If you've ever wondered what the people who actually run Perfect Day at CocoCay wish every guest knew, Royal Caribbean Senior Director of Private Destinations Neva Heaston and Vice President of Private Destinations Dotan Ben Horin recently sat down for an online webinar to share exactly that. Their insider perspective covers everything from what to pack (or not pack) to the island's best-kept food secret.
First, the good news for light packers: Horin says you can walk off the ship with little more than your SeaPass card and sandals and be lounging on a Bahamian beach within fifteen minutes. Towels, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and water are all complimentary, and — unlike most shore excursions — Royal Caribbean's beverage packages and VOOM Surf + Stream internet plan work seamlessly on the island, so there's no need to disconnect or go thirsty.
Both executives agree that the single biggest mistake cruisers make is sleeping in. When Oasis or Icon Class ships are in port carrying 6,000 to 7,000 passengers, an early departure from the ship means first pick of pool spots, shorter lines at attractions, and a quieter stretch of beach. The gangway typically opens around 8 or 9 a.m., and Heaston says even a modest head start pays off. For families, Horin recommends choosing a home base — South Beach or Chill Island, for instance — and mapping out must-do attractions before you even step ashore.
On the food front, the staff has strong feelings. Heaston freely admits to what she calls a large addiction to the Snack Shack's mozzarella sticks, describing them as "full of love" and mysteriously gooey. But the real tip is ordering the off-menu chicken parm sandwich: stack mozzarella sticks and marinara sauce on the crispy chicken sandwich for a DIY creation that's only available at the Snack Shack locations — not at the Chill Grill or Skipper's Grill. Meanwhile, adults who make their way to the Hideaway Beach area will find the island's only pizza and the Hideaway Hut's coconut shrimp, which Heaston describes as an upgraded snack experience worth the detour.
Safety is another area where the island's scale surprises first-timers. More than 200 trained lifeguards are stationed at pools, the water park, and beaches, and over 750 Royal Caribbean employees live on the island full-time. Families can also take advantage of free children's amenities like Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon without purchasing a water park ticket, and the massive Oasis Lagoon pool with its swim-up bar is open to all at no extra cost, alongside beach games ranging from pickleball to volleyball. These tips were originally shared by Royal Caribbean Blog.
