If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest additions to Perfect Day at CocoCay, you know that Hideaway Beach has officially changed the vibe of the island. It’s the first adults-only (18+) expansion, and it brings a high-energy, beach club atmosphere that was previously missing.

On a recent sailing, we decided to put the New Year’s Bonus to good use and booked a Hideaway Cabana to see if the premium price tag is worth it for a day on the rocks. Here is the honest breakdown of what you get, what it costs, and how it compares to other spots on the island.

The Layout: Hideaway Beach vs. The Hideout

Hideaway Beach is divided into two main areas:

• Hideaway Beach: This is the main hub. It features the massive infinity pool, the live DJ, and the Hideaway Cabanas (which we booked). It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s where the party is.

• The Hideout: Located on the far end of the beach, this is the exclusive wing. These cabanas are typically more expensive because they share a private infinity plunge pool that is separate from the main crowd.

The Hideaway Cabana Experience

Our cabana was located just steps from the main pool. If you’re looking for a home base while you bounce between the DJ booth and the swim-up bar, this is the prime real estate.

What’s Included:

• Dedicated Attendant: This is the biggest perk. Instead of waiting in line at Hideaway Hut or the bar, our attendant handled all food and drink deliveries.

• The Setup: You get a sectional sofa, two lounge chairs, a ceiling fan (essential in the Bahamas heat), a cooler stocked with all kinds of drink, bottled water on ice, and a lockable storage box for your gear.

• The Food: You have access to upgraded menu items like the seafood pizza from Slice of Paradise and coconut shrimp. The ceviche seemed to be everyone's favorite.

The Cost Breakdown

Prices for cabanas at CocoCay are not a set price, meaning they fluctuate based on the ship and time of year. For our day, the total was $940 which was a huge discount during the Black Friday sales.

While that number looks staggering at first glance, you have to figure out the cost per person.  The cabana allows for 8 guests.

• Total Cost: $940

• Price Per Person: ~$117

When you consider that a standard entry pass to Hideaway Beach can run $80–$100 on a busy day, we only paid a small premium per person for the private space, the shade, and the VIP service.  That said, normally the price is much higher for the cabana.

On the Rocks: A Quiet Alternative

If the DJ music gets to be a bit much, you can walk over to On the Rocks. This is a sprawling bar built right into the rocky coastline. It offers a much better view of the ship and a slightly more beach bar vibe. It’s a great spot to grab a signature cocktail and actually hear the person sitting next to you.

The Verdict: Is it worth it?

This isn't a must-do for everyone. If you’re a couple looking for a romantic, quiet nap by the ocean, you are going to find this area too loud and crowded. You’d be much happier at the Coco Beach Club.

However, if you are traveling with a group of friends and you want to be at the center of the action with a guaranteed spot to sit, the Hideaway Cabana is a total game-changer. It turns a chaotic beach day into a seamless, luxury experience.

Planning a trip to CocoCay? Here is the link to our Hideaway Beach Cabana Video.  Also check out our full video tour of the Coco Beach Club to see which side of the island fits your style better!

It’s official, Royal Caribbean fans! After years of rumors and "Project Discovery" whispers, Royal Caribbean Group has finally confirmed that a brand-new class of ships is on the horizon.

Named the Discovery Class, these ships are set to break the bigger is better mold we’ve seen with the Icon and Oasis Classes. In a move that has seasoned cruisers cheering, Royal Caribbean is returning to its roots with a focus on destination-focused, immersive cruising.

Here is everything we know about the Discovery Class and why it’s the most exciting news since the reveal of Icon of the Seas.

The Big Announcement: What We Know So Far

On January 29, 2026, Royal Caribbean Group signed an agreement with the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France—the same legendary yard that built the Oasis Class and the original Sovereign of the Seas.

The deal includes:

• The first ship is scheduled to debut in 2029, with the second following in 2032.

• The agreement includes options for four additional ships, potentially bringing the fleet to six.

• The Discovery Class is being described by CEO Michael Bayley as a "game-changer" focused on breathtaking destinations.

Why Smaller is "Big" News

If you’ve been on Icon of the Seas or Wonder of the Seas, you know they are floating cities. They are incredible, but their massive size means they are physically limited to certain ports.

The Discovery Class is expected to be significantly smaller than the Icon (250,000 GT) and Oasis (225,000 GT) classes. While official specs haven't been released, industry insiders and CEO comments suggest:

• Panama Canal Capable: These ships will likely be "Neo-Panamax" size, allowing them to transit the Panama Canal and reach ports in Alaska, Europe, and exotic locales that the mega-ships simply can't touch.

• Replacing the Classics: Many speculate the Discovery Class will eventually replace the aging Vision and Radiance Class ships, which are currently Royal’s "go-to" vessels for smaller ports.

• Intimacy Meets Innovation: Expect the latest tech (like LNG propulsion and smart energy systems) but in a more intimate, 2,500–3,000 passenger setting.

What Will the Onboard Experience Be Like?

