Perfect Day at Coco Cay via Royal Caribbean
I’m going to be honest, my favorite type of destinations are ones that have the least amount of people around, which I know is really impossible when you’re on a cruise right? However, I was quite surprised by our recent trip to The Bahamas with Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.
The cruise ship itself was a decent, mid-size compared to their other ships. A lot of families on board, saw a bachelorette party, friends celebrating birthdays, and a couple (a table over from us) during dinner got engaged on one of the nights. You won’t get an area to yourself unless you wake up early in the morning but you also won’t feel like a sardine in a can, if you know what I mean. The staterooms were spacious enough, ours had a balcony that I was grateful for. Motion sickness happens on occasion for me, but the ship didn’t rock too much at all during our three-day cruise. The food was good in the main dining room, but the service was a bit slow due to the dinner rush. However, the really good stuff is at Jamie’s Italian and Chop’s Grille (steakhouse). Make sure to dine there if you’re on this ship. Overall, the ship had plenty to do, including a rock-climbing wall, basketball court, wave pool, escape room, and an arcade for the kids. Of course, you can also do nothing at all but shows, eat, sleep and repeat too.
But let’s be realistic, you’re not on the cruise just to enjoy the ship, you’re on there for the destinations it’s taking you to right? First stop, Nassau, in The Bahamas. Our group was scheduled for a trip an island over, in Blue Lagoon, where we got to spend the day on a private beach and got a chance to interact with dolphins. Just to be clear, Blue Lagoon’s Dolphin Encounters and their entire conservation is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all their animals (sea lions, sharks, stingrays, and 3 raccoons). Upon spending 15 minutes with Kelli, who’s family owns the entire island, you can really feel how passionate they are in what they do and what they strive for. See below for a little more info on them:
"Dolphin Encounters Ltd. is a member of the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, (IMATA) the largest organization of its kind. In 1997, Dolphin Encounters also became a member of the prestigious Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, confirming its status as one of the top marine parks in its field. Dolphin Encounters received the prestigious Bahamas Excellence in Tourism Cacique Award in 2005 for its outstanding educational interactive programs. During its short history, Dolphin Encounters has transformed itself from a dolphin rescue project with two dolphins and three employees to one of Nassau’s foremost tourist attractions. Our natural seawater lagoon has facilitated a very successful breeding program."
Needless to say, all the animals are happy & healthy, living their very best lives! In addition to how happy all the animals were, the guests (including myself) were all so joyful and excited to be able to learn more about them too. It was the perfect way to spend a beautiful, sunny afternoon. See the interaction I had with Stormy on Instagram here.
Aside from the fun with the dolphins, you can chill anywhere on the island but the most peaceful spot is a little secluded area on the other side which requires VIP access. Adults only. The beach is beautiful, as you can see here, and there’s a little section where you can swim in peace. I literally lounged around in the sun all day until it was time to go back on the ship (around 5 PM). If you want to get away from the crowd and chaos, take a trip over to the Blue Lagoon Island. It is worth it.
We sailed off from Nassau and arrived the next day at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, a private island that is only accessible through Royal Caribbean. How do I describe this place? It has a large water park, a lagoon,, plenty of fun activities such as ziplining and their version of a hot air balloon, food options and of course, drinks. It’s family-friendly, great for you and your S.O., girlfriends and your bros. A place that is for everyone and anyone, with guaranteed fun.
We spent an entire day soaking up the sun at our private cabana at Coco Beach Club. Who doesn’t love a floating cabana? Overwater hammocks, freshwater showers, and private slides that take you straight into the water. Beach cabanas are also available too. Also, if the sea isn’t your thing, there’s also an infinity pool you can take a dip in. You will have to purchase access to the Coco Beach Club, but that’s also why I love it so much because it’s away from the general public.
The main attraction on the island though, is the Thrill Waterpark with a Daredevil’s Tower (135-foot tall slide), that KSOLE and our friends loved. I sat it out because I am afraid of heights and the idea of sliding down that fast with water hitting my face is not ideal. However, everyone else loved it and had a blast.
The cruise itself was short and sweet, leaving us wanting an extra day on either island. I guess that means we just have to take another trip soon right? We had a great time overall and I highly recommend that if you choose to cruise, pick a trip to Perfect Day at Coco Cay! You will love it.
Big thank you to Royal Caribbean for taking us out there and for a wonderful, memorable weekend.
