The battle for one of the best cruise non-public vacation spot within the Bahamas simply acquired extra intense. After Royal Caribbean’s large success with Excellent Day at CocoCay, Carnival has answered with its personal brand-new non-public vacation spot: Celebration Key. Each resorts promise the last word seaside getaway with loads of sand, solar, and enjoyable, however which one delivers the higher expertise? Having cruised to Excellent Day at CocoCay a dozen or extra occasions, we had been among the many first company to go to Celebration Key. Now, we’re able to put these two locations head-to-head in numerous classes that will help you resolve which island paradise deserves a spot in your subsequent cruise itinerary.
Celebration Key vs Excellent Day at CocoCay – Which Is Higher?
- Location
- Format
- Seaside & Pool Areas
- Meals & Drinks
- Actions & Sights
- Household Areas
- Grownup-Solely Areas
- Personal Seaside Membership
- What’s Included
- Total Vibe
Location
Excellent Day at CocoCay sits about 240 miles from Port Canaveral and simply 65 miles from Nassau within the Bahamas. The island has been utterly remodeled since Royal Caribbean’s $250 million renovation in 2019, turning what was as soon as a easy seaside day right into a resort-style vacation spot spanning over 120 acres. Excellent Day at CocoCay’s pier can accommodate two Royal Caribbean ships at a time.
Celebration Key is positioned on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island, about 23 miles (40 minutes) from Freeport on the western facet. Celebration Key options its personal cruise pier able to accommodating as much as two of Carnival’s largest Excel-class vessels concurrently, with plans to increase to 4 ships by 2026. The vacation spot spans 68 acres with practically a mile of pristine seaside, with an extra 154 acres for future enlargement plans.
The one means you’ll be able to attain both of those cruise non-public islands is on a crusing from the respective cruise line. Whereas choose Superstar Cruises itineraries additionally go to Excellent Day at CocoCay, there are presently no different Carnival Corp. manufacturers that decision on Celebration Key.
Carnival Cruse Line has 20 ships from ten totally different U.S. homeports scheduled to name at this vacation spot. Most sailings that go to Celebration Key originate in Florida, together with voyages from Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa. Nonetheless, different homeports additionally supply cruises to Celebration Key comparable to Cell, Alabama; Galveston, Texas; and Baltimore, Maryland; amongst others.
Most Royal Caribbean sailings that go to Excellent Day at CocoCay depart from Cape Liberty, New Jersey; Galveston, Texas; and the Florida ports of Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa. These cruises fluctuate in size with standard 3-day sailings on ships comparable to Utopia of the Seas calling right here as effectively.
Format
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Excellent Day at CocoCay is an expansive area with a typically appreciable distance between predominant points of interest, which could possibly be a professional or a con for you. The Arrivals Plaza is the principle start line from which company can enterprise off to get pleasure from a number of included and up-charge experiences for his or her good day of enjoyable within the solar. The primary highlights embrace Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Seaside, Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, Coco Seaside Membership, Splashaway Bay for the little ones, and South Seaside. There are additionally loads of foods and drinks choices discovered all through the resort, so that you’ll by no means should go far once you get hungry or thirsty. The Up, Up, and Away helium balloon and zipline are arduous to overlook too.
Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, and South Seaside are the most important complimentary areas relying in your vibe. Chill Island provides a soothing day on the seaside, whereas South Seaside has a extra energetic vibe with video games, sports activities, and a floating tiki bar. Our private favourite, the Oasis Lagoon is likely one of the largest freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean and contains a swim-up bar and DJ.
Different unique areas that require an entrance charge are Thrill Waterpark with a few of the greatest waterslides in North America, the upscale Coco Seaside Membership full with an infinity pool, and Hideaway Seaside Membership for the 18+ crowd with get together vibes.
Celebration Key
Celebration Secret is cut up into 5 areas known as “portals” that every supply distinctive experiences. They’re the Paradise Plaza welcome space, the family-focused Starfish Lagoon, the adult-centered Calypso Lagoon, the Lokono Cove buying space, and the adults-only non-public seaside membership, Pearl Cove.
