Royal Caribbean opened their brand-new water slide at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark ahead of schedule. 

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley turned to Facebook to announce its opening: "We opened a new slide at Perfect Day Coco Cay today to enhance the Thrill and keep the kids busy and happy while the Moms and Dads Chill with a Pina Colada."

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips & tricks

In late October, Neva Heaston, Director of Private Destinations for Royal Caribbean International, said, "Look out for announcements from marketing, we are set to announce the name and open the ride in Q1 2024."

Located at the Splash Summit Tower, which is where you can also find the Sling Shot family raft slide, Splash Speedway mat slide, and Twister tube ride, the Tailspin is a family flume-style ride that uses the exact same rafts as the Sling Shot. 

Parties of 2-4 guests are sent into the bright green slide before shortly entering a dark tube that's illuminated with colorful lights. 

The entirety of the slide isn't enclosed, though. And as the name suggests, there are sharp turns that are sure to get everyone a little wet! 

Related: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

What is Thrill Waterpark?

Located on Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Thrill Waterpark opened in 2019 as part of the cruise line's $250 million renovation. 

Admission usually ranges from $89 to $169 per person, depending on what ship you're sailing on and when your cruise is set to take place. There are even cabanas located within the waterpark that include the cost of admission for up to six guests. 

You can also expect a cabana attendant, sectional sofa, two resort-style chairs, power outlets, towels, and complimentary water bottles.

Note that children under the age of 14 are required to be accompanied by a ticketed guest who is 14 years old or older. Otherwise, they will be denied admission. 

With the opening of Tailspin, there are now nine slides for guests to enjoy. Additionally, there's a wave pool and obstacle course named "Adventure Pool," where you'll find a rope swing, rock wall, lily pads, and more. 

Five slides are located within Daredevil's Tower, including the tallest waterslide in North America: Daredevil's Peak. The remaining four slides can be found at Splash Summit. 

15+ ways to slide

If you're cruising on Icon of the Seas, with the addition of the brand-new slide at Thrill Waterpark, you're able to try out over fifteen different water slides, both at sea and on land. 

Simiarily, Utopia of the Seas will have the longest dry slide at sea, so whether you're a fan of water slides or not, you have yet another way to get your adrenaline pumping. 

"We are very excited to add another amazing addition to Thrill Waterpark for families and friends to enjoy together," said Heaston. 

Are annual passes to Thrill Waterpark on the horizon?

While nothing's been confirmed, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley responded to a comment written by Christopher Birdsong on his Facebook account asking if they've ever thought about selling annual passes to Thrill Waterpark for those who frequently visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

Bayley said, "Great idea. We will look into this." 

If annual passes were offered, how much would you be willing to pay? And, if offered, would they entice you to visit CocoCay even more, since you would be guaranteed to always have an extra-cost activity reserved? 

Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach expansion at its private island is still under construction, but a new video from inside the park has our first look at how it's progressing.

Hideaway Beach is the adults-only beach Royal Caribbean is adding to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas that is still being finished.

The new area will be open to guests 18-years-old or older and feature an infinity pool with swim-up bar and DJ music.  There will also be a sports bar, cabanas to rent, and dining venues.

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

The new area will open in January 2024 in time for Icon of the Seas to start sailing.

Royal Caribbean Director of Design Marissa Abreu posted a video update showing off how much has been done already.

The first video shows the pool area at the cabanas, known as The Hideout.

The Hideout is an exclusive area you can get access to if you rent a cabana here. This is where you'll find poolside cabana with in-water loungers, outdoor shower access, Bluetooth speaker, floating beach mats, resort-style seating, a cooler, sink, mini fridge, charging outlets, ceiling fans, and private lockable storage space.

The video then pans to the right and shows more of the Hideout pool, along with a view in the background of the cove that will become the beach.

The beach area is more than acre in size and has loungers and umbrellas, and there will be in-the-water hammocks and swings in the water.

The entire Hideaway Beach area will be over eight acres in size, bringing the total size of Perfect Day at CocoCay to 65 acres.

