Jake_Harmon
Moderator
Your Real Money Breakdown for Royal Caribbean's Private Island
I've spent more time on Cococay than some people spend on actual vacations—and I've learned the hard way that this island paradise will drain your wallet faster than you'd expect if you're not strategic. Here's what you need to know before you arrive so you can enjoy yourself without the financial shock.
The Basics: What's Free vs. What Costs Money
Let's start with the good news. Royal Caribbean includes beach access, lounge chairs, and basic shade structures with your cruise fare. You're also getting free beach volleyball, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear (in designated areas). The main beach, water slides, and general island activities? Included.
But here's where it gets real: almost everything else costs extra. And I mean everything. Food, specialty drinks, cabanas, water sports, excursions—all separate line items on your onboard account.
Food & Beverage Costs: The Real Budget Killer
I learned this lesson the hard way on my third visit to Cococay. Food is significantly more expensive than onboard prices, which are already premium.
- Casual Lunch Items: Burgers, sandwiches, and wraps run $16–$22. A basic chicken sandwich? $17. Pizza slice? $8–$12.
- Sit-Down Restaurants: If you want table service at Island Grill or Starfish Grill, entrées start at $28–$35. Add a drink and appetizer, and you're easily dropping $60–$75 per person.
- Breakfast: Continental fare (pastries, fruit, toast) is $12–$15. Eggs and bacon? $18–$22.
- Snacks: A simple ice cream cone is $7–$9. Fruit smoothie? $10–$12. Popcorn? $8.
Here's my insider tip: eat breakfast and lunch onboard before the tender to the island. Most cruisers don't realize you can grab a quick buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m., tender over by 9 a.m., and save $20+ per person. Then hit the casual grab-and-go spots on the island for lighter afternoon snacks.
Drinks: Your Beverage Package Probably Won't Save You Money Here
This is one of the biggest gotchas on Cococay. Your Deluxe Beverage Package covers drinks on the island—but only select venues and only during specific hours (typically 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on most Royal Caribbean ships). Premium cocktails, specialty drinks, and alcohol at certain venues are extra.
à la carte drink pricing:
- Domestic beer: $8–$10
- Import beer: $9–$12
- Cocktails: $13–$16
- Premium spirits or craft cocktails: $16–$19
- Wine by the glass: $10–$14
- Nonalcoholic specialty drinks: $8–$11
If you're not on a beverage package, a family of four having two drinks each at lunch easily hits $150+. That's why I budget for at least one beverage package upgrade when Cococay is on my itinerary—the math just works better.
Cabanas: The Premium Experience with a Premium Price
Cabanas are where Cococay makes its real money, and honestly? They can deliver genuine value if you use them strategically.
Pricing for 2026:
- Beach Cabanas (basic shade, loungers, small table): $450–$550 per day
- Premium Beach Cabanas (more space, upgraded furniture, better location): $550–$700 per day
- Oceanfront Cabanas (prime real estate with direct water access): $700–$900 per day
- Group Cabanas (holds 6–8 people): $1,200–$1,600 per day
Here's my honest take: a basic beach cabana for a family of four breaks down to about $112–$175 per person if you're there 8–10 hours. That includes shade, a reserved spot (huge on crowded days), and a private table. Compare that to paying $22 per person for a lunch plate times four people, plus drinks and snacks, and you might actually come out ahead—especially if you pack your cabana with water bottles and snacks brought from onboard.
The real win? Cabanas include complimentary fruit, water, and snacks delivered throughout the day. That's a hidden value most people miss in the pricing.
Pro tip: Book cabanas early—like, in the first week after your cruise booking goes live. Premium spots sell out fast, especially for peak season sailings (June–August 2026).