Paradise Plaza serves as your start line, that includes a sun-shaped arch good for welcome photographs, the enduring Suncastle, a water fountain, and reside music. Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon each function the most important freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean, which mixed are 8 occasions as giant because the Oasis Lagoon. Each of those portals function loads of poolside and beachside area for lounging, together with quite a lot of foods and drinks choices.
Pearl Cove Seaside Membership requires admission, however is an ideal 18+ retreat with an infinity pool, swim-up bar, loads of seaside area, and a extra chill vibe. Lastly, Lokono Cove is the buying destintation with a Bahamian craft market, locally-painted murals, and extra.
Each non-public locations supply complimentary trams across the island for many who’d choose to not stroll.
WINNER: Celebration Key – The format of Celebration Key may be very intuitive and manageable with most portals circling the big lagoons and the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership positioned the furthest west past Calypso Lagoon. There are paved strolling paths and signage as you navigate across the resort. So, it’s nearly unimaginable to get misplaced. Whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay may supply extra space to unfold out, it does contain much more strolling within the Bahamian warmth.
Seaside & Pool Areas
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean‘s Excellent Day at CocoCay options each complimentary and upcharge areas that supply the right seaside day or pool day relying in your preferences and journey fashion.
Your choices on Excellent Day at CocoCay embrace:
- Chill Island & Breezy Bay – complimentary
- Harbor Seaside – complimentary
- South Seaside – complimentary
- Oasis Lagoon – complimentary
- Hideaway Seaside Membership – upcharge, adults-only
- Coco Seaside Membership – upcharge
Oasis Lagoon is centrally positioned on the island and options one of many largest freshwater swimming pools within the Caribbean. This expansive oasis is open to company of all ages and even contains a DJ and swim-up bar. We’d say that appears like a reasonably Excellent Day at CocoCay!
In the case of seashores, Chill Island is the most important (largely the world of the previous CocoCay) to the left of the Arrivals Plaza. This expansive complimentary space combines pristine white sand seashores and crystal-clear waters. Harbor Seaside is the closest seaside to the pier. It’s a small, protected space that’s nice for households with younger children. South Seaside is a little more secluded on the exact opposite finish from Chill Island. Close by to South Seaside, there’s complimentary video games and a sports activities court docket for the extra energetic cruisers.
No matter which possibility you select, you’ll discover snug lounge chairs, umbrellas, and quick access to eating choices. In fact, you don’t have to decide on only one. With a full day ashore, it is best to undoubtedly discover all that the island has to supply.
Celebration Key
Equally, Carnival‘s Celebration Key has each complimentary and upcharge areas with seaside and pool choices. Although, there are much less upcharge areas vs. Excellent Day at CocoCay. And it’s arduous to disregard the huge measurement of the centrally-located lagoons. Celebration Key’s two freshwater lagoons whole 275,000 sq. ft and maintain about 350 million gallons of water!
Your choices on Celebration Key embrace:
- Calypso Lagoon – complimentary
- Calypso Seaside – complimentary
- Starfish Lagoon – complimentary
- Starfish Seaside – complimentary
- Pearl Cove Seaside Membership – upcharge, adults-only
Starfish Lagoon, positioned on the east facet of the island, is crammed with enjoyable for the entire household. The focus of your entire vacation spot: the towering Suncastle, constructed to appear like a sandcastle, options twin racing slides. The Starfish Lagoon portal can be the place you’ll discover a lagoon swimming pool, the family-friendly seaside, and the Guppy Grotto splash pad with enjoyable water options and a wading pool for the littlest guests.
Calypso Lagoon, positioned on the west facet of the island, is the extra adult-friendly portal. This space is positioned on the second lagoon-style pool and provides Caribbean chill vibes, full with DJ-spun music and loads of loungers surrounding the pool. There’s additionally Calypso Seaside should you’d fairly spend the day along with your toes within the sand. Whereas the upcharge Pearl Cove Seaside Membership is strictly adults-only, there’s additionally a small part of Calypso Lagoon that’s reserved for these 18+ (although, it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how and if that is enforced).
