Royal Caribbean Reintroduces Private Island as Perfect Day at CocoCay Following $250 Million Overhaul

(9 a.m. EDT) -- Cruisers on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas this weekend were among the first to experience a port call on Perfect Day at CocoCay. The island experience is the result of a $250-million investment that transformed the private island into a funfair of superlatives: the tallest waterslide in North America, the largest wave pool in the Caribbean and the first in the line's Perfect Day Island Collection of private destinations.

"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," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International in a news release.  "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."

The island is segmented into places for thrills and places to chill. Those seeking "higher, further, faster" … and wetter, can partake in the aptly named Thrill Waterpark (for a fee), with 13 waterslides -- including the 135-foot-tall Daredevil's Tower -- as well as multi-rider slides for families at Splash Summit, an interactive aquatic obstacle course called Adventure Pool and the biggest wave pool around. Captain Jill's Galleon and Splashaway Bay offer pint-sized thrills perfect for kiddos with waterslides and dry slides, as well as an interactive splash park.

A 1,600-foot-long zipline course and a 450-foot-high helium balloon called "Up, Up and Away," round out some truly spectacular ways to see all that the revamped island has to offer (also for fee).

South Beach is where those with a competitive spirit will head to participate in a game of volleyball, soccer -- and even zorbing (rolling around in an inflatable ball). For independent types, paddleboarding and glass-bottom kayaking are serene ways to take in the sea.

On the chill side of things, the Oasis Lagoon is a massive pool with three coves, a swim-up bar and plentiful loungers on all sides -- free of charge. Cabanas are available for rent, but chairs and umbrellas are complimentary.

There is even a literal Chill Island; designed for beach bums, visitors will find perfect stretches of sand, water sports on offer and fruity drinks and frosty beers aplenty.

When Royal Caribbean cruisers finally work up an appetite, they have four venues to choose from (some included and others with a la carte fees): Harborside, you'll find Captain Jack's for wings and a lively atmosphere and Skipper's Grill for tacos, salads, burgers and more included in your fare; Chill Grill, on Chill Island, is where families and friends can dine at shaded picnic tables in the sand; and the Snack Shack on South Beach will satisfy anyone with drinks and bites.

An upscale experience called the Coco Beach Club is underway and expected to debut in December. By the end of the year, anyone looking for an exclusive experience at Perfect Day will be able to rent some of the first overwater cabanas in the Bahamas, enjoy a private dining venue with Mediterranean fare and cool off in an infinity pool spanning more than 2,600 feet.

Cruisers can visit Perfect Day at CocoCay aboard any one of Royal Caribbean's 11 ships sailing from ports in Florida and the Northeast in 2019.

Cruise Critic will be reporting live from Navigator of the Seas and Perfect Day all next week.