Heidi BucoloThe battle for the best cruise private destination in the Bahamas just got more intense. After Royal Caribbean’s massive success with Perfect Day at CocoCay, Carnival has answered with its own brand-new private destination: Celebration Key. Both resorts promise the ultimate beach getaway with plenty of sand, sun, and fun, but which one delivers the better experience? Having cruised to Perfect Day at CocoCay a dozen or more times, we were among the first guests to visit Celebration Key. Now, we’re ready to put these two destinations head-to-head in various categories to help you decide which island paradise deserves a spot on your next cruise itinerary.
Celebration Key vs Perfect Day at CocoCay – Which Is Better?
- Location
- Layout
- Beach & Pool Areas
- Food & Drinks
- Activities & Attractions
- Family Spaces
- Adult-Only Spaces
- Private Beach Club
- What’s Included
- Overall Vibe
Location
Perfect Day at CocoCay sits about 240 miles from Port Canaveral and just 65 miles from Nassau in the Bahamas. The island has been completely transformed since Royal Caribbean’s $250 million renovation in 2019, turning what was once a simple beach day into a resort-style destination spanning over 120 acres. Perfect Day at CocoCay’s pier can accommodate two Royal Caribbean ships at a time.
Celebration Key is located on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island, about 23 miles (40 minutes) from Freeport on the western side. Celebration Key features its own cruise pier capable of accommodating up to two of Carnival’s largest Excel-class vessels simultaneously, with plans to expand to four ships by 2026. The destination spans 68 acres with nearly a mile of pristine beach, with an additional 154 acres for future expansion plans.
The only way you can reach either of these cruise private islands is on a sailing from the respective cruise line. While select Celebrity Cruises itineraries also visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, there are currently no other Carnival Corp. brands that call on Celebration Key.
Carnival Cruse Line has 20 ships from ten different U.S. homeports scheduled to call at this destination. Most sailings that visit Celebration Key originate in Florida, including voyages from Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa. However, other homeports also offer cruises to Celebration Key such as Mobile, Alabama; Galveston, Texas; and Baltimore, Maryland; among others.
Most Royal Caribbean sailings that visit Perfect 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 vary in length with popular 3-day sailings on ships such as Utopia of the Seas calling here as well.
Layout
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay is an expansive space with a sometimes considerable distance between main attractions, which could be a pro or a con for you. The Arrivals Plaza is the main starting point from which guests can venture off to enjoy several included and up-charge experiences for their perfect day of fun in the sun. The main highlights include Thrill Waterpark, Hideaway Beach, Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, Coco Beach Club, Splashaway Bay for the little ones, and South Beach. There are also plenty of food and drink options found throughout the resort, so you’ll never have to go far when you get hungry or thirsty. The Up, Up, and Away helium balloon and zipline are hard to miss too.
Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, and South Beach are the largest complimentary spaces depending on your vibe. Chill Island offers a relaxing day on the beach, while South Beach has a more active vibe with games, sports, and a floating tiki bar. Our personal favorite, the Oasis Lagoon is one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean and features a swim-up bar and DJ.
Other exclusive spaces that require an entrance fee are Thrill Waterpark with some of the best waterslides in North America, the upscale Coco Beach Club complete with an infinity pool, and Hideaway Beach Club for the 18+ crowd with party vibes.
Celebration Key
Celebration Key is split into five areas called “portals” that each offer unique experiences. They are the Paradise Plaza welcome area, the family-focused Starfish Lagoon, the adult-centered Calypso Lagoon, the Lokono Cove shopping area, and the adults-only private beach club, Pearl Cove.
Paradise Plaza serves as your starting point, featuring a sun-shaped arch perfect for welcome photos, the iconic Suncastle, a water fountain, and live music. Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon both feature the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, which combined are 8 times as large as the Oasis Lagoon. Both of these portals feature plenty of poolside and beachside space for lounging, along with a variety of food and drink options.
Pearl Cove Beach Club requires admission, but is a perfect 18+ retreat with an infinity pool, swim-up bar, plenty of beach space, and a more chill vibe. Finally, Lokono Cove is the shopping destintation with a Bahamian craft market, locally-painted murals, and more.
Both private destinations offer complimentary trams around the island for those who’d prefer not to walk.