WINNER: Celebration Key – It’s arduous to disclaim how spectacular the lagoon swimming pools at Celebration Key actually are. Apart from their large measurement, there’s loads of nooks with distinctive vibes. Whether or not you wish to get pleasure from a drink at one of many swim-up bars with in-water seating, calm down in one of many over-water cabanas or inflatable Aquabanas (extra fees apply), catch some rays on one of many in-water loungers, or simply float round in paradise, these lagoons are calling your title. Whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay does have extra seaside area, Celebration Key holds its personal too. In reality, the seashores had been comparatively empty throughout our go to.
Meals & Drinks
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Excellent Day at CocoCay provides company quite a lot of eating choices, most of that are utterly free. There are additionally a number of bars throughout the island to seize your favourite drinks. You shouldn’t cross up the favored Coco Loco! The very best half is that your Royal Caribbean beverage package deal and/or loyalty drink vouchers work on the island.
Eating Spots:
- Chill Grill – The biggest eating venue positioned on Chill Island, Chill Grill is a buffet that gives all the pieces from tacos to sandwiches and grilled favorites.
- Skipper’s Grill – With extra nautically impressed decor, Skipper’s Grill is one other informal lunchtime buffet that overlooks the harbor and provides the identical meals choices because the Chill Grill.
- Snack Shacks – There are three Snack Shacks across the island that serve objects like hamburgers, hen sandwiches, salads, mozzarella sticks, funnel cake, and extra. These spot are our private favorites.
- Captain Jack’s – This centrally positioned bar serves hen wings with signature sauces and crispy steak fries at a la carte pricing alongside drinks and reside music. ($)
Excellent Day at CocoCay Bars:
- Captain Jack’s – Centrally positioned with a coated pavilion, swings, and reside music
- Oasis Lagoon Bar – Options each a swim-up and out-of-water bar
- Wacky Seagull Bar – Situated on Chill Island
- Wacky Seagull Jr. Bar -Situated close to Breezy Bay at Chill Island
- The Cracked Coconut Bar – Situated close to the doorway of Chill Island overlooking Harbor Seaside
- Floating Bar – Swim out to this floating tiki bar from South Seaside
- South Seaside Bar – Situated on South Seaside
- Coconut Willie’s Bar – Situated close to the Sports activities Court docket
- Extra Bar Stands across the island
Celebration Key
Celebration Key additionally provides quite a lot of eating choices; although, Carnival has launched a brand new idea known as Island Eats which limits what company can get pleasure from without cost throughout their go to. With Island Eats company obtain a eating credit score for one complimentary meal at one of many fast informal venues or a 25 p.c low cost on one entree on the full-service eating places. Extra objects will price further.
Whereas we benefit from the higher selection and addition of some native flavors vs. Excellent Day at CocoCay, we expect the Island Eats idea makes eating on Celebration Key considerably complicated and restricted for company until they’re keen to pay further for meals. We perceive the reasoning for some upcharges, like a few of the meals truck objects, however we’d anticipate some primary objects like burgers, hen sandwiches, scorching canines, and pizza to be included (and limitless) with out utilizing the Island Eats credit score— particularly since they’re removed from connoisseur.
Eating Choices:
- Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen – This full service restaurant in Calypso Lagoon options island favorites like jerk hen and coconut shrimp, in addition to classics together with tacos and burgers. ($)
- Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews – This full service restaurant in Calypso Lagoon, full with an outside smoker, serves slow-cooked meats alongside sides and sauces proper subsequent to the lagoon. ($)
- Gill’s Grill – This full service restaurant in Starfish Lagoon pairs land and sea with dishes like seafood baskets, steamed crab, shrimp, lobster, native fish, hen, and burgers. ($)
- Captain’s Galley Meals Corridor – This quick informal meals corridor in Starfish Lagoon serves objects like tacos, scorching canines, pizza, burgers, salads, Mediterranean bowls, and extra. That is NOT an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Meals Vans – There are a number of meals vans positioned in each Calypso and Starfish Lagoons with choices like: Grand Bahama Taco Co, Fowl Play, Seaside Shack, Flippin Fritters, Mini Donut King, Calypso Rooster Co, Streatery Sushiva, Seaside Burgers & Canine, and Beachside Burgers & Extra.
