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CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, is designed with one goal in mind: delivering the perfect beach day. Among the many premium offerings on the island, cabanas remain one of the most talked-about extras. Whether on Chill Island, Thrill Waterpark, or the iconic Oasis Lagoon, cabanas promise shade, privacy, comfort, and personalized service. But with their often-premium pricing, travelers understandably ask: Are cabanas worth it at CocoCay?
Determining their value depends on personal preference, group size, planned activities, and the type of experience you want. For some cruisers, cabanas transform their entire island day, providing unmatched relaxation and convenience. For others, the island’s free amenities—plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and beaches—are enough. This article explores everything you need to know to decide whether a cabana is right for your Perfect Day at CocoCay.
CocoCay offers a wide variety of cabanas across its different zones, and each has a different price point, layout, and included perks. Understanding these options is the first step in determining which one best fits your needs and budget.
Chill Island remains the classic beach paradise on CocoCay, featuring white sand, turquoise water, and a naturally relaxing atmosphere. The cabanas here tend to appeal to guests who prefer a quieter, more traditional beach day.
Chill Island cabanas generally include cushioned loungers, a sectional sofa, a cooler stocked with water, a ceiling fan, USB outlets, and a personal attendant. Many come with overwater or beachfront placement, giving you direct access to the shoreline.
These cabanas cater to guests who want relaxation without crowds. Families with young children, couples seeking privacy, and groups wanting a quieter beach setting often find these cabanas ideal.
Oasis Lagoon is the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, known for its lively swim-up bar and upbeat atmosphere. Cabanas around Oasis Lagoon provide a blend of party energy and personal comfort.
These cabanas include cushioned seating, shade, a fan, water supply, and poolside placement. Some are partially over the water, while others are tucked into private corners of the lagoon area. Each cabana comes with a dedicated attendant who provides food and drink service.
These cabanas suit groups looking to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. Adults celebrating birthdays, friends on a group cruise, and anyone who enjoys music, cocktails, and social energy often find Oasis Lagoon cabanas worth every penny.
Thrill Waterpark is home to massive slides, the wave pool, and the tallest waterslide in North America. The cabanas here provide an exclusive option with premium convenience.
Thrill Waterpark cabanas include the standard luxury setup—shade, cushioned seating, a fan, charging outlets, a stocked cooler, and an attendant. The biggest benefit, however, is that each cabana includes admission passes for the waterpark. This can make the cabanas an excellent value for groups already planning to purchase park access.
Families with kids who want to spend the entire day at the slides benefit the most. The fee structure often becomes more economical for groups of four or more. These cabanas offer the perfect home base for riding slides, taking breaks, and keeping belongings secure.
South Beach cabanas are ideal for sports lovers and beach enthusiasts, while the exclusive Coco Beach Club cabanas offer unmatched luxury.
Typically located near volleyball courts and recreational areas, these cabanas appeal to guests who love active beach days. They include standard amenities plus close proximity to bars, beach games, and snack shacks.
Coco Beach Club cabanas—including the overwater cabanas—are among the most luxurious experiences on any cruise private island. They include floating nets, overwater hammocks, slide-down ocean access (in some versions), a dining area, and concierge-level service. Admission to Coco Beach Club is required, and the price reflects the exclusivity.
The real question is not whether cabanas are expensive—they often are. The real question is whether the advantages justify the cost for you. Here are the benefits that many cruisers report after booking one.
The island provides many free loungers, but shade becomes scarce on busy sailings. With a cabana, you get guaranteed shade, soft seating, and a private space where you can unwind without battling for a spot.
Families with babies or toddlers especially benefit from a private shaded area for naps, feedings, and downtime from the sun.
Older travelers often value the shade, comfort, and ease of movement that cabanas provide.
Many cruisers book cabanas for the privacy alone. Instead of being surrounded by crowds, you get your own peaceful area shielded from foot traffic.
From birthdays to anniversaries, cabanas make special occasions more memorable.
If you're seeking a romantic day away from the crowds, a cabana delivers a serene, secluded atmosphere.
