Weekend Cruise Vacations from Florida
Power up your weekend getaway vacations with a 3-night cruise on Royal Caribbean
Book a weekend cruise vacation that includes a stop at the newly revamped Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean private destination, and you’re in for game-changing ways to chill and record-breaking thrills, like the tallest water slide in North America.
Soak up all the adventure on a 2, 3, or 4-night cruise sailing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando.
You don’t need a lot of days off to enjoy a short weekend getaway. Snag my best weekend deals and level up a quick vacation getaway like never before.
From laid-back beachside lounging to adrenaline-amping thrills — a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone.
My 10 Essential Tips for Perfect Day at CocoCay
See my article on Top 10 Tips for visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay
Weekend cruises start at around $230 per person. Most 3-night cruises depart Friday afternoon and return Monday morning.
Sample Cruise Itinerary from Orlando (Port Canaveral):
Friday Evening - Embarkation around 4 pm
Saturday - Nassau, Bahamas
Sunday - Perfect Day at CocoCay
Monday morning - off the ship around 9 am
My quick getaways are adventures designed to change the way you weekend. Whether you’re into action-packed thrills or beachside chill, you’re just one click away from vacation mode.
Cruise to the Bahamas to witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
10 Essential Tips for Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay
Make the most of your day at Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas - Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Perfect Day at CocoCay is a private island in the Bahamas and it’s the highlight of the cruise for most people. The only way to experience the island is to book a Bahamas or Caribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean.
Perfect Day at Coco Cay is where you can relax on white sand beaches, swim up to the bar in the largest pool in the Bahamas and ride the tallest waterslide in North America.
And most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Cruises depart from New Jersey, multiple ports in Florida including Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miami, and Louisiana and Texas.
Here are 10 Essential Tips that will help you make the most of your visit to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
10. Check-out towels before you disembark
Beach towels are available onboard your ship and can be brought onto the island, which you can refresh throughout the day as desired, at one of three towel stations.
Since beach towels are provided onboard based on a check-out/check-in system, you should bring the same number of towels back to the ship with you.
Guests who have rented cabanas will have towels at the cabana and may leave the towels there upon departure.
9. Get to the Lagoon Pool early
The Lagoon pool on Coco Cay is the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas. There’s a chill side and a party side plus a swim-up bar.
There’s even underwater music playing.
The pool is a popular spot so I recommend you go as soon as you’re allowed to disembark the ship so you can get a lounge chair.
You can reserve your chair with towels but be mindful of others and only reserve chairs while you're in the pool.
8. Know the 3 main beaches on Coco Cay,
Chill Island is the largest on the island and has all your beach day favorites including a snorkeling area, jet ski rentals, a small shopping village, and Chill Grill.
South Beach is a more quiet, more relaxed beach. Here you can rent bungalows and day beds. It has a more secluded feel. But it also has volleyball, basketball courts, and tailgate games.
Coco Beach Club - is an upgraded beach experience with an infinity pool, beach, private restaurant, personal attendants, and cabana rentals.
7. Free island shuttles
Perfect Day at Coco Cay is a large island and I recommend that you explore different areas throughout the day.
Most activities and beaches are a 10-15 minute walk from the ship but free shuttles will take you out to the beaches.
6. Visit Captain Jacks for shade, live music
If you need to take a break from the sun, head over to Captain Jack’s - an open-air pavilion with live music and drinks.
Here you’ll find the Coco Loco, a frozen, rum-based beverage that has become the island’s signature drink.
5. Beverage packages are accepted on the island
If you’re undecided about purchasing a beverage package for your cruise, consider that they are accepted virtually everywhere on the island.
This even includes the soft drink package.
If you didn’t purchase a beverage, ala carte menus are available and you can pay for drinks using your SeaPass card.
4. Free water and juice
Didn’t buy a drink package? That’s ok!
Water and juice are free throughout the day, just like onboard the ship.
I recommend you pack a reusable bottle so you can fill up at one of the beverage stations and take it back to your spot without having to make multiple trips.
3. Thrill Water Park is great for teens
Thrill Water Park is home to the tallest water slide in North America, a wave pool, and even zip lines.
Admission to this area is one of the few things that is not included with your cruise but you if purchase admission in advance and you’ll save money.
Your teens must be at least age 14 to go in without an adult. You’ll notice this is the teen hangout on the island so you can drop them off and set a time to meet up later in the day.
