Perfect Day at CocoCay’s Thrill Waterpark on Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas draws travelers from many of its cruises.
Brittany Chang/Insider
Many of Royal Caribbean’s North American cruises stop at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The cruise line has seen “exceptionally high” demand for the destination, CEO Michael Bayley said.
I visited the island in December 2022 and saw why travelers have been loving the Bahamian getaway.
What would you do if you had $250 million lying around? If you’re Royal Caribbean International, you’d use it to build a private island — exclusive for your guests.
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That’s exactly what the mega cruise brand did in 2019 when it unveiled its own private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Brittany Chang/Insider
And so far, it’s been money well spent: CocoCay’s financial returns have been “exceptionally high and significantly above its targeted returns,” Naftali Holtz, Royal Caribbean Group’s CFO, told investors in February.
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Source: Royal Caribbean Group
The island — accessible on Royal Caribbean’s itineraries — is filled with complimentary beaches, food stands, bars, and paid destinations like a private beach club and a water park.
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All of this has attracted a swath of travelers, leading the cruise line to see “exceptionally high” demand for this Bahamian destination, Michael Bayley, its president and CEO, told investors in a recent call.
Brittany Chang/Insider
Source: Royal Caribbean Group
Many of Royal Caribbean’s North American cruises stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. And this year, Bayley said the getaway will likely see 2.5 million to 3 million travelers.
Brittany Chang/Insider
This private island has generated plenty of buzz for Royal Caribbean. And after visiting it in December 2022, I now see why.
Brittany Chang/Insider
Perfect Day at CocoCay was the only port of call during my complimentary Wonder of the Seas sailing for media and travel agents.
Brittany Chang/Insider
Before I arrived, I expected an island with amusement park energy: Plenty of attractions for children and plenty of headaches for parents.
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And while some amenities did feel like a theme park, overall, my afternoon on CocoCay was a surprisingly peaceful reprieve from life beyond the waters.
Brittany Chang/Insider
There was already another Royal Caribbean vessel there when my ship docked. But because the Wonder didn’t sail at full capacity, the island wasn’t cramped with visitors.
Brittany Chang/Insider
There was the option to take a tram from destination to destination. But I, like the star athlete that I am, decided to walk. Yes, I did regret this.
Brittany Chang/Insider
At least it brought me through tree-lined walkways and throngs of excited travelers.
Brittany Chang/Insider
In between the island’s hot attractions — the water park, private club, and beaches — CocoCay had several small slices of respite …
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… like these quiet hammocks and the open-air lounge with live music and views of a sandy lagoon.
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Let’s start with the Coco Beach Club, which members of the media got to tour.
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The cost of a day pass varies by season. Royal Caribbean did …read more
Source:: Business Insider