Michael Bayley noted that the class will offer "extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences" and "immersive moments." Here is what we’re keeping our eyes on:

1. Destination-Centric Design: We expect more glass, outward-facing lounges, and perhaps even retractable roofs (like the Solarium on older ships) to make the scenery the star of the show.

2. Tech-Forward Features: Expect the "Pearl" style innovation or perhaps a smaller version of the AquaDome, adapted for a ship that needs to handle both the Caribbean sun and Alaskan glaciers.

3. The "Best of" Royal: While we might not see a massive waterpark, we hope to see fan-favorites like Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Chops Grille, and maybe even a reimagined Central Park.

What do you want to see on the Discovery Class? A wrap-around promenade? A specific specialty restaurant? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re just as eager as you are to see how this class "redefines" cruising!

Want to stay up to date on all things cruising? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube  for the latest on ship reveals, itinerary leaks, and cruise ship tours!

 Ah, loyalty programs. There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking onto a ship and knowing your morning latte is on the house, or that you’ve got a private lounge waiting for you away from the crowds.

For years, the Royal Caribbean Group—which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea—kept their loyalty programs in relatively separate silos. But that all changed in 2024 with the "Status Match," and now, as of January 30, 2026, they’ve taken it a massive step further with the launch of Points Choice.

If you’re confused about whether you should be "matching" or "choosing," don't worry. I’ve spent more time than I’d like to admit staring at deck plans and point charts, and I’m here to break down exactly how these two programs work together to get you the best perks at sea.

What is Royal Caribbean Points Choice?

Think of Points Choice as the ultimate flexibility tool for your cruise status. Before this program, if you sailed on Royal Caribbean, you earned Crown & Anchor points. Period. If you tried a Celebrity cruise for a change of pace, those points lived in your Captain’s Club account, separate from your Royal status.

Points Choice changes the game by allowing you to take the points you earn on any of the three brands and apply them to the loyalty program of your choice.

How It Works

1. Sail on any brand: Whether it’s an Icon-class mega-ship or a boutique Silversea expedition, you earn points.
2. Decide where they go: Within 14 days of your cruise ending (or even before you sail), you can submit a request via the app or website to "bank" those points into a different brand’s program.
3. Use the Exchange Rate: Since the programs don't all use the same math, Royal Caribbean has established a 2026 exchange rate. For example:
• Inside/Ocean View on Royal: Earns 1 Crown & Anchor point, or 2 Captain’s Club points.
• Balcony on Royal: Earns 1 Crown & Anchor point, or 3 Captain’s Club points.
• Suites: Often earn double, and you can choose which "bucket" those double points fill.

If you do nothing, your points will default to the brand you actually sailed on. You only need to use the Points Choice form if you want to apply your points to a different brand.

So how is this different from the Loyalty Match Program?

While Points Choice is about earning points, the Loyalty Match program is about recognition across brands.

Launched in mid-2024, this program ensures that if you are a Diamond member on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity will treat you like an Elite member from the moment you step on board. It’s a one-for-one tier match across all three brands.

• Who it’s for: Travelers who have already put in the work to reach a high tier on one line and want to sail on a sister brand without starting at the bottom.
• The Catch: While you get the onboard perks (like free coffees or laundry), you don't actually get the points. A Diamond member matched to Celebrity Elite still has 0 "raw" points in their Celebrity account until they actually sail and earn them.

Side-by-Side: Points Choice vs. Loyalty Match

Expert Strategy: When to Use Which?

The most common question I get is: "If they match my status anyway, why do I care where the points go?" Here is where the Ports and Pensions strategy comes in. The most important thing to remember is that milestone rewards (like the legendary free cruise at 700 points in Crown & Anchor) are only awarded based on earned points, not matched status.

Scenario A: Loyal To Royal

If your dream is to reach the Pinnacle Club (700 points) on Royal Caribbean, but you want to take a 7-night Alaskan cruise on Celebrity, you should use Points Choice. Apply those Celebrity points to your Royal Caribbean account to keep your momentum toward that Pinnacle milestone.

Scenario B: Try Another Brand

If you love both Royal and Celebrity equally, use Loyalty Match to enjoy the perks on both, but use Points Choice to funnel all your points into whichever line has the rewards you value most. For many, this is Royal Caribbean because of the valuable balcony discounts and the sheer number of ships in the fleet.

Scenario C: The Silversea Step-Up

Thinking of moving into the ultra-luxury world? Silversea’s Venetian Society has some of the best long-term rewards in the industry (including free cruises after 250 days). If you sail Royal but want to retire on Silversea, funneling your points into "VS Days" via Points Choice may be something to look into.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean Group is effectively telling us that "loyalty is loyalty," regardless of which ship you're on. By combining Loyalty Match with Points Choice, you have more power than ever to customize your vacation rewards.

Just remember: Watch that 14-day window! There is nothing worse than getting home from a dream vacation, forgetting to fill out the form, and realizing your points landed in the "wrong" account.