Table of Contents:
- Private Cruise Islands Comparison: CocoCay vs OceanCay
- Location & Itineraries
- Activities and Entertainment (CocoCay / OceanCay)
- Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for a Luxurious Private Island Escape
- Conclusion (Verdict: CocoCay or OceanCay)
“Are you ready to witness the ultimate showdown between two private cruise islands that offer breathtaking views, thrilling adventures, and unparalleled luxury?”
Get ready for the Battle of the Private Islands, where Coco Cay and Ocean Cay will go head-to-head in a competition to see which one reigns supreme as the ultimate paradise escape!
Cruise vacations are becoming increasingly popular, offering travellers the opportunity to visit multiple destinations while enjoying the amenities and activities available onboard. One of the highlights of a cruise is a visit to a private island, where passengers can indulge in beach relaxation, water sports, and other outdoor activities. Two of the most popular private islands in the Caribbean are CocoCay and OceanCay, owned by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, respectively.
Private Cruise Islands Comparison: CocoCay vs Ocean Cay
Ocean Cay:
Ocean Cay is a private island in the Western Bahamas that was established by MSC Cruises in 2018. The island is located approximately 20 miles south of Bimini and covers an area of 95 acres.
As MSC Cruises exclusively use the island, the number of regular visitors can vary depending on the cruise schedule. However, the island has the capacity to accommodate up to 6,000 guests at a time. Ocean Cay is owned and operated by MSC Cruises, one of the largest cruise lines in the world.
Coco Cay:
COCO Cay, also known as Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a private island located in the Bahamas, owned by Royal Caribbean International. The island was first established in 1988 as Little Stirrup Cay, but it underwent a major renovation in 2018 and was renamed CocoCay. The renovation included the addition of new attractions such as a water park, a zip line, and a helium balloon ride.
The island spans over 140 acres, with over 2,000 feet of white sandy beaches. It also features a freshwater pool, a large market, and a variety of restaurants, and bars. As a Private Cruise Islands, the number of regular visitors is not publicly disclosed. However, it is known to be a popular stop for Royal Caribbean cruise ships, with many of its itineraries featuring a stop at CocoCay.
Detailed comparison between OceanCay & CocoCay:
| Amenities | OceanCay | CocoCay |
| Owned by: | MSC | Royal Caribbean |
| Established: | 1960 | 1988 |
| Renovated: | 2018 | 2018 |
| Location: | Western Bahamas | Bahamas |
| Size of the Island: | 90 Acres | 140 Acres |
| Accommodate Upto: | 6000 | 8000 |
| Regular Visitor Count: | Approximately: 3500 | Approximately: 5000 |
| Popular Months: | Between November and April | Between December and April |
| Required Budget: | Visiting Ocean Cay is included in the overall cruise fare. However, additional expenses may be incurred for certain activities or services. | Visiting CocoCay as part of a Royal Caribbean cruise package may be more cost-effective than visiting the island independently. |
Location & Cruise Itineraries
Both luxurious Islands provide a serene getaway with beautiful beaches and activities, aimed at an immersive island experience for cruise passengers. A detailed comparison and itinerary highlights of the activities to experience has been discussed below with detailed comparison;
Ocean Cay Itineraries:
MSC Cruises offers several itineraries that include a stop at Ocean Cay, departing from various ports in Florida such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral. These itineraries typically range from 3 to 7 nights, and the stop at Ocean Cay can be either a full-day or a half-day visit, depending on the itinerary.
The island offers a variety of activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and a zip line. There are also several dining and shopping options available on the island. The table below shows the activities and timelines in order to spend in Ocean Cay Island in a day;
| Time | Activity |
| 08:00 AM | Wake up and have breakfast at Seakers Food Court. |
| 09:00 AM | Go for a morning swim or snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. |
| 10:00 AM | Visit the Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the island. |
| 11:00 AM | Relax on the pristine white sand beaches and soak up the sun. |
| 12:00 PM | Have lunch at any of the beachside restaurants such as Food Trucks or Sugar Mill. |
| 01:00 PM | Take a kayak or paddleboat and explore the island’s turquoise lagoons |
| 02:00 PM | Enjoy a rejuvenating massage at the Ocean Cay Spa. |
| 03:00 PM | Visit the Conservation Center and learn about the island’s efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem. |
| 04:00 PM | Take a leisurely stroll along the island’s walking trails and discover its natural beauty. |
| 06:00 PM | Have dinner at the Food Trucks or enjoy a seaside barbecue at Seakers Food Court. |
| 07:00 PM | Watch the sunset and enjoy live music at one of the island’s beach bars. |
| 08:00 PM | Participate in stargazing or a bonfire on the beach. |
| 10:00 PM | Head back to your stateroom and rest for the night. |
CocoCay Itineraries:
CocoCay is typically included as a stop on Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries that depart from various ports in Florida, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral. These itineraries can range from 3 to 7 nights, and the stop at CocoCay can be either a full-day or a half-day visit, depending on the itinerary.
