SPEND SPRING BREAK ON A PRIVATE ISLAND WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Published on February 8, 2020
If you’re a college student, you know spring break is the first big hurrah before your long-awaited summer vacation — and the first opportunity of the year to set out on an unforgettable weeklong vacation. In many places, temperatures are finally warm enough to ditch long sleeves and pants, and opt for t-shirts and shorts instead. And vacation destinations around the world are gearing up to welcome seasonal travelers with all kinds of amazing experiences. Hotspots like Cabo in Mexico and Miami in South Florida frequently top lists for the most popular spring break destinations, but if you’re looking for an all-out private island experience unlike any other, it doesn’t get better than a spring break cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay with Royal Caribbean. Take it from a vacation expert — nothing beats a visit to this thrill-filled island paradise. Here’s why.
IT’S TOTALLY EXCLUSIVE TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN GUESTS
Perfect Day at CocoCay is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean, which means that the only way to get there is on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Forget super-packed beaches and long lines at bars and restaurants, which is what you’ll find at most other vacation destinations during spring break. Because Perfect Day at CocoCay is exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests, overcrowding is never a problem. In fact, the island offers lots of free loungers and umbrellas at all of its beaches and inland attractions, so you won’t have to waste time searching for an available spot. There are plenty of bars scattered throughout the island as well, including the Floating Bar, which you can easily wade to from the shore, and a swim-up bar that’s always buzzing inside a massive freshwater lagoon — more on that later.
YOU CAN GET YOUR FILL OF BUCKET LIST THRILLS
There aren’t many island destinations out there that also have a full-fledged waterpark with record-breaking slides — but Perfect Day at CocoCay does, and it’s one of the things that make it an epic spring break vacation spot. The private island is home to Thrill Waterpark, which encompasses thirteen crazy-fun waterslides, an obstacle course, and the largest wave pool in the Caribbean. If you’re really brave, you can take on Daredevil’s Peak. Standing 135 feet high, it’s the tallest waterslide in North America. If you’re not into heights and speed is more your cup of tea, try one of the many racer slides, like Splash Speedway, which has four lanes so you can challenge your besties. Or the Manta Raycers, twin open-flume slides that let two friends go head-to-head on a mad dash to the finish line. If you’re visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay with a group of thrill-seekers, you might want to consider booking a private cabana at Thrill Waterpark. Not only does a cabana reservation here cover park admission for up to eight guests — it also comes with dedicated attendant service so that you never have to leave the action.
Epic slides and rides at Thrill Waterpark aren’t the only attractions you’ll find at this private island escape. You can check a helium balloon ride off your bucket list here, too. Up, Up and Away gently lifts guests up to 450 feet into the sky, yielding awe-inspiring views of the island and the turquoise waters that surround it. And there’s also a 1,600-foot-long zip line ride that carries you right over the harbor fountain. The best part? You can experience all the thrills for yourself in just one day, because the attractions are so close to each other (this is an exclusive private island destination, remember?).
IT’S HOME TO THE CARIBBEAN’S COOLEST PARTY SPOT
Another reason why spring break cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay make for unforgettable experiences is because the party scene you’ll find onshore is second to none. If you’re looking for a party, Oasis Lagoon is the place to be. The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, it’s another one of Perfect Day at CocoCay’s record-setting attractions — and the ultimate turn-up spot. It’s not unusual for conga lines to form spontaneously here and snake their way around the massive lagoon’s swim-up islands and coves. A team of talented bartenders keep the piña coladas, Bahama Mamas and Coco Locos coming strong at the swim-up bar, and a DJ makes sure the soundtrack is loaded with all your favorite jams — in fact, take a dip beneath the surface of the pool and you’ll find there’s even a secret mix of tunes pulsing through the underwater speakers. When you need a break from all the excitement, you can float on over to any of the lagoon’s three swim-up islands and coves. Each has its own unique vibe and in-water loungers where you can kick back and bask in the sunshine, Coco Loco in hand.
YOU CAN CHILL IF YOU WANT TO
Not everybody wants to spend their spring break partying and living it up. For some, the ultimate spring break vacation is more about disconnecting and recharging — and that’s perfectly fine, too. Perfect Day at CocoCay is all about variety, which is why Royal Caribbean made sure to include plenty of options when reimagining their exclusive island destination. If all you want to do during your spring break is unwind and turn up the tropical vibes, head to Chill Island. True to its name, this gorgeous and serene stretch of white sandy beach is the ultimate chill zone, complete with hammocks, plenty of comfy lounge chairs and daybeds, and even private cabanas you can rent for you and your squad. Steps away, Chill Grill serves up all your favorite beach day foods, like juicy burgers, crisp fresh salads, amazing BBQ, and decadent desserts. There’s even a snorkel shack where you can rent equipment to explore the coral clusters that dot the surrounding waters. If you’re craving a drink, wade out to the famous floating bar, bobbing gently on calm turquoise waves just a short distance away from the shoreline.
YOU CAN ALSO GET IN THE GAME
If you’re more about water sports and activities, South Beach is your go-to. While it’s just as beautiful as its neighbor, Chill Island, this beach is all about staying active. Challenge your squad to a game of volleyball or beachside basketball. Like everywhere else on the island, you’ll find tons of complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, plus daybeds and cabanas you can reserve for a little more privacy. And a nearby Snack Shack makes it easy and convenient to fuel up on great bites in between activities. What’s more, South Beach is home to three different bars — the eponymous South Beach Bar, the Sandtrap Bar and the floating bar, so your favorite beers and tropical drinks are never far.
There you have it — the ultimate spring break getaway that offers something for every kind of guest. Whether you come for the beautiful beaches and island vibes, the adrenaline-amping rides, or the bass-pumping revelry, Perfect Day at CocoCay should be number one on your list of epic spring break vacation option. Your ticket to paradise is a spring break cruise with Royal Caribbean, which offers just as many thrills and game changing ways to chill as the island itself — but that’s a whole other story.