WINNER: Celebration Key – The layout of Celebration Key is very intuitive and manageable with most portals circling the large lagoons and the Pearl Cove Beach Club located the furthest west beyond Calypso Lagoon. There are paved walking paths and signage as you navigate around the resort. So, it’s almost impossible to get lost. While Perfect Day at CocoCay might offer more space to spread out, it does involve a lot more walking in the Bahamian heat.
Beach & Pool Areas
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean‘s Perfect Day at CocoCay features both complimentary and upcharge areas that offer the perfect beach day or pool day depending on your preferences and travel style.
Your options on Perfect Day at CocoCay include:
- Chill Island & Breezy Bay – complimentary
- Harbor Beach – complimentary
- South Beach – complimentary
- Oasis Lagoon – complimentary
- Hideaway Beach Club – upcharge, adults-only
- Coco Beach Club – upcharge
Oasis Lagoon is centrally located on the island and features one of the largest freshwater pools in the Caribbean. This expansive oasis is open to guests of all ages and even features a DJ and swim-up bar. We’d say that sounds like a pretty Perfect Day at CocoCay!
When it comes to beaches, Chill Island is the largest (mostly the area of the former CocoCay) to the left of the Arrivals Plaza. This expansive complimentary area combines pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Harbor Beach is the closest beach to the pier. It’s a small, protected area that is great for families with young kids. South Beach is a bit more secluded on the complete opposite end from Chill Island. Nearby to South Beach, there’s complimentary games and a sports court for the more active cruisers.
Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll find comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and easy access to dining options. Of course, you don’t have to choose just one. With a full day ashore, you should definitely explore all that the island has to offer.
Celebration Key
Similarly, Carnival‘s Celebration Key has both complimentary and upcharge areas with beach and pool offerings. Though, there are less upcharge spaces vs. Perfect Day at CocoCay. And it’s hard to ignore the massive size of the centrally-located lagoons. Celebration Key’s two freshwater lagoons total 275,000 square feet and hold about 350 million gallons of water!
Your options on Celebration Key include:
- Calypso Lagoon – complimentary
- Calypso Beach – complimentary
- Starfish Lagoon – complimentary
- Starfish Beach – complimentary
- Pearl Cove Beach Club – upcharge, adults-only
Starfish Lagoon, located on the east side of the island, is filled with fun for the whole family. The focal point of the entire destination: the towering Suncastle, constructed to look like a sandcastle, features dual racing slides. The Starfish Lagoon portal is also where you’ll find a lagoon swimming pool, the family-friendly beach, and the Guppy Grotto splash pad with fun water features and a wading pool for the littlest visitors.
Calypso Lagoon, located on the west side of the island, is the more adult-friendly portal. This area is located on the second lagoon-style pool and offers Caribbean chill vibes, complete with DJ-spun music and plenty of loungers surrounding the pool. There’s also Calypso Beach if you’d rather spend the day with your toes in the sand. While the upcharge Pearl Cove Beach Club is strictly adults-only, there’s also a small section of Calypso Lagoon that is reserved for those 18+ (though, it will be interesting to see how and if this is enforced).
WINNER: Celebration Key – It’s hard to deny how impressive the lagoon pools at Celebration Key really are. Aside from their massive size, there’s plenty of nooks with unique vibes. Whether you want to enjoy a drink at one of the swim-up bars with in-water seating, relax in one of the over-water cabanas or inflatable Aquabanas (additional charges apply), catch some rays on one of the in-water loungers, or just float around in paradise, these lagoons are calling your name. While Perfect Day at CocoCay does have more beach space, Celebration Key holds its own too. In fact, the beaches were relatively empty during our visit.
Food & Drinks
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay offers guests a variety of dining options, most of which are completely free. There are also several bars across the island to grab your favorite beverages. You shouldn’t pass up the popular Coco Loco! The best part is that your Royal Caribbean beverage package and/or loyalty drink vouchers work on the island.
Dining Spots:
- Chill Grill – The largest dining venue located on Chill Island, Chill Grill is a buffet that offers everything from tacos to sandwiches and grilled favorites.
- Skipper’s Grill – With more nautically inspired decor, Skipper’s Grill is another casual lunchtime buffet that overlooks the harbor and offers the same food options as the Chill Grill.