As the video continues to pan to the right, you can see more of The Hideout and more of the cabanas being worked on.

It appears each cabana will have a heated plunge pool at the front of each cabana, with deeper water that connects all the cabanas running in front.

The cabana attendants will not only bring you food and drinks, but Royal Caribbean is working on bottle service.

A still photo shows some of the work being done in the main pool, showing one of the dining venues in the background.

Hideaway Pool will have a swim-up bar that has an infinity edge facing the beach. 

Another look at the pool shows the infinity edge facing the ocean, and an island in the middle of the pool.

This could be where the DJ will be located, as Royal Caribbean said the DJ will play music from an island in the middle of the pool to keep the party atmosphere going.

The Hideaway pool will be the massive freshwater pool where you'll find the DJ located near a swim-up bar.

The final still photo shows a sunset view of the pool with the pool's lights on.

It's a pretty photo of the pool glowing at dusk, and it also shows the beach area that is still being worked on.

Throughout all the photos you can see plenty of palm trees that have been added.

A new kind of experience

Hideaway Beach will offer an extra-cost add-on to consider for adults who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere and no kids, and it's gotten a lot of interest from cruisers who are looking for something more than CocoCay had in the past.

While the Coco Beach Club is a high end experience and the rest of the island caters to families, Hideaway Beach is meant to be an enclave for adults seeking something else.

Based on guest feedback, Royal Caribbean came up with a place to have a drink in hand, to listen, to live music and to have incredible views. Think Las Vegas pool party vibes, DJ dancing, drinks, grab and go food options, and adults only.

The beach is located on the northwest part of the island, and Royal Caribbean purposefully wanted it away from everything else happening on the island to give it a sense of seclusion.

The new area has a capacity of around 1500 to 2000 guests. The Hideaway pool will be heated to 82 degrees year round for guest comfort.

Work continues on the new adults-only area at Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

After visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay on November 5th, I was able to get photos of the progress being made on the new expansion that will add an a haven for adults.

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips and secrets

Hideaway Beach will open in late January 2024 and will be open to only cruise ship passengers that are 18 years old or older.

This area is not included, and the exact cost to enter is priced dynamically based on your sailing and what time of year you're going. 

Here's a look at the changes and updates I saw while visiting this weekend.

Construction photo update

Hideaway Beach will be located on the western side of the island, essentially "behind" Thrill waterpark.

Access on foot is closed off to passengers, but we were able to get photos from the back of Allure of the Seas.

The most visible building under construction is On The Rocks, which is the first sports bar to be added to CocoCay.

Located on the rocky shore, it will be where to go to watch live sports and play games, such as pool and shuffleboard.

Looking further back, I can see the pool for The Hideout is starting to take shape. This is where you'll find poolside cabana with in-water loungers, outdoor shower access, Bluetooth speaker, floating beach mats, resort-style seating, a cooler, sink, mini fridge, charging outlets, ceiling fans, and private lockable storage space.

At the end of CocoCay is more construction work, that looks to be primarily staging for Hideaway Beach construction, along with new buildings going up.

New tram station added

When you walk down the pier, it's apparent they are adding a tram station near the current tram station to take guests to Hideaway Beach.

Royal Caribbean provides tram service around the island at no additional cost so that guests can easily get from point A to point B.

Currently, the new station is hidden behind planters to prevent guests from accessing the area.

Coco Beach Club cabana policy changes

I was also made aware of two changes to the Coco Beach Club cabanas during my visit to the island.

First, is cabana guests must wear wristbands, even when not leaving the cabana. 

The other policy change is for additional guests at a Coco Beach Club Cabana. 

If you want to add more than the 8 people included with a single cabana purchase, there is a charge of $50 per person, plus the purchase of a Coco Beach Club Day Pass per guest, for a maximum of 2 additional people.

Previously, only a Coco Beach Club Day Pass was necessary.

The demand for an adults-only beach has blown away Royal Caribbean's wildest expectations.

