At an event in New York’s Seaport District last night, the line’s president and chief executive, Michael Bayley revealed plans to invest $200 million in redeveloping the island to create the “perfect day” ashore for guests.
“We are introducing Perfect Day Island Collection to ensure that we deliver the most memorable holiday for adventure seekers on land, as well as onboard our ships,” he said.
Due for completion in November 2019 with features beginning to be rolled out from this summer, CocoCay will offer guests the chance to experience “thrills and chills” such as the tallest waterslide in North America and the CocoBeach Club with the Bahamas first overwater cabanas, he said.
Speaking to TTG, Bayley said that he expected Perfect Day at CocoCay to resonate well in the UK market particularly on the line’s seven-night itineraries and even on the three or four-day product when added to an Orlando or South Beach stay.
Further developments will include the Caribbean’s largest wave pool; a child-friendly obstacle course pool; and the Oasis Lagoon – a freshwater pool with a swim-up bar and in-pool loungers.
A zipline of almost 490 metres will see passengers soar towards a water landing while guests can enjoy an aerial view of the island in the Up, Up and Away helium balloon that will float almost 140-metres above the ground.
Two beaches will cater to different tastes. Chill Island will offer a relaxed option with cabanas and daybeds while at action-packed South Beach guests will be able to try volleyball, beachside basketball, football, paddle boarding, glass-bottomed kayaking and zorbing.
CocoCay will be the first in a series of openings with plans for more Perfect Day destinations around the world.
Bayley asserted: “We will do Labadee [the line’s private beach resort on Haiti] and we will announce new projects not just in the Caribbean but also beyond in Asia Pacific.”
He added that the CocoCay concept was based on guest feedback from customers who visit the Caribbean region and that each Perfect Day location “may be different”.
“This is what we are creating in the Bahamas based on customers who go to that destination. It may be different in Asia Pacific.”
Bayley also alluded to the island’s potential beyond a day-long excursion.
“It won’t be in this phase but we will start to introduce overnights in CocoCay so guests can sail, stay overnight on the island and then board another ship the following day.”
