This was a great video - I've seen so many videos recently that talk about how expensive Coco Cay is - it's good to see that it's not a rip off all around!
I'm SO glad they still have the nature trail! In my personal old guy opinion, I think they completely ruined CoCo Cay when they did all of the development back before the pandemic hit, then continued with the development of the adults-only area. I do understand that Royal Caribbean is ultimately a business whose primary objective is to make money and return the highest possible amount to its shareholders (I am a shareholder, so that part of it is nice 🙂), but I prefer the CoCo Cay of 2010 when we first went there. Anyway, thank you for all of the content you create and share, and happy cruising!
My pleasure Patrick and I was glad too! If you are adventurous and liked the "old" CocoCay, you would love MSC's Private Island of Ocean Cay. It's my new favorite.
Perfect timing. I am getting on Freedom today with my niece and her 4 year old twins and will be at PDCC tomorrow. They are looking forward to the kids water park area. We will probably take them on the tram as an activity!
awww man im going in december.. i just told my sisters and cousins about the dj at the pool... man im mad they dont have it no more. that sucks.. but this is the perfect video.. im going to show them this video today
Wow!! - Thanks SO much for the very comprehensive (and very helpful) list, descriptions, and video shots. I will be doing my first-ever visit to PDCC since the rebranding in a few days (13 to be exact *IF* I was counting) and I did book Hideaway for the first cruise and then deciding if I'll repeat the following month. I intend to walk as much as possible and see as much as possible, so I was glad to know about the Nature Trail area. On most private islands I tend to seek out the hammocks, so I was glad you pointed out that options, albeit limited. I completely ignore a few items that appear on island buffet lines, including chocolate chip cookies, so I had to chuckle at your solution/suggestion about using the sun . . . and will definitely try that while there. Thanks for that great advice. Of course, all of my planning will depend on the current mood of Mother Nature that day, but I'll hope for the best. Thanks, again!!!
Thanks a ton. This really shows off what will be missed if one chooses to add the hideaway beach package. I decided against hideaway. Not because I feel it's not worth it but many of the things you showed here makes me want to go explore and saving the money is a bonus which I'll just add to the Nassau port day. Thanks! Very helpful!
Hey Brandon. Getting off Radiance of the seas tomorrow in Los Angeles, did a back to back just got my first crystal block on this cruise. 2 cruises away for me till I’m diamond plus. Still got a long way to pinnacle but I will get there eventually. Have 8 cruises booked into 2025 and 2026
I was there Tuesday on Freedom out of Miami.. it was breezy and the water wasn't fully comfortable. Made it in up to my belly and found a big live conch wandering under water.. it was interestingly heavy. I wandered some of the island. Saw the chickens and peacocks, seagulls.. no iguanas. And the absurdly priced cabanas.. The free umbrella worked just fine.. 😉 You must live near a southern port. My closest port is\was Baltimore.. RIP for now at least..
Brandon, I had no idea RCCL still had complimentary anything on the island! Lol! So Oasis Lagoon no longer has a DJ? That is great news. The south beach used to be super quiet and relaxing back when we went there in 2017. Very much like Ocean Cay today. With all the additions lie the water park etc at Coco Cay I noticed the sound from all the other active areas carries pretty far when we were there in February of this year although we didn't venture to south beach. The island isn't that big. Was South Beach still tranquil?
I’ve never been to the island before but am going soon. My question is - what is the quietest place in the island? Like, if I want to just lay back, read a book, and listen to the ocean without distractions like water slides or volleyball games, where can I go that, if not totally quiet, is at least more chill than anywhere else?
hmmm, that's a REALLY good question these days and I am not sure it truly exists anymore mainly because families and kids seem to be everywhere. I would recommend Chill Beach in the last section on the left to start. Def. not South Beach. Though, with Hide Away opening (not quite) the pool is a good option until noon. After that, see how loud the music is but it isn't as much a party place anymore.
Great video Brandon! We're booking again w/RC Oasis and one of the stops will be Coco Cay. Just to be sure, the Snack Shacks and your grilled chicken sandwich, there is a charge there or not??