- Snack Shacks – Snack Shacks are positioned across the island serving caesar salad, hen caesar wraps, hummus vegetable wraps, scorching canines, and turkey membership wraps.
- Yumshine Scoops – Ice cream store positioned in Paradise Plaza. ($)
- Suncastle Grounds Espresso – Situated in Lokono Cove, this espresso store serves serves up scorching, iced, and frozen espresso drinks. ($)
Bars:
- Lengthy Necks Swim Up Bar – Swim-up bar in Calypso Lagoon with over 160 seats
- Sunshine Swings Bar – Calypso Lagoon bar with practically 50 swings
- Lagoon Bar West – Third bar in Calypso Lagoon
- Parrotfish Swim Up Bar – Swim-up bar in Starfish Lagoon
- Aquabana Bar – Bar for the in-water Aquabanas in Starfish Lagoon
- Lagoon Bar East – Third bar in Starfish Lagoon
With every full-service restaurant providing a signature bar menu, in addition to the opposite uniquely themed bars, there’s loads of locations to seize a drink on Celebration Key. Nonetheless, Carnival’s beverage packages don’t apply to the road’s unique locations although. So, all drinks will price extra cash.
WINNER: Excellent Day at CocoCay – Whereas Celebration Key does have higher menu selection and native Bahamian distributors sourcing meals and drinks, the Island Eats idea provides a degree of complexity that nobody needs to fret about on trip. On Excellent Day at CocoCay, there’s no fear about what menu objects are included or “What if I get hungry later?”. You possibly can seize a hen sandwich, burger, tacos, or some Caribbean fare at lunchtime, then get some fruit, gentle serve ice cream, cookies, or funnel cake later. It’s also possible to fulfill your children’ every-two-hour meals requests for no extra charges. To not point out, the hen sandwiches and mozzerella sticks are fairly yummy! And in the case of drinks, Royal Caribbean’s drink package deal extends to the island. So, it’s a win throughout for Excellent Day at CocoCay.
Actions & Sights
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Excellent Day at CocoCay provides one thing for everybody. Past the seashores and Oasis Lagoon pool, there are numerous activites and points of interest for all sorts of vacationers (some complimentary and a few upcharges). From thrillseekers and energetic cruisers, to households with little ones, to these on the lookout for a slice of luxurious, Excellent Day at CocoCay has all of it.
- Thrill Waterpark ($)
- Zipline ($)
- Up, Up, and Away ($)
- Captain Jill’s Galleon
- Splashaway Bay
- Sports activities Areas
- Cabana Choices ($)
- Extra Shore Excursions ($)
Excellent Day at CocoCay options one of the best points of interest for thrillseekers of any cruise non-public island. In fact, these actions do come at a worth. Thrill Waterpark options 13 waterslides (together with the tallest waterslide in North America), the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, and a kid-friendly impediment course pool. There’s additionally a 1,600-foot-long zip line and a helium balloon trip tethered 450 ft above the island providing wonderful panoramic views.
For the little ones, there are two complimentary points of interest. The Splashaway Bay aqua park options fountains, swimming pools, sprinklers, water cannons, kid-size waterslides, and two large drench buckets. Captain Jill’s Galleon is positioned close to the pier and is loaded with water options too. Between these two areas, you’ll be able to definitely preserve the kiddos entertained all day lengthy.
For energetic cruisers, or those that don’t wish to pay for the upcharge actions, there are additionally sports activities courts and gaming areas positioned between Chill Island and South Seaside. Company can partake in actions comparable to volleyball, basketball, cornhole, and extra.
For these looking for so as to add a little bit of luxurious to their seaside day, there are a number of cabana choices obtainable all through the island as effectively. These cabanas are positioned in Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, Thrill Waterpark, South Seaside, Hideaway Seaside, and the Coco Seaside Membership together with the dreamy overwater cabanas. These cabanas fluctuate in worth relying on measurement, location, and sail date.