And while the teens are at Thrill Water Park, you can enjoy the beaches, take a break at Captain Jacks or relax at the Lagoon Pool.
2. Fun for little ones
Perfect Day at Cococay was designed so that everyone has something to do. Your little ones will love Splashaway Bay and Captain Jills Galleon - fun watery playgrounds. There is no additional charge for either. Splashaway Bay even has places for adults to sit or you can get in on the fun as well.
1. Lunch on the island is included
I promise you won’t go hungry on Coco Cay. Chill Grill is the largest venue, an open-air pavilion serving BBQ favorites like burgers, sandwiches, even a ribeye steak sandwich, and all the sides you can handle.
You’ll also find 3 snack shacks on Perfect Day at Coco Cay - one at Thrill Water Park, one at the Oasis Lagoon, and one on South Beach. By the way ask for the secret, off-menu chicken parm sandwich Snack Shack.
Here are 2 bonus tips for visiting the island:
If you want to take a thrilling ride on Up, Up, and Away, the helium balloon on CocoCay, go first thing in the morning. The balloon can go up to 450 feet but this maximum height is dependent on the weather. Winds are usually calmer in the morning so you have a better chance of going all the way up.
Remember to bring sunscreen as you’ll be closer to the sun up there. Oh, and kids age 3 and under are free.
Finally, my favorite tip is if you go for a walk on the island, bring your phone. You may spot a wild chicken or two on the island. They run around randomly throughout the day which is pretty comical but a great photo opp. Just keep in mind you’re not allowed to feed or chase them.
Want to plan the perfect cruise and visit Perfect Day at CocoCay? Contact me now to get started. I have expert, insider tips for you plus my services are at no cost to you.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Insider Guide to Chill Island at Perfect Day at CocoCay
If your ideal beach day involves a quiet stretch of powdery shoreline, tranquil waters and plenty of rest and relaxation, you’ve come to the right place. Perfect Day at Coco Cay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas.
If you want to slow down, work on your tan and spend some time recharging, there’s Chill Island. Perfect for both couples and families, this area of Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best place to relax and soak up the island vibes.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Plenty of Shade
There’s no need to worry about getting ashore early to claim a beach chair and umbrella on Chill Island.
This part of Perfect Day at CocoCay has an abundance of loungers and umbrellas along its shores, and they’re all complimentary.
One of the best things to do at Chill Island if you’re visiting with a group of friends or your extended family — or if you want to upgrade your romantic getaway — is to reserve one of the Chill Island cabanas.
Each cabana accommodates up to eight guests and comes with attendant service.
Reserving a cabana on Chill Island is a great option for families who want an added level of comfort, or couples looking to elevate their day of relaxation.
Just remember they are subject to availability.
You Have the Option to Play
True to its name, Chill Island is really all about the chill factor — but that doesn’t mean you won’t have the option to break up all that shoreside lounging with a bit of action.
There’s a shack nearby where you can rent snorkel equipment to check out some of the vibrant coral reefs located just offshore.
Keep an eye out for the friendly manta rays that call the island home — they’re not shy and don’t mind swimming up close to snorkelers.
There’s also a dock in this area where you can join a jet ski tour of the island.
You can book water activities ahead of your cruise on Cruise Planner, onboard the cruise ship before you arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay, or on the island during your time ashore.
Just remember that equipment and spots on the tours are subject to availability, so it’s usually recommended to book ahead.
If you’ve already booked your cruise and you’re ready to start planning your itinerary for Perfect Day at CocoCay check out Cruise Planner now.
Two Side - Two Vibes
Compared to most of the other areas on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is definitely the most tranquil spot around.
But the north end is the calmer and more secluded side, and a preferred pick among couples.
The south end has more activity, since that’s where you’ll find the Snorkel Shack and the dock for jet ski rentals and tours.
Lunch and Lounge
One of the best things at Chill Island is that you don’t really have to leave the area for anything if you don’t want to.
Chill Island boasts the largest restaurant on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Grill, serving a wide range of delicious options tailored to any kind of diet or preference.
You’ll find crisp salads, tasty sandwiches, build-your-own tacos, fresh fruit, and grilled favorites like BBQ chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and more.
For dessert, there’s soft-serve ice cream, cookies and brownies.
The food is free at Chill Island so make sure you save room for seconds.