- Snack Shacks – There are three Snack Shacks around the island that serve items like hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mozzarella sticks, funnel cake, and more. These spot are our personal favorites.
- Captain Jack’s – This centrally located bar serves chicken wings with signature sauces and crispy steak fries at a la carte pricing alongside drinks and live music. ($)
Perfect Day at CocoCay Bars:
- Captain Jack’s – Centrally located with a covered pavilion, swings, and live music
- Oasis Lagoon Bar – Features both a swim-up and out-of-water bar
- Wacky Seagull Bar – Located on Chill Island
- Wacky Seagull Jr. Bar -Located near Breezy Bay at Chill Island
- The Cracked Coconut Bar – Located near the entrance of Chill Island overlooking Harbor Beach
- Floating Bar – Swim out to this floating tiki bar from South Beach
- South Beach Bar – Located on South Beach
- Coconut Willie’s Bar – Located near the Sports Court
- Additional Bar Stands around the island
Celebration Key
Celebration Key also offers a variety of dining options; though, Carnival has introduced a new concept called Island Eats which limits what guests can enjoy for free during their visit. With Island Eats guests receive a dining credit for one complimentary meal at one of the quick casual venues or a 25 percent discount on one entree at the full-service restaurants. Additional items will cost extra.
While we enjoy the greater variety and addition of some local flavors vs. Perfect Day at CocoCay, we think the Island Eats concept makes dining on Celebration Key somewhat confusing and limited for guests unless they’re willing to pay extra for food. We understand the reasoning for some upcharges, like some of the food truck items, but we would expect some basic items like burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and pizza to be included (and unlimited) without using the Island Eats credit— especially since they are far from gourmet.
Dining Options:
- Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen – This full service restaurant in Calypso Lagoon features island favorites like jerk chicken and coconut shrimp, as well as classics including tacos and burgers. ($)
- Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews – This full service restaurant in Calypso Lagoon, complete with an outdoor smoker, serves slow-cooked meats alongside sides and sauces right next to the lagoon. ($)
- Gill’s Grill – This full service restaurant in Starfish Lagoon pairs land and sea with dishes like seafood baskets, steamed crab, shrimp, lobster, local fish, chicken, and burgers. ($)
- Captain’s Galley Food Hall – This fast casual food hall in Starfish Lagoon serves items like tacos, hot dogs, pizza, burgers, salads, Mediterranean bowls, and more. This is NOT an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Food Trucks – There are several food trucks located in both Calypso and Starfish Lagoons with offerings like: Grand Bahama Taco Co, Fowl Play, Seaside Shack, Flippin Fritters, Mini Donut King, Calypso Chicken Co, Streatery Sushiva, Seaside Burgers & Dogs, and Beachside Burgers & More.
- Snack Shacks – Snack Shacks are located around the island serving caesar salad, chicken caesar wraps, hummus vegetable wraps, hot dogs, and turkey club wraps.
- Yumshine Scoops – Ice cream shop located in Paradise Plaza. ($)
- Suncastle Grounds Coffee – Located in Lokono Cove, this coffee shop serves serves up hot, iced, and frozen coffee beverages. ($)
Bars:
- Long Necks Swim Up Bar – Swim-up bar in Calypso Lagoon with over 160 seats
- Sunshine Swings Bar – Calypso Lagoon bar with nearly 50 swings
- Lagoon Bar West – Third bar in Calypso Lagoon
- Parrotfish Swim Up Bar – Swim-up bar in Starfish Lagoon
- Aquabana Bar – Bar for the in-water Aquabanas in Starfish Lagoon
- Lagoon Bar East – Third bar in Starfish Lagoon
With each full-service restaurant offering a signature bar menu, as well as the other uniquely themed bars, there’s plenty of places to grab a drink on Celebration Key. However, Carnival’s beverage packages do not apply to the line’s exclusive destinations though. So, all drinks will cost extra money.
