Sail away to your own private island with Royal Caribbean’s new luxury cruise

2018 is an incredible year for luxury cruises, with top designers and flexible itineraries causing the traditionally rather staid form of travel to experience a pique in popularity. Elsewhere, private island destinations are making waves by providing a truly bespoke, personal touch. Not one to miss the boat, Royal Caribbean International has unveiled plans to combine these top travel trends by launching a series of private island cruises in destinations around the globe – starting, of course, with the Caribbean Sea. 

The company will launch with a Perfect Day at CocoCay, taking guests on a trip to their Bahamas private island where adventure and relaxation in equal measure are the key focus – from riding the tide of the Caribbean’s largest wave pool, to taking in the highest view in The Bahamas with a hot air balloon 450 feet in the air. 

“At Royal Caribbean, it’s not just about the hardware. It’s true that our new ships are technological and engineering marvels in their own right, and offer a multitude of unexpected experiences. Our destinations are an equally important part of the cruise vacation,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of the brand.

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“We are introducing Perfect Day Island Collection to ensure that we deliver the most memorable vacation for adventure seekers on land, as well as on board our ships. When you name a place Perfect Day, you’re making a big, bold claim, but it’s one we’re going to deliver on,” he added. “Once Perfect Day at CocoCay is complete, it will be unlike anything else in the world.”

Scheduled for completion in Autumn 2019, the emphasis on adventure will begin the minute you arrive at the island, with the option to brave a zip line across the harbour. The on-site Thrill Waterpark will boast 13 slides – the most found in any waterpark in the Caribbean – as well as the area's largest wave pool. Daredevil’s Tower will introduce seven slides, including the 135-foot-tall Daredevil’s Peak – the tallest waterslide in North America. Other active options within the itinerary will include paddle boarding, glass-bottom kayaking and zorbing, before heading out to the floating bar to cool off with a drink. 

Beachside cabanas and daybeds will offer guests a private slice of paradise, when they're not making the most of an expansive 2,600-foot freshwater infinity pool and bar, or exclusive dining venues that will serve up freshly made Mediterranean fare with a side of ocean views.