Royal Caribbean has officially opened the first of what the cruise line envisions will be a collection of islands that let guests create their optimum beach experience. Perfect Day at CocoCay is the result of a $250-million transformation of the line’s private island in The Bahamas and will be a featured stop on 11 of the line’s ships.
It debuts first-of-their-kind thrills, from plunging down the tallest waterslide in North America and traveling up to 450 feet in the air in a helium balloon, to the Caribbean’s largest wave pool. For those looking to chill, Perfect Day also features the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, Oasis Lagoon; and a choice of white sand beaches that allow guests to customize their perfect beach day, explains Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.
“With Perfect Day at CocoCay, we are so proud to bring our 50-year legacy of innovation ashore to transform an incredible island that now completely revolutionizes private destinations in the vacation industry. It is exciting to see what we have dreamed up finally come to life; our guests truly are in for an experience unlike any other.”
Unique attractions include:
Daredevil’s Tower – Guests can push their limits on seven exhilarating single-rider waterslides of various heights, including the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak– the tallest waterslide in North America. Additional highlights are the twin Dueling Demon drop slides, launching riders from a vertical position; the Manta Raycers, where friends can race down twin open flume slides; the high-speed, fully vertical Screeching Serpent; and the coiling Green Mamba aqua tube slide.
Splash Summit – Adventurous families will share thrills with six multi-rider slides, including The Slingshot, a zero-gravity slide for four; The Twister, a winding tube slide for two on a tandem raft; and the four-lane Splash Speedway racing slides.
Wave Pool – Vacationers can ride the tide at the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, where a timer on the back wall counts down to the start of big waves.
Adventure Pool – This interactive obstacle course on water features floating lily pads, a rock-climbing wall and two swing ropes for guests to bounce, climb and swing to their heart’s content.
Up, Up and Away — A colorful helium balloon securely tethered to the ground by cable will take guests up to 450 feet above the island, setting up the ultimate selfie from the highest vantage point in The Bahamas.
High-Flying Zip Line— a 1,600-foot-long zip-line course criss-crosses the island, beginning near the arrivals plaza and ending across the harbor.
The Coves of Oasis Lagoon–the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, each with a vibe of their own, and an underwater sound system. Families with small children can splash through water features and jump right into the excitement at the kid-friendly beach entry.
Captain Jill’s Galleon and Splashaway Bay are an array of exciting features for kids of all ages. From three dry slides and 16 water cannons, to rope features and a splash pad, Captain Jill’s Galleon is an interactive play structure loaded with swashbuckling thrills.
Island dining
At Captain Jack’s, the island hangout and meet-up spot, guests can order a drink at the rowboat bar, settle into a rope swing seat or snack on the house specialty – chicken wings and fries dipped in signature sauces like mango-habanero and Caribbean jerk. Vacationers can also head to Skipper’s Grill for complimentary lunchtime favorites like salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, fresh fruit and desserts.
A mix of action and chilling is on offer at South Beach with volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer and paddle boarding or beachfront cabanas for lounging. After working up an appetite, grab a bite at the Snack Shack or wade out to the floating bar to cool off with a drink.
Still to come:
Coco Beach Club, the final zone being created, is set to open in December 2019. Its unique, premium features include:
Overwater Cabanas – The first in The Bahamas, will include their own slides into the ocean, overwater hammocks, shower and dedicated attendant.
Infinity Pool – Spanning an expansive 2,600-plus feet, this beachfront infinity pool is at the center of Zen with in-water loungers.
Club and Deck Area – Beachside cabanas and daybeds will provide a private slice of paradise. Elsewhere, guests can enjoy an exclusive dining venue that serves up freshly made Mediterranean fare with a side of ocean views.
Stay tuned for additional Perfect Day Island Collection destinations in Asia, Australia and Caribbean to be announced at a later date.