WINNER: Perfect Day at CocoCay – While Celebration Key does have greater menu variety and local Bahamian vendors sourcing food and drinks, the Island Eats concept adds a level of complexity that no one wants to worry about on vacation. On Perfect Day at CocoCay, there’s no worry about what menu items are included or “What if I get hungry later?”. You can grab a chicken sandwich, burger, tacos, or some Caribbean fare at lunchtime, then get some fruit, soft serve ice cream, cookies, or funnel cake later. You can also satisfy your kids’ every-two-hour food requests for no additional fees. Not to mention, the chicken sandwiches and mozzerella sticks are quite yummy! And when it comes to drinks, Royal Caribbean’s drink package extends to the island. So, it’s a win all around for Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Activities & Attractions
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay offers something for everyone. Beyond the beaches and Oasis Lagoon pool, there are various activites and attractions for all types of travelers (some complimentary and some upcharges). From thrillseekers and active cruisers, to families with little ones, to those looking for a slice of luxury, Perfect Day at CocoCay has it all.
- Thrill Waterpark ($)
- Zipline ($)
- Up, Up, and Away ($)
- Captain Jill’s Galleon
- Splashaway Bay
- Sports Areas
- Cabana Options ($)
- Additional Shore Excursions ($)
Perfect Day at CocoCay features the best attractions for thrillseekers of any cruise private island. Of course, these activities do come at a price. Thrill Waterpark features 13 waterslides (including the tallest waterslide in North America), the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, and a kid-friendly obstacle course pool. There’s also a 1,600-foot-long zip line and a helium balloon ride tethered 450 feet above the island offering amazing panoramic views.
For the little ones, there are two complimentary attractions. The Splashaway Bay aqua park features fountains, pools, sprinklers, water cannons, kid-size waterslides, and two massive drench buckets. Captain Jill’s Galleon is located near the pier and is loaded with water features too. Between these two areas, you can certainly keep the kiddos entertained all day long.
For active cruisers, or those who don’t want to pay for the upcharge activities, there are also sports courts and gaming areas located between Chill Island and South Beach. Guests can partake in activities such as volleyball, basketball, cornhole, and more.
For those seeking to add a bit of luxury to their beach day, there are several cabana options available throughout the island as well. These cabanas are located in Chill Island, Oasis Lagoon, Thrill Waterpark, South Beach, Hideaway Beach, and the Coco Beach Club including the dreamy overwater cabanas. These cabanas vary in price depending on size, location, and sail date.
If that’s not enough, cruisers can also book for-fee shore excursions. Options include snorkeling, kayaking, glass bottom boat tours, jet skis, and swimming with the pigs, among others.
Celebration Key
Similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Carnival’s brand-new Celebration Key offers a variety of activities and upcharge experiences for those who prefer to do something beyond relaxing near the beach or lagoon.
- Suncastle dual racing waterslides ($)
- Guppy Grotto splashpad
- Gaming Pavilion & Sports Court
- Cabana Options ($)
- Additional Shore Excursions ($)
While the Suncastle is a sight to behold on Celebration Key, it’s also home to dual racing waterslides, which are 350-foot-long, 10-story attractions called Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin. The fee for these slides is $14.99 per person for unlimited rides. The maximum weight is 300 lbs. and the minimum height is 40 inches. Unlimited rides are included for guests booked in cabanas and villas.
For the little ones, Guppy Grotto is a complimentary water play area in Starfish Lagoon with a colorful coral-reef theme and a shallow wade pool. While the young kiddos splash the day away, tweens and teens can enjoy the gaming pavilion with activities like table tennis and cornhole. There’s also a sports court with pickleball, basketball, and volleyball courts.
Additionally, Celebration Key offers a number of cabana and villa options for those wanting to add a splash of luxury to their day. These are located within Calypso Lagoon and Beach, Starfish Lagoon and Beach, and Pearl Cove Beach Club. Options include Super Villas for 10 guests, Over-Lagoon Super Villas, Aquabanas at Starfish Lagoon for 8 guests, Large Cabanas for 6 guests, Cabanas for 4 guests, and Over-Lagoon Cabanas.
If that’s not enough, cruisers can also book for-fee shore excursions. Options include activities like snorkeling, dolphin encounters, kayaking, a Grand Bahama by Jeep tour, outings at Pirate Cove Beach like UTVs and ziplines, sightseeing on Grand Bahama Island, biking adventures, swimming with the pigs, and more.
