Royal Caribbean 101: What’s Actually Included (and What’s Not!) on Your Bahamas & CocoCay Getaway

So you’ve spotted an amazing Royal Caribbean deal to the Bahamas with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, and you’re about to click “book.” But then the questions start rolling in: Wait, is food included? What about drinks? Do I have to pay extra for the waterpark?

Here’s the thing, Royal Caribbean cruises aren’t technically “all-inclusive” like a resort, but they DO include way more than most people realize. The confusion happens because there’s a whole menu of add-ons that can either enhance your trip or blow your budget if you’re not careful.

As a specialty travel agent here at Straight Away Travel, I’ve helped dozens of families navigate exactly what they need (and what they can skip) on their Royal Caribbean cruises. Let me break it all down for you so there are zero surprises when you step onboard.

What’s Already Included on Your Royal Caribbean Ship

Let’s start with the good news, you’ve got plenty of food, entertainment, and activities covered in your cruise fare:

Dining Options:

• Main Dining Room – Multi-course dinners every night with table service (think filet mignon, lobster tail, you name it)
• Windjammer Café – The buffet that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tons of variety
• Sorrento’s Pizza – Late-night pizza cravings? Covered.
• Café Promenade – Grab pastries, sandwiches, and snacks throughout the day
• Room service – Continental breakfast is free; other items may have a small delivery fee

Beverages:

• Water, regular coffee, tea, iced tea, milk, and select juices
• Lemonade and other basic fountain drinks at certain venues

Entertainment & Activities:

• Broadway-style shows and live music performances
• Comedy shows and game shows
• Pools, hot tubs, and waterslides (yes, the slides on the ship are free!)
• Sports court, mini golf, rock climbing wall, and FlowRider surf simulator
• Fitness center access
• Kids and teens clubs

Here’s the insider tip: Most first-time cruisers don’t realize how much quality food is already included. You’re not stuck eating cafeteria-style meals, the Main Dining Room serves legit restaurant-quality food every single night, and it’s all covered in your cruise fare.

What’s Included at Perfect Day at CocoCay (The Private Island!)

Now let’s talk about CocoCay, because this is where Royal Caribbean really shines. Unlike other cruise lines’ private islands, Royal Caribbean has invested HUGE in making this a can’t-miss destination. And the best part? A lot of it is completely free.

Free Access & Beaches:

• No admission fee to the island (it’s exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests)
• Five beautiful white-sand beaches: Chill Island, South Beach, Breezy Bay, Cove Beach, and Harbor Beach
• Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels provided
• Complimentary tram service to get around the island

Free Water Fun:

• Oasis Lagoon – The largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean! It’s massive and perfect for families
• Splashaway Bay – An aqua park with water cannons, slides, and splash zones for younger kids
• Captain Jill’s Galleon – A pirate-themed water play area that kids absolutely love

Free Island Dining:

• Five complimentary dining venues across the island
• Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill serve burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, and sides
• Snack Shack for quick bites
• Soft-serve ice cream stands (always a crowd favorite!)

Standard Beverages:

• Water, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and juice at the island dining venues

The free lunch situation at CocoCay is honestly clutch. You don’t have to head back to the ship or pay extra, just grab a burger and fries between beach time and pool lounging.

What’s NOT Included on the Ship (But Might Be Worth It)

Okay, real talk: this is where Royal Caribbean makes their money, and where you need to decide what actually adds value to YOUR trip.

Specialty Dining:

• Restaurants like Chops Grille (steakhouse), Izumi (hibachi & sushi), Giovanni’s Table (Italian), and Chef’s Table (exclusive multi-course experience)
• These range from $25-$100+ per person
• Our take: If you’re celebrating something special or just want one fancy night out, pick ONE specialty restaurant. You don’t need to do them all.

Beverages:

• All alcoholic drinks (cocktails, beer, wine)
• Soda and specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos)
• Bottled water and fresh-squeezed juices

The Package Options:

• Deluxe Beverage Package – Unlimited drinks up to $14 each (cocktails, wine, beer, soda, specialty coffee)
• Soda Package – Unlimited fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle
• Water Package – Discounted bottled water by the case

Other Add-Ons:

• VOOM Internet – Royal Caribbean’s Wi-Fi service (you’ll need this if you want to post those sunset pics in real-time!)
• Spa treatments, salon services
• Shore excursions at ports
• Photos taken by ship photographers
• Casino gaming (obviously!)

