Perfect Day at CocoCay: What’s Worth the Splurge and What’s Not
- alyh95
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
Honest takes from a parent’s point of view.
One of my favorite things about Royal Caribbean is how every family ends up having a totally different “Perfect Day” at CocoCay — and honestly? Even we’ve had two wildly different experiences on this island.
The first time we visited, we did the big one: Thrill Waterpark. Slides. Towers. The wave pool. All the energy.
More recently, we took a completely different approach and rented a cabana at Chill Island — think floating mats, easy snorkeling, a shady place to relax, food delivered right to us, and a home base we never wanted to leave.
Here’s what surprised me:While the kids thought they’d miss the waterpark… they ended up loving the cabana day just as much — and honestly, maybe more.
So let’s break down the big splurges at CocoCay (and the totally-free options), because the truth is: some things are 100% worth the price… and others only make sense for certain families. And yes: you can absolutely spend $0 on extras and still have a fantastic day.
First, the Big Picture: CocoCay Is What You Make It
I’ve been to a lot of private islands, and CocoCay is hands-down the most customizable. It’s not a “one size fits all” experience. Whether you want high-energy adventure or a do-nothing beach day, you can find your version of perfect.
Before you even step off the ship, it helps to know:
The island is totally walkable if you’re able-bodied – if not, hop on the tram, they’ll take you around the island at no extra charge.
Food is included.
Beach chairs are included.
Kids can have an amazing day without spending a penny.
But if you do want to splurge? There are some incredible options.
Let’s talk about those.
Splurge #1: Thrill Waterpark — Worth It for Some, Not for Everyone
Thrill Waterpark is the showstopper: multiple towers of slides, the tallest waterslide in North America, a massive wave pool, and endless places for kids to run, splash, and burn every ounce of energy they’ve ever had.
When It’s Worth the Splurge
Choose Thrill if your family:
has kids who LOVE waterparks
has teens/tweens who think “big slides or bust”
prefers high activity over lounging
doesn’t mind being “on the go” all day
is cruising at a time when prices are reasonable (Spring & Summer can be pricey)
Our first visit? Totally worth it. The kids had a blast. It was nonstop and memorable.
When It’s Not Worth It
Skip it if your family:
prefers a relaxed beach day
has younger kids who might struggle with the size of the slides
gets overstimulated easily
will be visiting CocoCay again soon (you don’t need to do this every time)
sees a price tag that feels outrageous
wants to enjoy the island beyond the gates of the waterpark
You’re also paying for a full-day pass, but let’s be real… most families run out of steam by mid-afternoon.
If you’ve done Thrill once, you may not feel the need to do it again right away — and that was us.
Splurge #2: A Cabana at Chill Island — Surprisingly Incredible for Families
Our second trip to CocoCay was the exact opposite of the first — and it was amazing. We rented a cabana at Chill Island, and this experience hit every checkbox for our kids (13, 12, 9, and 8 at the time).
What Made the Cabana Worth It
This one really delivered value:
Private shaded space with comfy seating
Floating mats that the kids used nonstop
Snorkeling right off the beach (we saw so many fish!)
Food delivery so we didn’t have to pack up or wait in line
A home base — which is priceless when you’ve got kids of different ages
A calmer, quieter part of the island
I expected we would appreciate the cabana… but the surprise was how much the kids loved it too. They weren’t bouncing from attraction to attraction — they were genuinely content swimming, floating, snorkeling, and hanging out.
When It’s Worth the Splurge
A cabana is a smart choice if:
your family prefers a calm beach day
you want shade, space, and convenience
you’ve got multiple kids and need a home base
you don’t want to fight for chairs
you want a relaxing day where nobody feels rushed
you’re visiting in peak heat (shade is GOLD)
you’re traveling with extended family or another family
And honestly? If you split the cost with another family, it becomes a very reasonable splurge.
When It’s Not Worth It
Skip the cabana if:
your kids want nonstop slides and action
you’re fine with finding your own beach chairs
shade isn’t a concern
you’re not planning to spend the full day on land
you’re sticking to a strict budget
The Best Part: CocoCay Is Fantastic Without Any Extras
I think this part gets missed:You do NOT need to spend a cent to have an amazing day here.
Free options include:
Chill Island beach
South Beach
Harbor Beach
Splash pads for younger kids
Oasis Lagoon (the giant freshwater pool)
Soft-serve ice cream
BBQ-style lunch
You can swim, play, relax, explore, and have just as much fun — without ever opening your wallet.
Perfect Day at CocoCay honestly lives up to the name… even when you’re not splurging.
So… Which Splurge Should You Choose?
Here’s the parent-to-parent truth:
There is no wrong way to do CocoCay. Your perfect day depends on:
your kids’ personalities
your family’s energy level
your budget
whether you prefer adventure or relaxation
whether you’ve been here before
If you’ve never done the waterpark? Try it once.If you want a calmer day? The cabana gives you everything you need.If you want to spend nothing? You’ll still have an incredible time.
Both of our days were totally different — and totally perfect for where our family was at that moment.
Final Thoughts: It Doesn’t Have to Be All or Nothing
CocoCay can be an all-splurge day, a no-spend day, or something right in the middle — and all three versions can be amazing.
Some experiences are absolutely worth the price for the right family. Others are fun once, but not “must-do” every time. And the beauty of this island is that it grows with your family as your kids get older.
Whether you’re sliding down Daredevil’s Peak or lounging in a cabana with snorkeling gear at your feet… your version of a Perfect Day is exactly that — yours.
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