WHAT HAPPENED to Coco Cay? Royal Caribbean's Private Island, then and now - CROWDED and EXPENSIVE
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ต.ค. 2024
- Royal Caribbean's private island Coco Cay is probably the most well-known and most visited cruise destination of it's kind in the world. On my recent Utopia of the Seas cruise, I stopped on the island after 13 years of not being back and was surprised by all the changes! That tropical, deserted island feeling is basically gone. Now, it's paved with a waterpark, beach clubs, splash pads, and more. The day we visited, the Harmony of the Seas was also there. That means around 12,000 cruisers on the island! It's too much.
#royalcaribbean #perfectdayatcococay #cruise
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We were there in 2014 - on Grandeur of the Seas - not too long after you - and I remember it just as you described. We were there again last year - on Serenade of the Seas - it was so crowded, we did nothing other than grab a beer and return to the ship. You did a great job with your comparison! Thank you.
Love the compare and contrast videos, Morgan - Yes! We visited in September and headed straight to The Cove! Lovely and quiet, just what you want on an island. A great tip is to have a big breakfast so you don't have to eat on the island. Then you can enjoy your whole day in the sun and get back on the ship for a snacks.
You can understand why some ports want to reduce the number of cruise ships. I think the mega ships will end up accelerating the number of ports who want fewer passengers. Last cruise, we didn't get off the boat at Coco Cay.
Brandon our first cruise to Coco Cay was Dec 2015 on Enchantment of the Seas and the ocean was too rough to tender to the island. It was 2 years later in Dec 2017 on Majesty of the Seas that we finally got to set foot on the island. Some development had started however it was largely still like your earlier video you showed! Loved it! Felt like barely anyone was even on the island! We visited Coco Cay on Feb 2024 for the first time since Dec 2019. Holy crap! The island was jam packed on all the nearest beaches! Hideaway Beach was fun at $35 per person price point I paid as it had just opened and was not crowded. MSC's Ocean Cay is what Coco Cay once was...a quiet tropical relaxing Bahamian island! I hope MSC keeps it that way! I have no desire to visit Coco Cay again.
You have been talking about dong this comparison video for a while . Well it’s finally here and well worth the wait . Great job!!
It was beautiful, but it was so crowded when we went a couple of years ago that we couldn’t even find two chairs side-by-side anywhere. Lineups for everything and just chaos.
Was there another ship dock there at the time?
@@Aquariangirl126 yes
@@Jazzykatt23That explains it. When I was on Symphony of the Seas our ship was the only ship docked there for the day. I don’t like crowded beaches and I hate waiting in lines.
Oh my goodness, what a drastic change and not necessarily for the better😢 Thank you, Captain Morgan🙏
If you think it’s crowded with 2 Oasis class ships, just imagine what it will be like in a few months when there could be 2 Icon class ships at Coco Cay 🤦♂️
Nooooo thank you!
I was there in December of 2002 for my husband's 40th birthday. I don't remember the exact location, but we were the only ones around. He took a nap in a hammock. He said it was his best birthday ever at that point. It was our first cruise and we were on Symphony of the Seas.
It's kind of sad in a way, because the popularity of some destinations is the cause of the buildup of infrastructure like that. Many people like the whole feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and leaving the world behind. However, the more people that keep coming literally change the feeling of disconnecting. And of course, with increased interest and tourist dollars, comes the building of more infrastructure to handle more people (and profits). It's kind of like its own popularity is its worst enemy.
Agree about the pool! I don't even visit the pool on ship. Give me the ocean and sea life ANY day over a pool! My closest ocean is 300 miles away so I am certainly spending my time there. btw..you are definately the "Rob Lowe" of vloggers..you have aged very well over the last 13 years! Enjoyed the look back at the differences in Coco Cay.
Wow, I need to make an award for my wall saying I won the "Rob Lowe of Vloggers" prize :-)
What a fantastic video comparing the island from what it used to look like to what it is now. I visited the Coco Cay twice before it was changed so that brought back some memories. I also remember watching your original video many many years ago. My, how a lot has changed.
