The battle for the best cruise private destination within the Bahamas simply obtained extra intense. After Royal Caribbean’s huge success with Excellent Day at CocoCay, Carnival has answered with its personal brand-new personal 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 instances, we have been among the many first guests to visit Celebration Key. Now, we’re able to put these two locations head-to-head in numerous classes that will help you determine which island paradise deserves a spot in your subsequent cruise itinerary.
Celebration Key vs Excellent Day at CocoCay – Which Is Higher?
- Location
- Layout
- Beach & Pool Areas
- Food & Drinks
- Activities & Attractions
- Family Spaces
- Adult-Only Spaces
- Private Beach Club
- What’s Included
- Overall 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 fully reworked 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 situated on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island, about 23 miles (40 minutes) from Freeport on the western aspect. 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 develop to 4 ships by 2026. The vacation spot spans 68 acres with almost a mile of pristine seaside, with an extra 154 acres for future enlargement plans.
The one approach you may attain both of those cruise personal islands is on a crusing from the respective cruise line. Whereas choose Celebrity Cruises itineraries additionally go to Excellent Day at CocoCay, there are at present no different Carnival Corp. manufacturers that decision on Celebration Key.
Carnival Cruse Line has 20 ships from ten completely 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. Nevertheless, different homeports additionally supply cruises to Celebration Key resembling Cellular, 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 differ in size with common 3-day sailings on ships resembling Utopia of the Seas calling right here as nicely.
Format
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay is an expansive area with a typically appreciable distance between most important sights, which could possibly be a professional or a con for you. The Arrivals Plaza is the primary place to begin from which friends can enterprise off to take pleasure in a number of included and up-charge experiences for his or her excellent day of enjoyable within the solar. The primary highlights embody 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 food and drinks choices discovered all through the resort, so that you’ll by no means need to go far whenever 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 gives 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 without doubt one of the largest freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean and incorporates a swim-up bar and DJ.
Different unique areas that require an entrance payment are Thrill Waterpark with a number 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 celebration vibes.
Celebration Key
Celebration Key is break up into 5 areas referred to 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 purchasing space, and the adults-only personal seaside membership, Pearl Cove.
Paradise Plaza serves as your place to begin, that includes a sun-shaped arch excellent for welcome photographs, the enduring Suncastle, a water fountain, and stay music. Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon each characteristic the most important freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean, which mixed are 8 instances as giant because the Oasis Lagoon. Each of those portals characteristic loads of poolside and beachside area for lounging, together with a wide range of food 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 purchasing destintation with a Bahamian craft market, locally-painted murals, and extra.
Each personal locations supply complimentary trams across the island for many who’d choose to not stroll.
WINNER: Celebration Key – The structure of Celebration Key could be very intuitive and manageable with most portals circling the big lagoons and the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership situated the furthest west past Calypso Lagoon. There are paved strolling paths and signage as you navigate across the resort. So, it’s virtually not possible to get misplaced. Whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay would possibly 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 proper seaside day or pool day relying in your preferences and journey model.
Your choices on Excellent Day at CocoCay embody:
- 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 situated on the island and options one of many largest freshwater swimming pools within the Caribbean. This expansive oasis is open to friends of all ages and even incorporates a DJ and swim-up bar. We’d say that appears like a fairly Excellent Day at CocoCay!
With regards to seashores, Chill Island is the most important (principally the realm 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 youngsters. 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 choice you select, you’ll discover comfy 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’s best to positively 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 dimension of the centrally-located lagoons. Celebration Key’s two freshwater lagoons complete 275,000 sq. toes and maintain about 350 million gallons of water!