Water Sports & Specialty Activities: Where It Gets Pricey
Beyond the free paddleboards and snorkeling, here's what activities cost:
- Parasailing: $145–$185 per person
- Jet Ski Rental: $199–$249 for 30 minutes (single), $299–$349 for 30 minutes (double)
- Banana Boat Rides: $45–$65 per person
- Dolphin Encounter: $189–$239 per person
- Scuba Diving Certification Course: $349–$399
- Guided Snorkel Tour: $75–$99 per person
- Paddleboard Lessons: $59–$79 per person
Most of these are not included with your cruise fare. They're all add-ons. I've done the dolphin encounter twice, and while it's incredible, it's also a $450+ experience for two people.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
After 40+ cruises, I've learned there are some sneaky expenses:
- Towel Fees: You get one complimentary beach towel. Extras are $5 each. Bring your own from the ship to save.
- Locker Rentals: If you don't have a cabana, lockers are $12–$15 per day. Multiple lockers = multiple charges.
- Specialty Sunscreen: Island vendors sell reef-safe sunscreen for $18–$25 per bottle. Bring yours from home.
- Photos: Professional island photos run $25–$40 per image. That sounds cheap until you get the bill.
- Gratuities: Server gratuities aren't automatically added at island restaurants—budget 18–20% if paying cash.
Your Real Daily Budget: By Scenario
Let me break down realistic spending for different types of cruisers:
Budget-Conscious Family (4 people, no cabana):
- Lunch (2 people): $40
- Snacks & small meals: $50
- Drinks (if no beverage package): $60
- Locker rental: $12
- One specialty activity (per family): $75
- Total: $237/day (~$60 per person)
Comfortable Experience (2 people, basic beach cabana):
- Cabana rental (split): $275
- Lunch: $35
- Drinks & snacks: $30
- One activity each: $170
- Total: $510/day (~$255 per person)
Premium Day (2 people, oceanfront cabana, premium activities):
- Oceanfront cabana (split): $450
- Lunch & dinner: $70
- Drinks & snacks: $50
- Jet ski rental & parasailing: $400
- Total: $970/day (~$485 per person)
Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work
After visiting Cococay more times than I can count, these are the tactics that genuinely help:
1. Eat Most Meals Onboard
The buffet breakfast is included. Grab it before tendering. Your lunch doesn't have to happen on the island—some cruisers return to the ship midday for a quick Lido Deck meal.
2. Book a Beverage Package
If you drink alcohol or specialty drinks daily, the Deluxe Beverage Package ($78–$95/day in 2026) saves money versus à la carte pricing.
3. Split a Cabana
If you're cruising with friends or extended family, a group cabana split between 6–8 people can actually cost less per person than paying for loungers and umbrellas separately.
4. Bring Your Own Supplies
Snorkel gear, sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks from the ship reduce costs. (Pro tip: the ship's gift shop sells sunscreen for cheaper than island vendors.)
5. Pick One Big Activity
Don't do three water sports. Pick one memorable experience and budget for it. Dolphin encounter or jet skis—choose one and enjoy it fully.
6. Use Free Entertainment
The beach volleyball tournament, live music, and water aerobics are actually fun and completely free. I've made friends doing beach volleyball that I cruise with to this day.
Is a Full Day on Cococay Worth It?
Honestly? Yes—but with caveats. A day on Cococay costs $60–$485 per person depending on your style. Compare that to a port day where you might spend $100+ on a shore excursion plus meals, and Cococay is competitive if not cheaper.
The real value is the convenience. You're already on a Royal Caribbean ship—no tender chaos from other ports, no language barriers, no haggling with vendors. It's relaxed, safe, and genuinely beautiful.
But if you're on a 7-day cruise with multiple sea days and Cococay is your only island stop, I'd absolutely recommend spending the day there. Just budget smartly.
2026 Pricing Reality Check
These prices are current as of early 2026. Royal Caribbean typically increases prices modestly each season, so expect 5–8% increases if you're sailing later in the year. Book earlier sailings and activities as soon as your cruise is confirmed.
Got your own Cococay budget stories? Share them—and get tips from other cruisers—at our Cococay forums. Honest advice from 50+ experienced island visitors beats any guidebook.
Ready to plan your cruise with Cococay included? Use our CruiseVoices AI concierge to book your entire trip—cruise, flights, hotels, and yes, that cabana—all in one conversation. We handle the logistics; you just enjoy the island.