I am with you. Less development keeps the charm and the peace. It’s the same reason that Royal has Oasis class ships. Mo money. Mo money for a Royal means Mo problems for us guests.
We tried to visit Coco Cay four times on Bahamas cruises and only landed once…in February they have rough seas so they had a lot of grumpy guests because nobody wants to miss what was a slice of paradise …because tendering was not safe. We have the fondest memories from Coco Cay because we saw our first fever of spotted eagle rays which was amazing. I would take a single BBQ shack and day and less developed island any day of the week.
Thank you for this video! I personally prefer the nature & peacefulness of a private island which is the perfect getaway to unplug and recharge. This island is just so crowded and built up now that it’s no longer appealing. That’s what greed does Royal Caribbean!
LOL...I am one of those pool people. I don't like the ocean, the seaweed, the fish, the slimy things, jelly fish, the sharks...have a major fear. I did the snorkel thing when I was younger, but now just old and sensible. LOL
Same here. But even pools can scare me. I can't swim, so I don't go in with crowds of strangers.
I'm a pool person too. I absolutely hate sand in my nether regions. Being older and unsteady on my feet shifting sand in the ocean is not my friend. I'll stick to pool noodles and fresh water.😊
Same here. The ocean is about 30 minutes from me but no thanks. Granted it's Connecticut so not the nicest beaches but regardless. Give me a heated pool any day of the week.
Old yes senseble no
Loved the comparison! We were there many times over the years and most recent was 2023. It is not the relaxful, serene place it used to be. It was very crowded, noisy and the lines for snacks was too long for us. We did the beach bbq, walked around to get pictures and went back to the very quiet ship. Enjoyed the pool and service from the staff onboard.
CoCo Cay was one of the ports we had on our honeymoon in 1991, and I can assure you it wasn't even anything like it was when you went there 13 years ago. I remember a BBQ shack, restrooms and some lounge chairs and tiny grass umbrella type coverings. lol We met another couple and the four of us tried hiding from the rain during a sudden storm under one of those coverings. It didn't work very well, but it was an amazing and unforgettable time. I get progress, but the way it was before was so beautifully amazing. Memories we will never forget.
Been waiting for this video since you teased it. We were there in Oct. 2003 on our first cruise. It was very rustic, and we loved it. It was our first time ever snorkeling, and we fell in love. Have not been since the waterpark was built.
W😮W‼️ This is so Amazing. The whole island has been changed. My first trip to Little Stirrup Cay was in 2019. I came again in 2021, 22, 23, and 3 times this year 2024. Now it's (3) three Snack Shack, a Skippers Grill, and Chill Grill. Coco Cay was completed refurbished. This video is Priceless❣️💯😎
Excellent job comparing then and today. As you were panning around, it occurred to me that you were demonstrating the shift RCL has taken in their passenger demographics. They have been actively marketing to a younger crowd. A more active group of individuals who have grown up with the internet and have the attention span of an ant and need constant mental stimulation and instant gratification. Thus, the megaships focusing on activities and constant dizzying noise and visual stimulation. So since I enjoy cruising for the voyage to new and different places and I'm quite capable of sitting quietly enjoying a good book. Like "Getting Stitches on a Cruis Ship". I will not be cruising on RCL in the future. Celebrity cruiseline has become my main choice recently.❤
My 1st trip to CC was 2006, 2nd was cancelled due to turbulent water in 2019, 3rd visit was mind blowing from all of the changes in 2023. We were 1st to arrive at the back of the island, furthest away from the ship & it was amazing & quiet with very accommodating bar to ourselves. The staff seemed tired & overwhelmed as they’d been hit with several huge crowds the days before us.
We love coco cay!! There are lots of free things to do, you don’t need to spend a cent!
