I Toured Royal Caribbean's $250 Million Private Island And Saw Why It's Become So Popular With Passengers

Brittany Chang/Insider Many of Royal Caribbean's North America-based itineraries stop at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The cruise line has seen "exceptionally high" demand for its private island, Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley told investors in February. Take a look around Royal Caribbean's $250 million private Bahamas getaway. Cruises offer a convenient low-stakes way to see bucket list destinations.Brittany Chang/InsiderBut one of Royal Caribbean International's more frequented ports of call in its North America-based itineraries isn't a historic city in Mexico or an Instagrammable Alaskan town.Brittany Chang/InsiderSource: Royal Caribbean GroupInstead, it's Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.Brittany Chang/InsiderThe company initially poured $250 million into the now-splashy getaway, which began welcoming guests in 2019.Brittany Chang/InsiderAnd so far, this investment has been a success: The island's financial returns have been "exceptionally high and significantly above its targeted returns," Naftali Holtz, Royal Caribbean Group's CFO, told investors in February.Brittany Chang/InsiderSource: Royal Caribbean GroupCruise lines like MSC, Holland America, and Disney all have their own private island destinations in the Bahamas.Brittany Chang/InsiderSource: MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line But this competition doesn't seem to be worrying Royal Caribbean.Brittany Chang/InsiderFour years from its debut, Royal Caribbean travelers are still loving Perfect Day at CocoCay.Brittany Chang/InsiderThe demand for the private island has been "exceptionally high," Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's president and CEO, told investors …Brittany Chang/InsiderSource: Royal Caribbean Group… predicting that the island will see two-and-a-half to three million travelers this year.Brittany Chang/InsiderLet's take a look around the cruise line's big attraction that can accommodate two cruise ships and thousands of eager travelers.Brittany Chang/InsiderPerfect Day at CocoCay is filled with pockets of relaxation from these shady hammocks to the tree-lined walkways that snake around the island.Brittany Chang/InsiderTo best explore CocoCay, let's go from neighborhood to neighborhood.Brittany Chang/InsiderLike Royal Caribbean's newer cruise ships, Perfect Day at CocoCay has several "neighborhoods," or sections, that appeal to different travelers of varying ages.Brittany Chang/InsiderWhen guests first step off the ship and walk towards the island, they'll be greeted by the Arrivals Plaza.Brittany Chang/InsiderThe mood is immediately set with views of the water park, opportunities for photos…Brittany Chang/Insider… and a large ship that doubles as an interactive playground.Brittany Chang/InsiderFrom there, travelers can either walk or take the tram to all the other neighborhoods.Brittany Chang/InsiderFamilies and couples looking for a more private getaway can pay extra to access the tree-lined Coco Beach Club.Brittany Chang/InsiderThis pool and beachside retreat is complete with a restaurant, bar, lounge chairs …Brittany Chang/Insider… and cabanas, some overwater with small slides.Brittany Chang/InsiderWhen I walked around Coco Beach Club, it was less intense and busy than the complimentary Chill Island and South Beach (not to be mistaken for Miami's infamous destination).Brittany Chang/InsiderThese two "neighborhoods" looked more like a typical tourist-beloved beach destination.Brittany Chang/InsiderHere, there were no man-made pools or sit-down restaurants.Brittany Chang/InsiderInstead, there were rows of beach lounge chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees …Brittany Chang/Insider… as well as shacks for portable meals and desserts.Brittany Chang/InsiderThere's also the option to rent snorkeling gear, go on a guided jet ski tour, or swim up to South Beach's bar.Brittany Chang/InsiderSource: Royal CaribbeanIt's one of 10 bars on the island.Brittany Chang/InsiderLooking to break a sweat?