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3 must-haves for a great family reunion cruise vacation.

So your family has decided to all get together for a fantastic cruise vacation. It has been so long since you have seen each other. All the family has decided that a cruise will be a perfect vacation. A cruise will give each family a chance to have fun together and then there will be time for the whole family to spend as a large group. But, before you book your cabins you are wondering if there is anything that you should consider. I am going to share with you what I think are 3 must-haves when you are going to go on a cruise with your extended family. So, here goes, my 3 must-haves for your family reunion cruise vacation!

#1 Book a Balcony Stateroom

I think that balcony staterooms are the Bomb! (Especially, if you have young children that need naptime or just time to get away from the hubbub.) Your balcony is the perfect place to get away and have a few minutes to yourself. Even if you love your family dearly it is nice to have a quiet, tranquil place to hang out where no one can find you. It is also perfect for when you want some interrupted time to connect away from the ship’s activities.

Now, if you have young children I think a balcony is a definite necessity. A balcony gives you the ability to have your child nap and you still get to enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, fresh air, and sounds of the ocean. It can be a wonderful relaxation time for you as well as the kids. If you only have an interior or oceanview room you might feel cooped up or resentful of not being able to enjoy outside.

#2 Linked Dining Reservations

One of my most favorite things to do on a family reunion cruise is to eat dinner all together as a family. Sitting in the dining room all together taking the time to eat a meal is a wonderful experience. Everyone has the chance to talk about their day, all the fun they had, and what they want to do tomorrow. It’s a great place to catch up together and enjoy each other’s company. But, in order to get tables together, you will want to have your dining reservations linked together when you book.

#3 Spirit of Compromise

This must-have is actually true for the whole planning and traveling process. Each family in your larger family will have specific needs and wants. Since it is everyone’s vacation, everyone should feel like their feelings are being considered. But this also means that everyone will need to give on some things. For instance, your family just cannot handle a late dinner seating but there is another family that really wants to do some excursions that will return during the early dinner time. So, maybe on those days, you all agree to meet for breakfast or just let them skip those nights and catch up the next day. If everyone has the spirit of compromise instead of just wanting their vacation their way then it can be more fun for all.


So, what do you think? Do you have another must-have for a family reunion cruise? I would love to hear your suggestion. Just comment below!

A cruise is a fantastic vacation for a family reunion but working out all the details can be quite hair raising. That’s where I come in! Let me help you handle all the tricky parts so that you can just enjoy the planning process. If you are thinking about planning a family reunion please contact me!

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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Perfect Day at Coco Cay is a fantastic stop with family and friends on your Royal Caribbean Cruise.

Are you wondering where in the world is Coco Cay? And then wondering why would I ever want to go there? Well, let’s get those questions answered for you today! Coco Cay is a private island (owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) in the Bahamas. As the title suggests it could be the perfect beach day for you and your family or friends to enjoy while you are cruising the Caribbean. There are so many things to do on the island it is truly a tropical island paradise for everyone. Want to know more? Read on! There is so much family fun to be had on Perfect Day at Coco Cay!

Beaches

What is a trip to a private island without a beach! Perfect Day at Coco Cay certainly will not disappoint. You will have a few beaches to choose from.

Chill Island

If you like to relax on the beach as well as explore what the ocean has to offer you might want to head to Chill Island. An abundance of lounge chairs await guests on one of the three ocean coves. Spend time soaking up the sun for a bit and then head out into the ocean with some rented snorkel gear, paddleboard, kayak, or maybe a jetski. When you get hungry, wander over to the Chill Grill for delicious Caribbean BBQ bites.

South Beach

Sports lovers will love South Beach. Yes, you will find beach chairs and plenty of ocean fun at South Beach. But, its real claim to fame is all the sports courts. Start up a game of volleyball or basketball for some extra fun. The nearby Snack Shack will satisfy your hunger with burgers, hot dogs, salads, and more.