Within three weeks of bookings opening, the company has already increased the price for this brand-new experience that's set to open in January 2024. 

"Hideaway Beach is our newest adult-only ultimate beachfront paradise at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Pre-cruise sales for Hideaway Beach and premium offerings are exceeding our expectations," said Jason Liberty, CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, on October 26 during the company's third quarter earnings call. 

If there was any doubt there was demand for an adults-only area, the sales thus far even before it has opened says everything we need to know.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley told investors, "we opened for sale for this one product about three weeks ago, and it's going gangbusters. I mean, we're delighted with the product."

Royal Caribbean was so delighted they've already started to increase the price due to demand, "We've already started pushing up the pricing for that experience."

He believes the new beach will make a huge difference, "It's going to be really a game changer, and the demand has been exceptional."

In addition, Royal Caribbean is seeing an elevated demand for ships sailing to CocoCay, meaning that this may result in a price increase for sailings with the private island on their itineraries. 

3 million guests are expected to visit the island in 2024, which is up from 2.5 million in 2023. 

Related: Royal Caribbean reveals adults-only beach expansion in The Bahamas featuring in-water hammocks, cabanas and more

What is Hideaway Beach?

Hideaway Beach was first announced back in September 2021 by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. 

Located at Perfect Day at CocoCay, this adults-only escape will be accessible to those who are 18 and older. 

This experience is not included, and the exact cost to enter is priced dynamically based on your sailing and what time of year you're going. 

Pricing for Hideaway Beach during a Celebrity Reflection cruise departing on April 21, 2024 currently costs $52.99 per person on the Cruise Planner, while the price on Icon of the Seas' inaugural voyage slated for January 27, 2024 is $88.99. 

In addition to a private beach, the adults-only area includes two pools, 20 extra-cost cabanas, seven open-air bars, places to eat, and more. 

One of the pools will feature a DJ and swim-up bar. There are also in-water seating and loungers, as well as poolside loungers for those who don't want to be in the water all day. 

Note that if you purchase a cabana, it includes eight passes to Hideaway Beach. You're able to add up to two more people for $50 extra, plus the cost of a Hideaway Beach Full Day Pass. 

Related: 10 things you didn't know about Perfect Day at CocoCay

Why does Hideaway Beach matter?

While you can go ahead and make your booking, Hideaway Beach officially opens for guests at the same time Icon of the Seas launches in January.

Just seven months later, Utopia of the Seas sets sail, too. Both ships, which will be the two largest in the world, are set to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay during every sailing, with Utopia visiting twice per week on her 3- and 4-night short cruises. 

Whether you're a devoted Royal Caribbean fan who is looking forward to the launch of Icon or someone who is new to cruising and doesn't want to commit to a longer sailing but wants to experience the best of the best, you'll get the chance to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay on a one-of-a-kind ship and visit the brand-new Hideaway Beach. 

"...strength in volume allows us to continue to improve on the rate side, and you combine all that with incredible hardware coming into place next year, especially Icon of the Seas, as well as more volume on to places like Perfect Day because of Hideaway, we feel very good about our yield projections for next year," remarked Liberty during the earnings call. 

"...Hideaway, which delivers incredible margins, which will improve our yield profile, but also has costs with no APCDs, So all in all, we feel very good.”

Mr. Bayley talked about the opening of Hideaway Beach coinciding with the launch of Icon of the Seas is going to be a great fit, "all of that comes online with Icon of the Seas, which is by far the best-selling product we've ever launched in the history of our business, and it continues to perform at an exceptionally high level."

"So, the combo of Icon with Hideaway is really for us exceptionally exciting. And then, of course, we've got Utopia going straight into the shorts market, to Perfect Day in the summer."

Related: Royal Caribbean has a plan to dominate short cruises with a new ship and private destinations

Other changes coming to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Thrill Waterpark at CocoCay will see a new addition in 2024, too, as a new water slide is going to be joining the Splash Summit tower, which is currently home to the Sling Shot family raft slide, Splash Speedway mat slide, and Twister tube ride.