I am sorry to say that my favourite Half Moon Cay (was Holland America's now they share it with Carnival) is going the same way. It used to be a beautiful, quiet tropical paradise island. Now it is being spoiled.
What a fun video! Our first visit to CocoCay was on Majesty of the Seas. We tendered in and jumped on a snorkeling excursion. During the excursion our Captain told us about the zip lines and waterslides that were being built on the island. Back then it was hard to imagine. Today, I still love Perfect Day at Coco Cay, mainly because there are no hawkers on the beach. Yet, I do miss the deserted island feel.
Thank you for this video. This takes me back to when I was an entertainer on the Sovereign of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. I definitely remember when it was the old Coco …. Just beaches, a few activities and buffet ….. I’ve been to the new one and definitely couldn’t place where anything was previously lol great video.‼️
This was really cool! You looked like a child in that older video!
I agree I look super young, although I was 37 years old!
@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides excellent genetics! You still look pretty young, just like an adult!
Aww, thanks.
I am glad I was there years ago when it was less like a theme park. They destroyed the beauty. Makes me sad.
I loved exploring the old Coco Cay but the new one is definitely more exciting for the masses. You can still get the old Coco Cay experience from some of the other cruise lines and their traditional private islands.
Yes, it gets crowded, but you don't have to spend a dime to enjoy yourself there or get decent food at the shacks.
Morgan, I have been there several times before and remember all those things way back. Tender boat and a small lighthouse stand looking out to the ship. I have been back two times since the up grade and like the adult only beach the best. Thanks for the memories......
She thought you were cute, she was right. You still are. I think the reason for the pools is most people learn to swim in pools, and the waves in the ocean make swimming harder... for me, its taken me quite awhile to adapt to it. Especially for little kids the waves can be hard I imagine.
Same thing is happening to the Fl Keys. Part of the reason we left. Got tired of living in a “ hotel”
We had a lovely day - headed out to South Beach and got chairs with a bit of shade. Only money spent was a drink.
I love the new adult area especially the pool. I rarely get in the pool on the ship. So when I go to the adult area I like to chill in the pool and listen to the DJ love music and a little dancing.
Morgan you're the best.😂❤❤❤
Wow, our first time there was way back in 1995 and it was quite a bit more primitive than even when you first went. The big thing I remember was the large snorkeling area with a few sunken items to swim out to and a fence across the entrance to keep sharks out! I'll have to look for the pictures we took with our waterproof Kodak camera! 😂 Thanks for the video.
The pool in the adult area Hideaway Beach is heated to 90F an ideal place to be in January or February unless you like to swim in the 60F ocean water.
Morgan, I totally agree with you when it comes to the pool vs the ocean. I will never go to an island and go to a pool, and some pools you have to pay to get in. It's the ocean for me.
Great job on the then and now.
Before “perfect day”, I hiked through the mangrove past Barefoot Beach. Supposedly there was a nature trail there. My wife thought I was crazy and she was right.
Great video. I don't ever see myself paying for a cabana. Thanks for the final tip on secluded area.
I was at Coco Cay right before they ruined it, and I thought it was very relaxing and enjoyable. The cruise industry is cutting their own throats with their greed now and making everything "bigger and better". 🙄 I only cruise the older, smaller ships now........doing Boston (where I live) to Canada in two weeks and these kinds are mostly an older crowd, and more traditional cruising. 🥰
I agree with you 300%. It’s all about profits and pleasing shareholders first.
I definitely preferred the old vibe compared to the new one!
My first time at Coco Cay was in 2011 and it was magical. Trees, sand, beaches, roosters, goats and one place to get burgers and hotdogs. Went back in 2015 on Quantum of the seas and it was sooo different and commercialized. We hated it. Now we don't bother getting off at this spot
Cruised on RC last year, we went to CoCo Cay and the prices were so outrageous it was ridiculous. It was over $100 per person for the water park and your only there for a few hours. I have no interest in returning at all.