Your choices on Celebration Key embody:
- Calypso Lagoon – complimentary
- Calypso Seaside – complimentary
- Starfish Lagoon – complimentary
- Starfish Seaside – complimentary
- Pearl Cove Seaside Membership – upcharge, adults-only
Starfish Lagoon, situated on the east aspect of the island, is full of enjoyable for the entire household. The focus of your complete vacation spot: the towering Suncastle, constructed to seem like a sandcastle, options twin racing slides. The Starfish Lagoon portal can also 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, situated on the west aspect of the island, is the extra adult-friendly portal. This space is situated on the second lagoon-style pool and gives Caribbean chill vibes, full with DJ-spun music and loads of loungers surrounding the pool. There’s additionally Calypso Seaside if you happen to’d somewhat 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 huge dimension, there’s loads of nooks with distinctive vibes. Whether or not you wish to take pleasure in a drink at one of many swim-up bars with in-water seating, chill out in one of many over-water cabanas or inflatable Aquabanas (extra costs apply), catch some rays on one of many in-water loungers, or simply float round in paradise, these lagoons are calling your identify. Whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay does have extra seaside area, Celebration Key holds its personal too. In actual fact, the seashores have been comparatively empty throughout our go to.
Meals & Drinks
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Excellent Day at CocoCay gives friends a wide range of eating choices, most of that are fully free. There are additionally a number of bars throughout the island to seize your favourite drinks. You shouldn’t go up the favored Coco Loco! The most effective half is that your Royal Caribbean beverage package and/or loyalty drink vouchers work on the island.
Eating Spots:
- Chill Grill – The most important eating venue situated on Chill Island, Chill Grill is a buffet that provides every little thing 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 gives the identical meals choices because the Chill Grill.
- Snack Shacks – There are three Snack Shacks across the island that serve objects like hamburgers, rooster sandwiches, salads, mozzarella sticks, funnel cake, and extra. These spot are our private favorites.
- Captain Jack’s – This centrally situated bar serves rooster wings with signature sauces and crispy steak fries at a la carte pricing alongside drinks and stay music. ($)
Excellent Day at CocoCay Bars:
- Captain Jack’s – Centrally situated with a coated pavilion, swings, and stay music
- Oasis Lagoon Bar – Options each a swim-up and out-of-water bar
- Wacky Seagull Bar – Positioned on Chill Island
- Wacky Seagull Jr. Bar -Positioned close to Breezy Bay at Chill Island
- The Cracked Coconut Bar – Positioned 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 – Positioned on South Seaside
- Coconut Willie’s Bar – Positioned close to the Sports activities Courtroom
- Further Bar Stands across the island
Celebration Key
Celebration Key additionally gives a wide range of eating choices; although, Carnival has launched a brand new idea referred to as Island Eats which limits what friends can take pleasure in without spending a dime throughout their go to. With Island Eats friends 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. Further objects will price additional.
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 friends except they’re prepared to pay additional for meals. We perceive the reasoning for some upcharges, like a number of the meals truck objects, however we’d anticipate some fundamental objects like burgers, rooster sandwiches, sizzling 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 rooster 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, rooster, and burgers. ($)
- Captain’s Galley Meals Corridor – This quick informal meals corridor in Starfish Lagoon serves objects like tacos, sizzling canines, pizza, burgers, salads, Mediterranean bowls, and extra. That is NOT an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Meals Vehicles – There are a number of meals vehicles situated in each Calypso and Starfish Lagoons with choices like: Grand Bahama Taco Co, Fowl Play, Seaside Shack, Flippin Fritters, Mini Donut King, Calypso Hen Co, Streatery Sushiva, Seaside Burgers & Canine, and Beachside Burgers & Extra.
- Snack Shacks – Snack Shacks are situated across the island serving caesar salad, rooster caesar wraps, hummus vegetable wraps, sizzling canines, and turkey membership wraps.
- Yumshine Scoops – Ice cream store situated in Paradise Plaza. ($)
- Suncastle Grounds Espresso – Positioned in Lokono Cove, this espresso store serves serves up sizzling, iced, and frozen espresso drinks. ($)
Bars:
- Lengthy Necks Swim Up Bar – Swim-up bar in Calypso Lagoon with over 160 seats
- Sunshine Swings Bar – Calypso Lagoon bar with almost 50 swings
- Lagoon Bar West – Third bar in Calypso Lagoon
- Parrotfish Swim Up Bar – Swim-up bar in Starfish Lagoon
- Aquabana Bar – Bar for the in-water Aquabanas in Starfish Lagoon
- Lagoon Bar East – Third bar in Starfish Lagoon
With every full-service restaurant providing a signature bar menu, in addition to the opposite uniquely themed bars, there’s loads of locations to seize a drink on Celebration Key. Nevertheless, Carnival’s beverage packages don’t apply to the road’s unique locations although. So, all drinks will price extra cash.