The new Family Flume Water Slide will be able to accommodate groups of 2-4 people and will use the same rafts as the Sling Shot. 

Like Hideaway Beach, Thrill Waterpark costs extra, with the average admission price ranging from $89 to $169 per person. Note that if you purchase a pass to Hideaway Beach, you will not be able to access Thrill Waterpark. 

A brand-new water slide is set to open at Perfect Day at CocoCay's Thrill Waterpark in 2024. 

The Family Flume Water Slide will be able to accommodate groups of 2-4 people at a time and will be part of the Splash Summit Tower, where you can currently find the Sling Shot family raft slide, Splash Speedway mat slide, and Twister tube ride.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Bobby Southard visited Thrill Waterpark last weekend and noticed a new pole. While initially a new ride was just speculation, the addition of the new water slide has been confirmed by Royal Caribbean International.  

"We are very excited to add another amazing addition to Thrill Waterpark for families and friends to enjoy together," said Neva Heaston, Director of Private Destinations for Royal Caribbean International.

The ride, whose name has not been announced yet, will use the same raft as the Sling Shot.  

Royal Caribbean is also working on adding a new staircase for the Splash Speedway, which will provide direct access to the mat races, improving the flow and convenience of Thrill Waterpark since mat riders won't have to mix with raft riders. 

Related: 10 things you didn't know about Perfect Day at CocoCay

What is Thrill Waterpark?

Thrill Waterpark opened as part of Royal Caribbean's $250 million renovation of the island in 2019. It's an extra-cost activity, meaning that it's not included in the cost of your cruise fare. 

You're still able to enjoy the island without purchasing admission to the waterpark, which usually ranges from $89 to $169 per person. It does not include admission to other areas like Coco Beach Club and the adults-only Hideaway Beach. 

If you want, you can splurge on a cabana rental inside of Thrill Waterpark. Included in the cost is admission for up to six guests, as well as a cabana attendant, a lush sectional sofa, two resort-style chairs, power outlets, towels, and complimentary water bottles. 

The price of admission varies depending on what ship you are sailing on, as well as when your cruise is set to commence. Like other add-ons, Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing to determine the cost. 

Currently, there are eight different slides for guests to enjoy. There's also a wave pool, which is the largest one in the Caribbean, and an obstacle course pool named Adventure Pool that has lily pads, a rope swing, a rock wall, and more. 

Daredevil’s Tower is one of the two different towers that's home to five different slides, including  Daredevil’s Peak. This is currently the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet high! 

Splash Summit is the other tower where the new ride is being constructed. It will live alongside of the mat racer slides, family raft ride, and tube slide. 

If you do decide to visit Thrill Waterpark, you'll want to try and ride the slides before 11:00am or after 3:00pm for the shortest wait times. You're free to come and go as you please, so you can spend the early morning and later afternoon in the park while still having time to explore the rest of the island and grab a bite to eat at the Chill Grill for lunch. 

It looks like a new water slide might be coming to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas.

Inside Royal Caribbean's waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay, new construction has appeared recently that looks like a waterslide support tower.

Royal Caribbean Blog reader Bobby Southard visited Thrill Waterpark over the weekend and noticed the new pole.

The new pole is located near the family tower of water slides, which already has three slides: Sling Shot family raft slide, Splash Speedway mat slide, and Twister tube ride.

Royal Caribbean has not announced any new slides being added to its waterpark yet.

The new pole and its arms look identical to the existing slide support poles.

"None of the new slide has actually been installed yet, just a pole with arms and you can see piping going up the structure," Mr. Southard described of the work being done.

There is also more of the unassembled slide support structure visible from the waterslides when looking towards the backstage area.

About Thrill waterpark

Thrill Waterpark is an extra-cost option for guests that visit Perfect Day at CocoCay. Only those that buy a ticket can get into this area and enjoy the slides.

Read more: 41 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips

As of today, there are 8 slides across to towers, along with a wave pool and obstacle course pool.

Thrill waterpark was added when Perfect Day at CocoCay opened in 2019.

