What's your idea of a perfect day in the Caribbean sunshine?
Does it involve lounging on a white-sand beach, taking a plunge on a daring waterslide or enjoying some poolside-pampering? Chances are that it does.
Royal Caribbean International is taking big steps to bring all of that and more to its private Bahamian island of CocoCay.
A $200 million renovation is bringing "Perfect Day at CocoCay" to life. It's 125 acres of Caribbean-themed attractions and experiences that include lots of "largest" "tallest" and "biggest" in the region.
Highlights include the tallest waterslide in North America, the largest wave pool in the Caribbean, and the highest vantage point over The Bahamas. And, that's not to mention the largest freshwater pool in the region.
Perfect Day will debut in stages, with a new pier set for completion in September 2018. Most elements will be in place by the spring of 2019. And the luxury experience, Coco Beach Club, will open in November of 2019.
Waterparks in the Works
Royal Caribbean does waterparks in a big way. On its ships, Splashaway Bay is the aquatic fun center. On CocoCay, expect the largest version anywhere, replete with geysers, water cannons, fountains and drench buckets.
For the more daring, Thrill Waterpark will include two water towers and 13 slides. Venture to Daredevil's Tower for the twin Dueling Demons drop slides and two Manta Raycers. If that's not enough of a rush, there's also the fully vertical Screeching Serpent; the coiling Green Mamba; and the 135-foot-tall Daredevil's Peak. It's North America's tallest waterslide.
At the Family Tower, the entire clan can try six multi-rider slides, including The Twister tube slide; The Slingshot, a zero-gravity slide and the Splash Speedway racing slides.
And, don't forget to try the 1,600-foot zip line that ends with a splash landing. Check out the Caribbean's largest wave pool. And for younger cruisers, the Adventure Pool offers a kid-friendly obstacle course of lily pads, climbing walls and swinging ropes.
All those adventures are sure to spark appetites. Perfect Day culinary offerings include Captain Jack's, featuring house specialty chicken wings and steak fries. And Skipper's Grill serves all-around favorites, such as burgers, sandwiches, tacos and salads.
Beachside Views
Go Up, Up and Away for breathtaking Caribbean views. The helium balloon Up, Up and Away ride takes guests on a 3.5-minute ascent, 450 feet above the island. It's the highest vantage point in the Bahamas.
At Oasis Lagoon, guests can relax in the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean. It features three different coves, a swim-up bar, zero entry pool access and three mini swim-up islands with in-water loungers. Private cabanas with their own attendants are also available.
For those simply interested in enjoying beach time, Chill Island showcases the Caribbean's aquamarine waters and powdery white sand. Wave runner excursions, boat tours and snorkeling are available. Roaming bartenders will tend to your every need. And, nearby is Chill Grill, featuring fresh bites, served beachside.
At South Beach, volleyball, beachside basketball, soccer, paddle boarding and glass-bottom kayaking are at the ready. Guests can also test their skills at the weird sport of zorbing in an inflatable ball. Should hunger pangs strike, there's a Snack Shack for quick bites and a floating bar for refreshing drinks. Teepee cabanas and daybeds are available for relaxing.
Saving the Best for Last
When it opens in 2019, the VIP Coco Beach Club will be a destination unto itself. It's top selling point: the only overwater cabanas in The Bahamas. They'll feature private attendants, overwater hammocks and a waterslide into the sea. A freshwater infinity edge pool and bar plus an exclusive dining venue add to Coco Beach's appeal.
The mlange of offerings for every age and activity level adds up to a Perfect Day, Royal Caribbean style.
"We talked to a lot of customers and guests about what really would be their perfect day in the Caribbean on vacation," Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International said during a launch event.
He added, "What we've tried to do is create an experience of a day based upon an awful lot of customer feedback."
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