Royal Caribbean International will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year and one highlight will be the opening of the new Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, reports Neil Steedman. Addressing delegates to the Worldchoice Ireland annual conference on Saturday 3rd November 2018, Jennifer Callister, Head of Ireland, outlined the facilities and the cruise ships that will call.
Perfect Day at CocoCay (which Jennifer advised is pronounced ‘CocoKey’) will be the first in Royal Caribbean International’s new Perfect Day Island Collection of private island destinations around the world, and will be “a multi-generational destination”.
Perfect Day at CocoCay is being rolled out in phases, beginning in September 2018 with the completion of the pier, and the majority launched by May 2019, with Coco Beach Club set to open in November 2019.
Six ships will call into the island: Mariner and Navigator on three-to-four-night Bahamas cruises, Symphony and Harmony on seven-night West and East Caribbean cruises, Adventure and Grandeur on eight-to-nine-night Bermuda cruises.
Splashaway Bay and Oasis Lagoon
The arrivals plaza, visible to guests as soon as they step ashore, will provide a welcoming party of live music, or they can brave a 150-foot high zip line ride across the harbour; or get soaked by more than 30 water cannons on a shipwrecked Galleon or by the surprising spout of Sprayaway Geyser, spraying water 82 feet in the air.
Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay will give children under 12 even more fun with fountains, pools, sprinklers, geysers, water cannons and whirlpools – plus five child-size waterslides and two massive drench buckets.
At Oasis Lagoon, guests of all ages can explore the coves of the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, making their way through three distinct coves. Guests can splash right in at the child-friendly beach entry, sip a frosty Coco Loco at the swim-up bar, and catch some sun rays on one of three mini swim-up islands with in-water loungers, or treat themselves to a private cabana, complete with its own cabana attendant.
Splashaway Bay, Oasis Lagoon and Skipper’s Grill, which offers lunchtime favourites such as burgers, sandwiches, tacos and salads, are all complimentary, while at Captain Jack’s, the island hangout and meet-up spot, guests can grab a drink at the rowboat bar and enjoy waterfront views or chow down on chicken wings and crispy steak fries – the house specialty.
Thrill Waterpark
Adrenaline-seeking guests will go to Thrill Waterpark to conquer two brag-worthy water towers with 13 slides – the most slides found in any waterpark in the Caribbean – as well as the Caribbean’s largest wave pool and a child-friendly obstacle course pool. Key features will include:
- Daredevil’s Tower – Guests will push their limits on seven exhilarating slides, including twin Dueling Demons drop slides and the duo of Manta Raycers; the high-speed, fully vertical Screeching Serpent; the coiling Green Mamba; and the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America.
- Family Tower – Adventurous squads will share the thrill with six multi-rider slides, including The Twister, a winding tube slide for two sharing a raft; The Slingshot, a zero-gravity slide for four; and the four-lane Splash Speedway racing slides.
Adventure seekers of all ages can also ride the tide at the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, and leave their cares on land as they soar above Perfect Day at CocoCay on the 1,600-foot zip line – ending with the only splash water landing in the region.
At Adventure Pool, little adventurers will find an obstacle course with lily pads, a rock-climbing wall and swing ropes.
Up, Up and Away
With Up, Up and Away thrill seekers will score a view unlike any other while drifting 450 feet above Perfect Day at CocoCay in a colourful helium balloon, allowing them to take in the island from the highest vantage point in the Bahamas.
Chill Island
Guests will find an ultimate beach escape on Chill Island, with its pristine, crystal-clear tropical waters and white powder-like sand. Chill Grill, the largest dining venue on the island, will offer beachside dining. Guests will also find beach day favourites here, including wave runner excursions, boat tours, snorkelling to see the spectacular marine life, as well as plentiful cabanas and daybeds for relaxation under the shade and beach bars with roaming bartenders.
South Beach
Action-packed South Beach will offer volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer, paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and zorbing in an inflatable zorb ball. After working up an appetite, they will be able to grab a bite at the Snack Shack or wade out to the floating bar to cool off with a drink. If relaxation is more their speed, teepee cabanas and daybeds are perfect for napping and snapping in the shade.
Coco Beach Club
The exclusive Coco Beach Club will offer the first and only overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, with an overwater hammock, waterslide and private attendant, as well as beachside cabanas, daybeds, and spa treatments. Elsewhere, guests can find zen at a freshwater infinity edge pool and bar, spanning more than 2,600 square feet, or enjoy an exclusive dining venue that serves up freshly made Mediterranean fare with a side of ocean views.