I visited Little Stirrup Cay in 1984. Much different experience than CoCo Cay today.
I've been waiting for this one. Great job. I've been there three times and only made it on the balloon once. They built it knowing full and well that it would be grounded more than it would be flying. I was told that the max population there is 12,500. They expanded the newest section to include the increased capacity of TWO Icon class ships. Big nope. I would never. The pool is the largest fresh-water pool in the Caribbean.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Two Icon class ships is going to be ridiculous.
swimming in a pool with birds.... I'll pass
And cruisers wonder why towns have started passing ordinances limiting or prohibiting ships
WOW what a contrast. I have never cruised with Royal, but have seen the changes beginning on Princess Cay. Still tender there, and have missed it twice. (Got our port fees back!) My favorite private island to date is the MSC island. Lots of places to roam, and your drink package works on the island. It is lovely.
I’m glad we experienced the old Barefoot Beach. Now we do Hideaway Beach which I’m also fine with. The convenience of the dock is worth the crowds.
Whoah - times have CHANGED!!! Love the side-by-side comparison style video. Thank you!
We visited CocoCay in 2013. We found Barefoot Beach thanks to your video, and we were there alone whole morning. A perfect experience on a small tropical island! Now the whole place looks like a horrible plastic nightmare, too many people, too much noise, nature and beaches destroyed.
I been to the old coco cay I like the new island mainly because of the pools.I like the options of the pool or the beach.
my wife and i went in summer 22'. we went straight to south beach and were the first ones there. and first ones at the floating bar! such a fun time. our next cruise will always have to include cococay.
When I went to Coco Cay for the first time it was 2008 and it is completely different.
The CoCo Beach Club is nice but it's pricey. However they limit the number of people so getting a spot at the pool or the beach is easy and the food options are top notch.
I first time to coco cay was 1994 . It was beautiful and true and experience , super rough. There is nothing left from that time
Yes, I was there in 2008. It was nothing to write home about back then.
Great video! My first visit to Coco Cay was when it was new. I think it was 1989. I remember the beach was full of rocks. Over the years I have seen the growth and development. I kind of miss some things about the old days....when the chairs were just piled up and you dragged them to a spot. Back then there were no umbrellas either, and from what I recall, very few trees for shade. I also remember Labadee way back when...I always preferred Labadee because there were many more shaded areas.
Nice walk down memory lane 😊
Loved this video. I really appreciated the comparison to the old footage.
I'm a pool person - don't want sand, rocks, or sea life.
I enjoy the pool! Less jellyfish 🪼
We have only ever been to the new experience, got a cabana tucked away for some privacy and I had lovely, new, funny read called 'Getting Stitches on a Cruise Ship'.
Oh wow, that books sounds really interesting and funny. I bet you wrote a review on Amazon, too, right? wink wink
@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides that's amazing how you knew what was first on my Monday 'to don't list. Can't wait for the next book...I sail again in January, May, and September next year. But no pressure 😎
We never got to the old Coco Cay. We went when the make over was pretty new, in Sept 2019. We had an overstuffed Symphony of the Seas. It felt crowded every where. And it was a short day there. The draw for the pool was that it's the largest in the Caribbean, and obviously bigger than the ones on the ship.
We have been to Labadee a few times, pre-dock and post dock. It's lost a lot of charm too.
When it's Royal going to learn that many people want a more rustic, personal, experience on these islands?
I loved the “original” Coco Cay for its quiet beauty. We have been there several times since the development but were so disappointed we only stay on the ship now. I just hope they don’t “improve” Labadee!
I agree. Labadee is kind of the perfect mix of natural and theme park.
The idea was great. When two Oasis class ships docked, it was so crowded. There is no way to swim and always somebody hitting you. My usual itinerary on the island was jet ski, lunch then go back to ship.
I was there in 1991. Nothing even close to the way it was for you in 2011. There was a cookout area where Royal cooked up Hamburgers and hotdogs. We just hung out on the white sand beach and blue water.
