There are a few foods at Royal Caribbean's private island that I must order every single time I visit.

From funnel cakes to refreshing fresh fruit, a wide variety of free food caters to every pallet. 

Five complimentary venues serve the island: Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and 3 locations of the Snack Shack.

You’ll also find four extra-cost restaurants, or ones included with the cost of admission: Captain Jack’s, Coco Beach Club, Hideaway Hut, and Slice of Paradise at Hideaway Beach.

What are the best dishes to try at each venue?

If your next cruise includes a visit to this idyllic island, here are the top eleven food favorites at Perfect Day at CocoCay to try out. 

Read more: Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered

1. Funnel cake

Even if you don’t usually indulge in a deep-fried snack, the free funnel cake is the perfect beach treat.

Made with deep-fried spirals of dough and light powdered sugar, the sweet and greasy treat makes for a delicious snack by the beach, the pool, or before you enter an exciting amenity.

I always notice that whenever someone walks by with a funnel cake, other people take notice and then go order one for themselves. This sweet, warm dessert will inspire everyone around you to get a taste.

You can find funnel cake at any of the three different Snack Shack locations on the island: near Thrill Waterpark, Oasis Lagoon, or South Beach.

2. Fresh fruit

I always love eating fresh fruit, whether for a snack, breakfast, or dessert.

You can find pineapple, watermelon, apples, and oranges available at many complimentary food venues. The pineapple and watermelon come in pre-cut slices, while you can grab the apples and oranges whole, even putting them away in a bag for later.

I’ve also seen other varieties of fruit available. 

Depending on the day, they could serve pears, mangos, kiwis, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, or papayas.

You can find fruit at all the dining locations, but Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill will have the most options.

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

3. Greek salad

I love the salad options on Perfect Day at CocoCay. You can add chicken to any salad, free of charge.

Made up of lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, cucumbers, bell peppers, and feta cheese, this salad is a refreshing, healthy dish.

The Greek salad is served at the Snack Shack.

4. Shack burger

The Shack burger is one of the favorite entrees offered on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean refers to this burger as its “hall of fame dish” when it comes to Perfect Day at CocoCay selections.

Made with a beef patty on a brioche bun, the burger is stacked with American cheese, lettuce, a slice of Beefsteak tomato, and a secret sauce called the Shack sauce. 

The cruise line has revealed that this sauce is made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet relish, all mixed together and refrigerated.

You can find this burger at the Snack Shack.

5. Crispy chicken sandwich

Another popular sandwich is the crispy chicken sandwich.

Crispy fried chicken is served up on a brioche bun with lettuce, basil, mayonnaise, and pickles.

To create the "secret sandwich" pictured above, just ask the Snack Shack worker for it by name.

You can find the crispy chicken sandwich at the Snack Shack.

6. Portobello and mozzarella sandwich

For a slightly healthier sandwich—or if you’re looking for a vegetarian option—we recommend the panini portobello and mozzarella sandwich. 

Portobello mushrooms and mozzarella cheese make up the protein of this sandwich. The mozzarella is melted over fried mushrooms for a simple yet tasty meal.

You can find this sandwich at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill.

7. Tacos

Not only are there delicious tacos available on this private island, but they’re also served in a build-your-own, buffet format.

You can create your own tacos, starting with your choice of tortilla, and choose additions like pork, Mexican rice, and beans. Next, you can add even more toppings like salsa, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, jalapenos, lime, Tabasco sauce, and more.

You can find tacos at Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill.

8. Brownie

For an extra-decadent dessert, try the rich, gooey chocolate brownie with double the chocolate chips. Not only is it filled with chocolate goodness, but it’s also topped with caramel for an extra sweet and chewy texture. 

To add even more sweetness to your dessert, you can top the brownie with a side of soft-serve ice cream.

You can find brownies at Skipper’s Grill, Chill Grill, and the Snack Shack.

9. Grilled Bahamian Lobster

For a luxury private dining experience, you can purchase exclusive access to the Coco Beach Club.

All the food at this venue is included in the cost of your admission, and one of the best is the Bahamian lobster.

This local seafood is served with sea salt, olive oil, lemon juice, aioli sauce, and a side of truffle fries and grilled vegetables.

The lobster is included with your entrance fee for the Coco Beach Club.

Read more: I tried it: Coco Beach Club at Perfect Day at CocoCay

10. Mozzarella sticks

The mozzarella sticks at Perfect Day at CocoCay are delightful—one of my favorite snacks on the island.

Gooey, melted mozzarella cheese is encased in golden-brown fried flour. The salty flavor of the sticks is complete on its own, but they also come with a marinara sauce for that savory, garlic-y punch.

You can find mozzarella sticks at the Snack Shack.

11. Chicken wings

Craving chicken wings?

For an extra cost, you can satisfy your cravings. 

The chicken wings are served with a variety of sauces you can choose from: buffalo, mango habanero, Caribbean jerk, and bourbon barbecue.

You can find chicken wings at Captain’s Jack’s, for sale for $7.95 per 10 wings.

Read more: What to do at CocoCay? 18 things to try on your visit

Celebrity Cruises has officially begun regular visits to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas. 

After departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 21, Celebrity Reflection sailed to CocoCay, arriving shortly before Wonder of the Seas. This marks the first time that Celebrity has called at the island since the $250 million renovation that was completed in 2019. 

The enhancement included a pier, as well as numerous attractions targeting thrill-seekings, including Thrill Waterpark, a zip line, and a helium balloon.

Celebrity Reflection, along with Celebrity Beyond, are scheduled to regularly visit the island on itineraries ranging from 3 to 7 nights. 

From the moment I stepped onboard, it was evident that Celebrity was heavily leaning into CocoCay promotional materials. 

CocoCay advertisements frequently appeared on television screens throughout the ship, and the Cruise Director even held an information seminar about the island at 2:30pm before sailing away. I heard the "Perfect Day" song playing in the buffet during lunch, too! 