If that’s not sufficient, cruisers can even guide for-fee shore excursions. Choices embrace snorkeling, kayaking, glass backside boat excursions, jet skis, and swimming with the pigs, amongst others.
Celebration Key
Much like Excellent Day at CocoCay, Carnival’s brand-new Celebration Key provides quite a lot of actions and upcharge experiences for many who choose to do one thing past stress-free close to the seaside or lagoon.
- Suncastle twin racing waterslides ($)
- Guppy Grotto splashpad
- Gaming Pavilion & Sports activities Court docket
- Cabana Choices ($)
- Extra Shore Excursions ($)
Whereas the Suncastle is a sight to behold on Celebration Key, it’s additionally dwelling to twin racing waterslides, that are 350-foot-long, 10-story points of interest known as Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin. The charge for these slides is $14.99 per individual for limitless rides. The utmost weight is 300 lbs. and the minimal top is 40 inches. Limitless rides are included for company booked in cabanas and villas.
For the little ones, Guppy Grotto is a complimentary water play space in Starfish Lagoon with a colourful coral-reef theme and a shallow wade pool. Whereas the younger kiddos splash the day away, tweens and teenagers can benefit from the gaming pavilion with actions like desk tennis and cornhole. There’s additionally a sports activities court docket with pickleball, basketball, and volleyball courts.
Moreover, Celebration Key provides plenty of cabana and villa choices for these wanting so as to add a splash of luxurious to their day. These are positioned inside Calypso Lagoon and Seaside, Starfish Lagoon and Seaside, and Pearl Cove Seaside Membership. Choices embrace Tremendous Villas for 10 company, Over-Lagoon Tremendous Villas, Aquabanas at Starfish Lagoon for 8 company, Massive Cabanas for six company, Cabanas for 4 company, and Over-Lagoon Cabanas.
If that’s not sufficient, cruisers can even guide for-fee shore excursions. Choices embrace actions like snorkeling, dolphin encounters, kayaking, a Grand Bahama by Jeep tour, outings at Pirate Cove Seaside like UTVs and ziplines, sightseeing on Grand Bahama Island, biking adventures, swimming with the pigs, and extra.
WINNER: Excellent Day at CocoCay – Whereas each locations supply related experiences with quite a lot of complimentary facilities to have a enjoyable day ashore, you’ll be able to’t beat the theme park-like points of interest at Excellent Day at CocoCay. If you happen to’re keen to spend a little bit cash, Thrill Waterpark provides the last word journey. With a daredevil tower and a family-friendly tower of waterslides, a wave pool, and loads of loungers with umbrellas, it’s good for households with tweens and teenagers. To not point out, the zipline and helium balloon trip present extra adrenaline-inducing alternatives.
Household Areas
As you’ve in all probability discovered by now, Excellent Day at CocoCay AND Celebration Key are family-friendly. In reality, there are only a few areas the place these below 18 aren’t allowed. So, should you’re touring as a household or a multi-generational group, you actually can’t go mistaken with both vacation spot.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
In the case of Excellent Day at CocoCay, households can get pleasure from a soothing day on the seaside. Households with little children will admire the Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon water play areas, whereas teenagers and tweens will love all of the complimentary sports activities and video games obtainable. Whereas the Oasis Lagoon is open to all ages, it tends to be extra adult-centered with the swim-up bar and DJ music. However, that doesn’t imply that youngsters can’t cling on the market. There’s additionally Harbor Seaside which has a protected swimming space good for little ones. In fact, should you’re keen to shell out some money, households with older children will love the Thrill Waterpark as effectively.
Celebration Key
At Celebration Key, the household and grownup areas are extra distinct with Starfish Lagoon providing a devoted area for households to remain and play all day lengthy. Households can get pleasure from twin racing waterslides for a small up-charge, a whole half of the lagoon swimming pool, and devoted household seaside area on the east of the island. For households with little ones, the Guppy Grotto is a enjoyable splashpad with water options. And similiar to Excellent Day at CocoCay, tweens and teenagers can occupy themselves on the gaming pavilion and sports activities court docket. These areas are naturally separated from the extra adult-centered Calypso Lagoon and seaside space, so {couples} gained’t have to fret about being overrun by children.