Sounds fantastic.
I remember the old days there as well, it was so nice! I did like the 18 and up beach area though.
Never had a problem finding a spot on the beach. Didn't spend an extra dime while on the island. But I do remember the old "Little Stirrup Cay". What a difference.
Morgan I remember taking the tender boat over back in 2014. I’ve never been to the upgraded coco cay. Looking forward to checking it out in December with my young granddaughters. I think we’ll try the cove like you suggested. If you have any other suggestions I’d greatly appreciate it. By the way I enjoy all your videos. Thank you
On our very first cruise we were scheduled to go to Coco Cay and it was cancelled. We did eventually get there before all the upgrades and as you said, now it feels more like an amusement park. Our last visit was when the Beach Club was new and they weren't charging an arm and a leg for it so we paid for the upgrade. It was nice, but not nice enough for the price they are currently charging. We are scheduled to visit again in December and have booked Hideaway Beach to see what it is like.
Enjoyed the comparison. I was just there last February for my first time. There were two ships, but we went somewhat early and found plenty of open chairs/lounges and no lines for lunch. It did get more crowded as the day progressed, but there still seemed to be open chairs...you may have had to choose another pool or beach, though. I enjoyed my Day at Coco Cay!
Yes if you don’t mind walking, Cove Beach past South Beach only had two other couples on it when we were there last summer. Great, quiet afternoon! Water is only knee deep though for quite a ways out!
Great video. Agree that about the pools, I can do that on the ship. Ocean water is where it's at with your toes in the sand. I did the waterpark once and don't need to do that again. I am concerned that our visit might be impacted for weather. I am excited for my mom to experience a nice beach day.
After a full day. on the beach we went to the pool just to cool down. Refreshing swim!!!
I went to Coco Cay on Soverign of the Seas a long time ago- actually my first cruise! The crew from the ship had to go over first and set up the food and beverages being offered. It was basic hamburgers, hot dogs- that is all I remember. The shop with the snorkel equipment was there but not much else! Just chilled in the ocean snorkeling and playing in the ocean. Things change- big time!
I liked the old way better! (Except for the food.)
I don’t swim in a pool at home. I do it on a cruise ship. It’s part of my vacation fun that I look forward to.
Certainly makes cruising look unappealing-too many people. Might be a good day to stay on the ship
We went there years ago before all of the improvements were done. It was very relaxing then. Kinda crazy now
I was at CocoCay once back in 1998. There was even a lot less than when you were there before! I am going again this week on Celebrity. I'm sure I'll be amazed with the changes, but probably not impressed. I still like a private island for a free, relaxing, quiet beach day. I doubt that will happen. 😮
when a second ship pulls into any private island or resort there way too many PPL to enjoy yourself. Ill take Half moon cay anytime just the way it is! but i think once they build a dock there it will be ruined.
Bummer Morgan, honestly Labadee feels entirely different to me also... I mean when they opened it to multiple ships was one thing, but including other lines within the RCL family also has kind of wrecked
Things too at least to me...
Honestly anymore its not really worth it to leave the ship especially when a majority of the ship has left for the day...
No lines at Sorrento's or other food locations onboard either...
I still LOVE Labadee but I feel like many ships don’t visit there as much. But coco cay is still good just not a fan of the water park vibes , more relax vibes
Thank you very much for the information! Great video!
I live in Florida, & am an avid lover of cruising. + a phenomenal Travel Agent 🎉😊 toot! Pool over Ocean is no sea creatures, no waves {usually or less aggressive ones at least}, & HOPEFULLY no pee-pee or poo-poo for when you inadvertently swallow water! 😂
I Agee in comparison to today, the old layout looks less busy. However, we have been there at least 10 times since it opened as Perfect Day and I can honestly say that we have never felt crowded or had any trouble finding chairs and umbrellas.
Like noted in the video, get there early to get the best selection. Also, people tend to leave very early from the beach and lagoon area so if you come late or just stay longer, you will have more time for yourself with fewer guests around.