They really seemed to want to give passengers every bit of information possible to help them plan a "perfect" day ashore. 

When we returned to our inside stateroom after dinner, we discovered that our cabin steward had left us some complimentary CocoCay swag, including a baseball cap, towel clips, and a small misting spray bottle. 

From receiving identifiable wristbands to having my basic drink package treated like the premium one, here's everything that surprised me on my visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay with Celebrity Cruises. 

The hero photo is credited to Chris Yansick, who is currently sailing onboard Wonder of the Seas. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Guests onboard Celebrity Reflection were asked to wear wristbands to help staff differentiate who was cruising on Royal Caribbean versus Celebrity

In addition to the destination-specific goodies that we received in our cabin, we were also provided two orange wristbands. 

"...we kindly ask you to wear [them] while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. Doing so will help us shape your future experiences at this exclusive, private destination, as we will learn about our guests' needs, preferences, and expectations," read the informational sheet. 

Many guests seemed to respect Celebrity's wishes, as the majority of passengers who disembarked at the same time as I did had them on. Plus, there were a lot of people wearing them at the adults-only Hideaway Beach. I was asked by the couple sitting next to me what the bands were for, so they had noticed a lot, too!  

Though I'm not surprised by what seemed to be more Royal Caribbean guests at Hideaway due to Wonder of the Seas' capacity, it was hard not to notice all the bright orange bands throughout the day. 

While the younger crowd that typically frequents Royal Caribbean may be more likely to pay for admission to Thrill Waterpark or the zip line, the bands will help the company learn what Celebrity guests are seeking on the island. 

Around 11:30am, I left Hideaway Beach to get an idea of where Celebrity guests were congregating the most. 

While there was certainly no shortage of guests at Hideaway Beach, I found that because of Wonder's capacity, it made Celebrity's presence seem more scattered. 

Rather than observing a lot of Celebrity passengers at Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, or South Beach, the excess of Royal guests was exceedingly noticeable. In fact, I was surprised by the abundance of empty lounge chairs, especially since it was a little bit before peak lunch times. 

Hideaway Beach definitely seemed to be popular for cruises on both lines. 

I was worried Wi-Fi and drink packages wouldn't work on the island

Though Celebrity is part of Royal Caribbean Group, I wasn't sure if my packages would work ashore. When I initially stepped foot on the island, my Wi-Fi seemed to be cutting out a lot. 

Since I upgraded to Celebrity's Premium Wi-Fi, I had higher hopes for the connectivity. In the end, I'm glad I paid the difference because my partner's Basic Package was even more restrictive. She was able to open apps on the ship that she wasn't able to on the island, such as Instagram and TikTok. 

Moreover, Celebrity offers passengers two alcoholic packages, whereas Royal Caribbean only has one: the Deluxe Beverage Package. Those who purchase Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package receive a relatively all-inclusive experience, with cocktails made with top-shelf spirits included. 

Celebrity's Classic Package is more restrictive, as it only includes drinks up to $10. While I could have paid to upgrade to the Premium Package, I figured that there would be a decent selection of drinks to choose from. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case onboard, as the majority of cocktails cost anywhere from $12 to $17. 

I wasn't sure how the package would be honored ashore, though. To my surprise, the Classic Package was treated like the Premium. 

There was no cap on beverages; my finacée was able to order a Patrón soda for no extra charge. However, all the bartenders I spoke with said that they're still trying to figure out Celebrity's packages since this is Celebrity's first sailing to CocoCay. There's a chance that this will change in the future. 

Having visited Perfect Day at CocoCay numerous times, the experience ashore felt extremely similar to my Royal Caribbean sailings

It's truly a winning formula. Those who want to enjoy Celebrity's upscale amenities will be able to do so, while also being able to visit the award-winning island. Celebrity ships are about giving the Celebrity customer a product with high guest satisfaction to enjoy, too. 

While I enjoyed my time at the upbeat Hideaway Beach, it was nice returning to a low-key ship. Plus, there were definitely fewer children onboard. 

As someone in their mid-twenties with no kids, it was nice to be surrounded by adults onboard while also being able to enjoy everything that CocoCay is known for. Now, those interested in visiting CocoCay have options, whether they're seeking a family-friendly vacation or a more adult-oriented and refined experience. 

According to Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, the demand for Perfect Day at CocoCay is “exceptionally high.” Out of 100 global destinations, it's the number one rated port that Royal Caribbean sails to. 

Celebrity Cruises' President, Laura Hodges Bethge, acknowledges that Celebrity's clientele doesn't want to be left out of this private island experience. “

By introducing this new program," she said, "we can meet this demand and offer something new and historic to all our guests.”

Are you stuck planning your visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Or are you wondering if a stop to Royal Caribbean’s private island is even worth it?

Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island located in the Bahamas, spans 120 acres, the length of 158 football fields. 

From bars to pools to beaches to waterparks, there are adventures you don’t want to miss out on.

The island is sprawling with activities if you know how and where to find them!

Not only that, but the majority of Cococay’s amenities also come free of charge, included in your cruise fare. 

Whether you’re planning your first visit or needing a refreshing visit to a familiar place, here are 18 things you can try next time your cruise ship stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Read more: What is free on Perfect Day at CocoCay?

1. ​​Play beach volleyball 

For the active and athletic types, Perfect Day At CocoCay has a lot to offer.

Head down to South Beach, a broad area with active, family-friendly games. 

From volleyball to basketball to ping-pong, there are a variety of free, fun experiences to be found here. 

You can find specific games scheduled on your Cruise Compass, or simply create a team and start playing!

2. Shop for Bahamian souvenirs

Missed a day at Nassau’s famous Straw Market?

Don’t worry—CocoCay has its own Straw Market. You’ll find several shops near Chill Island and Chill Grill, complete with Bahamian clothing, decorations, and all sorts of souvenirs.

