going on our first royal cruise and there for first time at coco cay at the end of October.

[@JoeBoone82]

Whew, I would hate to be there with 2 ships! We just got off of the Freedom and I'm glad we were the only ship at CocoCay. Our first time there since it was "built-up" and I have to say we really enjoyed it. I figured they were developing (in a bad way) what was previously a very quiet and relaxing island, but I think it was well done.

[@tiffp2103]

Thanks for sharing!! I never knew about any of these special sites. I thought it was just a waterpark in which I just learned costs extra.

[@sknight1449]

Thank you so much. This was very informative. 😊

[@user-ws8xc4zi9i]

Thanks for the video great tips!!

[@bonitagleisle2470]

Omg so excited for my third trip to coco cay in a couple months ❤️

[@ms.solano3369]

Thank you for all the great information !

[@user-kb6fk9bf7n]

Cruising next month thanks for the tips!

[@rasbo4317]

I did the water park once now I just enjoy the complementary areas.

[@CapitalG222]

Thanks for sharing this information

[@alinalawson5379]

We loved Coco Cay when we went August 2022. My kids 5 & 2 1/2 loved the kids splash pad that includes 3 water slides and South beach. The food at South beach was better than the lunch buffet and It wasn’t that crowded because we were the only ship there that day( Freedom of the Seas).

[@joemichaels4231]

Great Video as always!!!

[@mvn4514]

Thank you so much for this video. I loved the info, content and your delivery. You did an amazing job and now I feel better about my trip this December.

[@Cruzelycom]

What a nice compliment. Appreciate it and glad to know it's helping people!

[@trbstang]

We went years ago, way before all of this development, snd had a great time just lounging around and snorkeling all around the bay. IDK if I'd have as much fun with so many more people but we will have to see. We are not about the paid stuff, but maybe when we have grandkids we might do it then.

[@garyspurrell9569]

Great video. Thanks

[@EBoone503]

Yassssds-- this is the vid my family needs for our spring break cruise on FOTS. thanks Tanner!

[@Cruzelycom]

Hope y'all have fun. You're going to be an expert if you don't go until Spring Break and you're already watching.

[@EBoone503]

@@Cruzelycom I started watching during Covid and $aved to book! We’re def gonna be ready 🤣

[@bleuaqua8102]

Visiting for the first time soon, and by far this is the most complete and informative CocoCay vlog I've come across. Thanks!

[@jaisonlives]

This is an excellent resource!

[@scotmiles3571]

That lunch at the beach club is so good. Best filet and lobster tail I’ve ever had.

[@SnappingTurtle801]

Was here this past July on my first ever cruise. ♥♥The water was so warm and turquoise beautiful. Spent all my time chilling on a lounge and sipping Pina Coladas or chilling in the ocean. Unfortunately, I didn't get to venture elsewhere in the park and was with someone I rather not have been with but made the most of it. Can't wait to go back!☺

[@adventurelifewithbob2960]

Enjoyed your video. We just spent a few hours on Coco Cay. Enjoyed the beaches. If you have kids it’s probably a lot more fun.

[@FraserAtSea]

This video was so useful! I cruised last year to Half Moon Cay (Carnival's island), and wish I'd seen a video like this before heading there!

[@nildefonsop]

my wife and i like to get up late on coco kay day and head to the solarium. then enjoy the south beach bar in the afternoon. it usually feels like we are going against the flow of the crowd which makes finding a lounger much easier.

[@danettegipson5500]

I LOVE Coco Cay!

[@Mizon22]

Thanks 🙏 This is very helpful.

[@firstlast3821]

This is an absolutely excellent channel.

[@Envlo]

Coco cay was a blast. I was just vibing, drinking alcohol, in the pool singing with the DJ. Everyone there young at old was having the time of their lives just singing and floating around

[@Bionicbabyy]

Very nice video.Do you happen to know how many steps to get to the largest slide in the water park?

[@troublets3060]

I love Coco Beach Club. Upgraded food and never crowded. But you pay a bit for it. Nice club towels are included in the price.

[@christopherbooz5002]

Great info.

[@mikesiegel6884]

The floating cabana on coco cay is a must. The sharks and barracuda that live under it is cool 2 see

[@alanaholland1836]

Sharks? What

[@mikesiegel6884]

Yea. You can see them while you swim @@alanaholland1836

[@user-qf8ub5tt2p]

The company did a great job developing the island. We were there in 2017 and the island was undeveloped. Good excuse to make a family trip to see the island.

[@goddessandcuchi]

My friends will be there tomorrow..ty!

[@djlesher]

Love CocoCay so much can't bring myself to go back to ship for part of the day. 🙂

[@fluffytail6355]

Me too. Especially since there are no extra fees for food and drink on the island. I would be on the island all day!