Question on my app with RR there’s a charge for a day pass to Hideaway beach I’m confused do you have to pay to enter this beach and if so which beach area is free
Hideaway beach is the adult's only areas and is for a fee. There are still plenty of beaches that do not charge this including Chill Beach and South Beach (my fav) th-cam.com/video/IAfsNySEz-o/w-d-xo.html
Brandon, I have a question! We are about to sail on Liberty for the first time, are the seapass cards punchable on Freedom class? We've only been on Quantum & Oasis class and put them in a clear pouch. Thank you!
Hey there! Yes, keycards on Freedom and Liberty are both punchable as they are the old school system if having to insert the key into the door. No RFID chip to worry about.
Hey there! Yes! They do have a small "straw market" you can buy all sorts of things at. Shirts, magnets, sunscreen etc. The ones in the middle of the island are owned by the Bahimian people running them. Royal Caribbean will also have two booths to sell their merch. One right after you cross the bridge to chill island and the other at the back entrance to the water park behind Captain Jacks.
It can be all over the place. It is about 80 miles east of south Florida to give you a little more perspective. Most of the time it will be at least in the 70s as a high but if a cold front comes down, it could be in the 60s.
They sure are! If you have a drink package on the ship, it will carry over onto the island. Highly recommended when you have a short cruise with a ship in Cococay.
I just wish they had an additive in the pool that emits color when people urinate in the pool. I just can’t think folks can sit and drink without leaving the pool unless….. Chickens? Okay Iguanas? Nope I still can’t get excited about an over glorified water park. The fact that you said the ‘free parts’ have been freed up by cruisers going to the new, new ‘paid’ areas just leaves me ‘meh’. It’s cruise to a nowhere location devoid of culture, history or interest for me. I hate that I have to pay a port fee when they stop there. : The port tax for Royal Caribbean's (RCL) Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas, will be $62 for Nassau and Coco Cay stops starting in January 2024. This includes $30 for Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini stops, and $32 for private island stops. Some cruise lines may charge these new fees even if the cruise is fully paid for.
Your comment about lack of culture and history is also a pet peeve of mine. It bothers me that many people's first experience out of the US is to the Bahamas via cruise ship but they never experience the Bahamas. One reason I am not a fan of the new beach club in Nassau.
haha you are VERY correct in that! You absolutely have paid for the privilege to use all of these items! This is one of the few instances where I shifted my language to match what most people call it online and are searching for but "included" is 100% the correct phrasing. I don't do it often but "free" gets a lot more clicks than "included" and hoped most people realized they have paid for their cruise already lol
We were there years ago and it has exploded in size since then. I don't believe "free" is an accurate term since everyone paid RC thousands of dollars for the privilege. Included or complementary might be more fair. It feels very "bait and switch" when you go on a cruise and find out that most of the good stuff is extra. I'm thinking about bringing the extended family on a cruise but this tactic makes it very difficult to project costs.😒
Hey Greg, you are not wrong on the lingo! "Complimentary" just took too much space in the thumbnail lol You are very much so paying for a cruise that includes the private island. It is very bait and switch or deceptive marketing as I call it. You sing up for a cruise but you literally have hundreds of potential add ons in price. A $500 cruise can easily cost someone $1,500 or more.
haha, you are correct but also not correct. If you talk to a geographer, it is "key" if you talk to the marketing department at Royal Caribbean, it is Cay. :-)
To be honest, you should not spend a dime on coco cay. It has so many great beaches and pools that are complimentary, I don't see any point in spending extra money. My kids love the pools and waterpark there. Then they run to South Beach (thanks to one of your old video!). To my surprise, Labadee was wonderful too. I felt very sad that Royal stops going there
![[TH] RNT vs SPG - VCT Ascension Pacific - Day 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RUTkf8Detj8/mqdefault.jpg)
What questions do you have about going to Perfect Day CocoCay?
So glad the restrooms are complimentary
hahaha, and I'm glad someone actually got my sense of humor on that one!
You might get charged when you use THE NATURE ONE 😂😂
@@Hannah-rl3ng hahah
😂
😅 For now, May soon be a Crown & Anchor Diamond+ perk!
This was a great video - I've seen so many videos recently that talk about how expensive Coco Cay is - it's good to see that it's not a rip off all around!