Each cabana includes a dedicated attendant who delivers food and drinks directly to you. This eliminates long wait times at bars or restaurants and adds a touch of resort-style luxury.
The attendant refills water, takes drink orders, delivers lunch, and helps with any special requests—making your day feel seamless and carefree.
Cabanas often accommodate up to eight guests comfortably. When shared among a group, the per-person cost drops significantly.
For a family of six or eight, the pricing can be surprisingly cost-effective, especially in the Thrill Waterpark cabanas where admission is included.
Instead of juggling bags, towels, sunscreen, and clothes all day, your cabana serves as a secure, private storage space.
CocoCay can get busy, especially when multiple ships are docked. Cabanas offer a peaceful escape from the bustling atmosphere.
Knowing you have a private spot waiting reduces morning stress—no need to rush off the ship to find seating.
While cabanas offer many perks, they aren’t perfect for every traveler or situation. Here are some scenarios where they might not justify the cost.
If your goal is to try multiple activities—zip lines, waterpark slides, snorkeling, hot air balloon rides—you might not spend enough time in your cabana to maximize the value.
Guests with jam-packed itineraries may find that they barely use the cabana.
CocoCay cabanas can range widely in price—sometimes starting low but reaching very high numbers on peak sailings. If you’re trying to keep expenses minimal, free loungers, umbrellas, and beach areas offer a great experience without the cost.
CocoCay offers beautiful beaches, chairs, pools, and food at no additional charge.
Some guests enjoy moving around and don’t feel the need for a fixed, private spot. If shade, seating, and service don’t matter much to you, a cabana may be unnecessary.
Solo travelers or couples who plan to stay active may feel that they overpaid.
To determine if a cabana is worth it for you, consider your personal preferences, travel group, and planned activities. Here’s a breakdown of how to evaluate the costs versus benefits based on traveler type.
Families tend to benefit the most from cabanas, especially those with young children.
A shaded, private space allows babies and toddlers to nap comfortably.
The cabana becomes a command center for towels, snacks, drinks, and belongings.
Couples seeking tranquility or a premium experience often find cabanas to be among the most romantic settings on the island.
If your goal is total relaxation in a private environment, cabanas deliver exceptional value.
Groups celebrating a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party, or reunion benefit significantly.
Dividing the cabana price among six or eight adults can make the experience surprisingly affordable.
If you’re planning to spend most of the day riding slides at Thrill Waterpark, the waterpark cabanas may offer the best value because passes are included.
With a cabana inside the waterpark, you avoid running back and forth across the island.
If you're keeping costs low, sticking to complimentary seating and focusing on the island's many free features makes more sense.
CocoCay was designed to be enjoyable without paid add-ons, so you won’t feel left out.
If you’ve decided that a cabana may be worth it, these practical tips will help you choose the best one at the best price.
Cabanas are dynamic-priced based on demand, ship capacity, and season. Booking early often secures the lowest price.
Check the Cruise Planner regularly in case of promotions.
Each zone on the island has a different vibe.
Lively, social, and energetic.
Quiet, traditional beach relaxation.
Best for families and adventure lovers.
Ultra-luxurious and exclusive.
If traveling with a large group, ensure the cabana you choose can accommodate everyone comfortably.
Royal Caribbean enforces occupancy limits for safety.
Pick a cabana near the activities you care about most to reduce walking time under the sun.
A waterpark cabana is ideal for slide lovers; a beach club cabana is ideal for luxury seekers.
The question of whether cabanas are worth it depends heavily on your travel style, group size, and expectations. For many guests, cabanas elevate their Perfect Day at CocoCay from enjoyable to extraordinary. They offer comfort, privacy, convenience, and luxury that free seating simply can’t match. Families, couples seeking privacy, and larger groups often receive the greatest value.
However, if you’re planning a more active, budget-friendly island day, you may find that CocoCay’s abundant free amenities are more than enough. The island is designed to deliver a fantastic experience whether you pay extra or not.
Ultimately, cabanas aren’t a necessity—but they are a premium enhancement. If relaxation, comfort, service, and a private space matter to you, they’re absolutely worth considering. For those willing to invest in the upgrade, a cabana can turn a beach day into something unforgettable.
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