WINNER: Excellent Day at CocoCay – Households can have a good time at each cruise line non-public islands. When evaluating Carnival’s Celebration Key vs. Royal Caribbean’s Excellent Day at CocoCay, Celebration Key does supply a extra devoted household area whereas facilities on CocoCay are extra unfold out throughout the island. Nonetheless, our vote goes to Excellent Day at CocoCay as there are extra decisions for households with children of all ages. Specifically, we do suppose the Guppy Grotto on Celebration Secret is small for a family-focused cruise line, whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay has two devoted areas for youthful children. Additionally, the twin waterslides at Celebration Key don’t actually stack as much as the competitors.
Grownup-Solely Areas
Excellent Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key do a great job at catering not solely to households however to adults as effectively. Each non-public locations within the Bahamas have adult-only areas for these wanting to flee all the youngsters. These unique 18+ areas do come at an up-charge however are definitely price it for {couples} or pal teams. Nonetheless, every area does have a distinct vibe.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
The adult-only area on Excellent Day at CocoCay is Hideaway Seaside. The latest addition to Royal Caribbean’s non-public island, Hideaway Seaside has a vigorous pool get together scene. The primary Hideaway Pool contains a swim-up bar and DJ music. Although, there are quieter areas on each ends of the seaside. Nearer to the pier, you’ll discover On the Rocks. This open-air seaside bar options cocktails, loads of area to lounge, reside music, and a pool desk. On the opposite finish of Hideaway Seaside, you’ll discover loads of lounge chairs within the sand and even some in-water hammocks.
All the meals in Hideaway Seaside is complimentary too. There’s the Hideaway Hut with related choices to the island’s Snack Shacks like burgers, hen sandwiches, and salads, and Slice of Paradise has unique pizza choices and empanadas. Different upgraded objects embrace coconut shrimp, ceviche, and fish sandwiches.
If you happen to’re trying to improve even additional, there are two cabana choices obtainable right here too. Hideaway cabanas are positioned close to the principle pool, or The Hideout is discovered additional down the seaside with entry to a non-public infinity plunge pool.
Celebration Key
Pearl Cove Seaside Membership is Celebration Key’s adult-only area. This unique spot contains a non-public seaside and gorgeous infinity pool with a few of the greatest Bahamian views. The infinity pool is 11,000 square-feet and has a solar shelf for tanning and premium loungers with umbrellas. The pristine seaside is the right spot to calm down with loads of solar loungers and umbrellas as effectively.
As well as, Pearl Cove provides elevated eating at its full service restaurant with choices like lobster, shrimp, sushi, and salads. There’s a swim-up bar serving tropical cocktails together with devoted workers who will take your foods and drinks orders each poolside and beachside.
In contrast to Excellent Day at CocoCay although, entry to Pearl Cove Seaside Membership doesn’t mechanically embrace these connoisseur eating alternatives. There are three forms of bookings obtainable for entry to Pearl Cove Seaside Membership. The primary is primary seaside membership entry, which features a welcome drink of fruit or rum punch beginning at $100 per individual.
The second is open bar entry, which consists of rum punch, draft home beer, home crimson and white wine, effectively drinks, frozen strawberry daiquiris, and piña coladas. This feature contains as much as 10 drinks and begins at $140 per individual. The third possibility is all-inclusive entry, which is similar because the open bar besides it additionally contains lunch on the Pearl Cove full-service restaurant. This package deal additionally has a 10-drink restrict, and begins at $180 per individual.
Along with the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership, there may be an 18+ part in Calypso Lagoon which is complimentary and one thing that Excellent Day at CocoCay doesn’t supply.