[@jbob1548]

@@fluffytail6355 Which places are no extra fees and which are not?

[@RoCityVibes]

Pretty cool cruise

[@planedudea380]

Crazily enough I visited in May 2019 right after it opened and I scored a deal for the Thrill Waterpark at $33p/p. It's insane what they charge these days.

[@romanmaimo1468]

When the ship docks at coco cay Nassau I stay on board and relax

[@rasbo4317]

I like the beach closest to the pool so I can walk back and forth. I also like the snack shack better.

[@tacdad]

I love Cocoacay. No one told me THERE IS NO BREAKFAST SERVED THERE.. NO FOOD AVAILABLE TILL 11:00. So keep that in mind.. I did early morning zip line and had to wait for a bar to open to get water and soft drinks to cool down.

[@jbob1548]

Good point , that needs to be remedied. There should be at least one spot serving food earlier IMHO.

[@bellapucciarelli4345]

can we bring from the boat?

[@tacdad]

@@bellapucciarelli4345 Probably, bagel, breads, Danishes, etc that you can hide in your bag

[@jbob1548]

@@bellapucciarelli4345Not that I know of.

[@monicacurley9247]

The snack shack is open before 11. We got food there at 10:30 after we snorkeled over the sunken ships.

[@dchenkin02]

I have lived my whole life in the Northeast of the United States; from what I hear the Caribbean sea in January is warmer than Northeast Atlantic during the summer.

[@oliviad.2975]

That is correct!

[@user-sx4rr2oj7l]

Great video thank you ! What about the splash pad / kids area -where is it located in comparison to the beaches

[@Cruzelycom]

The splash paid is by the waterpark.

[@davidlewis9068]

I remember it from way before it was transformed, I liked it better in the past.

[@ryanhessler8966]

Coming from Colorado where we have Water World, the water park is definitely not worth the money. We wish we would've know because we spent about ten minutes in line for the tall slide before we skipped out and went to explore the rest of the island. It is a great place to just kick back and relax

[@kkcarl9566]

We reserved a Day Bed on South Beach. We'll use it as our home base for our large group for the day.

[@raycottrill2315]

I think the food was better than on the ship. My day was a bit cloudy and windy(in Dec), but i still enjoyed walking around enjoying the views and snacking on stuff.

[@Cruzelycom]

There's a chicken sandwich at the Snack Shacks that is killer.

[@juanpablodo12345678]

Great video

[@DS-mo7vu]

Everything "icon of the seas" is about double the average cost. Saw you highlighted those for water park pass. Def get off right away and do the slides right away - gets busy quick and lines can be up to an hour.

[@vanessamapel]

Thank you

[@michelehafey2607]

Your voice!!! 🙌🏻

[@Lance_Knight]

hi cruzely can you do a video about the drinks packages? i think i saw something about it being that all adults in the room have to take a drinks package each? also why are the alcholoic drinks so expensive.

[@donaldwolowski9484]

Went there many years ago. Nothing but sand and two little huts. One little dock that was bearly big enough for a cruise ship. People would go to opposite side of island from cruise ship to skinny dip and nude sun bathing. No electricity or running water. That stop was 6hours.

[@jenniferbaldini3527]

We visited Coco Cay in 1991. Absolutely nothing there but sand. Wild to see it today.

[@dcnole]

I did the same in 1992 when I was only 12. Going back with my kids since later this summer for the first time since, and it's unrecognizable!

[@sybilthompson3873]

I went in 2000 and it definitely was not like this lol

[@krickenthekraken8844]

I’m surprised this wasn’t covered, but the biggest reason I like to take Caribbean vacations for the snorkeling, and I’m very interested to know if there are places and I mean really decent places to see some under sea wildlife, corals, reefs, etc.

[@user-qg5lg4tc5t]

Best snorkeling is in front of Chill Island and Breezy Bay.

[@ragzinc]

Just a heads up for anyone, their Black Friday sale is on, tickets to the Thrill Waterpark are up to 50% discounted - $73.99 for me for my cruise in May. As mentioned - it may be different for you based on dynamic pricing. YMMV

[@scotttravis8654]

That was actually informative. I didn't think of the pros of purchasing a cabana. Total per person. It's sounds like a better idea.

[@dianec9456]

My first and only cruise to date was RC in 2008. We went to Cocoa Cay and it was absolutely stunning...it was our favorite part of our trip. We felt like we had been marooned on an island - it hadn't been developed yet and was this perfect oasis. I have been avoiding going back there because it's so completely different. Next year, we're going on Carnival and stopping at Half Moon Cay, which is the way Cocoa used to be...

[@cherinitareese581]

What makes it completely different?

