Royal Caribbean's Private Destinations: What's Free, What Costs Extra and What's Coming
Quick answer: Perfect Day at CocoCay is included in your fare, with paid extras like the waterpark. The Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cozumel are paid, all-inclusive day passes. Royal Beach Club Cozumel opens December 31, 2026. Perfect Day Mexico has been delayed after Mexican authorities rejected the plan, and no new opening date has been set.
Royal Caribbean is building more private destinations than any other cruise line, and they are becoming a big reason people choose a specific cruise. Here is how they compare so you can pick the right itinerary.
At a glance
Destination | Location | Status | Cost to enter |
|---|---|---|---|
Perfect Day at CocoCay | Bahamas | Open | Included; extras cost more |
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island | Nassau, Bahamas | Opened December 2025 | Paid day pass |
Royal Beach Club Cozumel | Cozumel, Mexico | Opens December 31, 2026 | Paid day pass |
Labadee | Haiti | Royal's original private destination | Included |
Perfect Day Mexico | Mahahual (Costa Maya), Mexico | Delayed; no new date | Planned to be included |
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean's most famous private island is a free stop on many Bahamas and Caribbean cruises. Beaches, lunch, pools and the island's laid-back spots are included. Paid extras include Thrill Waterpark, the adults-only Hideaway Beach, the Up, Up and Away helium balloon, cabanas and alcohol.
Best for: Families and thrill-seekers who want a big, active beach day.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Nassau)
Opened in December 2025 on Paradise Island in Nassau, this is a paid, all-inclusive beach day. Your pass includes food, drinks, Wi-Fi, loungers and transportation. Pricing is dynamic. Passes with alcohol started around $170 per adult, and non-alcohol passes around $130 for guests 13 and older. Cabanas cost much more.
Best for: Couples and families who want a resort-style beach day in Nassau without planning their own.
Royal Beach Club Cozumel (new)
Royal Caribbean's newest beach club is scheduled to open on December 31, 2026, on Cozumel's western coast. Like Paradise Island, it will be a paid, all-inclusive day pass booked as a shore excursion. Expect pools, swim-up bars, cabanas, water sports and Mexican food and culture. Royal Caribbean has not yet published pricing.
Best for: Western Caribbean cruisers who want an easy, all-inclusive Cozumel beach day. My SIX18 Voyages Cozumel port guide covers the island's other great beaches if you prefer to explore on your own.
Perfect Day Mexico: What happened?
Perfect Day Mexico was planned as a 200-acre destination in Mahahual, near the Costa Maya cruise port, with a huge waterpark and the world's longest lazy river. In May 2026, Mexican authorities rejected Royal Caribbean's proposal after pushback from residents and environmental groups. Royal Caribbean's CEO has said opening on the original 2027 schedule is unlikely, though the company is still talking with the Mexican government.
What this means for you: If you see Perfect Day Mexico promoted for 2027, be cautious. Costa Maya is still a great port, and my SIX18 Voyages Costa Maya guide shows you what to do there.
Which is right for you?
Want it included? Choose an itinerary with Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Want an adult, upscale beach day? Royal Beach Club or CocoCay's Hideaway Beach.
Sailing the Western Caribbean? Look for a Cozumel stop with Royal Beach Club access starting in 2027.
Want to explore on your own? Pick traditional ports and grab one of my port guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is Perfect Day at CocoCay free? Yes, entry, beaches and lunch are included. Waterparks, cabanas and alcohol cost extra.
Is Royal Beach Club included in my cruise? No. It is a paid, all-inclusive day pass.
Can I combine a drink package with Royal Beach Club? Royal Caribbean has offered combo bundles of a drink package plus beach club access, so check your Cruise Planner.
When does Royal Beach Club Cozumel open? December 31, 2026.
Want a Royal Caribbean cruise that hits the right private destination for your crew? I'll compare itineraries and help you grab beach club passes early. Get your free quote or call or text (618) 772-9206.
Glenn Sunnquist
Owner, SIX18 Travel LLC
Certified Travel Advisor
CLIA Member
Cruise & Resort Vacation Specialist
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