Perfect Day at CocoCay: How We Spent Our Family Beach Day on Royal Caribbean’s Private Island
A laid-back look at Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, and what we’ll do differently next time
If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, chances are your itinerary includes a stop at their private island paradise, Perfect Day at CocoCay—and let me tell you, it lives up to the name.
On our 8-day cruise aboard Oasis of the Seas, we weren’t sure what to expect, but from the moment we stepped off the ship, we were blown away. This island is clean, vibrant, full of energy, and offers more than enough to fill your day (and then some).
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Morning at Chill Island
We started our day on Chill Island, the more laid-back beach area that’s perfect for families with younger kids or anyone looking to ease into the day. We built sandcastles, lounged in the sun, and did a bit of snorkeling right off the beach.
Heads up: The water in January was definitely chilly—but manageable if you're brave (or motivated by tropical surroundings). As the beach filled up, the water got a bit murky, which made fish spotting trickier. But we still managed to see a lionfish and even a stingray, which made it all worth it.
Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear to avoid lines and save money—especially if your kids like to come and go from the water freely.
Snorkeling & Beach Fun at Chill Island!
We brought our own snorkel gear and beach toys, which made entertaining the kids SO easy while we relaxed in the beach chairs and enjoyed our refreshments.
Lunch Is Included (And Tasty)
Around lunchtime, we made our way to one of the island dining areas. Food on Perfect Day is included with your cruise fare, and your Royal Caribbean drink package works here, too—which makes grabbing a cold beverage or frozen cocktail incredibly easy.
We had tacos, burgers, and a lot of soft-serve ice cream cones. Was it the best food ever? No—but for a beach day buffet, it was actually pretty good.
Snacks, lunch, drinks galore!
The best part is— it’s all included with your existing cruise package!
Afternoon at Oasis Lagoon
After lunch, we made our way to the Oasis Lagoon, which is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean—and it includes a swim-up bar (a win for the adults in our group). Again, the water was chilly in January, but we got used to it quickly and ended up spending the rest of the afternoon here.
There’s music, energy, and a fun vibe without it feeling too crowded. Our kids grabbed snacks at the Snack Shack, including mozzarella sticks and brownies—two vacation essentials, apparently.
This pool is MASSIVE!
The best part is, there is a swim up bar, lots of chairs, and great service!
What We Missed (And What We’ll Do Next Time)
When we were readyOn our way back to the ship, we walked past Splashaway Bay—the water playground designed for younger kids—and immediately wished we’d made time for it. There was so much on this island we didn’t get to do, and that’s saying something. Zip lines, the water park, hot air balloon rides—we barely scratched the surface.
Next time, we’ll plan the day a little more intentionally and make sure to experience even more of what this island has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of the best private islands we’ve ever visited—and the best part is, it’s built with families in mind. Whether you want a chill beach day or an all-out waterpark adventure, you can truly customize the experience to fit your vibe.
What made it special for us:
Easy access off the ship
No extra cost for food or drinks
Multiple beach + pool options
Relaxed, well-kept, and kid-friendly
If you're planning a Royal Caribbean cruise and CocoCay is on your itinerary, you're in for a treat. And if you want help crafting the perfect balance of chill + adventure, I’m here to help.
Plan Less. Travel More.