WINNER: TIE – Relying in your vibe, each Excellent Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key supply nice adult-only areas. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a pool get together scene with reside music, Royal Caribbean’s Hideaway Seaside is the best way to go. Nonetheless, if you’d like a little bit of leisure and luxurious, you’ll in all probability choose Carnival’s Pearl Cove Seaside Membership. Each have top-notch facilities and repair, so we wouldn’t hestitate to guide both one.
Personal Seaside Membership
Excellent Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key each have non-public seaside golf equipment too. Whereas Celebration Key’s Pearl Cove Seaside Membership is one and the identical with the island’s adult-only area, Excellent Day at CocoCay’s Coco Seaside Membership will not be adults-only.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
In distinction to Royal Caribbean’s adult-only Hideaway Seaside, the Coco Seaside Membership provides a extra relaxed, upscale vibe. With a capability of just a few hundred folks, the Coco Seaside Membership provides an escape from all the opposite island company.
Whereas it’s not reserved only for these 18+, it options loads of secluded seaside area with loungers and umbrellas, the Coco Seaside Membership Restaurant with premium choices, and a heated infinity pool. In contrast to Celebration Key, eating on the restaurant which provides choices like surf and turf is included with the essential seaside membership cross.
If you happen to’d prefer to improve your expertise, there are seaside cabanas and overwater cabanas obtainable for an extra price. The floating cabanas is perhaps one of many bougiest experiences obtainable on a cruise non-public island!
Celebration Key
Pearl Cove Seaside Membership provides an identical chill vibe to the Coco Seaside Membership and related facilities like an infinity pool, seaside area, and an unique restaurant. Nonetheless, the 2 huge differentiators are that Pearl Cove is adults-only which is a big professional for {couples} like us and what’s included in a primary admission cross (lower than Coco Seaside Membership).
Whilst you’ll nonetheless be capable to use all of the facilities with the essential admission, you’ll should pay further to dine on the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership Restaurant until you splurge for the all-inclusive cross which additionally contains as much as 10 drinks. This will likely or might not be price it relying on how a lot you drink. Nonetheless, once you take a look at pricing, Pearl Cove’s all-inclusive cross isn’t far off from the price of entrance to Coco Seaside Membership which normally ranges between $160 to $200 per individual. Thus, should you don’t essentially care concerning the meals and drinks, you’ll be able to achieve entry to this unique seaside membership at a less expensive worth level.
WINNER: Celebration Key – We do love Royal Caribbean’s Coco Seaside Membership, however Carnival’s Pearl Cove Seaside Membership might have simply stolen the spot as our favourite. As the largest adults-only retreat of any cruise non-public vacation spot, Pearl Cove is spacious and splendid. Stress-free on the seaside or within the giant infinity pool nearly makes you overlook that you’re steps away from all of the Carnival FUN taking place simply exterior this space. The truth that it’s adults-only additionally makes Pearl Cove a draw for these looking for an upscale retreat. The one factor it’s lacking is the over-water cabanas.