WINNER: Excellent Day at CocoCay – Whereas Celebration Key does have higher menu selection and native Bahamian distributors sourcing meals and drinks, the Island Eats idea provides a degree of complexity that nobody desires to fret about on trip. On Excellent Day at CocoCay, there’s no fear about what menu objects are included or “What if I get hungry later?”. You’ll be able to seize a rooster sandwich, burger, tacos, or some Caribbean fare at lunchtime, then get some fruit, comfortable serve ice cream, cookies, or funnel cake later. You may also fulfill your youngsters’ every-two-hour meals requests for no extra charges. To not point out, the rooster sandwiches and mozzerella sticks are fairly yummy! And in the case of drinks, Royal Caribbean’s drink package deal extends to the island. So, it’s a win throughout for Excellent Day at CocoCay.
Actions & Points of interest
Excellent Day at CocoCay
Excellent Day at CocoCay gives one thing for everybody. Past the seashores and Oasis Lagoon pool, there are numerous activites and sights for all sorts of vacationers (some complimentary and a few upcharges). From thrillseekers and energetic cruisers, to households with little ones, to these searching for a slice of luxurious, Excellent Day at CocoCay has all of it.
- Thrill Waterpark ($)
- Zipline ($)
- Up, Up, and Away ($)
- Captain Jill’s Galleon
- Splashaway Bay
- Sports activities Areas
- Cabana Choices ($)
- Further Shore Excursions ($)
Excellent Day at CocoCay options the perfect sights for thrillseekers of any cruise personal island. In fact, these actions do come at a value. 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 experience tethered 450 toes above the island providing superb panoramic views.
For the little ones, there are two complimentary sights. The Splashaway Bay aqua park options fountains, swimming pools, sprinklers, water cannons, kid-size waterslides, and two huge drench buckets. Captain Jill’s Galleon is situated close to the pier and is loaded with water options too. Between these two areas, you may definitely maintain 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 situated between Chill Island and South Seaside. Company can partake in actions resembling volleyball, basketball, cornhole, and extra.
For these searching for so as to add a little bit of luxurious to their seaside day, there are a number of cabana choices accessible all through the island as nicely. These cabanas are situated in Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, Thrill Waterpark, South Seaside, Hideaway Seaside, and the Coco Seaside Membership together with the dreamy overwater cabanas. These cabanas differ in value relying on dimension, location, and sail date.
If that’s not sufficient, cruisers may also e book for-fee shore excursions. Choices embody 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 gives a wide range of actions and upcharge experiences for many who choose to do one thing past enjoyable close to the seaside or lagoon.
- Suncastle twin racing waterslides ($)
- Guppy Grotto splashpad
- Gaming Pavilion & Sports activities Courtroom
- Cabana Choices ($)
- Further 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 sights referred to as Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin. The payment for these slides is $14.99 per particular person for limitless rides. The utmost weight is 300 lbs. and the minimal peak is 40 inches. Limitless rides are included for friends 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 gives various cabana and villa choices for these wanting so as to add a splash of luxurious to their day. These are situated inside Calypso Lagoon and Seaside, Starfish Lagoon and Seaside, and Pearl Cove Seaside Membership. Choices embody Tremendous Villas for 10 friends, Over-Lagoon Tremendous Villas, Aquabanas at Starfish Lagoon for 8 friends, Giant Cabanas for six friends, Cabanas for 4 friends, and Over-Lagoon Cabanas.
If that’s not sufficient, cruisers may also e book for-fee shore excursions. Choices embody 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 comparable experiences with a wide range of complimentary facilities to have a enjoyable day ashore, you may’t beat the theme park-like sights at Excellent Day at CocoCay. For those who’re prepared to spend just a little cash, Thrill Waterpark gives 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 excellent for households with tweens and teenagers. To not point out, the zipline and helium balloon experience present extra adrenaline-inducing alternatives.
