As you daydream of kicking back on the sand and soaking up the sun, you're likely either already in the process of booking your next Caribbean cruise vacation, or are currently anticipating your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise. And while of course, relaxing on the beach is an experience basically every Caribbean cruise offers, Royal Caribbean cruise line has pulled out all the stops to up your tropical cruise experience if you're looking for more than just sun rays. With the addition of a thrilling waterpark (with the tallest North American waterslide at 135 feet), a helium balloon ride you can take up to 450 feet high, a zip line 1,600 feet long, and much, much more, Royal Caribbean has updated their private island resort - CocoCay Bahamas - to the excitement of cruise guests all over the U.S.

Spending approximately $250 million on renovations, Royal Caribbean has transformed their private island into what they are calling the "Perfect Day at CocoCay," planned for completion in December 2019 (although most of the renovations are already done and open to cruise passengers). Royal Caribbean's CocoCay is exclusively for the enjoyment of their cruise guests (including Celebrity and Azamara passengers - cruise lines owned by Royal Caribbean), meaning shorter lines for the island's excitement and more relaxation at the bars (including swim-up bars), beaches, freshwater pools and more. Not only is this island a perfect balance of thrills and relaxation for adults, but it also offers plenty of activities for children.

Don't forget about the usual Bahamas water sport excursionsfbsctbbetrdx though - jet skiing, snorkeling, etc.

How can you get everything done here in one day!? A perfect strategy to get people back on a Royal Caribbean cruise for more.

What's included?

Keep in mind though, not everything at CocoCay Bahamas is included in the cruise cost, meaning you may need to plan your day strategically so you can enjoy the day without breaking the bank. Actual entry to Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and beaches is free to cruise guests and certain dining establishments throughout the island are complimentary. Purchased beverage and wi-fi packages can also be used at CocoCay. But the prices for the island's attractions range throughout the year - the Thrill Waterpark can range between $50-$100, the balloon ride from $40-$100, zip line $80-$150, etc.

On that note, here are several of the activities (including free attractions, and those that charge a fee) you may want to do on your "Perfect Day at CocoCay":

(L) Reef Snorkeling and Scuba Diving, (R) Jet Skiing

Reserve a private ocean view cabana at the Coco Beach Club

These beautiful cabanas sit atop the water, the first of their kind in the Caribbean, and depending on the accompanying package you select, may include snorkeling gear and fresh fruit.

Go on a wave jet tour

Whether you have some serious jet ski skills and want to speed through the waters around CocoCay and the Berry Islands, or would rather leave the exhilaration to the tour guide as you ride as a passenger, you'll get to explore the coastline of CocoCay, seeing Starfish Alley, Cistern Cay and more.

Go reef snorkeling and scuba diving

This one's pretty self-explanatory, as snorkeling and scuba diving is an optional excursion at almost every Bahamas destination. But what sets Royal Caribbean's CocoCay underwater experiences apart from other cruises are the colorful marine life (including jellyfish and lionfish) surrounding the plane and shipwreck remains. Don't worry - these remains aren't real; they're staged by the cruise line for a more enthralling snorkeling experience.

Take a glass bottom boat tour

If journeying into the water seems a bit intimidating, no worries. You can take a clear bottomed boat excursion so you can still see plenty of sea life underwater through the bottom of the boat. Debating between braving it out and snorkeling, or relaxing? Well, on the boat excursions you can get the best of both worlds. On these tours, you'll be accompanied by a guide that will provide education on the different marine life you're viewing, and some will even stop and give you the opportunity to snorkel.

(L - R) Navigator of the Seas, Up, Up and Away, Zip Line

Grab a floating beach mat

If you're one of those people who walks into the water and then doesn't actually know what to do so you begin aimlessly wandering around (me), a floating beach mat can come in handy. For approximately $18, you can rent a mat, float out on the water, soak in the sun's rays, and not have to worry about looking awkward.

Enjoy the Thrill Waterpark

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, the Thrill Waterpark lives up to its name with the tallest waterslide in North America at 135 feet, alongside 12 other waterslides and the largest Caribbean wave pool.

(L-R) Up, Up and Away, Thrill Waterpark, Private Ocean View Cabana

Float Up, Up and Away

This is the official name of CocoCay's helium balloon which will take you up to 450 feet high for those picture-perfect views of the island.

Soar through the island via zip line

If you can't decide between aesthetic and thrills, you don't have to! Take this 1,600 feet long zip line to speed through the island, while still getting those optimal views.

And this is just the start of it. There are plenty of waterslides and adventures at Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill's Galleon, relaxation to be had at the Oasis Lagoon and Chill Island, and fries to nosh on at Captain Jack's. And even that isn't to mention the countless other fun things to do at CocoCay Bahamas.

Whether you're just looking to relax on the beach for free or participate in the excitement Royal Caribbean has rounded up at the island, a day at CocoCay is essentially perfect.

If you haven't booked your Royal Caribbean cruise yet, make sure to contact us today so you can get the best deal on your next Bahamas cruise and have the opportunity to spend your "Perfect Day at CocoCay."

About Sarah Pruzansky, Cruise & Travel Writer

Sarah Pruzansky is passionate about everything related to travel, hospitality, environmental science, self-care, and writing. She joined the iCruise team in February 2019 and assists the company in developing blog and web content that shows the benefits of cruising, information on different ports of call and destinations, and other industry tips for those looking to cruise.