There’s also a towel station nearby, in case you forgot to grab one on your way off the cruise ship.
See how I can make planning your cruise vacation easy.
One contact for all your questions.
Make scheduled payments over time
Create a land and sea vacation with an Orlando theme park
Insider advice from a travel agent who has been there, done that. Get a quote ▸
Sip In Serenity
When you feel it’s time to unwind with an ice-cold brew or your favorite summertime cocktail, you have plenty of options right on Chill Island.
On either end of the beach you’ll find the Wacky Seagull and Wacky Seagull Jr. bars, both serving adult beverages.
And just offshore, the fan-favorite Floating Bar is easy to spot.
All you have to do is swim out to the gently-bobbing tiki hut to enjoy your Coco Loco with a side of sea views.
Beverage packages purchased on the cruise ship or via Cruise Planner app on Perfect Day at CocoCay, so all you need to bring is your SeaPass card.
No matter how chill you want to go while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is the ultimate go-to spot for laid-back beach vibes.
Related Articles
Insider Guide to Chill Island at Coco Cay
3 Insider Tips for Thrill WaterPark at CocoCay
Insider Tips to Oasis Lagoon pool at CocoCay
Have questions about planning your cruise vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Insider Tips to Oasis Lagoon Pool at Perfect Day at CocoCay
Everything you need to know before taking a dip in the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, the newly reimagined destination by Royal Caribbean, has made headlines with its record-breaking attractions.
But one of the coolest features you can look forward to on this exclusive private island in The Bahamas is Oasis Lagoon.
The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, it has everything you need to unwind and savor the island vibes, Coco Loco in hand. Here’s what you need to know.
Lounge All Day
Oasis Lagoon at Perfect Day at CocoCay is the ‘largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean’ — and it truly is massive.
This larger-than-life hangout encompasses three swim-up islands that are perfect for kicking back and soaking up the sun, and multiple coves that each offer a different kind of vibe — not to mention plenty of in-water seating and tables.
Partially-submerged loungers also line the entire perimeter of the pool — prime real estate if you want to work on your tan without having to leave the cool comfort of the water. You always have the option to upgrade to total privacy and exclusivity in your own cabana, that come with concierge service.
Visiting Oasis Lagoon with kids?
No problem. Oasis Lagoon is totally family-friendly — there’s a cove with a sloping entry designed just for little swimmers plus lots of space to splash around, and the deepest part of the pool measures just four-and-a-half feet.
Island Vibes All Day
While it definitely offers plenty of secluded areas for those who just want to relax and disconnect, Oasis Lagoon is also the perfect spot if you’re looking for a good party with a DJ keeps the beats coming strong all afternoon.
The swim-up bar is hands-down one of the best things to do at Oasis Lagoon — it’s where you’ll find most of the action, and with 23 in-water seats, you don’t even need to leave the pool to grab an ice-cold beer or your favorite tropical drink.
Cool and Complimentary
Access to Oasis Lagoon is completely free for guests visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, and all the chairs and umbrellas that surround the area are also free as well.
There’s a complimentary towel station nearby, too, so you don’t have to worry if you forgot to grab a towel on your way off the ship — just make sure you return it before you board again.
The only thing you need to pay for at Oasis Lagoon are the cabanas (should you choose to reserve one) and the alcoholic drinks, but if you’ve already purchased a beverage package for your cruise, you can also use it on the island.
Dig Into Delicious
One of the great things about Oasis Lagoon is that you don’t need to wander far to grab a bite if you start to work up an appetite.
A nearby Snack Shack makes for the perfect pit stop to refuel on beach day favorites before diving back into the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool.
Open from 11 a.m. until 45 minutes before boarding time, the Snack Shack serves up complimentary hot dogs, crisp salads, fresh fruit and all kinds of other options to suit different tastes and diets.
If you’re a meat lover, don’t miss the signature Shack Burger, made with a special top-secret Shack sauce you won’t find anywhere outside of Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Just make sure you save some room for a sweet treat after your meal — the Snack Shack offers some of the best homemade cookies and brownies on the island.
Related Articles
Insider Guide to Chill Island at Coco Cay
3 Insider Tips for Thrill WaterPark at CocoCay
Insider Tips to Oasis Lagoon pool at CocoCay
Have questions about planning your crusie vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
Save money at Disney World with these discounted hotel rates for Winter and Spring 2025!