Right?!?! Still love the free options and you don't have to buy into all the marketing!
@@TheWeekendCruiser can you purchase day pass to Coco cay if you're staying a Atlantis?
@@rehan2118 You cannot. Only way to access CocoCay is via a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Brandon, what a great idea for a video! These days it seems that there are fewer and fewer things that don’t cost extra related to cruising.
I'm SO glad they still have the nature trail! In my personal old guy opinion, I think they completely ruined CoCo Cay when they did all of the development back before the pandemic hit, then continued with the development of the adults-only area. I do understand that Royal Caribbean is ultimately a business whose primary objective is to make money and return the highest possible amount to its shareholders (I am a shareholder, so that part of it is nice 🙂), but I prefer the CoCo Cay of 2010 when we first went there. Anyway, thank you for all of the content you create and share, and happy cruising!
My pleasure Patrick and I was glad too! If you are adventurous and liked the "old" CocoCay, you would love MSC's Private Island of Ocean Cay. It's my new favorite.
Thank you, Brandon, great information, hope to see you on a weekend cruise soon!
This video is immensely informative. Thank you!
Perfect timing. I am getting on Freedom today with my niece and her 4 year old twins and will be at PDCC tomorrow. They are looking forward to the kids water park area. We will probably take them on the tram as an activity!
hahah however you wear out the kids! Love the free tram rides!
Thanks Brandon, nice to know there are still activities that are free.
awww man im going in december.. i just told my sisters and cousins about the dj at the pool... man im mad they dont have it no more. that sucks.. but this is the perfect video.. im going to show them this video today
Why thank you! Yeah, the pool is def a different vibe now but you can still bring a party!
Channel worth every bit of information!, Great stuff and will keep following and watching!
Aww thank you! Glad you found it to be good content and thank you for subscribing!!! Love being able to educate people on what they can expect :-)
My 9 and 10 year old son really enjoyed splash away bay. 🎉
Wow!! - Thanks SO much for the very comprehensive (and very helpful) list, descriptions, and video shots. I will be doing my first-ever visit to PDCC since the rebranding in a few days (13 to be exact *IF* I was counting) and I did book Hideaway for the first cruise and then deciding if I'll repeat the following month. I intend to walk as much as possible and see as much as possible, so I was glad to know about the Nature Trail area. On most private islands I tend to seek out the hammocks, so I was glad you pointed out that options, albeit limited.
I completely ignore a few items that appear on island buffet lines, including chocolate chip cookies, so I had to chuckle at your solution/suggestion about using the sun . . . and will definitely try that while there. Thanks for that great advice.
Of course, all of my planning will depend on the current mood of Mother Nature that day, but I'll hope for the best. Thanks, again!!!
My pleasure and hope you have a blast in 12 days!! :-)
Thanks a ton. This really shows off what will be missed if one chooses to add the hideaway beach package. I decided against hideaway. Not because I feel it's not worth it but many of the things you showed here makes me want to go explore and saving the money is a bonus which I'll just add to the Nassau port day. Thanks! Very helpful!
I’m so glad they have a lot that is complimentary
Hey Brandon. Getting off Radiance of the seas tomorrow in Los Angeles, did a back to back just got my first crystal block on this cruise. 2 cruises away for me till I’m diamond plus. Still got a long way to pinnacle but I will get there eventually. Have 8 cruises booked into 2025 and 2026
Careful Willy! Pinnacle is going to sneak up on you!
Let the cookies sit out in the sun 😂😂
That Bahamian sun hits different! 😂
Thx! So bring my speaker for some music and I'm all set
Thank you so much for all the valuable info..
Thank you for this!! 🙌🏼
Thank you Brandon, will be there on my may 4th-10th cruise on symphony of the seas.
Good to know about the grilled chicken at the snack snacks!
yum! Now I am hungry!
Thank you! A lot of information
Great information!
I was there Tuesday on Freedom out of Miami.. it was breezy and the water wasn't fully comfortable. Made it in up to my belly and found a big live conch wandering under water.. it was interestingly heavy.
I wandered some of the island.
Saw the chickens and peacocks, seagulls.. no iguanas. And the absurdly priced cabanas.. The free umbrella worked just fine.. 😉
You must live near a southern port. My closest port is\was Baltimore.. RIP for now at least..