The price of admission into the waterpark varies considerably depending on which ship and sail date you are on. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing to set the cost.

Across a few cruises booked in 2024, the cost ranges between $89 - $169 per person.

Thrill Waterpark there are four main areas within the park itself.

Daredevil’s Tower is the signature waterslide tower that has five different slides, including Daredevil’s Peak, which is the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet high.

Splash Summit is the other waterslide tower where the new slide construction has been spotted. Splash Summit has mat racer slides, a two-person tube slide, and a family raft slide.

Adventure Pool is an obstacle course pool designed for kids that has lillypads, a rope swing, rock wall and more.

The wave pool generates waves that are intense in the deep end, and gentle in the shallow end.

When Royal Caribbean opens Hideaway Beach in 2024, expect a completely different ambience than anywhere else on the private Bahamian island.

Royal Caribbean unveiled details about its new adults-only escape on Perfect Day at CocoCay, and we have more details as to what this part of the private island will include.

Hideaway Beach will offer an extra-cost add-on to consider for adults who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere and no kids, and it's gotten a lot of interest from cruisers who are looking for something more than CocoCay had in the past.

Poolside cabanas, a new pizza restaurant, swim-up bar and infinity pool are what Royal Caribbean will add to keep adults in a party mood all day long.

Hideaway Beach is for guests 18 years or older and has an admission cost to enter.

The new area will open in January 2024 right around the same time Royal Caribbean's new cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, launches.

Royal Caribbean Associate Vice President of Private Destination Development, Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez talked about the vision for Hideaway Beach, and shared some interesting details about the new area.  

Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez has been integral to the development of Perfect Day at CocoCay going back to the 2019 revamp that upgraded all areas of the private island.

Customers wanted an adults-only space

Royal Caribbean heard loud and clear from its customers that they wanted an adults-only area.

"Hideaway Beach was really imagined based on guest feedback," Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez said about why a cruise line known for offering a family cruise experience went in this direction.

After doing a great deal of guest feedback, the consensus was clear, "an adult only space was one of the most requested spaces on the island, one of the most requested attractions."

Guests told the cruise line what they wanted in this sort of a space too, "to have a drink in hand, to listen, to live music and to have just incredible views."

The beach is located on the northwest part of the island, and Royal Caribbean purposefully wanted it away from everything else happening on the island to give it a sense of seclusion.

What to expect in the beach area

Royal Caribbean is charging a fee to enter Hideaway Beach, and the line expects the space to have a capacity of around 1500 to 2000 guests.

"It is meant to take on a large crowd, really kind of keep the party vibe going," Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez said about the volume of people to expect.

One of the tenets of an adults-only area was to ensure everyone could have a drink in hand, if they want one, so there are five bars, which is the the largest concentration of bars on the island.

The beach itself has a goal of being, "one of the most beautiful beaches that you'll ever see in your life," according to Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez.

"I was just there two days ago, and even though it's a construction site right now, I wanted to just go swimming in the beach. But it does include some loungers all over the beach with the complimentary shading and some in-water hammocks and really fun things around the whole neighborhood."

One new venue you wont find anywhere else on Perfect Day at CocoCay is a pizza restaurant.

The only pizza eatery on the private island will be called Slice of Paradise, and it offers complimentary pizza that is not the same as you'll find on the ship.

Pool fun

The Hideaway pool will be the massive freshwater pool where you'll find the DJ located near a swim-up bar.

"It's got the in-water loungers that we all know and love from our Oasis Lagoon, our Coco Beach Club pool experience. There's plenty of seating all around. There's those beautiful landscaped islands that also have in-water seating right in the water."

According to Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez, the Hideaway pool will be heated to 82 degrees year round for guest comfort.

Royal Caribbean added a swim-up bar to Hideaway pool because the swim-up bar at Oasis Lagoon is, "one of the highest rated attractions on the island."

There's actually two levels of swim-up bar at Hideaway pool, "There's some in-water seating and then the other area, which is actually part of Hideaway Bar, it's actually overlooking the ocean."