[@JaniceCrowell]

Mine was in 2008 also. We were on the Sovereign of the Seas in October 2008. Nice island. Barely adequate BBQ lunch though. Still, hammocks and lovely snorkeling, and tendering to the island. It was very exciting. I know I won’t recognize it when I go there on the Wonder next April, 16 years later.

[@dynabeen2]

There was very little there then. I went for a walk around the Island and most of it was just beach (or rocky on the water). There was no dock then either so getting to the island was by a launch boat.@@cherinitareese581

[@tequilasunrise6102]

U will absolutely love Half Moon Cay! I was just there 2 weeks ago!

[@Tunechi65]

just left cocoa! loved it!

[@SUNDAYHRS]

Great video! My company is taking all of the employees on Allure of the Seas January 8th 2024 and we stop at Cococay. This is technically our "Kickoff" work even so we have to be in meetings until noon on the last day when we port at Cococay. Hopefully we will still have enough time to explore a little since the ship leaves at 5 pm. I hear you should get back on the ship an hour prior to leaving so that really only gives us 4 hrs. Can't complain too much since my company is paying for it.

[@georgina4874]

I hope that you enjoyed it. Coco Cay is beautiful!! I love South Beach! And the Snack Shack!!

[@SUNDAYHRS]

Unfortunately it was pouring rain the entire time we were there. We really didn't get to experience it like we wanted.@@georgina4874

[@mscolli3]

They should use solar heaters for the pool - it would help their ESG creds.

[@jahzeelmumford832]

I’ll be visiting Coco K in December as I said sell on a wonder of the seas I’m definitely going to check out the waterpark I want to know how much the hot air balloon experience is and do I need a reservation

[@SATX2000]

Taking my first RCI cruise next week and will stop at Coco Cay. I’m looking forward to it. There are 4 of us so we got a South beach cabana. The original price was $999, then it went down to $699 so I canceled my original reservation and rebooked it. I looked again several weeks later and it was only $499 so I canceled again and rebooked it again. We felt like $125/each would be well worth it, especially since we aren’t paying for excursions anywhere else

[@georgina4874]

Smart

[@clsmithfl]

Could also call Royal they'll adjust to the sale prices. I call 2 weeks prior to all cruises and the agent will review and adjust the packages and excursions to the lowest price.

[@SATX2000]

@@clsmithfl@clsmithfl Actually, they are the ones who told me to cancel and then rebook it.

[@Lim1986]

Only pay for the trill park if you haven’t been to Orlando,A few rides nothing major,But would recommend do a few cheaper excursions and relaxed in the pools or beach,

[@taina4040]

The prices change for the waterpark. You have to keep checking your app. You can always cancel and get a refund and then repurchase at a lower price. I did that and saved $100 for 2 ppl.

[@chrishanke9523]

Thanks for sharing this with us!!❤❤

[@kagandahantalaga]

I just came back from Adventure of the Seas. We arrived at Coco Cay around 10:30, but the pool and the food station closed at 3 pm. Honestly, I don't feel that getting the Cabanas or even purchasing the water park tickets are worth it. Yes, Coco Cay is beautiful. But it was a let down that we were not allowed to go to the pool at 3 PM even though our ship left at 4:30 PM. You can easily find free chairs and umbrellas around the island.

[@svitlanag2996]

4:30

[@frankiethefrog1752]

They should be ashamed for how much they charge for stuff there.

[@jjrudy41]

If you have the drink package, just take a let off the bridge go to the cove and get some chairs and hang at the beach all day. Find a place near the bar/bathroom/food and rent a few floats and thats all you need to do. You will spent very little and have a nice relaxing day at the beach with lunch and drinks.

[@flight2242]

Strollers? I saw beach wheel strollers in the background of another video. Where and how do you get them and how much do they cost? Are you supposed to book ahead of time? Thanks for all the tips!!

[@Cruzelycom]

They are just located in spots around the island. First come, first serve and they are free to use.

[@Angie2343]

Hideaway Beach is coming!

[@ashleymegahan9019]

We are cruising in mid november and one of our ports is here. Anyone know how the weather is in November? Not too rough i hope!

[@vitawater4259]

Is it warm enough to go in the water in March?

[@GladysHeel13]

This is vital information. Thank you for taking the time to do this for us. Since you are a veteran in this area of cruise vacations, kindly let us know when is the best season to visit where there are no hurricanes or unpleasant weather at sea, especially for a newbie. P.S I have subscribed to your channel 🙂

[@Cruzelycom]

Hurricane season runs June - November, with August/September being the peak.