Coco Beach Club

Coco Beach Club floating cabana

The Coco Beach Club is an exclusive part of the island. Day passes can be purchased by guests wanting a little bit more luxury on the island. With a day pass, guests enjoy the exclusive beach, clubhouse, infinity pool, towels, lounge chairs, and private Coco Beach Club restaurant. Guest also have the option of reserving cabanas on the beach or ultra-luxurious floating cabanas for an additional fee. The Coco Beach Club cannot be surpassed for peace, calm, and luxury.

Oasis Lagoon

Oasis Lagoon is a nice place to relax while visiting Perfect Day at Coco Cay with friends and family.
Oasis Lagoon, blue and white beach umbrellas and cabanas around pool

This massive freshwater pool (the largest in the Caribbean) will be a destination your whole family will enjoy. On one cove there is a sloping entry perfect for young children and fun for older kids to swim about from island to island. Parents can watch from one of the pool loungers either in or out of the pool. The swim-up bar is also a favorite of the Oasis Lagoon.

For the Kids

Captain’s Jill’s℠ Galleon

Young ones will be clamoring to climb aboard this pirate ship of adventure and fun. With 3 slides, a splash pad, and hordes of water cannons, no one is coming out dry.

Splashaway Bay

Another splash pad parents will have to drag their kids away from. This area is sure to drench with two huge dumping buckets, sprayers, slides, and so much fun!

Where to Eat and Drink

The restaurants on Perfect Day at Coco Cay are a great place for family to gather.
Skipper’s Grill and Chill Grill with Daredevil Tower in the background.

There are 3 complimentary places to eat while you are enjoying your Perfect Day at Coco Cay plus a few bars for getting something to drink. Drink plans can be used while on the island.

  • Chill Grill is near Chill Island
  • Skipper’s Grill can be found by Splashaway Bay
  • A few Snack Shacks can be found around the island
  • Captain Jack’s is near the entrance and is mostly a bar with a few snacky food items.
  • Coco Beach Club Restaurant for those with day passes

The restaurant areas have ample seating. This is a great place for your whole family or group of families to gather together and enjoy some time together.

Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark is one of the things to do on Perfect Day at Coco Cay that keeps guests booking cruises with this stop over and over again. The waterpark costs extra but it is a full day of fun and excitement. Devil’s Peak slide boasts being the tallest waterslide in North America at 135ft. Are you brave enough? You can also enjoy tube slides, racing slides, zero-gravity drops, and raft slides. Plus, they have a fantastic wave pool and you guessed it, it’s the biggest in the Caribbean. Kids of all ages won’t want to miss out on the obstacle course Adventure pool.

Other Excursions

Up Up and Away

Take a balloon ride 450 feet above the island for a birdseye view. This is taller than the Statue of Liberty and provides a gorgeous view of the ocean and the land below. This activity has an extra cost.

Zip Line

Soar along the 1600 foot long zip line across the island. You will even get a refreshing zip through the Harbor fountain just before you land. This activity has an extra cost.

How this is a good stop for your family or friend reunion vacation

As you can see there are things that will be enjoyable for everyone in the family. Above it talks about the different places for children. The waterpark is great for those of all ages loving a little thrill and excitement. The pool has a nice shallow area for kids as well as the two splash areas. So much for the kids in the family to do on their Perfect Day at Coco Cay and the parents get a little time to relax. What could be better than that!

How would Perfect Day at Coco Cay be for my family members who have less mobility? All of the beaches and pool areas have umbrellas available for those wanting to stay out of the sun a bit. There is a tram that provide transportation throughout the island for those who have difficluty walking long distances. The island is wheelchair accessible and pools also have lifts. The only stairs are to the tall waterslides and zip line.

For the families who want to make their day truly special consider renting a cabana on one of the beaches or a floating cabana at the Coco Beach Club. Multiple families can even pitch in and rent one together. There are cabanas that hold up to 8 people.


Your Perfect Day at Coco Cay will surely not disappoint your family! There is so much to do without whether you want to keep it simple or be a little more extravagant with the waterpark or a luxury cabana. There are multiple itineraries that make Perfect Day at Coco Cay one of their preferred stops. Talk with your travel advisor about which itinerary might be right for your family.

Happy travels to you…until we meet again!

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