WINNER: Perfect Day at CocoCay – While both destinations offer similar experiences with a variety of complimentary amenities to have a fun day ashore, you can’t beat the theme park-like attractions at Perfect Day at CocoCay. If you’re willing to spend a little money, Thrill Waterpark offers the ultimate adventure. With a daredevil tower and a family-friendly tower of waterslides, a wave pool, and plenty of loungers with umbrellas, it’s perfect for families with tweens and teens. Not to mention, the zipline and helium balloon ride provide additional adrenaline-inducing opportunities.
Family Spaces
As you’ve probably figured out by now, Perfect Day at CocoCay AND Celebration Key are family-friendly. In fact, there are very few spaces where those under 18 aren’t allowed. So, if you’re traveling as a family or a multi-generational group, you really can’t go wrong with either destination.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
When it comes to Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. Families with little kids will appreciate the Splashaway Bay and Captain Jill’s Galleon water play areas, while teens and tweens will love all the complimentary sports and games available. While the Oasis Lagoon is open to all ages, it tends to be more adult-centered with the swim-up bar and DJ music. But, that doesn’t mean that kids can’t hang out there. There’s also Harbor Beach which has a protected swimming area perfect for little ones. Of course, if you’re willing to shell out some cash, families with older kids will love the Thrill Waterpark as well.
Celebration Key
At Celebration Key, the family and adult spaces are more distinct with Starfish Lagoon offering a dedicated space for families to stay and play all day long. Families can enjoy dual racing waterslides for a small up-charge, an entire half of the lagoon swimming pool, and dedicated family beach space on the east of the island. For families with little ones, the Guppy Grotto is a fun splashpad with water features. And similiar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, tweens and teens can occupy themselves at the gaming pavilion and sports court. These areas are naturally separated from the more adult-centered Calypso Lagoon and beach area, so couples won’t have to worry about being overrun by kids.
WINNER: Perfect Day at CocoCay – Families will have a great time at both cruise line private islands. When comparing Carnival’s Celebration Key vs. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Celebration Key does offer a more dedicated family space whereas amenities on CocoCay are more spread out across the island. However, our vote goes to Perfect Day at CocoCay as there are more choices for families with kids of all ages. In particular, we do think the Guppy Grotto on Celebration Key is small for a family-focused cruise line, whereas Perfect Day at CocoCay has two dedicated areas for younger kids. Also, the dual waterslides at Celebration Key don’t really stack up to the competition.
Adult-Only Spaces
Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key do a good job at catering not only to families but to adults as well. Both private destinations in the Bahamas have adult-only spaces for those wanting to escape all the kids. These exclusive 18+ spaces do come at an up-charge but are certainly worth it for couples or friend groups. However, each space does have a different vibe.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
The adult-only space on Perfect Day at CocoCay is Hideaway Beach. The newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s private island, Hideaway Beach has a lively pool party scene. The main Hideaway Pool features a swim-up bar and DJ music. Though, there are quieter spaces on both ends of the beach. Closer to the pier, you’ll find On the Rocks. This open-air beach bar features cocktails, plenty of space to lounge, live music, and a pool table. On the other end of Hideaway Beach, you’ll find plenty of lounge chairs in the sand and even some in-water hammocks.
All of the food in Hideaway Beach is complimentary too. There’s the Hideaway Hut with similar options to the island’s Snack Shacks like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads, and Slice of Paradise has exclusive pizza offerings and empanadas. Other upgraded items include coconut shrimp, ceviche, and fish sandwiches.
If you’re looking to upgrade even further, there are two cabana options available here too. Hideaway cabanas are located near the main pool, or The Hideout is found further down the beach with access to a private infinity plunge pool.
Celebration Key
Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s adult-only space. This exclusive spot features a private beach and stunning infinity pool with some of the best Bahamian views. The infinity pool is 11,000 square-feet and has a sun shelf for tanning and premium loungers with umbrellas. The pristine beach is the perfect spot to relax with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas as well.
In addition, Pearl Cove offers elevated dining at its full service restaurant with options like lobster, shrimp, sushi, and salads. There’s a swim-up bar serving tropical cocktails along with dedicated staff who will take your food and drink orders both poolside and beachside.
Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay though, entry to Pearl Cove Beach Club does not automatically include these gourmet dining selections. There are three types of bookings available for access to Pearl Cove Beach Club. The first is basic beach club access, which includes a welcome drink of fruit or rum punch starting at $100 per person.
The second is open bar access, which consists of rum punch, draft domestic beer, house red and white wine, well drinks, frozen strawberry daiquiris, and piña coladas. This option includes up to 10 drinks and starts at $140 per person. The third option is all-inclusive access, which is the same as the open bar except it also includes lunch at the Pearl Cove full-service restaurant. This package also has a 10-drink limit, and starts at $180 per person.
In addition to the Pearl Cove Beach Club, there is an 18+ section in Calypso Lagoon which is complimentary and something that Perfect Day at CocoCay doesn’t offer.
WINNER: TIE – Depending on your vibe, both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key offer great adult-only spaces. If you’re looking for a pool party scene with live music, Royal Caribbean’s Hideaway Beach is the way to go. However, if you want a bit of relaxation and luxury, you’ll probably prefer Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club. Both have top-notch amenities and service, so we wouldn’t hestitate to book either one.
Private Beach Club
Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key both have private beach clubs too. While Celebration Key’s Pearl Cove Beach Club is one and the same with the island’s adult-only space, Perfect Day at CocoCay’s Coco Beach Club is not adults-only.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
In contrast to Royal Caribbean’s adult-only Hideaway Beach, the Coco Beach Club offers a more relaxed, upscale vibe. With a capacity of only a few hundred people, the Coco Beach Club offers an escape from all the other island guests.
While it’s not reserved just for those 18+, it features plenty of secluded beach space with loungers and umbrellas, the Coco Beach Club Restaurant with premium offerings, and a heated infinity pool. Unlike Celebration Key, dining at the restaurant which offers options like surf and turf is included with the basic beach club pass.
If you’d like to upgrade your experience, there are beach cabanas and overwater cabanas available for an additional cost. The floating cabanas might be one of the bougiest experiences available on a cruise private island!
Celebration Key
Pearl Cove Beach Club offers a similar chill vibe to the Coco Beach Club and similar amenities like an infinity pool, beach space, and an exclusive restaurant. However, the two big differentiators are that Pearl Cove is adults-only which is a huge pro for couples like us and what’s included in a basic admission pass (less than Coco Beach Club).
While you’ll still be able to use all the amenities with the basic admission, you’ll have to pay extra to dine at the Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant unless you splurge for the all-inclusive pass which also includes up to 10 drinks. This may or may not be worth it depending on how much you drink. However, when you look at pricing, Pearl Cove’s all-inclusive pass isn’t far off from the cost of entrance to Coco Beach Club which usually ranges between $160 to $200 per person. Thus, if you don’t necessarily care about the food and drinks, you can gain access to this exclusive beach club at a cheaper price point.
WINNER: Celebration Key – We do love Royal Caribbean’s Coco Beach Club, but Carnival’s Pearl Cove Beach Club may have just stolen the spot as our favorite. As the biggest adults-only retreat of any cruise private destination, Pearl Cove is spacious and luxurious. Relaxing on the beach or in the large infinity pool almost makes you forget that you are steps away from all the Carnival FUN happening just outside this area. The fact that it’s adults-only also makes Pearl Cove a draw for those seeking an upscale retreat. The only thing it’s missing is the over-water cabanas.