"So you kind of get these two levels of the bar so you can have a dry and an in-water experience here at the Hideaway bar."

The importance of music

Royal Caribbean heard from its guests that they wanted to relax with a drink in hand along with music, so you'll find that in Hideaway Beach.

"As we talked to our guests, a drink in hand and some live music were at the core of what relaxation actually meant to them and what they were looking for on vacation," Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez disclosed.

"One of the things that that we've learned is that our guests love to interact with that DJ. So we brought them even closer to our guests right adjacent to the swim up bar."

"You'll see some fun interactions between the bartenders and the DJ, maybe some activations. So we're having a lot of fun right now working through what that party looks like and that activation really testing out the the music sets with the DJ."

She confirmed the DJ will remain at Oasis Lagoon, "Oasis Lagoon is much more family oriented, so we're working out what the what the playlist looks like for each of the areas and really developing that Vegas style pool party sort of at Hideaway Beach."

Views from On The Rocks

Another new venue is On The Rocks bar, which was built to offer great views along with equally good drinks.

"It's literally on the iron shore of Perfect Day at CocoCay, right on the rocks, you can soak up the beautiful views of the Caribbean and feel that Caribbean breeze."

The drink menu is still in development, but there will be plenty of classic cocktails, such as frozen margaritas or Mai Tais.

On The Rocks will have also have games, such as pool tables, shuffle boards, and for the first time ever on CocoCay, televisions, so that "it'll be the perfect place to watch your favorite games so you don't miss the action of watching your favorite sports team while you're on Perfect Day at CocoCay."

Lots to eat

As mentioned, there will be a pizza restaurant in Hideaway beach, as well as a new Snack Shack location.

Snack Shack will have the same favorites from elsewhere on the island, plus some new options, "we're actually working on some new menu items that are going to come with Hideaway Beach for the Snack Shack."

The pizza choices are also still under development, but Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez indicated they are experimenting with some new flavors in addition to the usual options.

"We are actually still testing pizza flavor, so I'm excited for all the future testing that is coming. But I think one of the things that's really interesting and it's actually our Bahamian crew members on the island, they actually when they want to celebrate, they actually have a pizza night. And so a lot of the recipes that we're tasting have actually been developed by a lot of our crew members on the island."

A bougie option at the cabanas

If your goal is to have a VIP experience because you believe there are levels to everything, Royal Caribbean has a cabana for you at Hideaway Beach.

"It is truly an escape from the ordinary here on Hideaway Beach and the Hideaway cabanas give you that ultimate VIP feeling."

"Not only do you get your cabana with all of the amenities that we know and love from all of the cabana products that we have on island already, but now you have your own exclusive infinity plunge pool."

The Hideout Cabanas have a heated plunge pool at the front of each cabana.

Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez thinks the views these cabanas offer are unparalleled, "it gives you that kind of breathtaking view of your own private pool right in front the ocean, the beach right in front of you. And then that beautiful ocean right at your fingertips."

"Really. It's a beautiful, amazing view."

She also mentioned the two little bucket seats that come with the cabana actually come right off of and they can be floaties in the pool.

The cabana attendants will not only bring you food and drinks, but Royal Caribbean is working on bottle service.

"So you can feel like you've created your own kind of escape within Hideaway Beach at the Hideout. Or you can connect to the party that's happening because it might be the reason why you came to Hideaway Beach."

Another cabana option are the Hideaway cabanas, which are located directly adjacent to the Hideaway pool.

"These are right in the pool area. They're meant to be really fun party cabanas."

Hideaway Beach vs Coco Beach Club

Hideaway Beach will be the second extra-cost area of Perfect Day at CocoCay, which may lead you to question what the difference is between Hideaway Beach and the Coco Beach Club.

Royal Caribbean says the intention is for Coco Beach Club to remain a high end experience, "it's very serene, quiet, relaxing and luxurious," said Shannae Murray, Royal Caribbean International Sales Training Manager.