You can even get your hair braided here, with a selection of different styles and beads available.

If you’d like to do some shopping at this location, just don’t forget to bring cash or a credit card. Your SeaPass may not be accepted.

3. Experience Thrill Waterpark ($)

You can pre-book admission to Thrill Waterpark, home to 14 slides across 2 towers. Thrill Waterpark also has the tallest waterslide in North America—Daredevil’s Peak.

When you arrive, you can swipe your SeaPass card to enter the park. You will receive a wristband that allows you to come and go into the park as you please.

A day pass includes beach chairs and unlimited use of all the exciting experiences: fourteen slides, an obstacle course, and a wave pool.

Depending on the cruise and the season, prices range from $50-$120 per person.

All guests under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a guest over the age of 14.

4. Go snorkeling 

Chill Island is located on the left side of CocoCay, near where the ships dock. These quiet, white-sand beaches are the perfect place to start snorkeling.

If you bring your own gear, you can explore for free.

If not, you can also rent snorkeling equipment when you arrive. 

All-day equipment rental ranges from $30-40 per adult, or $20-30 per child.

Keep an eye out for the tropical fish, jellyfish, and stingrays, as well as the sunken plane wreck off the shore.

5. Take a tram ride 

If your legs get tired, or you’d simply like a view of the entire island, Royal Caribbean has a free, open-air tram.

Traveling to each stop every 15 minutes, the tram stops at 6 locations: the Arrivals Plaza, Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, South Beach, Coco Beach Club, and directly up to the ship.

Use the tram to get to your next destination, or just hop on for fun! Either way, it’s completely free.

6. Play at Splashaway Bay

With two drenching buckets, spraying fountains, and five free waterslides, Splashaway Bay has fun for all ages.

This complimentary water park can be found on Perfect Day at CocoCay as soon as you enter the island, on the Arrivals Plaza, and across from Skipper’s Grill.

Anyone from small kids to their parents can run around this splashing play zone.

7. Scramble onto Captain Jill’s Galleon

Captain Jill’s Galleon is a shipwrecked pirate ship that kids of all ages can play on for free. This life-size galleon has a tunnel slide, a scramble net, and water cannons. 

While anyone is welcome to play, this location is best for smaller children.

8. Upgrade at Coco Beach Club ($)

For a more exclusive experience, you can enjoy a sandy beach, Clubhouse, freshwater infinity pool, and upscale restaurant at the private Coco Beach Club.

The included restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine and favorites such as filet mignon, fresh grouper, and lobster.

Beach towels, chairs, and umbrellas are also included in the day pass, which ranges from $150-250 per adult.

9. Rent a floating cabana ($)

Coco Beach Club’s floating cabanas come with room for 8 guests. 

Amenities include a hammock over the water, a small slide into the ocean, a sofa for anyone wanting to nap, a minibar, towels, power outlets, a ceiling fan, a dining area, and a dedicated Cabana Butler to attend to your every need.

You can even have food from the upgraded restaurant, or drinks (at an extra cost) delivered from the bar. 

This package includes access to the Coco Beach Club and the use of the cabana, starting at $2,500. 

10. Float in the Oasis Lagoon

Located in the middle of the island, Oasis Lagoon set the record as the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. 

This pool is 33,175 square feet, with room for everyone, and it is free to access. 

Many beach chairs are scattered around the area, making this a great spot to leave your stuff for free.

You can float in the cool pool without a care, or even swim around the area.

11. Exercise at a fitness class

Do you want to have a more active day? There are free fitness classes available at CocoCay, such as Zumba and yoga.

For the exact times and locations, check your cruise compass or the mobile app.

12. Enjoy a free lunch 

Head to Chill Grill or Skipper’s Grill for a filling, complimentary lunch. 

These locations have salads, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers, for free!

When you’re ready for dessert, try their funnel cake, chocolate chip cookies, or fruit for a healthier option.

13. Float on a beach mat ($)

While you’re enjoying the many gorgeous beaches available, you can also try a floating beach mat.

Adults can use it to unwind, relax, and float along ocean water. 

Or, balance your kids on the plush foam material for some added safety and peace of mind.

All-day access is $15-20 per beach mat.

14. Rise in a hot air balloon ($)

If the weather and wind permit, you can ride a hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the island and surrounding beaches.

When you arrive on the island, you can buy your ticket for this 10-minute ride. 

The "Up, Up, and Away" hot air balloon carries up to 30 passengers at a time, slowly rising 450 feet to give you the highest vantage point in the Bahamas.

A spacious platform gives you 360-degree views in the breezy air.

Adults can expect to pay $60-90, while children under age 13 will pay $30-60 for their ticket.

15. Dance at the swim-up bar

Oasis Lagoon holds one of the best party locations on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

In the middle of the pool is a popular swim-up bar. A live DJ plays pop and afrobeat mixes, encouraging the crowd to dance and have fun.

Just make sure to arrive early, because the bar gets full fast!

16. Go ziplining ($)

You can soar high above the harbor on Perfect Day at CocoCay’s 1600-foot-long zipline.

Three segments take you across the island, past Thrill Waterpark and the beaches, and land at the harbor. The entire experience lasts around 45 minutes.

Guests must wear closed-toe shoes and weigh between 75 and 275 pounds to participate.

The cost ranges from $80-130 per person.

17. Escape the kids at Hideaway Beach ($)

Cococay’s adults-only private area launched this year, and you can book your day pass now.

Featuring a swim-up bar, tasty food, complimentary hammocks, and live music, Hideaway Beach is a paradise escape.

Tickets sell out fast! Prices are currently listed at $20-85 per person.

18. Nap or read on the beach

Regular beach access is still completely free on Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

At Chill Island, Harbor Beach, and South Beach, you can lounge on the beach chairs, many with umbrellas, free of charge.

I personally love to read a good book, or you can take a nap in the sun. 