[@melaniegee]

I just got back from a 4 night cruise (Independence of the Seas) 3 days ago. The end of July is not the time to go, IMO. It was so hot people were sitting in the water, not even moving. Then we noticed hundreds of tiny jellyfish all around us. My grandson got stung twice before we could get out. We also cruised in April 1999… the water was PERFECT!! Not cold at all. It was before they added all of the slides, etc. it was more like Gilligan’s Island with a big bbq. I liked it better that way. 😊

[@james-rd4dq]

Agree I like the older Island, Now its a money grabber and a amusement park. I've been there about 20 times, and never spent a dime on that island @@melaniegee

[@barbarawwarren4554]

Mid April to end of may, temps are warm water is warm enough, and it isn't overly hot. Plus the kids are still in school so it won't be overrun.

[@barbarawwarren4554]

I love Coco Cay, especially since they built the docks so no more tenders. I never do the water park, it isn't worth it. But I do love the Coco Beach Club since I usually go end of January, and the heated pool is great!

[@latoshamcgaffee936]

Is the food (free)at coco Bay pretty much the same like they don't ever change it up hardly

[@user-JenniferP]

This was very helpful. Do you know if there are still free areas in CocoCay? I called and was told you had to pay to use any beach or pool. I was also interested in the new Hideaway beach. Do you know anything about it? Thank you!

[@Cruzelycom]

No, you don't have to pay for beaches or pools. There are paid areas like the Coco Beach Club, and the upcoming Hideaway Beach. The main pool and most beaches are free to use.

[@32toddv]

When we go on RC IOTS in March I plan on chilling on the beach. I'm not paying extra for a water park.

[@ggreene2284]

Just a tip. The ship will offer you towels before you head out to Coco Cay. Don't take it or you will have to lug it back to the ship - heavy when wet (wish I knew). The island have towel bars to get and return towels. I spent the whole day on Chill Beach - very close to the buffet for lunch - and an easy tram ride for wherever else I want to explore. Just ended a cruise on Independence yesterday.

[@michelehafey2607]

I'm cruising for the first time...IOTS in October. I've heard that the all inclusive food is bad. So we were thinking about getting the upgraded package. What did you think of the food on that ship?

[@amcarte415]

Just looked at the RC app… water park & cabana price right now is $899.00!!! 😮

[@milliesanchez4719]

What months are considered winter where the pool is cold

[@user-sp1tv4dy6e]

Do you have to pay to go on coco cay grounds?

[@wendellsappio9496]

We are going for the Thanksgiving week, any ideas about how cold would the water be? Thanks.

[@Cruzelycom]

I'd guess not too bad. It may be that the ocean is warmer than the pool.

[@wendellsappio9496]

@@Cruzelycom Thanks

[@andie_stl]

We are going in February, and my husband and I are going to the adults-only section.

[@knowel7138]

Cove Beach is nice and isolated.

[@robwright3064]

What temp would you say the pool is on average during the winter months?

[@toddmccraven7078]

I love getting a cabana. Yes the prices are steep but the added benefits make them worth it to me.

[@helciobmello]

10:07 "Restaurants onboard are still operating". Including the specialty ones? Also, does an unlimited dining package work on the island as well? Thanks.

[@ggreene2284]

yes, the whole ship continues to operate except for the casino, I'm told. There is a pay (posher) restaurant on Coco Cay, if that's what you want, but ALL other food at all food stations are free and part of the cost of your cruise. Everything free on board the ship is free on the island. Your drink packages also transfer. TIP: the ship offers towels to take to Coco Cay, DON'T TAKE IT or you will have to lug your wet towels back to the ship. The island offers towels (wish I knew) that you can return there before going back to the ship. Just disembarked the Independence RC yesterday.

[@helciobmello]

@@ggreene2284Thanks, but a question still remains on whether the unlimited dining package works in this specialty restaurant on the island?

[@pegcalabrese6695]

We have been to coco cay several times and it has ranged from $99 to $150. But now it is $267 per person for my Icon of the Seas cruise in January. With 4 of us going, I just can’t do it! Very sad that they raised the price so much.

[@Cruzelycom]

$267?!

[@JuneThatDood]

@@CruzelycomI think it is per day

[@user-zr6ly6hc2q]

Where on the island is the helium balloon ride. Can you get a tram to the beach from that location?

[@Daz555Daz]

The price of the water park is a scandal to be honest. Currently showing for $210 on their website. In contrast the best water park on the planet (Siam Park in Tenerife) is only $45 and even less for kids at $32. Given they have a captive audience in visiting the island it is doubly disgraceful how much they are charging. And if you arrive on a day when another ship has got there before you then the queues will mean for for that $210 you will get to queue for about 6 hours during your stay and get on 7 or 8 rides at most.

[@tommac597]

Can you bring your own snorkel gear or do they supply it, to explore the beach area???

[@Robert-su7wv]

You can’t rent it (reserve before arrival) You can bring it yourself You can buy a cheap kit there

[@caddothegreat]

Do Diamond level RCCL members get their free drinks on Coco Cay ?