Household Areas
As you’ve most likely found out by now, Excellent Day at CocoCay AND Celebration Key are family-friendly. In actual fact, there are only a few areas the place these beneath 18 aren’t allowed. So, if you happen to’re touring as a household or a multi-generational group, you actually can’t go fallacious with both vacation spot.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
With regards to Excellent Day at CocoCay, households can take pleasure in a soothing day on the seaside. Households with little youngsters 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 accessible. 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 grasp on the market. There’s additionally Harbor Seaside which has a protected swimming space excellent for little ones. In fact, if you happen to’re prepared to shell out some money, households with older youngsters will love the Thrill Waterpark as nicely.
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 take pleasure in 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} received’t have to fret about being overrun by youngsters.
WINNER: Excellent Day at CocoCay – Households can have a good time at each cruise line personal 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. Nevertheless, our vote goes to Excellent Day at CocoCay as there are extra decisions for households with youngsters of all ages. Specifically, we do assume 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 youngsters. 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 superb job at catering not solely to households however to adults as nicely. Each personal locations within the Bahamas have adult-only areas for these wanting to flee all the children. These unique 18+ areas do come at an up-charge however are definitely value it for {couples} or good friend teams. Nevertheless, every area does have a unique vibe.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
The adult-only area on Excellent Day at CocoCay is Hideaway Seaside. The most recent addition to Royal Caribbean’s personal island, Hideaway Seaside has a full of life pool celebration scene. The primary Hideaway Pool incorporates 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, stay 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.
The entire meals in Hideaway Seaside is complimentary too. There’s the Hideaway Hut with comparable choices to the island’s Snack Shacks like burgers, rooster sandwiches, and salads, and Slice of Paradise has unique pizza choices and empanadas. Different upgraded objects embody coconut shrimp, ceviche, and fish sandwiches.
For those who’re seeking to improve even additional, there are two cabana choices accessible right here too. Hideaway cabanas are situated close to the primary 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 incorporates a personal seaside and beautiful infinity pool with a number 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 proper spot to chill out with loads of solar loungers and umbrellas as nicely.
As well as, Pearl Cove gives 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 employees who will take your food and drinks orders each poolside and beachside.
In contrast to Excellent Day at CocoCay although, entry to Pearl Cove Seaside Membership doesn’t routinely embody these connoisseur eating choices. There are three kinds of bookings accessible for entry to Pearl Cove Seaside Membership. The primary is fundamental seaside membership entry, which features a welcome drink of fruit or rum punch beginning at $100 per particular person.
The second is open bar entry, which consists of rum punch, draft home beer, home crimson and white wine, nicely drinks, frozen strawberry daiquiris, and piña coladas. This selection consists of as much as 10 drinks and begins at $140 per particular person. The third choice is all-inclusive entry, which is similar because the open bar besides it additionally consists of lunch on the Pearl Cove full-service restaurant. This package deal additionally has a 10-drink restrict, and begins at $180 per particular person.
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. For those who’re searching for a pool celebration scene with stay music, Royal Caribbean’s Hideaway Seaside is the best way to go. Nevertheless, in order for you a little bit of rest and luxurious, you’ll most likely choose Carnival’s Pearl Cove Seaside Membership. Each have top-notch facilities and repair, so we wouldn’t hestitate to e book both one.
Personal Seaside Membership
Excellent Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key each have personal 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 isn’t adults-only.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
In distinction to Royal Caribbean’s adult-only Hideaway Seaside, the Coco Seaside Membership gives a extra relaxed, upscale vibe. With a capability of only some hundred folks, the Coco Seaside Membership gives an escape from all the opposite island friends.
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 gives choices like surf and turf is included with the essential seaside membership go.
For those who’d prefer to improve your expertise, there are seaside cabanas and overwater cabanas accessible for an extra price. The floating cabanas is likely to be one of many bougiest experiences accessible on a cruise personal island!
Celebration Key
Pearl Cove Seaside Membership gives an analogous chill vibe to the Coco Seaside Membership and comparable facilities like an infinity pool, seaside area, and an unique restaurant. Nevertheless, the 2 massive differentiators are that Pearl Cove is adults-only which is a big professional for {couples} like us and what’s included in a fundamental admission go (lower than Coco Seaside Membership).
