Travels with Bob

Getting ready for splash down in the harbor at the end of a 1,600-foot zipline during A Perfect Day at CocoCay.

All major cruise lines offering Caribbean itineraries have developed private islands to create fun-filled beach days for their guests. While each experience represents a great day at the beach, one island now stands far above the others.

By investing $250 million in its venerable CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International fashioned what can only be described as “A Perfect Day” for its guests cruising the Bahamas or the Eastern Caribbean. In fact, previous CocoCay visitors may not recognize the island following its transformation, open since May.

Known for its innovative ships appealing to guests of all ages, the cruise line pulled out all of the stops making over CocoCay, now replete with first-of-their-kind attractions and varied venues created for relaxation.

There’s plenty of action for thrill seekers at Thrill Waterpark, featuring the largest wave pool in the Caribbean and the tallest waterslide in North America. Daredevil’s Tower encompasses seven water slides, including twin Dueling Demons drop slides, Manta Raycers, the Serpent and culminating with the challenging 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak.

Families will enjoy conquering six slides designed to share the thrill at the Family Tower where you can hit the winding tube slide on a two-person raft, go for a zero-gravity rush on The Slingshot or test your competitive spirit on four-lane Splash Speedway racers. A short distance away, other guests will be enjoying the largest fresh-water pool in the Bahamas while others will be cooling off with a Coco Loco at the swim-up bar. Families with young children will probably head straight to Splashaway Bay for low-impact water fun.

Thrill seekers desiring to get off the ground will enjoy the 1,600-foot zipline ending with splash down in the harbor or getting a bird’s eye view aboard Up, Up and Away, a tethered helium balloon that soars 450 feet above land and sea – at the highest point in the Bahamas.

Meanwhile, you will find me relaxing in an overwater cabana, enjoying the infinity edge pool overlooking the ocean or savoring Mediterranean flavors at lunch in the Coco Beach Club, which comes with a surcharge. Three other dining venues are complimentary.

Beach lovers will enjoy the excitement at South Beach, which includes ocean water activities and beach sports, as well as the Snack Shack and a floating ocean bar.

At the end of the day, it’s a short walk along the pier to re-board your ship for dinner and an evening of shipboard activities and entertainment. Your cruise fare includes admission to A Perfect Day CocoCay, although some activities require a surcharge.

Royal Caribbean recently announced 2020 itineraries for people seeking a short getaway cruise that includes two-stops at CocoCay for twice the fun. First-time cruisers and multi-generational families will especially enjoy the five- and seven-night cruise itineraries that include A Perfect Day at CocoCay – and so will everyone else.