If you’ve purchased Royal Caribbean’s WiFi package, you’ll also have access to it here, if you feel like surfing the Internet, reading the news, or even watching a TV show. Also, if you have the Deluxe Drink Package, it works on Perfect Day at CocoCay just like on the ship.

I've rented plenty of cabanas at Royal Caribbean's private destinations in the Caribbean, but its latest creation is my favorite yet.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is an island in The Bahamas for its passengers to enjoy, and there's plenty to see and do without spending extra.

Around Perfect Day at CocoCay are cabana rentals you can choose to reserve for an extra cost to provide privacy, extra service, shade, and amenities.

I recently spent the day at CocoCay with some friends and splurged to book a Hideout Cabana in the adults-only area.

Booking the cabana

I booked my cabana online from Royal Caribbean's website a few months before the cruise. The pre-cruise booking experience is quite easy, as there have been a number of improvements to expedite the process.

Not only is booking a cabana online easy and fast, it's likely cheaper than waiting to book it onboard the ship. Royal Caribbean usually discounts its add-ons to entice customers to spend more overall. In fact, about 70% of passengers are pre-booking something.

There are two sets of cabanas at Hideaway Beach, which is the adults-only area that opened in 2024. The Hideaway Cabanas near the beach (between $899 - $1,699), and the Hideout Cabanas with a private pool (between $1,899 - $2,699).

Because I prefer the pool over the beach, I went with the Hideout Cabanas. For $2,000, we had the cabana for the entire duration of our stay at CocoCay for up to 8 people.

We checked in as early as possible the day we arrived

Cabanas open as soon as the gangway is open for passengers to disembark the cruise ship. Our ship, Wonder of the Seas, docked at 7am, and we walked off the ship at 8am to maximize our time.

It took us just a few minutes to walk down the pier and hop on a complimentary tram to take us to Hideaway Beach.

At the entrance to Hideaway Beach, we informed them we had a cabana and we then went to the cabana check-in desk.

The staff welcomed us and escorted us to the cabana.

Our cabana had plenty of shade, private pool access, drink and food service

The Hideout Cabanas offer in-pool loungers, a couch, and chairs in the cabana. In fact, two of the chairs can be converted to floats that can be used in the pool.

The pool itself is heated too.

The cabana provides privacy with three walls, along with a ceiling fan, Bluetooth sound system, shower, mini-fridge, and sink.

Our mini-fridge was stocked with beers, wine, sodas, and water. The bottled Evian water is complimentary, but the other beverages cost extra.  If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, then that will cover the beverages consumed in the cabana (and elsewhere on the island).

We had everything we needed for the day

Part of the appeal of renting any cabana on CocoCay is it's your own little spot to enjoy without much care.

Your cabana attendant already has towels for you, so there's no reason to bring any on or off the ship. And they also bring you food and drink.

You can order food from Slice of Paradise or Hideaway Hut, which includes pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers and more.

The only reason to leave the cabana is to go to the beach or the restroom.

We really enjoyed our poolside lunch

Lunch service begins at 10:30am and is available the whole day. There's no limit, so just keep ordering as much as you'd like.

The menu had something for everyone and the kind of food you'd like to have on a pool/beach day. While the food is not as high quality as the Coco Beach Club restaurant, there are additional items not available elsewhere on CocoCay, such as coconut shrimp basket or pizza.

I spent time before lunch going between dips in the pool and working from the table in our cabana. Blogging requires work, but I was sure to get as much done early so I could enjoy the rest of the day.

Our cabana attendant would come by every 20 minutes, but there was a button we could use to page him if we needed something.

The food was brought reasonably quickly, and we were not hungry for long.

There were lots of fun drinks to pick from

In addition to the typical beers and cocktails most people order, there are a half dozen featured cocktails you can order.

Having extra choices to consider is always nice, especially on a cruise where it seems like you gravitate towards the same choices.

Since we had a drink package on this cruise, we could try different cocktails without risk of being "stuck" with a poor choice.

Something else special about the Hideout Cabanas is there is bottle service, where you can order bottles of wine or champagne.

We spent most of the day in the pool

The Hideout cabanas have access to their own infinity pool, and I think this is the top reason to book one of these cabanas.

Only Hideout cabana guests can access this pool, so it has a sense of exclusivity as well as being very convenient as it's at the entrance to the cabana.

You could sit in one of the loungers, take a dip in the pool, stroll, or sun yourself. There's enough space for 8 people to enjoy and not feel cramped at all.

We loved having the ability to go out into the pool for a bit to get some sun, and then retreat into the cool shade when we'd had enough.

There's more to do, if you care to leave the cabana

The cabana is a blessing and a curse in the sense you have everything you need in one place, but leaving it to explore the rest of Hideaway Beach seems like you're wasting your investment.

Elsewhere in Hideaway Beach is a giant pool with DJ party, sports bar, and beach. In my opinion, these areas are great if you don't rent a cabana.  But there's nothing wrong with taking a walk to see them either.

The pool is definitely the party spot, with a giant swim-up bar and DJ nearby. It's big on energy.

The cost of the cabana seemed well worth it to me, and I'd rent one again

Although we only had the cabana for about 8 hours, it seemed worthwhile for our large group.

The cabanas are a great choice for family and friends looking to get the most out of their day at CocoCay. Since it's adults-only, no kids are allowed.  For cruises where we sail with our adult friends, it's the perfect add-on.

The cost is not insignificant, but when you split the cost across a group of people and then figure out the hourly cost, it's not a bad price at all. Especially compared to the price for Coco Beach Club cabanas.

Read more: Guide to CocoCay cabanas

I'd absolutely rent a Hideout Cabana again. The pool is such a nice idea, and I think it's better than the pricier over the water cabanas at the Coco Beach Club.

Among the many choices where to spend your day at CocoCay, having your own dedicated place to chill is key. Combined with a friendly host, lots of drink choices, and a delicious poolside lunch, a cabana rental feels like a no-brainer.