What’s NOT Included at CocoCay (The Upgrades)

Here’s where CocoCay gets tricky. Royal Caribbean has created some AMAZING premium experiences on the island, but they come with a price tag:

Thrill Waterpark (around $89-$119 per person):

• 13 waterslides including Daredevil’s Peak: the tallest waterslide in North America!
• Wave pool
• Exclusive seating areas
• This sells out FAST, especially during peak season

Zip Line (around $99 per person):

• Fly across the island with incredible ocean views
• Also books up quickly

Coco Beach Club (around $99-$199+ per person):

• Adults-only oasis with overwater cabanas
• Infinity pool overlooking the ocean
• Elevated dining and premium bar service
• This is the ultimate splurge if you’re looking for a childfree, Instagram-worthy day

Hideaway Beach (around $109 per person):

• Another adults-only area with swim-up bar
• Live DJ and chill vibes
• More private and less crowded than the free beaches

Up, Up & Away Helium Balloon (around $35 per person):

• Ride 450 feet up for panoramic views
• Great for photos but not a must-do if you’re on a budget

Equipment Rentals:

• Cabanas and daybeds at various beaches (prices vary by location)
• Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear
• Floating mats and other toys

Pro tip from our team: The free beaches and pools at CocoCay are genuinely fantastic. You do NOT need to book the premium add-ons to have an amazing day. But if you’ve got thrill-seekers in your group, that Thrill Waterpark is bucket-list worthy.

The Big Question: Should You Buy the Beverage Package?

This is the question we get asked THE MOST to our agents who specialize in cruises. Here’s our honest breakdown:

The Deluxe Beverage Package makes sense if:

• You drink 5+ alcoholic beverages per day (that’s the break-even point)
• You love fancy coffee drinks and would order them throughout the day
• You want to try different cocktails without watching the bill add up
• You’re cruising with your spouse and you’ll BOTH use it (Royal requires all adults in a cabin to purchase it)

Skip it if:

• You’re light drinkers or only have a cocktail or two at dinner
• You’re cruising with teens who just want sodas (get the Soda Package instead)
• You plan to spend most of your time at ports rather than onboard

Here’s where working with a specialty travel agent like us really pays off: We help you run the actual numbers based on YOUR drinking habits. We’ve seen too many families buy the package “just in case” and end up forcing themselves to drink to get their money’s worth. That’s not a vacation: that’s homework!

How Straight Away Travel Takes the Guesswork Out

Look, researching all these packages and add-ons can feel like a part-time job. That’s literally why we exist as your best travel agency for vacation packages.

Here’s what we handle for you:

1. Package Analysis – We look at your family’s actual habits and recommend only what makes financial sense
2. Pre-Cruise Booking – CocoCay experiences sell out WEEKS before your cruise. We book them the moment they become available so you’re not stuck refreshing the app at midnight
3. Price Monitoring – Royal Caribbean often runs promotions on beverage packages and specialty dining. We track these and let you know when to buy
4. Exclusive Perks – As a specialty agency, we often secure onboard credits, free upgrades, and other bonuses you won’t get booking on your own
5. The “Is This Worth It?” Conversation – We’ve been on these ships. We know which upgrades are game-changers and which ones are overhyped Instagram traps

We’re not here to upsell you on every package Royal Caribbean offers. We’re here to help you spend your money where it actually enhances your vacation: whether that’s splurging on the Thrill Waterpark for your adventure-loving teens or skipping the beverage package and just buying drinks as you go.

Bottom Line: You’ll Eat Well, Play Hard, and Only Pay for What You Actually Want

Royal Caribbean has absolutely nailed the balance of included amenities and optional upgrades. You can have an incredible cruise without spending a dime beyond your cruise fare, or you can customize your experience with the exact add-ons that match your travel style.

The key is knowing what you’re getting into BEFORE you board. No one wants to be that person standing at Guest Services on embarkation day trying to figure out if they should panic-buy the beverage package.

That’s where having a travel advisor at SAT that specializes in cruises makes all the difference. We’ve guided hundreds of families through these decisions, and we’d love to help you plan your Royal Caribbean adventure to the Bahamas and CocoCay.

Ready to start planning? Reach out to us at Straight Away Travel, and let’s get your perfect Bahamas getaway on the books: with zero confusion and all the insider tips! ⚓☀️