Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay, offers a host of incredible experiences, but one area stands out for its elevated luxury: the Coco Beach Club. The main question we had—and that every cruiser asks—is whether this paid upgrade is truly worth the splurge. We took the plunge to find out.

Pricing and Strategy: When to Buy

The first thing to understand about the Coco Beach Club is its highly dynamic pricing. The cost is not fixed; it can change daily, vary between ships, and spike significantly during holiday sailings.

• Price Range: We’ve personally seen the price fluctuate wildly, from a low of around $90 per person to a peak of over $250 per person.
• Our "Buy It Now" Moment Strategy: Our best advice to you is to monitor your Cruise Planner constantly. If you see the price drop to around half of its peak value, that's your signal to book immediately.

The Coco Beach Club Atmosphere

The moment you step through the entrance of the Coco Beach Club, the atmosphere shifts completely. While the nearby Oasis Lagoon has an energetic, party-like atmosphere, the Beach Club is defined by instant tranquility.

The music is low-key, the service was great, and the entire space feels exclusive. If you are looking for a break from the crowds and the loud, chaotic energy of the main areas, this is your peaceful escape. We spent five hours here, and it was pure relaxation.

VIP Perks and Service

The price tag doesn't just buy you a quieter beach; it buys you a premium experience with dedicated service:

• The Infinity Pool: One of the club’s biggest selling points is the stunning, warm infinity pool. It is built for relaxation and soaking up the sun, not battling for space. Attendants circulate constantly to take drink orders, and for families, it’s a quieter alternative to the huge Oasis Lagoon.
• Dedicated Beach & Seating: The club boasts a pristine, dedicated beach with powder-soft sand. Every seat—whether a lounger or a daybed—feels premium, eliminating the morning race for a chair.
• VIP Touches: High-quality, thick towels are provided, and a surprising amenity was the complimentary sunscreen (which *I* definitely needed with my bald head!).

The Elevated Dining Experience

For us, the food was the most compelling reason to try the Coco Beach Club. This is an opportunity for elevated dining far beyond the standard cruise fare.

The highlights of the menu include:

• Whole Lobster: The whole Caribbean lobster was tasty, although we noted it wasn't as firm as a Maine lobster.
• Surf and Turf: We also enjoyed the fillet and lobster combination.
• Must-Try Dish: The Coco Lobster Sandwich: For our group, the consensus was that this was the best item on the menu. It was described as a coconut-crusted lobster cake and is something you have to try.

Our Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Splurge?

The answer to the central question depends entirely on your cruising style and priorities.

We would consider booking the Coco Beach Club again if we were able to get a good deal. The relaxing environment and elevated food were a wonderful change of pace.

Check out our full video review here: COCO BEACH CLUB at CocoCay: Is the Luxury Upgrade WORTH the PRICE?

What's the best deal you have ever snagged for the Coco Beach Club? Let us know in the comments below!

Welcome back to Ports and Pensions! We recently had the chance to experience an Infinite Balcony cabin on the brand-new Star of the Seas, and it's certainly sparked some conversation. This innovative design offers a fresh take on the classic cruise balcony, and while it brings some exciting advantages, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind.

We've put together a video walking you through Cabin 10621, and to help you decide if an Infinite Balcony is right for your next cruise, let's dive into some of the key pros and cons compared to a traditional balcony.

The Infinite Balcony: Pros

• More Interior Space (Visually and Functionally): One of the most immediate benefits of the Infinite Balcony is the feeling of increased space within your cabin. By replacing a traditional sliding door and separate outdoor area with a full wall window that lowers, the room feels more open and integrated. When the window is closed, you have a larger climate-controlled living area.

• Unique Views and Sounds: Being able to lower the top window allows you to truly immerse yourself in the ship's surroundings. We especially loved our view of Central Park, where we could see a harpist playing right below our window. At night, opening the window allowed us to hear the live music from Lou's Jazz Bar, which was a fantastic ambiance. Being able to view everything going on in Central Park was a distinct advantage.

• Modern Design and Smart Features: The cabin has a sleek, modern aesthetic. The smart panel near the bathroom controls not only the temperature and lights but also the window blinds, adding a touch of convenience.

• Convenient Charging Options: With USB ports on both sides of the bed, charging multiple devices simultaneously is a breeze, eliminating the need for extra extension cords.

The Infinite Balcony: Cons

• Less Privacy: One notable difference is the potential for reduced privacy. With the full wall as a window, guests in balconies across from you, particularly those overlooking Central Park, can see into your room. While curtains offer a solution for privacy when needed, it's something to consider if you value a completely secluded outdoor space.

• No Dedicated Outdoor Area: For those who love the traditional idea of stepping out onto a separate balcony, the Infinite Balcony's design might feel a little different. While the window opens to let in the fresh air, it's not a distinct outdoor space for lounging or having a private conversation completely separated from the main cabin.

• Small Breakfast Table: If you enjoy having breakfast on your balcony, the table in the Infinite Balcony suite, while functional for coffee and a single plate of food, is relatively small. This might be a minor point for some, but worth noting for others.

Ultimately, the Infinite Balcony on Star of the Seas offers a nice alternative to traditional balcony cabins. It trades a separate outdoor space for a more integrated, open-feeling cabin with unique views and technology upgrades. Your preference will likely come down to how you prioritize interior space, privacy, and your desired connection to the ship's atmosphere.

Want to see all these features in action? Watch our video walkthrough of Cabin 10621 on Star of the Seas to get an even better feel for the Infinite Balcony experience!

Video Source: Infinite Balcony Star of Seas Cabin 10621

On our last cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, my wife and I decided to try Hooked Seafood. We’d walked past it a few times and kept looking at the menu outside, so one evening we finally gave in. 

The place has a relaxed, coastal feel, lots of wood, blues, and little nautical touches. It’s not stuffy at all, just comfortable. We were seated by the window, which meant we could watch the water while we ate.

If you’re thinking about trying Hooked, I’d say go for it if you’re in the mood for seafood and a slower-paced dinner. It’s not included in the main dining package, but for us it was a nice treat and a change of scenery from the usual spots onboard.

You can watch our full walk-through and dinner in the video here: Hooked Seafood on Star of the Seas