Plus, Coco Beach Club is available for guests of all ages, including kids.

On the other hand, Hideaway Beach is a party, "think Las Vegas pool party vibes, DJ dancing, the drinks grab and go food options and again, adults only."

"Hideaway Beach will be perfect for couples, friends traveling together, maybe a bachelor bachelorette party that you're helping to put together."

Coco Beach Club includes one upscale restaurant, whereas Hideaway will have the two casual food spots that we covered when it comes to the bars.

Coco Beach Club has the one central bar, whereas Hideaway Beach has a total of five bars to choose from, including a swim up bar.

And while both venues cost extra, you'll pay less at Hideaway Beach, "The Hideaway Beach entry fee will be less than what you see at Coco Beach Club now."

Ms. Diaz-Gonzalez described the differences between the experiences, "Coco Beach Club is a lot more relaxed. It's about this luxury of being on the beach."

"The food is a lot more upscale. It's a more serene beach...But it really is about listening to the sound of of water and really relaxing on the beach."

"Think of Hideaway Beach it's a much more party atmosphere. It's a lively beach. There's music at all times. That's why you see a lot more bars there. So we expect it to be a much more active experience than what you get at Coco Beach Club."

Royal Caribbean's new adults-only beach at its private island in The Bahamas looks to create the ultimate kid-free escape.

Hideaway Beach will be located on the western side of Perfect Day at CocoCay, behind Thrill Waterpark.

After months of keeping the details under wrap, Royal Caribbean posted details about the area to book on its Cruise Planner site.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley thinks the new expansion will offer a compelling new way to enjoy a day at its private island, "Hideaway Beach is a completely new vibe and experience that vacationers are looking for on Perfect Day at CocoCay."

"Everything from its hidden-like location to the exclusive beach and pools to the private cabanas is designed for adults who want a day just for them."

Royal Caribbean Associate Vice President of Private Destination Development, Claudia Diaz-Gonzalez, indicated the space can accommodate between 1,500 and 2,000 guests.

No specific day has been given when it will open, but Royal Caribbean did say it will open in January 2024 in tandem with the launch of Icon of the Seas.

Pricing & What's included

Like most Royal Caribbean's extra add-on options, there is variable pricing for the club.

Only guests that are 18 years old or older are allowed to enter.

For the inaugural Icon of the Seas sailing, access to Hideaway Beach will cost extra, with prices shown on the Cruise Planner site of $70.99 when pre-purchased . It says the onboard price will be $79.00.

• Icon of the Seas February 24, 2024 sailing, admission price is $52.99 per person ($59 onboard price).
• Wonder of the Seas March 17, 2024 sailing, admission price is $43.99 per person ($49 onboard price).
• Icon of the Seas June 29, 2024 sailing, admission price is $79.99 per person ($89 onboard price).
• Utopia of the Seas July 22, 2024 sailing, admission price is $70.99 per person ($79 onboard price).

There are also cabanas you can purchase, which includes admission to the area.

Royal Caribbean seems to have mimicked the pricing strategy for the nearby Coco Beach Club, which also charges an admission cost to enter.

Once inside Hideaway Beach, guests will find a large temperature-controlled freshwater pool, semi-circle beach, and reserved cabana area.

There will be complimentary in-water hammocks, resort-style loungers, and umbrellas to keep you made in the shade. A DJ will also be featured here to provide a party vibe.

Food and Drink

There are seven bars, including a beach bar and a new venue, known as On The Rocks.

On the Rocks

This al fresco bar along the rocky shore serves up live music, TVs to watch live sports, games like pool and shuffleboard, and memorable ocean views along with refreshing drinks like frozen margaritas and mai tais.

Hideaway Bar

The swim-up bar at Hideaway Pool has with two levels, so that guests can take their drinks poolside or without leaving the water.

Slice of Paradise

This all-new rustic pizza haven with a bar and complimentary food includes fresh-from-the-oven pizzas.