That is devasting for Baltimore cruisers! Not sure what the future holds! Yes, I live beside Port Miami and makes weekends very easy.
Thank you, been there now three times, just found the jungle trail :-) Only thing you forgot was all the fresh air 🙂
hahaha Breath in all that amazing island air! It is special!
GREAT video.
love you videos! my wife and I refer to you as the "vampire" you look great!
hahah I am confident this is a compliment but not really sure what a "vampire" look is! But I will take it!
Brandon, I had no idea RCCL still had complimentary anything on the island! Lol! So Oasis Lagoon no longer has a DJ? That is great news. The south beach used to be super quiet and relaxing back when we went there in 2017. Very much like Ocean Cay today. With all the additions lie the water park etc at Coco Cay I noticed the sound from all the other active areas carries pretty far when we were there in February of this year although we didn't venture to south beach. The island isn't that big. Was South Beach still tranquil?
With Hideaway open, South Beach is a lot more chill. It is still my favorite beach to go to on the island.
Sounds good!
Thank you 😊
I’ve never been to the island before but am going soon. My question is - what is the quietest place in the island? Like, if I want to just lay back, read a book, and listen to the ocean without distractions like water slides or volleyball games, where can I go that, if not totally quiet, is at least more chill than anywhere else?
hmmm, that's a REALLY good question these days and I am not sure it truly exists anymore mainly because families and kids seem to be everywhere. I would recommend Chill Beach in the last section on the left to start. Def. not South Beach. Though, with Hide Away opening (not quite) the pool is a good option until noon. After that, see how loud the music is but it isn't as much a party place anymore.
Great video❣️
In my opinion...when you see a baby shark...a Mama shark isn't too far away!!! lol
hahaha now I am singing "baby shark"
Great video Brandon! We're booking again w/RC Oasis and one of the stops will be Coco Cay. Just to be sure, the Snack Shacks and your grilled chicken sandwich, there is a charge there or not??
There is no charge for the food at the snack shack. Love the mozzarella sticks and funnel cakes!
Beth got it, no charge for anything at the Snack Shack.
Question on my app with RR there’s a charge for a day pass to Hideaway beach I’m confused do you have to pay to enter this beach and if so which beach area is free
Hideaway beach is the adult's only areas and is for a fee. There are still plenty of beaches that do not charge this including Chill Beach and South Beach (my fav) th-cam.com/video/IAfsNySEz-o/w-d-xo.html
Wonder why they did away with the DJ at Oasis Lagoon….?
They moved him to Hide Away Beach and charge a fee for him now :-)
Is the same when Celebrity Beyond stops at Perfect Day CocoCay?
It is, they do not change the free options with Celebrity there but they do charge more for the paid options :-)
@@TheWeekendCruiser Ok, thanks.
Brandon, I have a question! We are about to sail on Liberty for the first time, are the seapass cards punchable on Freedom class? We've only been on Quantum & Oasis class and put them in a clear pouch. Thank you!
Hey there! Yes, keycards on Freedom and Liberty are both punchable as they are the old school system if having to insert the key into the door. No RFID chip to worry about.
@@TheWeekendCruiser thank you!!!!
Brandon: Are there any souvenir shops on the island? Is so, are they run by Royal Caribbean?
Hey there! Yes! They do have a small "straw market" you can buy all sorts of things at. Shirts, magnets, sunscreen etc. The ones in the middle of the island are owned by the Bahimian people running them. Royal Caribbean will also have two booths to sell their merch. One right after you cross the bridge to chill island and the other at the back entrance to the water park behind Captain Jacks.
Do you know what the weather is like there in January?
It can be all over the place. It is about 80 miles east of south Florida to give you a little more perspective. Most of the time it will be at least in the 70s as a high but if a cold front comes down, it could be in the 60s.
Omg, why did they get rid of the DJ at Oasis???? That was one of my favorite things at CocoCay. 😢
Because they wanted more revenue. That was the sole reason. 😢
@@TheWeekendCruiserjust at Hideaway now? Do they play music at all at Oasis? Thanks again I’ve been binging your videos!