What’s Included on Celebration Key vs. Excellent Day at CocoCay
Each Excellent Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key present the best seaside day for cruisers. Each cruise line non-public islands have sprawling seashores and lagoon swimming pools with loads of lounge chairs which are good for {couples} and households alike. Whereas company don’t should spend any cash to have a good time, each islands do have upcharges. And probably the most vital variations between Excellent Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key lies in what’s included along with your cruise fare versus what prices further. Whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay is mainly an extension of the ship, Celebration Key doesn’t operate the identical means.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
What’s Included
- All eating venues (Chill Grill, Skipper’s Grill, Snack Shacks)
- All drinks (when you have a Royal Caribbean beverage package deal)
- Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool
- All seaside areas (Chill Island, Harbor Seaside, South Seaside)
- Splashaway Bay children’ aqua park
- Captain Jill’s Galleon water play space
- Sports activities courts and gaming areas
- Complimentary tram transportation
- WiFi (when you have an onboard WiFi package deal)
What Prices Further
- Thrill Waterpark
- Zipline
- Up, Up, and Away helium balloon
- Hideaway Seaside Membership (adults-only)
- Coco Seaside Membership
- All cabana leases
- Captain Jack’s wings and fries
- Shore excursions
- Alcoholic drinks (should you don’t have an onboard drink package deal)
Celebration Key
What’s Included
- Island Eats: One complimentary meal at quick-casual venues OR 25% off one entrée at full-service eating places
- Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon areas
- All seaside areas (besides Pearl Cove Seaside Membership)
- Guppy Grotto splash pad
- Gaming pavilion and sports activities courts
- Complimentary tram transportation
- Iced water solely (there are not any different complimentary non-alcoholic choices)
- WiFi (when you have an onboard WiFi package deal)
What Prices Further
- Most drinks (beverage packages don’t work on island)
- Extra meals past the only Island Eats credit score
- Suncastle twin racing waterslides
- Pearl Cove Seaside Membership (adults-only)
- All cabana and villa leases
- Shore excursions
Comparability Desk
| Function | Excellent Day at CocoCay | Celebration Key |
|---|---|---|
| Eating | All venues included | 1 meal credit score solely, can be utilized on choose objects |
| Drinks | Fundamental drinks included; Drink package deal/vouchers work | Iced water solely; Drink packages do NOT work |
| Seaside Entry | Most areas free | Most areas free |
| Pool Entry | Oasis Lagoon free | Each lagoons free |
| Children’ Actions | 2 free water play areas | 1 free splash pad and wading pool |
| Sports activities/Video games | Free courts & video games | Free pavilion & courts |
| Waterslides | Thrill Waterpark ($) | Suncastle slides ($) |
| Adults-Solely | Hideaway Seaside ($) | Pearl Cove ($) |
| Personal Seaside Membership | Coco Seaside Membership ($) | Pearl Cove ($) |
| Transportation | Free trams | Free trams |
WINNER: Excellent Day at CocoCay – The actually all-inclusive eating and beverage package deal compatibility make it a lot simpler to get pleasure from a worry-free day with out always calculating extra prices on Excellent Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean’s non-public vacation spot additionally provides some extra non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade and iced tea at stations across the island and gentle serve ice cream within the buffet. On Celebration Key, the one complimentary drink is iced water as a drink will not be even included within the Island Eats credit score. Company may even must pay further for treats like ice cream or espresso.
Total Vibe
When evaluating Carnival’s Celebration Key vs Royal Caribbean’s Excellent Day at CocoCay, every non-public vacation spot has its professionals and cons. So, when deciding which one is healthier, it actually comes all the way down to your priorities.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Excellent Day at CocoCay is basically simply an extension of the ship. You’ll see your favourite bartenders and servers across the island. Principally all the pieces is included, so that you gained’t have to fret about something. This makes for a easy and carefree day ashore.
Additional, this non-public vacation spot is bigger with extra facilities and area to unfold out. Thus, you’ll be able to resolve what vibe you’re on the lookout for and actually make your personal good day. Whether or not you wish to benefit from the included facilities or splurge on different upcharges like cabanas, seaside golf equipment, or thrills, the selection is yours.
Celebration Key
Celebration Key dials up the Carnival FUN ashore with the primary and largest 10-story sandcastle construction, the 2 largest freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean, the longest swings bar, the world’s largest swim-up bar, the largest adults-only retreat, and greater than 30 foods and drinks choices.
Additional, this unique vacation spot provides genuine Bahamian touches with an artisan market, native meals distributors, native craft beers, and extra. To not point out, company are free to depart the resort to discover extra of Grand Bahama Island both on an organized shore tour or on their very own.
WINNER: TIE – Each locations supply spectacular non-public island experiences. The true winners are cruise passengers who now have two world-class locations to select from, each with modern choices.
Select Excellent Day at CocoCay if you’d like:
- Most worth with limitless meals and drinks (when you have a drink package deal)
- Probably the most thrilling actions
- A seamless expertise from ship to shore
- More room to unfold out
Select Celebration Key if you’d like:
- Genuine Bahamian touches
- A streamlined, managable format
- The final word pool day (and the most important adult-only area)
- Skill to discover extra of Grand Bahama Island
Feedback
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