Royal Caribbean’s private island looks like a tropical paradise.

Sprawling with pools, bars, beaches, restaurants, and a water park, it’s a family’s vacation dream come true.

To make this dream even more of a vision, the majority of amenities on Perfect Day at CocoCay are included in your cruise fare!

On my first visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, I enjoyed resting on the beach and trying the snacks. 

However, I didn’t know the full breadth of everything available for free. 

We even went back to the ship to eat lunch, not knowing that we could have tried it on the island.

To prevent you from making the same mistake and missing out on everything the island has to offer, we’ve compiled a guide to exactly what is free on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

From beach chairs to tram rides to countless beaches, here’s everything you can enjoy without spending a dime. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Waterparks: Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon

Where else can you access an entire waterpark for free?

Splashaway Bay can be found on Perfect Day CocoCay as soon as you enter the island. 

Featuring drenching buckets, tall, spraying fountains, and even free waterslides, it provides free fun for kids of all ages.

For the even younger kiddos, Captain Jill’s Galleon is a ship located right next door. The shipwrecked pirate spot also has water cannons and slides.

Whether you want to make a quick stop on your way onto the island or make the waterpark your whole day of fun, it’s free to access both Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon.

Food: Snack Shack, Skipper’s Grill, and Chill Grill

Nearly all the food venues at Perfect Day at CocoCay are free to enter. 

Snack Shack has two locations available next to Oasis Lagoon and South Beach. This grab-and-go snack stop has finger food such as hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and even salads if you’re looking for something lighter. 

There are even desserts for free: brownies, cookies, and funnel cake. The funnel cake especially is a family favorite!

And there’s no limit to how much food you can grab. Just like onboard your cruise ship, you can even make a plate and carry it with you around the island.

There are even larger dining huts to choose from. Both Skipper Grill and Chill Grill are included in your cruise fare.

These open-air buffets include lunch eats like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, corn, french fries, salads, and fruit options. 

There are also taco stations with all the fixings you can desire, and rice and beans.

On the side, you’ll find condiments, cookies, brownies, and fresh fruit!

Again, all this comes included in your cruise fare, free of charge.

Beaches: Harbor Beach, Chill Island, and South Beach

Beach access on the island is also complimentary. The main shores are Harbor Beach and South Beach.

Harbor Beach is located near where the ship docks, making it a great option for families to play and spread out with sand toys.

South Beach caters more to adults, featuring hot sand and a floating bar.

It is completely free to stretch out on the sand, play in the clear water, and observe little fish swimming by. 

Chill Island has access to the beach water. You can wade into the water further on, or bring your own snorkeling gear to look for fish and stingrays.

At all locations, you can also use beach chairs, umbrellas, and handy tables without paying anything extra.

You can also bring the complimentary towels from the ship, or pick up more on the island for free. They are interchangeable and completely included in the cruise fare.

Read more: Your really dumb Perfect Day at CocoCay questions answered

Be sure to keep an eye out for the hammocks around the island, because they are included too!

There are a number of hammocks in Chill Island as you cross the bridge from the Arrivals Plaza on your left side.

Tram rides

Perfect Day at CocoCay spans 120 acres. That’s 158 football fields! 

With so much space to explore, it’s easy for the average pair of legs to get tired walking around. 

To help solve this problem, Royal Caribbean has free open-air trams that run around the island.

The trams spot by every 15 minutes, making six total stops at the Arrivals Plaza, South Beach, Coco Beach Club, Up, Up, and Away, Chill Island, and Oasis Lagoon.

All you have to do is sit down at a bench to wait and hop onto the nearest tram!

There’s no reason to stay tired, hungry, or thirsty on this private island. Just relax and enjoy everything CocoCay has to offer.

Oasis Lagoon

Located in the center of the island, Oasis Lagoon is a popular pool complex that fills up fast.

There’s a large, sparkling pool where you can swim and splash around. 

In the pool's center is a swim-up bar next to a DJ center. Live beats play, while guests sip tropical drinks and dance in the warm water.

Nearby sun loungers and umbrellas also make this a great place to leave your stuff or to sit and rest.

Access to this pool is also completely free, but be sure to show up early if you want to find a good spot!

Read more: My Impressions of Perfect Day at CocoCay: Revisiting 13 Years Later

Showers and lockers

Access to amenities such as showers and restrooms will always be complimentary.

You can also find changing rooms around the island, as well as lockers to hold all your valuable items.

You may find yourself waiting in line at busy times on the island, but rest assured, you’ll never have to pay.

Sports Court and Fitness Classes

Whether you enjoy Frisbee, basketball, or beach volleyball, the Sports Court has all the free activities you could desire.

There are also free fitness classes available, such as yoga or Zumba. You can check your cruise compass or the mobile app to see the exact activities offered.

This is a great way to take advantage of the sunshine, and slog off some of that cruise weight!

Be sure to walk to Breezy Bay to see all the fun sports activities that cost nothing extra there. There are a variety of games to play near the volleyball court.

So what costs extra on Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Specialty beverages, such as alcoholic drinks, cost extra at the bars on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

However, if you’ve already purchased a Royal Caribbean drink package, you can use it on the island by showing your SeaPass card, just like you would onboard the ship.

The same goes for the VOOM high-speed Internet: if you’ve already purchased the package, you will have access to it on Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Even if you don’t have the Wifi, you’ll be able to access the app while on the island.

This makes it convenient to check the time and onboard schedules and message your travel party.

Several shops on the island sell souvenirs, which come at an extra cost but can be purchased with your SeaPass card.

Access to the Thrill Waterpark also costs extra, in addition to the Up, Up, and Away hot air balloon.

Royal Caribbean also sells adrenaline-filled shore excursions such as ziplining, snorkeling equipment, swimming with pigs, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

For a luxury beach experience, you can rent CocoCay cabanas and daybeds by the beach.