What’s Included on Celebration Key vs. Perfect Day at CocoCay
Both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key provide the ideal beach day for cruisers. Both cruise line private islands have sprawling beaches and lagoon pools with plenty of lounge chairs that are perfect for couples and families alike. While guests don’t have to spend any money to have a great time, both islands do have upcharges. And one of the most significant differences between Perfect Day at CocoCay and Celebration Key lies in what’s included with your cruise fare versus what costs extra. While Perfect Day at CocoCay is basically an extension of the ship, Celebration Key does not function the same way.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
What’s Included
- All dining venues (Chill Grill, Skipper’s Grill, Snack Shacks)
- All beverages (if you have a Royal Caribbean beverage package)
- Oasis Lagoon freshwater pool
- All beach areas (Chill Island, Harbor Beach, South Beach)
- Splashaway Bay kids’ aqua park
- Captain Jill’s Galleon water play area
- Sports courts and gaming areas
- Complimentary tram transportation
- WiFi (if you have an onboard WiFi package)
What Costs Extra
- Thrill Waterpark
- Zipline
- Up, Up, and Away helium balloon
- Hideaway Beach Club (adults-only)
- Coco Beach Club
- All cabana rentals
- Captain Jack’s wings and fries
- Shore excursions
- Alcoholic beverages (if you don’t have an onboard drink package)
Celebration Key
What’s Included
- Island Eats: One complimentary meal at quick-casual venues OR 25% off one entrée at full-service restaurants
- Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon areas
- All beach areas (except Pearl Cove Beach Club)
- Guppy Grotto splash pad
- Gaming pavilion and sports courts
- Complimentary tram transportation
- Iced water only (there are no other complimentary non-alcoholic options)
- WiFi (if you have an onboard WiFi package)
What Costs Extra
- Most beverages (beverage packages don’t work on island)
- Additional food beyond the single Island Eats credit
- Suncastle dual racing waterslides
- Pearl Cove Beach Club (adults-only)
- All cabana and villa rentals
- Shore excursions
Comparison Table
| Feature | Perfect Day at CocoCay | Celebration Key |
|---|---|---|
| Dining | All venues included | 1 meal credit only, can be used on select items |
| Beverages | Basic beverages included; Drink package/vouchers work | Iced water only; Drink packages do NOT work |
| Beach Access | Most areas free | Most areas free |
| Pool Access | Oasis Lagoon free | Both lagoons free |
| Kids’ Activities | 2 free water play areas | 1 free splash pad and wading pool |
| Sports/Games | Free courts & games | Free pavilion & courts |
| Waterslides | Thrill Waterpark ($) | Suncastle slides ($) |
| Adults-Only | Hideaway Beach ($) | Pearl Cove ($) |
| Private Beach Club | Coco Beach Club ($) | Pearl Cove ($) |
| Transportation | Free trams | Free trams |
WINNER: Perfect Day at CocoCay – The truly all-inclusive dining and beverage package compatibility make it much easier to enjoy a worry-free day without constantly calculating additional costs on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Royal Caribbean’s private destination also offers some additional non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade and iced tea at stations around the island and soft serve ice cream in the buffet. On Celebration Key, the only complimentary drink is iced water as a drink is not even included in the Island Eats credit. Guests will also need to pay extra for treats like ice cream or coffee.
Overall Vibe
When comparing Carnival’s Celebration Key vs Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, each private destination has its pros and cons. So, when deciding which one is better, it really comes down to your priorities.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Perfect Day at CocoCay is really just an extension of the ship. You’ll see your favorite bartenders and servers around the island. Basically everything is included, so you won’t have to worry about anything. This makes for a simple and carefree day ashore.
Further, this private destination is larger with more amenities and space to spread out. Thus, you can decide what vibe you’re looking for and truly make your own perfect day. Whether you want to enjoy the included amenities or splurge on other upcharges like cabanas, beach clubs, or thrills, the choice is yours.
Celebration Key
Celebration Key dials up the Carnival FUN ashore with the first and largest 10-story sandcastle structure, the two largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, the longest swings bar, the world’s largest swim-up bar, the biggest adults-only retreat, and more than 30 food and drink options.
Further, this exclusive destination offers authentic Bahamian touches with an artisan market, local food vendors, local craft beers, and more. Not to mention, guests are free to leave the resort to explore more of Grand Bahama Island either on an organized shore excursion or on their own.
WINNER: TIE – Both destinations offer spectacular private island experiences. The real winners are cruise passengers who now have two world-class destinations to choose from, both with innovative offerings.
Choose Perfect Day at CocoCay if you want:
- Maximum value with unlimited food and drinks (if you have a drink package)
- The most thrilling activities
- A seamless experience from ship to shore
- More space to spread out
Choose Celebration Key if you want:
- Authentic Bahamian touches
- A streamlined, managable layout
- The ultimate pool day (and the largest adult-only space)
- Ability to explore more of Grand Bahama Island
Comments
Have you visited Celebration Key or Perfect Day at CocoCay? What features do you enjoy on cruise private islands? Drop us an anchor below to share your thoughts on Carnival’s Celebration Key or Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