At CocoCay, guests can enjoy various activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and relaxing in beach cabanas. The island also features a water park with various water slides, a wave pool, and a zip line that offers panoramic views of the island. In addition, there are several dining options and bars available on the island. The below table shows the activities and timelines in order to spend in Coco Cay Island in a day;
| Time | Activity |
| 09:00 AM | Arrive at CocoCay Island |
| 09:30 AM | Relax on the beach or go snorkelling (Beaches: Chill Island | South Beach | Coco Beach Club | Oasis Lagoon) |
| 11:00 AM | Visit the Thrill Waterpark or zip line |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at the Chill Grill or Snack Shack |
| 02:00 PM | Take a jet ski tour or parasailing adventure |
| 03:30 PM | Enjoy a swim at the Oasis Lagoon |
| 05:00 PM | Sip a cocktail at one of the island’s bars |
| 07:00 PM | Dinner at one of the island’s restaurants |
| 08:30 PM | Watch a movie or live show at the theater |
| 10:00 PM | Return to the ship |
Activities and Entertainment (CocoCay / OceanCay)
While the natural beauty of these islands is undoubtedly a major draw for tourists, offering a range of activities and entertainment options enhances the overall visitor experience and keeps people engaged and entertained throughout their stay. Here are some popular activities and entertainment options to do on both islands:
CocoCay:
- Thrill Waterpark with various water slides and attractions
- Zipline that provides a breathtaking view of the island
- Beach parties and live music performances
- Snorkelling excursions to see colourful marine life
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Jet skiing and parasailing
- Beach volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other sports
- Nature hikes and guided tours to learn about the island’s history and culture
- Relaxing at one of the island’s cabanas or loungers
OceanCay:
- Relaxing at one of the island’s many beaches
- Snorkelling excursions to see colourful marine life
- Glass-bottom boat tours to see the marine reserve
- Nature hikes and guided tours to learn about the island’s history and culture
- Beach parties and live music performances
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Jet skiing and parasailing
- Beach volleyball, basketball, soccer, and other sports
- Relaxing at the island’s spa with massages and other treatments
- Shopping at the island’s many shops
These are just some of the many entertainment options available on both Private Cruise Islands. Whether you are looking for thrilling adventures or a relaxing day at the beach, there is something for everyone on these beautiful private islands.
Private Cruise Islands 3-Day Itinerary Escape
Below we have done a detailed itinerary for a 3-day Private Cruise Islands Spend. With this itinerary, you can make the most of your time on a private island, and enjoy a variety of activities and relaxation over the course of three days.
| OceanCay (MSC) | CocoCay (Royal Caribbean) |
Day 01 • Start your day with a relaxing breakfast onboard the MSC Cruise ship, while enjoying the view of the island. • After breakfast, head out to explore the island. You can rent a bike or take a walk to explore the island’s natural beauty. • Go for a swim or snorkel at one of the island’s many beaches. • Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s restaurants. In the afternoon, take a break and relax at one of the island’s cabanas or loungers. • In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants. | Day 01: • Begin your day with a relaxing breakfast on board the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, while enjoying the view • rent a bike or take a walk to explore the island’s beauty. • Go for a swim or a snorkelling session at the beach • Take part in some fun-filled activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, or jet skiing. • Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants • In the afternoon, take a break and relax at one of the island’s cabanas or loungers. • In the evening, catch a sunset view at the beach while sipping a cocktail. |
Day 02: • Start your day with a visit to the island’s marine reserve, where you can go on a snorkelling excursion or take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the colourful marine life. • Relax at one of the island’s many beaches or go for a swim. • Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s restaurants. In the afternoon, take part in some fun-filled activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, or jet skiing. • In the evening, attend a beach party or dance to some live music. | Day 02: • Start your day with a visit to the Coco Beach Club, where you can relax in a luxury cabana, and infinity pool, and enjoy a delicious meal. • After spending the morning at the beach club, head to the island’s nature reserve, where you can see exotic wildlife and plants. • Take a ride on the island’s zip line, which provides a breathtaking view of the island. • Go on a nature hike or join a guided tour to explore the island’s history and culture. • In the evening, attend a beach party or dance to some live music. |
Day 03: • Start your day with a visit to the island’s spa, where you can relax and rejuvenate with a massage or other treatments. • Take part in some outdoor activities like beach volleyball, basketball, or soccer. • Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s many restaurants. • In the afternoon, explore the island’s many shops or take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and culture. • In the evening, enjoy a beach bonfire and a delicious dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants. | Day 03: • Start your day with a visit to the Thrill Waterpark, where you can enjoy the exhilarating water slides and attractions. • Go for a snorkelling session at the island’s lagoon, where you can see beautiful marine life. • Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s many eateries. • Take part in some outdoor activities like beach volleyball, basketball, or soccer. • In the evening, enjoy a beach bonfire and a delicious dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants. |
Conclusion (Verdict: CocoCay or OceanCay)
If you’re looking for a more immersive and eco-friendly experience with stunning natural scenery and opportunities to explore marine life, the MSC cruise deal with OceanCay might be the better choice for you. The island offers activities like snorkelling, diving, and paddleboarding, as well as a variety of dining options and shopping experiences.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more action-packed experience with a variety of thrilling activities such as water parks, ziplining, and jet skiing, then Cococay by Royal Caribbean might be a better option for you. Cococay also offers relaxing beach areas and a variety of dining options. Ultimately, the decision between the two islands will depend on your personal preferences and interests. Both are fantastic options for a fun and relaxing day in paradise. If you’re finding it difficult to decide on the best island getaway and cruise to go on vacation.
Feel free to contact us at Aero Travels for clear guidance and the best deals on cruises.!
