Royal Caribbean has announced plans to revamp its private island located in the Bahamas, CocoCay, by investing more than $200 million in the transformation. The revitalization program will introduce new features to the cruise line’s island such as a Thrill Waterpark, an oasis lagoon, a zip line, a helium balloon, and more.
CocoCay, which is located slightly northwest of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is available to guests cruising on a Royal Caribbean ship from select U.S. states.
According to Royal Caribbean’s announcement, “the island transformation will roll out in phases beginning September 2018 with the completion of a new pier.” Currently, ships stopping at CocoCay use tender boats to transport guests from the ship to the island; the pier will eliminate this and allow for the cruise line’s fleet to dock instead. By spring 2019 the majority of the island’s experiences will be completed with the exception of the final phase, which is set to open in November 2019.
The overhaul of Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay island is part of a new “Perfect Day Island Collection.” With CocoCay being Royal Caribbean’s first collection of the new program, the cruise line plans to announce additional details regarding future collections at a later date.
“We are introducing the Perfect Day Island Collection to deliver the most memorable vacation for adventure seekers on land and onboard our ships,” says Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Once completed, Perfect Day at CocoCay will be the ultimate family destination in the Caribbean.”
Thrill Waterpark
The revamped CocoCay will introduce an all-new waterpark called Thrill Waterpark. This new area will feature two water towers with a total of 13 slides—the most number of slides found in any waterpark located in the Caribbean. One of the towers, called Daredevil’s Tower, will include the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America. In addition to this, Thrill Waterpark will also feature the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, a kid-friendly obstacle course pool, swing ropes, and a rock climbing wall. Thrill Waterpark will be available to guests for an extra fee.
Splashaway Bay
Splashaway Bay will be home to water play areas designed specifically with kids in mind. Here, guests will be able to enjoy an array of pools, fountains, sprinklers, geysers, water cannons, whirlpools, two massive drench buckets, and five amazing waterslides, making it an enjoyable place for families with young children. But, older audiences will enjoy Splashaway Bay too as this area will house a 1,600-foot-long zip line that crisscrosses the island at about 50 feet high and concludes with a water landing.
Oasis Lagoon
Oasis Lagoon will become the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean once completed, making it another record-breaking feature. The freshwater pool will provide swimmers with a swim-up bar and in-pool loungers, according to Royal Caribbean’s statement.
Helium Balloon Flight
CocoCay will soon introduce helium balloon rides—for a fee. Dubbed Up, Up and Away, the balloon flight will give guests the highest vantage point in the Bahamas—at 450 feet above the ground.
Specially Designed Beaches
In addition to waterparks and a massive freshwater pool, CocoCay will welcome two specially designed beaches: Chill Island and South Beach. The two beaches will each offer slightly varying experiences to guests. Chill Island, as the title suggests, will provide a more relaxed atmosphere with “pristine, crystal-clear tropical waters and white powder-like sand” as well as cabanas and daybeds for relaxation. South Beach, on the other hand, will offer action-packed activities, including volleyball, soccer, basketball, paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking, and zorbing in an inflatable zorb ball.
Coco Beach Club
Coco Beach Club will offer an exclusive upscale take on the island’s authentic Caribbean vibe. At this exclusive club, guests can relax at the first-ever overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, providing a new level of laid-back luxury. Plus, the cabanas will include an overwater hammock, a waterslide, and a private attendant, giving guests everything they need for hours of complete indulgence. Furthermore, Coco Beach Club will have a freshwater infinity-edge pool, a bar, and a Beach Club visitor-only Mediterranean dining venue. This club will be available to guests for an additional cost.
Captain Jack’s
According to Royal Caribbean, “Captain Jack’s will serve as the island hang out and meet up spot.” At this venue, guests can grab a drink at the rowboat bar or grab a meal while taking in the waterfront views.
As mentioned earlier, this redevelopment will be completed in phases. In September 2018, the pier will be completed to allow for easier unloading and loading of guests visiting the island. A large number of the island’s projects will then open in the spring of 2019. However, Coco Beach Club won’t be completed until at least November 2019.
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