Snack Shack

A staple on Perfect Day at CocoCay, this new location offers the popular menu’s complimentary chicken sandwiches, burgers, fried mozzarella sticks, fresh salads and more, as well as shaded seating, and Adirondack chairs and tables on the sand.

Cabanas

There are two types of cabanas you could rent in Hideaway Beach.

Hideout Cabanas

The Hideout Cabanas are located in area known as, "The Hideout", and it's where you can bring up to 8 guests with you to enjoy a private cabana. Should you have a larger party, there is a charge of $50 per person, plus an additional cost for a Hideaway Beach Full Day Pass, for a maximum of 2 additional people.

Each poolside cabana has in-water loungers, outdoor shower access, Bluetooth speaker, floating beach mats, resort-style seating, a cooler, sink, mini fridge, charging outlets, ceiling fans, and private lockable storage space.

You'll also get access to the infinity plunge pool, exclusively for The Hideout guests.

Cabana guests can enjoy bottle service, along with complimentary food from the Snack Shack or Slice of Paradise.

Hideaway Cabana

Slightly cheaper are the Hideaway Cabana, which does not have access to The Hideout  plunge pool.

A Hideaway Cabana also includes entry to Hideaway Beach for up to 8 adults. Extra passes are $50 per person, plus an additional cost for a Hideaway Beach Full Day Pass, for a maximum of 2 additional people.

Your Hideaway Cabana includes unlimited supply of bottled water, private lockable storage, sink and mini fridge, cooler, ceiling fan, charging outlets, resort-style seating, and floating beach mats.

Cabana guests can enjoy bottle service, along with complimentary food from the Snack Shack or Slice of Paradise.

The Hideout

This nook at one end of Hideaway Beach is meant to offer an exclusive, elevated experience.

In one of 10 Hideout Cabanas, those looking for a more VIP, chill vibe can kick back at a heated infinity-edge plunge pool – exclusive to The Hideout guests – and enjoy the convenience of perks like cabana attendant service, in-water loungers, an outdoor shower and resort-style seating.

Work on a new adults-only area at Perfect Day at CocoCay indicate a great deal of progress is being made.

While visiting Royal Caribbean's private island on Saturday, I had a chance to take photos of the construction progress on the Hideaway Beach area.

Hideaway Beach will be a new area reserved exclusively for adults, although that's about all the details we know.

Back in September 2021, Royal Caribbean announced that they would be building a new adults-only area.

Hideaway Beach was the first expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay since Royal Caribbean launched the luxurious Coco Beach Club in 2020. 

Walking onto Perfect Day at CocoCay, it's apparent work is being done to add a new path to take guests to Hideaway Beach.

When guests walk to the Arrival Plaza, there are color coded pathways to make it easier to navigate to which area of the island someone wants to go.  It appears as the new path for Hideaway Beach will follow the coast and go around Thrill Waterpark and the tram area.

Walls prevent guests from getting close to the construction, so instead I took photos from the top deck of Independence of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean hasn't released any kind of previews of what the area will look like, nor what amenities will be available. 

It appears they have carved out a beach area that is rather large. We do know that in a past earnings call, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley indicated the new area will increase the island's capacity by 3,000 guests.

Zooming in closer we can see one large building being built close to the shore.

There's also concrete structures along the outer edge of the lagoon.

Opposite the building closest to shore is another large building, along with other structures in various stages of construction.

If you're wondering when Hideaway Beach might open, it's also not clear.

Royal Caribbean has promised Hideaway Beach will be ready by the time Icon of the Seas begins sailing, which will take place in late January 2024.

Beyond that, it's anyone's guess at this point when the expansion might be ready before then, if at all.

Perfect Day at CocoCay has been a home run for Royal Caribbean because of the high ratings its customers have given it, along with additional revenue it generates.

The combination of passenger-approved things to do, coupled with extra cost add-ons that have been quite profitable has resulted in a win-win for passengers and cruise line.

"Hideaway Beach will make perfect day at CocoCay even more perfect with an entirely new experience expanding capacity to the island," said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty during the company's first-quarter earnings call in 2023.