CocoCay is the one port day where we don't plan a thing, and that is the point. Royal Caribbean's private island sits in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, and the ship ties up right at the pier. You walk off, find a chair, and the hardest choice of the day is pool or beach. We've stopped here on five different Royal Caribbean ships, and here's how we'd spend the day.
Our Visits
March 2018: Majesty of the Seas
July 2021: Freedom of the Seas
March 2022: Wonder of the Seas
October 2022: Freedom of the Seas
May 2024: Icon of the Seas
August 2026: Utopia of the Seas
At a Glance
Where: Little Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas. Royal Caribbean's private island.
Getting off: The ship docks at the pier. No tender boats.
Time ashore: Usually 8 to 10 hours.
Included: Most beaches, the Oasis Lagoon pool, chairs, towels and the buffet-style food spots.
Costs extra: Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Beach, Coco Beach Club, cabanas and the balloon ride.
Bring: Your SeaPass card. Leave your passport in the cabin safe.
Our Favorite Spot: The Oasis Lagoon
If we only had one hour on the island, we'd spend it here. The Oasis Lagoon is a freshwater pool so big it looks like a lake. There are tiki bars and plenty of lounge chairs. Our favorite detail is the row of chairs set half in the water, so you can sit and cool off at the same time.
The cabanas on the back side of the lagoon are more private. A wall of greenery sits out front, so you feel tucked away even on a busy ship day.
Lagoon or Chill Island?
It depends on the day you want. If you want to be out on the water, looking at the beach with a snorkel mask on, head to Chill Island. If you want a quiet pool and a drink in your hand, stay at the lagoon. We did both on the same day and still made it back to the ship relaxed.
Tell us in the comments: Would you spend your CocoCay day at the Oasis Lagoon or out on Chill Island?
What's Free on CocoCay
Beaches: Chill Island, South Beach, Harbor Beach (calm water, good for weaker swimmers), Breezy Bay and Cove Beach (the quiet one)
Pools and water play: Oasis Lagoon, Splashaway Bay for kids and Captain Jill's Galleon
Food: Skipper's Grill and Chill Grill serve a buffet lunch, and the Snack Shacks are spread around the island
Comfort: Towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks and the island tram
What Costs Extra
Prices change with the sailing and demand. These are sample pre-cruise prices for summer 2026, so check your Cruise Planner for yours.
Thrill Waterpark: about $104 per person. Daredevil's Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America, is part of it.
Hideaway Beach (adults only, 18+): about $56 per person
Coco Beach Club: about $230 per person
Up, Up and Away balloon: about $79 per person
Zipline: about $63 per person. Closed-toe shoes required.
Chill Island cabana: about $1,449 for the cabana
If you have a drink package, it works on the island, including at the bars in the paid areas.
Arriving at CocoCay
Sailing in is half the fun. Grab a coffee and get out on deck as the island comes into view. We filmed both our approach and our arrival if you want the sail-in without the crowd noise.
And here's a quick look at Wonder of the Seas tied up at the pier in March 2022.
Our CocoCay Tips
Get off early. The best chairs at the Oasis Lagoon and Chill Island go first. Aim to be on the island before 10 AM.
Ride the slides early or late. Waterpark lines are shortest before 10:30 AM and after 2 PM.
Book paid add-ons before you sail. They sell out, and prices often drop during sales. You can cancel and rebook at the lower price.
Use the towel stations. Swap wet towels for dry ones instead of carrying them around.
Pack sun protection. There's not much shade between spots, so bring a hat and reef-safe sunscreen.
What We'd Skip, and Our Backup Plan
Skip: Paying for a cabana on a short port day. The free lagoon chairs are close to the water and plenty comfortable.
Skip: Going back to the ship for lunch. The free grills on the island are good, and you won't lose an hour walking back and forth.
Backup plan: If the weather turns or the island is packed with two ships, stay on board for a few hours. The ship is quiet while everyone is ashore, and you can walk off after lunch.
Book This Trip
Find a cruise that stops at CocoCay: Search cruises on Expedia
Pack these: Mineral reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone pouch and water shoes
FAQ
Do you need a passport to get off at CocoCay?
No. Bring your SeaPass card. Your passport can stay in the cabin safe.
Does the ship dock or tender at CocoCay?
The ship docks at the pier, and you walk right onto the island.
What's free at Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Most beaches, the Oasis Lagoon, chairs, towels and the buffet-style lunch spots are included in your cruise fare.
Is Thrill Waterpark worth it?
If your group loves slides, yes. Go early, because lines build from mid-morning to lunch.
Does the drink package work on CocoCay?
Yes. It works at the island bars, including the ones in paid areas.
Keep Planning
The ship we sailed: Freedom of the Seas
Upgrade tip: Royal Up: what we won and why we stopped
What we pack: Our travel gear
More destinations: All 105 Places
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