THIS IS THE BEST ISLAND GETAWAY FOR FAMILIES ON SUMMER VACATION
Published on February 8, 2020
For many families, summer break is the ideal time to plan a family vacation. Not only are the kids out of school, but the weather is warmer in most parts of the world and life in general seems to move at a slower, more laid-back pace. When it comes to planning a great getaway with the kids, there are tons of options — but hands-down the best way to guarantee a stress-free retreat everyone will enjoy is to book a summer vacation cruise with Royal Caribbean. Not only is all the planning already taken care of, but the cruise line specializes in vacations for families — its ships are loaded with kid-friendly activities and thrills, spaces for teens and adults, all kinds of dining options and onboard entertainment that will take your breath away. Week-long itineraries across the Caribbean are the most popular among families, but for a truly unforgettable experience, opt for one of their summer cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay, a newly-reimagined private island by Royal Caribbean.
WHY IS PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY GREAT FOR FAMILIES?
When Royal Caribbean redesigned its private destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line considered all kinds of visitors. For the adrenaline-chasers, there’s Thrill Waterpark — a splash zone that’s home to two towers stacked with record-breaking rides and slides, including the tallest waterslide in North America. There’s an obstacle course there, too, plus the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean. For those looking to kick back and relax, there’s Chill Island®, your go-to zen spot where you can wade through calm cerulean waters, nap beneath gently-swaying palm trees, or grab a Coco Loco at a floating tiki bar. If you’re all about water sports and friendly competition, South Beach has enough activities to keep the whole family in motion. And there are plenty of other fun experiences across the island, like a 1,600-foot-long zip line over the harbor, a hot air balloon ride that soars up to 450 feet into the sky, an interactive galleon loaded with swashbuckling surprises for kids, and the cruise line’s largest Splashaway Bay ever. Sounds like the ultimate family adventure? We’ve got plenty of Perfect Day at CocoCay tips and tricks to help you maximize your family summer vacation cruise to this unforgettable private destination.
FUN FOR LITTLE ONES: SPLASHAWAY BAY & CAPTAIN JILL’S GALLEON
If you’re planning a summer cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, you can rest assured even the littlest members of the family will find plenty to do onshore. The island has tons of activities specifically designed for small children. Like Captain Jill’s Galleon, a pirate ship marooned on a splash pad with 16 interactive water cannons, rope features kids can climb on, two dry slides, a crow’s nest and more. It’s one of the very first things you’ll see when you arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay, so get ready to watch your little ones’ faces light up with delight. There are no age or height restrictions for this attraction and it’s complimentary for all guests, so kids of all ages can get in on the fun. And tell them to keep their eyes peeled — Captain Jill and Captain Jack frequently stop by the galleon for photos.
Captain Jill’s Galleon isn’t the only experience created to wow kids visiting the island. Perfect Day at CocoCay is also home to the largest Splashaway Bay Royal Caribbean has ever built. If you’re not familiar with the cruise line’s kid-friendly aqua park, it’s a sprawling splash zone that’s all about delivering an interactive fun-soaked experience for children who might be too small for some of the more daring activities. The Splashaway Bay at Perfect Day at CocoCay takes that mission to the next level, with five slides, two massive drench buckets, and water-spraying fountains and sprinklers. The park is surrounded by plenty of seating and tables, so parents can keep an eye on their little ones while they’re having a blast. And the attraction is completely complimentary, too.
FOR THRILL SEEKERS OF ALL AGES: THRILL WATERPARK
If you’re traveling with any daredevils in the family, they’ll most likely make a beeline for Thrill Waterpark. One of the most popular spots on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Thrill Waterpark is home to two towers loaded with thirteen white-knuckle rides and slides —including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America. The park is also where you’ll find the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean, suited to swimmers of all ages, and an obstacle course with crazy-fun challenges and activities — think a rock wall, swing ropes, and a path of floating lily pads you can try to hop your way across. But what really makes Thrill Waterpark such a great option for families is that it has so many attractions for groups. In fact, there’s a whole tower filled with multi-rider slides — like the four-person Slingshot, which flings guests into freefall on a raft, and Splash Speedway, which lets four brave thrill-seekers race each other on mats to the finish line. Want in on a little tip? Book a private cabana inside the waterpark and you’ll enjoy complimentary admission for up to eight-guests — perfect if you’re traveling with extended family. You’ll also enjoy dedicated attendant service, so you can order delicious bites from the nearby Snack Shack and drinks from any of the island’s bars without ever leaving the action. Or, if you want a break from some of the thrills, you can walk a few steps to the fan-favorite Skipper’s Grill or Captain Jack’s, which serves up amazing wings and fries, refreshing drinks, and Calypso jams. For more insider tips check out Top 3 insider tips to thrill waterpark a Perfect Day at Cococay.
FOR FAMILIES WHO WANT TO GET IN THE GAME: SOUTH BEACH
No family beach day is complete without some active fun in the sun, and South Beach is where you’ll find all the best water sports and activities. It’s got everything you can think of — two volleyball courts, a beachside basketball court, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. There’s also a Snack Shack nearby that serves complimentary hits-the-spot beach day favorites — like burgers, barbecue and tacos — for when you need to refuel in between activities. The vibe at South Beach is far more lively than what you’ll find at tranquil Chill Island®, but this beautiful stretch of shoreline also has lots of options anyone in your family that just wants to kick back and unwind. There are daybeds and cabanas available for rent if you want a little more privacy and comfort, plus three different bars including the South Beach Bar, the Sandtrap Bar and the fan-favorite Floating Bar. Each offers all your favorite tropical sips, including the island’s signature Coco Loco, ice-cold brews and more. You’ll find a detailed list of all the best restaurants at Perfect Day at CocoCay here.
MORE SURPRISES ONSHORE FOR THE WHOLE CREW
By now, you should be more than convinced that a summer cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay is the ultimate way to have an unforgettable family vacation. But the truth is, we’ve barely scratched the surface of what this incredible private island escape has to offer. For parents craving a little bit of adult time, Oasis Lagoon is home to one of the best party scenes in the Caribbean — and one of its coves has a kid-friendly sloping entry, so your little ones can splash in the shallows with other children. And for families that want to go all out on their summer vacation cruise, there’s Coco Beach Club — an exclusive haven that’s home to elevated dining, a sprawling infinity pool with breathtaking views, and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas. Each is spacious enough for up to eight-guests and fitted with an overwater hammock and a private slide right into the tranquil blue waves. Whatever your family’s ideal getaway, a summer cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay is sure to please everyone in the family.