@@kellyfaysash8854 They do have music at Oasis but it is a lower volume and the crowd has relocated to Hideaway taking the energy with it.
Are the cocktails included with the onboard alcoholic drink package?
They sure are! If you have a drink package on the ship, it will carry over onto the island. Highly recommended when you have a short cruise with a ship in Cococay.
I thought chill island was good. Very empty compares to hideaway beach.
I just wish they had an additive in the pool that emits color when people urinate in the pool.
I just can’t think folks can sit and drink without leaving the pool unless…..
Chickens? Okay
Iguanas? Nope
I still can’t get excited about an over glorified water park.
The fact that you said the ‘free parts’ have been freed up by cruisers going to the new, new ‘paid’ areas just leaves me ‘meh’.
It’s cruise to a nowhere location devoid of culture, history or interest for me. I hate that I have to pay a port fee when they stop there. :
The port tax for Royal Caribbean's (RCL) Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas, will be $62 for Nassau and Coco Cay stops starting in January 2024. This includes $30 for Nassau, Freeport, and Bimini stops, and $32 for private island stops. Some cruise lines may charge these new fees even if the cruise is fully paid for.
Your comment about lack of culture and history is also a pet peeve of mine. It bothers me that many people's first experience out of the US is to the Bahamas via cruise ship but they never experience the Bahamas. One reason I am not a fan of the new beach club in Nassau.
Anything free at Naussa day?
There are! Beaches being the easiest one. You can also walk around and see some of the history but it is limited. Restaurants and museums charge.
I got scolded one time for crossing the yellow line! Does the drink package work at Coco?
It sure does work there Java!! Drink Away! #rulebreaker
Nothing!
It’s “included”
haha you are VERY correct in that! You absolutely have paid for the privilege to use all of these items! This is one of the few instances where I shifted my language to match what most people call it online and are searching for but "included" is 100% the correct phrasing. I don't do it often but "free" gets a lot more clicks than "included" and hoped most people realized they have paid for their cruise already lol
We were there years ago and it has exploded in size since then. I don't believe "free" is an accurate term since everyone paid RC thousands of dollars for the privilege. Included or complementary might be more fair. It feels very "bait and switch" when you go on a cruise and find out that most of the good stuff is extra. I'm thinking about bringing the extended family on a cruise but this tactic makes it very difficult to project costs.😒
Hey Greg, you are not wrong on the lingo! "Complimentary" just took too much space in the thumbnail lol You are very much so paying for a cruise that includes the private island. It is very bait and switch or deceptive marketing as I call it. You sing up for a cruise but you literally have hundreds of potential add ons in price. A $500 cruise can easily cost someone $1,500 or more.
If you have a drink package on the cruise ship does it work on coco cay?
It sure does! Drink away!
It sure does!
Are there shopping
The straw market is still there! Didn't know if I should include that or not. Shopping is free until it isn't 😂
Where is the food food Brandon?
hmmm, not sure what food-food is? Help me out on this one (still drinking my coffee).
@@TheWeekendCruiserwhat food is closest to oasis lagoon?
@@kellyfaysash8854 my favorite is the snack shack on the other side of the bar. Both buffets are equal distance.
Need to remember these things are not "free". They are INCLUDED. You've already paid for them.
100% agree the fare of the cruise you are provided these services. Complimentary is a much better word but TH-cam viewers like the word "free". 🤷
Teh crib gonna go somewhere little zesty sounding buckaroo
Its Coco Keys not cay
Ummmmmmm what? no
haha, you are correct but also not correct. If you talk to a geographer, it is "key" if you talk to the marketing department at Royal Caribbean, it is Cay. :-)
To be honest, you should not spend a dime on coco cay. It has so many great beaches and pools that are complimentary, I don't see any point in spending extra money. My kids love the pools and waterpark there. Then they run to South Beach (thanks to one of your old video!). To my surprise, Labadee was wonderful too. I felt very sad that Royal stops going there
Very glad to here!! Yes, Perfect Day CocoCay is a perfect day even without spending money! You don't have to upgrade it to perfect ha
Thank you , so helpful !
Thank you , so helpful !👌
Great information!
Thank you!
Great information. Thank you.
Great information thank you 🙏🏼