By the Caribbean Journal staff

Royal Caribbean has officially opened its new $250 million private island destination in The Bahamas.

The new project is set at the northwestern edge of the Berry Islands chain in The Bahamas highlighted by a massive waterpark called Thrill.

“Royal Caribbean is the proven leader when it comes to pushing the envelope in cruise ship design and the experiences offered at sea,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “With Perfect Day at CocoCay, we are so proud to bring our 50-year legacy of innovation ashore to transform an incredible island that now completely revolutionizes private destinations in the vacation industry. It is exciting to see what we have dreamed up finally come to life; our guests truly are in for an experience unlike any other.”

Other entertainment options include the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; Splash Summit, a series of smaller slides; a  wave pool, billed as the largest of its kind in the Caribbean; and an adventure pool with its own obstacle course.

The destination also includes Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, along with several eateries: Captain Jack’s, the island’s main “hangout,” and Skipper’s Grill, home to comfort food like tacos and burgers; and Chill Grill, the largest eatery on the island.

Royal Caribbean’s newest project also has a 1,600-foot-long zip line course that covers much of the island and another unique amenity, a tethered helium balloon that floats as high as 450 feet above the ground.

And then there is the Coco Beach Club, which will make its debut in December.

That will feature a series of lounging spots, from the first-ever overwater cabanas in The Bahamas to a 2,600-foot infinity pool to beachside cabanas and daybeds.

The company said 11 of its ships would be stopping at Perfect Day at CocoCay on their sailings, from ports in both Florida and the Northeast.

The debut only solidifies the Bahamas’ power as a Caribbean cruise destination, part of a growing movement in the country to solidify itself as the regional leader.

That includes plans for a dramatic overhaul of the Port of Nassau and another Royal project to transform Freeport that included a purchase of the Grand Lucayan Resort.

For more, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

— CJ