When you’ll nonetheless be capable to use all of the facilities with the essential admission, you’ll need to pay additional to dine on the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership Restaurant except you splurge for the all-inclusive go which additionally consists of as much as 10 drinks. This will or is probably not value it relying on how a lot you drink. Nevertheless, whenever you take a look at pricing, Pearl Cove’s all-inclusive go isn’t far off from the price of entrance to Coco Seaside Membership which normally ranges between $160 to $200 per particular person. Thus, if you happen to don’t essentially care in regards to the meals and drinks, you may acquire entry to this unique seaside membership at a less expensive value level.
WINNER: Celebration Key – We do love Royal Caribbean’s Coco Seaside Membership, however Carnival’s Pearl Cove Seaside Membership could have simply stolen the spot as our favourite. As the most important adults-only retreat of any cruise personal vacation spot, Pearl Cove is spacious and opulent. Enjoyable on the seaside or within the giant infinity pool virtually makes you neglect 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 searching 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 personal islands have sprawling seashores and lagoon swimming pools with loads of lounge chairs which are excellent for {couples} and households alike. Whereas friends don’t need to spend any cash to have a good time, each islands do have upcharges. And one of the vital important variations between Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key lies in what’s included along with your cruise fare versus what prices additional. Whereas Excellent Day at CocoCay is mainly an extension of the ship, Celebration Key doesn’t operate the identical approach.
Excellent Day at CocoCay
What’s Included
- All eating venues (Chill Grill, Skipper’s Grill, Snack Shacks)
- All drinks (if in case you have a Royal Caribbean beverage package deal)
- Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool
- All seaside areas (Chill Island, Harbor Seaside, South Seaside)
- Splashaway Bay youngsters’ aqua park
- Captain Jill’s Galleon water play space
- Sports activities courts and gaming areas
- Complimentary tram transportation
- WiFi (if in case 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 (if you happen to 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 aren’t any different complimentary non-alcoholic choices)
- WiFi (if in case you have an onboard WiFi package deal)
What Prices Further
- Most drinks (beverage packages don’t work on island)
- Further meals past the one Island Eats credit score
- Suncastle twin racing waterslides
- Pearl Cove Seaside Membership (adults-only)
- All cabana and villa leases
- Shore excursions
Comparability Desk
| Characteristic | Excellent Day at CocoCay | Celebration Key |
|---|---|---|
| Eating | All venues included | 1 meal credit score solely, can be utilized on choose objects |
| Drinks | Primary 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 |
| Youngsters’ 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 take pleasure in a worry-free day with out continually calculating extra prices on Excellent Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean’s personal vacation spot additionally gives some extra non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade and iced tea at stations across the island and comfortable serve ice cream within the buffet. On Celebration Key, the one complimentary drink is iced water as a drink isn’t even included within the Island Eats credit score. Company can even have to pay additional for treats like ice cream or espresso.
General Vibe
When evaluating Carnival’s Celebration Key vs Royal Caribbean’s Excellent Day at CocoCay, every personal vacation spot has its execs 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 actually simply an extension of the ship. You’ll see your favourite bartenders and servers across the island. Principally every little thing is included, so that you received’t have to fret about something. This makes for a easy and carefree day ashore.
Additional, this personal vacation spot is bigger with extra facilities and area to unfold out. Thus, you may determine what vibe you’re searching for and actually make your personal excellent 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 most important adults-only retreat, and greater than 30 food and drinks choices.
Additional, this unique vacation spot gives genuine Bahamian touches with an artisan market, native meals distributors, native craft beers, and extra. To not point out, friends 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 personal island experiences. The true winners are cruise passengers who now have two world-class locations to select from, each with revolutionary choices.
Select Excellent Day at CocoCay in order for you:
- Most worth with limitless meals and drinks (if in case 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 in order for you:
- Genuine Bahamian touches
- A streamlined, managable structure
- The final word pool day (and the most important adult-only area)
- Skill to discover extra of Grand Bahama Island
Feedback
Have you ever visited Celebration Key or Excellent Day at CocoCay? What options do you take pleasure in on cruise personal islands? Drop us an anchor beneath to share your ideas on Carnival’s Celebration Key or Royal Caribbean’s Excellent Day at CocoCay.
The submit Carnival’s Celebration Key vs. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay: The Ultimate Private Destination Showdown appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.
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