It’s been years in the making at a cost of over $250 million, but at long last, Royal Caribbean International’s Perfect Day At CocoCay is open. Or at least, parts of it are. But even as the final phase of the massive project aims for a December opening, the company already is looking ahead and asking themselves, “What comes next?”
What’s Open, What’s Not and What’s Next
Although some sections of the renovated island had already had soft openings, this past weekend was the official grand opening celebration. As of now, 11 different Royal Caribbean ships are set to visit the island in the coming months from various ports in Florida and the Northeast.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the renovation is also the one that can be seen from the furthest away: Daredevil’s Tower, which features the 135-foot tall Daredevil’s Peak, currently the tallest waterslide in North America. This is also where you’ll find attractions like the Dueling Demon slides (which drop riders from a vertical position); the Manta Raycers which will allow you to challenge a friend (or rival!); the fully-vertical Screeching Serpent; and Green Mamba, a water tube slide.
Among the other water features you’ll find are Splash Summit, the largest wave pool in the Caribbean and an on-water obstacle course for the whole family.
Elsewhere, there’s the hot-air balloon which will literally give you a bird’s-eye view from 450 feet above the island, the largest freshwater pool you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean (which includes a kid-friendly beach entry and, for the adults, a swim-up bar), several new dining options and a 1,600-foot-long zip-line course that criss-crosses the entire island!
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Chill Island features white sand and tropical waters, as well as the Chill Grill, which is the largest dining venue on the island. And finally, South Beach is where the action — including volleyball, basketball, soccer and paddle boarding — can be found.
How Much Will It Cost?
While access to Chill Island, South Beach and the Oasis Lagoon is free of charge, as are many of the food venues the more thrilling aspects of CocoCay charge admission. Prices vary, but as an example, the Thrill Waterpark and Zip Line package will set you back between $99 and $179 per person for a full day; $89-$149 a person per half day.
Likewise, access to the Coco Beach Club (including access to an exclusive beach, club house, infinity pool and more) will cost $54-$99 per person for those over the age of 13, and $34-$69 for those between the ages of 4 and 12. (For complete pricing information, see the FAQ here.)
What’s Still To Come
Even as all of these attractions and venues are being explored, other sections of the island are still being worked on. Coming this December is the Coco Beach Club, which will feature the much-discussed over-water cabanas, a massive infinity pool and more.
“Royal Caribbean is the proven leader when it comes to pushing the envelope in cruise ship design and the experiences offered at sea,” said the company’s president and CEO, Michael Bayley. “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.”
This island is only the beginning when it comes to the company’s private island destinations. While no details are yet available, there are plans underway to develop similar resorts in locations such as Asia, Australia and elsewhere in the Caribbean.