Read more: Perfect Day at CocoCay beach bed review

For an even more private experience, Royal Caribbean sells access to the exclusive club Coco Beach Club. 

More recently, the cruise line also opened up Hideaway Beach, an 18+, adults-only beach that costs extra.

Royal Caribbean passengers that were visiting its private island on Tuesday had to leave earlier than expected.

CocoCay is a private island in The Bahamas that is operated by Royal Caribbean exclusively for its guests.  Celebrity Cruises will begin visiting the island as well later this year.

Read more: Guide to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Rain storms passing through the tropics are quite common, but the wind in this case appeared to be the issue as photos posted by passengers show waves crashing against the pier and rocks.

Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas were visiting the island for the day when an announcement was made for guests to return to the ship.

According to posts on social media, a rapidly moving storm was approaching the island and that caused the cruise line to make the decision to cut their day short.

It appears the announcements were made around 1:00pm over the island's speaker system to return to the ship.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology indicated a deep low-pressure system is moving northeastwards across the Northwest Bahamas while dragging a cold front. They're expecting continued bouts of unsettled weather, consisting of heavy to severe thunderstorms with strong gusty winds, heavy downpours.

Bahamas forecasters are predicting the low to gradually strengthen and the pressure gradient behind it will tighten to produce increasing winds up to gale force through Wednesday.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology added the potential for seas to rise as high as 16 to 20 feet offshore, along Atlantic exposures on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tami Golden wrote on Facebook, "It was announced over a public address system to please return the ship."

Katie John added, "they were going to call everyone back to the ship via speakers on the island and close everything down due to wind and deteriorating weather."

"Glad they did, because not too long after they got everyone back, the waves were crashing over the pier, and the wind increased to 35mph."

Jessica Aguiar Oliveira said that guests that had booked anything extra would be refunded their costs due to the day being cut short.

Many guests were understanding of the change in plans, "Royal Caribbean staff was amazing and it was so organized to get everyone back to the ship safely," wrote a Facebook user named Natasha.

"Sometimes weather happens and we can’t do anything about it. All 10 of us ladies are safe and we are departing shortly to head on a sea day a little early! "

Based on social media, it appears Freedom of the Seas was able to undock and leave while Oasis of the Seas remained docked.

Missy Billingsley wrote that Oasis of the Seas acted as a wind blocker for the relatively smaller Freedom of the Seas, "The captain literally told us that we were going to be the block for the Freedom to get outta here."

Other Royal Caribbean ships have been re-routed already to avoid the path of the storm. Allure of the Seas is cancelling a scheduled visit to Nassau, Bahamas on Wednesday and will instead remain at sea.

Winter weather in the Caribbean

January and February are about as far from hurricane season as you can get, but that doesn't mean bad weather doesn't occur.

This time of the year is usually associated with a lack of precipitation, as winter is the dry season for the tropics. However, cold fronts can still bring with storms with them.

Part of the rationale for building a pier at CocoCay was to prevent high winds from cancelling port stops. Having a dock makes it easier for cruise ships to visit a port of call, as opposed to tendering.

Royal Caribbean's adults-only beach at its private island offers an enclave for those seeking a kid-free beach day.

Hideaway Beach is an extra-cost section of Perfect Day at CocoCay that is available to guests who are at least 18-years-old and willing to pay the admission fee.  

The area is more than just another beach without kids. It is a rather large expansion that includes some of the best features of a private island day experience in one spot.

If you're thinking of trying Hideaway Beach, here's what you can expect and if it's worth the extra cost.

Hideaway Beach overview

Hideaway Beach is an adults-only area located on the south side of CocoCay. It's accessible by complimentary tram service or by a short five minute walk.

Hideaway Beach has a capacity of around 1,800 guests and it's made up of three areas:

• Beach
• Infinity pool
• Cabanas

One thing that you will notice upon entering is how large the area is.  The beach is cove shaped and runs the width of the entire section.  It's certainly among the largest beaches you'll find at Royal Caribbean's private island.

There are chairs and umbrellas throughout the beach, and if you venture to the far end of the beach, there are even in-water palapas, hammocks, and swings.

The pool area includes a swim-up bar with DJ that plays party music throughout the day. Royal Caribbean wants this area to be fun and lively, and you'll find the party atmosphere in the pool throughout the day.

One key difference between the pool at Hideaway compared to Oasis Lagoon is this pool is heated.

There are day beds in the pool, which are available to whoever claims them first.

Admission to Hideaway Beach includes:

• Access to the beach and pool
• Complimentary in-water hammocks, resort-style loungers, and umbrellas
• Food from Hideaway Hut and Slice of Paradise

There are two types of cabanas you can rent for the day, which includes admission for up to six guests.  The Hideaway cabanas are located closer to the pool, while the Hideout cabanas are more of a VIP cabana with private pool.

Hideout cabanas cost more, but offer more exclusivity.

What is the cost of Hideaway Beach?

Royal Caribbean charges an admission fee to enter with variable pricing depending on the ship and time of year you visit. You can expect to pay around $49 per person to enter, but prices could vary up to $20 in either direction. Your best bet is to pre-purchase admission before your cruise to avoid the venue selling out.

Prices for a cabana will vary just as much, but here is a general ballpark of pricing:

• Hideaway cabana: $899 - $1,699
• Hideout cabana: $1,899 - $2,699

To purchase a day pass or cabana, you can do so via Royal Caribbean's website before the cruise.  While you could but it onboard the ship, the price will almost certainly be higher and there's a good chance it will sell out before the cruise even begins.

Remember that you can cancel and rebook prior to your cruise if the price drops.

Dining and food at Hideaway Beach

Admission to Hideaway Beach includes food at two complimentary restaurants.

Hideaway Hut is essentially a plussed version of the Snack Shack found elsewhere on CocoCay. Royal Caribbean took the base menu there, and added more options to provide added value.

