Royal Caribbean Dining and Beverage Package Tip
Tip for saving money on dining and beverage packages with Royal Caribbean
As a travel advisor specializing in Royal Caribbean, I spend a lot of time providing expert advice for my cruise clients. Here’s one that comes up a lot: is it worth it to buy a dining or beverage package onboard the ship?
Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Tip
Royal Caribbean offers several packages, spa packages, dining packages, beverage packages, wifi packages, and more.
Now, whether or not they are worth it for your family is a different topic and I can work with you to help you figure that out. But in general, most people buy at least some type of onboard package.
I always get the soft-drink package because soda isn’t free onboard, not even at dinner and I don’t like alcohol. So for me, the price is reasonable enough. But here’s how you can save money on these plans.
One of my favorite tips regarding onboard purchases is to wait on the beverage packages until after you book.
See, after you book your cruise (you remembered to book with a travel agent, right?) you will very likely receive an email from Royal Caribbean with onboard discounts that are available during your cruise.
Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Tip
Royal Caribbean usually sends this discount email only once, so if and when you receive it, be sure to act on it when it comes in.
If you already booked a beverage package, you can ask your travel agent to modify your package to the new lower rate for you.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
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.
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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.
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