Bahamas - Coco Cay: Only cruise guests are allowed to have fun on this fun island
It is small, long and narrow: the small island is only one kilometer long and just under 200 meters wide. In the middle of the turquoise sea, 90 kilometers north of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, lies the island of Little Stirrup Cay. The US shipping company that leases the island calls it Coco Cay.
There are only a few inhabitants here. But every day, thousands of cruise passengers come ashore in the morning hours on the white ships operated by Royal Caribbean International. Crossing the jetty, they enter a world that wants to top a vacation on a fun ship with a water slide, climbing wall and surf simulator on land.
The island, which was previously used by the shipping company, was recently completely redesigned and the jetty was made fit for the world's largest passenger ships, such as the "Freedom of the Seas" and sister ships, which will be calling at the island in the 2022 season.
Everything is even bigger and flashier than on the ship
When Royal Caribbean International's 360-metre-long Oasis-class mega-liners moor, a crowd of more than 6,000 day visitors spills onto Coco Cay, who would otherwise be crowded on 16 ship decks - now there are slightly fewer in Corona times.
The shipping company invested 250 million US dollars in the renovation of the island, which now offers a wide range of relaxation options and thrills. From the freshwater pool in the middle of the island and the sandy beaches on Chill Island to attractions such as the zip line, a ride in a helium balloon up to 137 meters above the sea or Daredevil's Peak, the highest water slide in North America.
But Coco Cay is also a cash cow for the shipping company. Most of the attractions that promise action are subject to a charge. For example, a day pass to the water park costs between 44 and 99 US dollars. Prices vary depending on the time of booking and capacity utilization. The "Perfect Day at Coco Cay" has its surcharge.
With the upgrade, the shipping company has made its island fit for the needs of North American cruise tourists in particular. After all, the competition never sleeps: the neighboring island to the east is firmly in the hands of Norwegian Cruise Line, the competitor for cruises from Miami.
And MSC Cruises opened the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve at the beginning of 2020. The private island is part of the Bimini group of islands in the West Bahamas and focuses on a nature experience rather than superlatives and attractions like on the deck of a fun ship.
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The Bahamas' Coco Cay, leased by a US cruise line, is located approximately 90 kilometers north of Nassau, offering a unique experience for Royal Caribbean International passengers. Thousands of guests disembark each day, exploring attractions such as water slides, climbing walls, and surf simulators, while the island's upgrade includes thrilling activities like zip lines, helium balloon rides, and a record-breaking water slide.
Coco Cay serves as a significant revenue source for the cruise line, with attractions like the water park charging various prices based on booking and capacity utilization. Direct competitors, such as Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, also have private islands catering to different visitor preferences, creating a competitive landscape in the Bahamas' cruise industry.
Source: www.stern.de