In addition to the favorites from the Snack Shack, you'll find coconut shrimp basket, fish sandwich, and ceviche.

The other restaurant you can dine at is Slice of Paradise, which offers pizza and empanadas.

While there's pizza on your cruise ship, there's no pizza elsewhere on the island, so this is a new option.

There are a few varieties of pizza to try, and it's available by the slice.  Fresh made empanadas are also available.

The food in Hideaway is very tasty and also very quick. I think the idea is being in Hideaway means enjoying a fun day in the beach and pool, and Royal Caribbean wants to enable guests to be able to get something to eat and return to the fun quicker.

If you have a cabana booked, food can be delivered to your cabana from the same restaurants you can walk to in Hideaway. Every cabana has a cabana attendant that visits your cabana regularly to bring food or drink you might want.

The food is included, but drinks cost extra. If you have a Royal Caribbean drink package, your benefits work in Hideaway Beach and you'll be able to enjoy those benefits in the cabana too. Ditto for Diamond Drink vouchers.

Hideout cabanas can also enjoy bottle service.

Is Hideaway Beach worth it?

Hideaway Beach is much more than just another beach on Perfect Day at CocoCay that caters to just adults.  It encapsulates arguably the best island experience to date.

At its heart, Hideaway Beach is about picking a place just for adults. While Royal Caribbean cruise ships are family-friendly ships, getting a break from the kids might be a nice change of pace for a segment of the population.  I think there's other people that would prefer the amenities offered at Hideaway Beach regardless of the fact there's kids or not.

In spending the day at Hideaway Beach, it's clear that Royal Caribbean has cherry picked the best things from around Perfect Day and incorporated them into Hideaway. It has the infinity pool from Coco Beach Club, the DJ and swim-up bar from Oasis Lagoon, the Snack Shack, and of course a beautiful cove.

Speaking of the DJ, there's a lot of music in the Hideaway. You can expect a live band performing at On The Rocks bar, DJ music at the pool, and piped in music around the beach. If you're looking for a quiet beach day, the Coco Beach Club might be a better fit for you.

If a cabana is in your budget, they are a wonderful way to enhance your day. The added service, reserved seating, and shade provided is a nice upgrade.  

The upgraded food choices is also a nice touch. While you wont confuse the food here to the Coco Beach Club, you're also paying significantly less.

As a parent of school-aged kids, an adults-only area was never high on my wish list.  But I have to admit the amenities in Hideaway Beach are so compelling, I'm contemplating how I can take my wife and leave the kids with someone else because the experience is so fun.

I love the heated pool, swim-up bar, and beautiful beach cove. There's less seaweed at Hideaway than at other beaches too.

If there's one thing I don't care for that much, it's the DJ and the loud party music that is played throughout the day. Based on how many people were in the pool and dancing along to the music, I recognize this is a "me problem" and I'm probably in the minority.  Nonetheless, I had a great time because of the upgraded nature of this area.

If you can book admission for under $50 per person, I think Hideaway Beach is worth booking. Royal Caribbean has hit a home run with combining some of their best ideas in one area. The fact it's adults-only is secondary, that's how good the area feels.

Can you imagine spending an entire day at Perfect Day at CocoCay by yourself?

MrBeast, YouTube's most acclaimed entertainment star, visited CocoCay with three of his friends to experience everything the $250 million island has to offer.  

Jimmy Donaldson, who is known by his alias MrBeast, has over 230 million subscribers. Since joining YouTube in 2012, he has amassed over 42 billion views! He was also the second YouTube creator to surpass 100 million subscribers. 

In a recent video, he spent the afternoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, to compare it to other private islands around the world. Since published, the video has received over 62 million views. 

"Literally anything you could ever want is on this private island," he said.

MrBeast isn't just a content creator

In addition to being a popular content creator and social media star, he's also a philanthropist who has founded and co-founded different organizations and fundraisers, including Team Trees, which raised 20 million dollars before the start of 2020 to plant 20 million trees. 

He has a second YouTube channel called "Beast Philanthropy," in which he states that 100% of the profits from ads, merch sales, and sponsorships will go towards making the world a better place. 

While not as popular as his primary account, it still has over 20 million subscribers! 

A glimpse at private islands around the world

After purchasing a small island for $1, MrBeast proceeded to blow it up since "...there was nothing [there]." He and his crew then made their way to Monkey Island, a $1 million island that's swarming with literal monkeys. 

The next island on their list was pretty different from CocoCay, so they had to trade in their swim trunks and flip-flops for parkas and beanies. To reach the island, they had to ride in hovercrafts since the lake was frozen solid!

While not an adventure on one of the world's largest cruise ships, it certainly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Activities here included hanging out with sled dogs and getting some pretty amazing views of the Northern Lights! 

Necker Island, the $150 million island, was nothing short of luxurious. It took over four decades to build and is owned by Richard Branson. 

MrBeast said that for every person in your travel party, there are ten staff members to wait on your every need, even if it's just cheering you on during a solo game of pool. 

One of the buildings has a golfing range on the roof with balls made of fish food, so they're safe to be hit into the sea! 

The last (and most expensive) island that he visited was CocoCay

Located roughly 140 miles off the coast of Miami is Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island that underwent an extensive $250 million renovation in 2019. This renovation added tons of new activities, as well as a colorful pier, so guests do not have to board a tender to get ashore. 

"This extraordinary island has an entire amusement park with over a dozen water slides," he said referring to Thrill Waterpark. 

Admission to the water park isn't included in the cost of your cruise; the price usually ranges from $89 to $169 per person. 

"In the middle of the island is a massive water slide. Even though literal 8-year-olds ride that water slide, I might still chicken out because I'm afraid of heights," joked MrBeast. 

Recently, Royal Caribbean added the Tailspain, a family flume-style ride that's located at the Splash Summit Tower. 

While MrBeast and his posse ended up trying out the new slide for themselves, they first sent all the lifeguards down! They figured that, with only four guests on the island, they didn't need 100+ lifeguards at work. 

