Royal Caribbean’s upgraded Bahamas island CocoCay about to open
Royal Caribbean is ready to get its private Bahamas party started as the first visitors to the line’s upgraded private island CocoCay are about to arrive.
Dubbed Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line is investing $200 million into the destination that will soon open a 13-slide water park, zip line, helium balloon ride and more.
Most of the upgrades are coming online for the first guests beginning in May although a few are in soft opening mode now.
Already open to those visiting the island are the Oasis Lagoon, billed as the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool. It features in-water loungers, a swim-up bar, and poolside cabanas.
Also recently opened are the free children’s splash pad Splashaway Bay and free food venue Skipper’s Grill that features burgers, sandwiches, tacos and salads.
For the 13-slide Thrill Waterpark, the highlight will be Daredevil’s Tower, which will feature increasingly steep slides culminating with the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak, billed as the tallest water slide in North America.
Also for thrill seekers will be the 1,600-foot zip line as well as the helium balloon ride that will take passengers up 450 feet in the air.
Several of these new features come with an added cost. A full day water park admission runs from $44-$99 depending on the season, although half-day prices are available as well. The zip line runs $79-$139, although water park and zip line packages run $99-$179 with a less pricey half-day option as well. The balloon ride runs $39-$99 for ages 13 and up, $24-$64 for ages 4-12.
The entirety of the revamped island’s refurbishment is slated to be up and running by December.
The offerings not opening until the end of the year include Coco Beach Club, which will feature over-water cabanas in the Caribbean, similar to popular offerings in places like the Maldives. These will feature private water slides, hammocks and personal attendants. The area will feature less expensive cabana options and daybeds as well as an infinity pool and Mediterranean restaurant.
CocoCay’s layout will be divided into seven sections including Coco Beach Club and the water park. In addition will be Chill Island, which will feature personal watercraft, snorkeling and boat tours as well as the largest dining venue on the island. South Beach will feature more sporty activities such as beachside volleyball, basketball and soccer, glass-bottom kayaking, paddle boarding and Zorbs, in which riders enter giant inflatable balls.
The cruise line will send six ships with regular stops to the island this summer with Harmony of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas sailing from Port Canaveral, Symphony of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas from PortMiami, Grandeur of the Seas from Baltimore and Adventure of the Seas from Cape Liberty in Bayonne, N.J. near New York. In November, Allure of the Seas will start sailing there from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale and Quantum-class Anthem of the Seas will visit from Cape Liberty. Oasis of the Seas won’t make its first visit until May 2020 from Miami.
rtribou@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5134
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