On our Freedom of the Seas stop in Nassau, we paid extra for the VIP beach day at Blue Lagoon Island. The ad promised an adults-only enclave with unlimited mimosas. Here's what we got for the money and what we'd do instead next time.
Our Visits
July 2021: Freedom of the Seas, VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day
At a Glance
Where: Salt Cay, about three miles off Nassau, Bahamas
Getting there: A ferry across Nassau Harbour, about 20 to 40 minutes each way
What we paid: $134 per person through the Royal Caribbean app, $268 for the two of us
Best for: A quiet beach day off the ship when you want a smaller island than Nassau
Our verdict: Pretty island, great service, but the VIP upgrade wasn't worth the price
Getting Off the Ship
We started at 8:30 AM with a walk through an empty Royal Promenade to the Royal Theater. Everyone on an excursion gets a group number there, and you're called off the ship in order. It was a smooth, painless process.
The Blue Lagoon Island ferry picks you up right at the dock. Pulling away from the ship gives you a great look at Nassau Harbour. When we visited, the old passport building was gone and the port was under construction. It has since been rebuilt, so expect a very different welcome than older videos show.
What the VIP Package Promised
The excursion was sold as an adults-only area with lunch and unlimited mimosas all day. Soft drinks, iced tea and bottled water were included too. Water sports and the marine animal programs cost extra.
What We Got
The VIP area was quiet, and the staff were outstanding all day. The island is beautiful, with soft sand and clear blue water.
Lunch was Bahamian peas and rice, grilled chicken and fish, salad, fresh fruit and cookies. We tried to be good sports, but we left a lot on our plates. The highlight of lunch was a large hermit crab that wandered over to say hello.
The drinks felt thin for a VIP price. We were glad we had a specialty dining package waiting back on the ship.
It was also very hot. In 2021 the Bahamas required masks outdoors, which made the heat harder. That rule is long gone, but bring a cooling towel and plenty of water.
Tell us in the comments: Would you pay for the VIP area at Blue Lagoon, or save your money for a day at CocoCay?
Our Two Tips
Tip 1: Book before you sail. We booked on the Royal Caribbean app on our first day aboard and paid $134 per person. The same excursion showed up at $99 in the Cruise Planner for a later sailing. Cruise excursion prices move, and they're often lower before embarkation.
Tip 2: Skip the VIP upgrade. The service was great, but the food and drinks didn't match the price. If you want a beach day, a standard beach day here or a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay gives you more for your money.
Blue Lagoon Island Options Today
Prices change, so check before you book. These are direct-booking prices from the island's operator as of July 2026, plus 10% VAT. Excursions booked through your cruise line are priced differently.
Island Beach Day (all ages): from $109. Includes the ferry, a buffet lunch, beach and lagoon access, and the inflatable Aqua Park.
Adults Only Beach Day (18+): from $139
Dolphin Encounter: from $165, ages 4 and up
Sea Lion Encounter: from $159, ages 8 and up
Outside food, drinks and coolers aren't allowed on the island. Phones and cameras aren't allowed on the animal program platforms, so plan on buying photos if you want them.
What We'd Skip, and Our Backup Plan
Skip: The VIP upgrade. Pay for the standard beach day and spend the difference on a better dinner on board.
Skip: Booking excursions on the first day of the cruise. Lock them in before you sail.
Backup plan: If Blue Lagoon is sold out or the price jumps, stay in Nassau for a walking day, or wait for CocoCay if it's on your itinerary.
Book This Trip
Find a Bahamas cruise: Search cruises on Expedia
Pack these: Mineral reef-safe sunscreen, a cooling towel and water shoes
FAQ
How do you get to Blue Lagoon Island from the Nassau cruise port?
Excursions booked through your cruise line pick you up by ferry at the dock. The ride across Nassau Harbour takes about 20 to 40 minutes.
Is the Blue Lagoon Island VIP package worth it?
Not for us. The service was excellent, but the lunch and drinks didn't justify the extra cost.
Is there an adults-only area on Blue Lagoon Island?
Yes. The Adults Only Beach Day is for guests 18 and older.
Can you bring your own food to Blue Lagoon Island?
No. Outside food, drinks and coolers aren't allowed.
Keep Planning
The ship we sailed: Freedom of the Seas
Our pick for a beach day: Perfect Day at CocoCay
Upgrade tip: Royal Up: what we won and why we stopped
More destinations: All 105 Places
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