The other tower in the park, Daredevil's Tower, is home to the tallest water slide in North America: Daredevil's Peak. 

"Daredevil's Peak, what a soothing name," said MrBeast before he began the climb up. 

After losing "nose goes," his friend Nolan was the first to ride the slide. He remarked that he felt like he was hit by a truck! MrBeast claimed that he felt as though he was drowning the entire time. 

Read more: I went to CocoCay for the first time, and here's what I'd do differently

Earlier in the day, the friends spent time trying out other activities, including the 1,600-foot zip line. Like Thrill Waterpark, the zip line costs extra. For my upcoming cruise onboard Celebrity Reflection in April, it's currently available for $92 per person. 

In addition to the obvious beaches, CocoCay has numerous offerings for those who don't want to spend any additional money, such as basketball, corn hole, ping-pong, and even an enlarged soccer ball pool.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean: Oasis Lagoon. 

Something that he didn't touch on was the brand-new Hideaway Beach, the extra cost adults-only retreat for guests 18+. For those who splurge on admission, they'll find a private beach, two pools, 20 cabanas, seven open-air bars, dining options, and more. 

They also didn't venture to Coco Beach Club, the island's exclusive enclave for those who value a more elevated experience. In addition to a private beach, Coco Beach Club guests have an upscale restaurant included in the cost where they can order things like filet mignon, lobster, etc. 

From Thrill Waterpark to simply enjoying each other's company over a friendly game of basketball and making new animal friends while walking from one activity to the next, it was impossible to fully experience everything in such a short period, even though they had the island to themselves. 

"This island has things that I didn't even know existed," MrBeast said. 

Read more: Video shows look around Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a popular port of call on Royal Caribbean cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean. As such, it's not uncommon to find yourself repeatedly visiting the private island if you frequently seek warm-weather itineraries on some of the largest ships at sea. 

When Royal Caribbean completed renovating the island in 2019, it became more than just your average beach day. Now, you can splurge on activities like riding the tallest water slide in North America, an upscale beach club, zip line, overwater cabana, and more. 

While there's no denying it's easy to have a great ashore no matter how many times you've visited, you should not always feel like you have to get off the ship. 

Sometimes, the perfect day at CocoCay isn't actually ON CocoCay. 

Here are the 5 best reasons to stay onboard the ship while in Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

You won't have to deal with chair hogs

If you awaken too late on a sea day, it's likely that when you head up to the pool deck, you'll see a sea (no pun intended) of chairs reserved with towels and personal belongings. 

Chair hogs are individuals who reserve chairs for the entire day, even if they are not planning on staying nearby. 

And while there should technically be pool attendants on the lookout, it's difficult for them to keep a watch on the entire pool deck. 

If you want to enjoy the pool with minimal people around, consider staying onboard when your ship docks at Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Rather than rushing off the ship to claim the perfect beach chairs, you can sleep in, have a late breakfast, and enjoy the top deck like it's your own chartered yacht! 

Related: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

The lines for onboard thrills will be shorter

Simiarly, the lines for onboard attractions can get rather long on sea days.

One of the best ways to ensure that you won't have a long wait for anything that's on your must-do list on days when everyone is onboard is to get to whatever you are hoping to do as soon as it opens. 

If you're someone who wants to ride the water slides more than once or become a Flowrider surf pro, you'll have more opportunities to do so while the ship is docked, as there will be fewer people in line. 

Plus, if you're short on time (i.e., on a 3- or 4-night cruise onboard Utopia of the Seas), you won't have as many chances to experience everything that's onboard. You may find it a more valuable use of time to stay on the ship, rather than spending the day on the beach. 

Additionally, if you are on a Quantum Class ship, you'll be able to ride the North Star for free while docked, whereas sea day rides are not included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

You'll be able to soar high above Perfect Day at CocoCay and look out over neighboring Bahamian islands, including Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay. 

Related: Top 30 extra cruise costs that are not included

You might be able to save money on a spa treatment

Spa treatments onboard cruise ships are costly. Massages often start around $150 for 50 minutes, while a 75-minute deep tissue couples massage can be upwards of $390. 

If you want to save money while treating yourself to a much-needed day at the spa, head there on embarkation day to see if any deals are being offered. Plus, you can get a tour of the spa to get a glimpse of the treatment facilities. 

Usually, they will have something available on port days to entice people to stay onboard. You can also check the night before your ship is scheduled to arrive in CocoCay, as well as the morning of. 

There won't be as many people at the buffet for lunch

You won't have to worry about being patient while waiting in line for lunch if you stay on the cruise ship while it's docked at CocoCay.

It's not uncommon to see long lines for various eateries at peak times on sea days. Something as simple as lunch could take longer than anticipated if you show up to the Windjammer around 12:30pm. 

When your Royal Caribbean ship is relatively empty with the majority of passengers ashore, it will be easy to grab a quick bite to eat and return to the more pressing matters, such as ensuring you have an even tan, playing a round of mini-golf, or soaring high above the Boardwalk on the zip line. 

Related: Guide to Royal Caribbean's Windjammer Cafe buffet

You won't feel the need to spend money on an excursion

Yes, it's true. The price of a Royal Caribbean cruise has increased. If you're planning on sailing onboard one of their newest ships, like Icon of the Seas, you can expect to spend around $1,500 per person for an interior room. 

Since there's so much to do onboard, these ships are a destination in and of themselves. On Icon, for instance, you can spend the day at the Category 6 Water Park or in the brand-new Surfside Neighborhood with activities for the whole family to enjoy. 

If you've visited Perfect Day at CocoCay before, you may not be willing to spend money on an excursion after splurging on one of these mega-ships. Even though the beach is complimentary, there are more active activities that can be found on the ship that you already paid for! 

Related: 10 genius things cruise ship passengers brought to Royal Caribbean's private island to make it even better