The last trip we had an Oasis class ship and a Voyager class ship.
I remember Cocoa Cay from back then when nothing was there and you had to get there by tender. It was actually nice just having the beach and a picnic. It was peaceful and relaxing. Now it's really crowded with enough free things to do HOWEVER paid stuff to do also and people everywhere. Since I don't do the water sports or get into the pool or the ocean, I go over and eat lunch, sit a while and people watch or read and then go back to the ship. Cocoa Cay is beautiful though. Nice video comparison.
Wow, this video made me pull out the scrapbook of our 2005 visit to Coco Cay on Sovereign of the Seas. It was even a bit less developed back then, without the slide and inflatable stuff out in the water. Just a perfect day, without all the nonsense, despite Hurricane Rita having passed through the area the day before our stop there. I may be yelling at clouds, but I think the development and addition of pricey options has ruined what used to be an idyllic paradise. Thanks for posting this video, it brought back memories of a simpler time!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I guess great minds think alike. Too bad it will never be changed back to what it was!
First visit was on 2008 and we took the tender boat, to the island. Last visit was in 2022 and yeah it feels like you’re entering a theme park. I get growth, but I miss the simplicity
So I swim in the because most of my life I was fortunate to live by beaches , when we go on a cruise sometimes you just do not want to be all sandy going in the pool is some what cleaner , sound wired but that’s why we don’t go swimming in the ocean , Love you long time watching 💙🇺🇸
My ex-wife and I were there in April of 2007, and I agree with you, Morgan. It has lost the vibe it once had🎉
Great video Morgan! I don’t miss the tendering and I like the extra food options but I miss the quiet solitude laying in a hammock under the palms. Too many up charges and Coco Cay doesn’t feel anywhere near as authentic as it used to feel.
I’ve been cruising with Royal Caribbean for 20 years and been to Coco Cay many times, both prior to and after the makeover. If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded beach escape, you’re going to need to go somewhere other than there. Take a seven day cruise that goes to St. Thomas and Saint Martin, and you can find a secluded beach. I would like to point out that for older and disabled guests, the new set up atCoco Cay is so much better! The trams and paved walkways allow much better access than there used to be. It is now an island where you can choose your own level of adventure. Where before you got pretty much the same experience as everyone else. I may not be into the waterpark, but my son is, and it allows BOTH of us to have a great, safe day! He can have fun while I float in the beautiful clear water of the Caribbean with my drink. 😊
We have been there 3 times before the renovation and we are going to the renovated coco cay next month so we shall see how it looks now.
We just went on a cruise and saw construction on both of the islands we visited. I'm pretty sure they're expanding as well
I'm convinced you were there on the same Utopia cruise August 5th!
Yep, we were!
Thank you so much for Breaking Down the CoCo Experience 😮…and for letting that Mean Gurl have it👀💯🤣🤣🤣🤣.
New Subscriber !!!😊
Haha. Did you see the LOOK she gave? Honestly, some people just think the world revolves around them.
I remember the one time I got to experience the pre-PerfectDay experience and the lunch was heavily themed toward Caribbean cuisine. It got replaced by the typical burger/fries “Windjammer but on the beach” menu.
I’m not sure if the Bahamas themed lunch I got was a regular feature of CocoCay back then, or I was just lucky.
I went for the first time about a month ago. It was fairly empty but I was told that is usually not the case. You could almost have your pick of the chairs. I had a lot of fun but I don’t think I would like it if it was busy.
Pools were better than the ocean in March. The ocean was very cold. Loved the rest of the island.
I hope this “ tourist attraction “ doesn’t happen to Half Moon Cay! This is why I do not cruise on Royal or other mega ships. Prefer the mid size ships.
FYI, it's Coco CAY. Royal bought it and named it. The Bahamian name is Little Stirrup Cay which you could pronounce key.
But Royal named it CAY.