Ahoy CocoCay! Celebrity Cruises Will Sail to Private Isle

Seeking that endless summer feeling? Well, for the first time ever in 2024, Celebrity Cruises will say, “Ahoy CocoCay,” taking guests directly to Royal Caribbean International’s popular Bahamian private island experience.

Whether you simply want to relax on a soft, sandy beach, take a dip in the ocean, sip on a cool cocktail while relaxing at a swim-up bar, or enjoy razzle-dazzle activities, Celebrity now has new options at “Perfect Day at CocoCay.” (See photo above of the island’s pier entrance; photo by Celebrity Cruises)

But that’s not all. Celebrity has introduced a sizably revamped Caribbean program for next year. Two ships will homeport in South Florida, doubling the number of Caribbean sailings normally offered. Also, some are weekend getaways, a first for the line.

Celebrity Cruises: Beyond the Horizon

Guests can sail away to CocoCay on the new Celebrity Beyond, which will operate a mix of six- and eight-night voyages “year-round” from Port Everglades, (Greater Fort Lauderdale), FL.

Launched in 2022, that ship also will call at such destinations as Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; the Bahamas; Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, and Mexican ports. Those vary by itinerary.

Good to know? As the newest Edge-class ship, Celebrity Beyond’s design is outward facing — to maximize outdoor spaces and panoramic ocean views. The ship offers more than 30 food and beverage options, world-class production shows, and lovely staterooms and suites.

Personally, we love the Infinite Veranda staterooms. Just push a button and the top pane of glass drops to create an open-air balcony. Yet, when the glass is “up,” guests have more usable interior space. It’s a winning concept.

The ship also offers wellness-focused AquaClass accommodations. Plus, if you want to splurge, check out the line’s first-ever, two-story suites called the Edge Villas.

Six-Night Sailing 

A six-night “Western Caribbean and Perfect Day” voyage on Celebrity Beyond will sail roundtrip from Port Everglades. This itinerary will call at CocoCay, plus Grand Cayman and Bimini. Guests also will enjoy shipboard activities or relaxation during two sea days.

Among the departures are May 12, 2024, and May 26, 2024, with fares on those dates (at press time) starting at $719 per person, double occupancy; prices are subject to change. Contact a Pavlus Travel advisor for more details.

Craig Pavlus, founder and CEO, Pavlus Travel, sailed in late 2022 during a preview cruise on Celebrity Beyond. For those considering a vacation on this ship, check out his Founder’s Blog! 

Celebrity Cruises: Reflection to the Caribbean

In addition, Celebrity has announced that Celebrity Reflection, a Solstice-class ship, will also sail from Port Everglades in 2024. What’s special?

Starting in 2024, travelers will be able to get away for the weekend on that ship’s new three- and four-night sailings.

So, go ahead and plan your big vacation for the year. But if you also desire a second, shorter getaway, consider this option. From Friday to Monday, travelers can break free from their routines and recharge in the Caribbean.

Nearly 40 Celebrity Reflection voyages in 2024 will offer opportunities for exploring Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other ports of call, depending on the specific itinerary, may include Key West in the Florida Keys and/or laid-back Bimini in the Bahamas. Bimini was a favorite seaside hideaway of 20th century author Ernest Hemingway.

For example, Celebrity Reflection will sail a three-night “Key West and Perfect Day” itinerary roundtrip from Port Everglades on October 25, 2024. Starting prices, at press time, were $238 per person, double occupancy, for an inside stateroom, and $1,427 per person, double occupancy, for Retreat accommodations.

Plus, to extend the trip a bit, your personal travel planner can suggest hotels or resorts for a few nights in South Florida. Many travelers enjoy coupling a short cruise with a land stay to create a week-long getaway.

Celebrity Cruises: Perfect Day at CocoCay

Right now, travelers are seeking more options for visiting the Caribbean year-round including weekend sailings. Many have also expressed a desire for a private island destination,” explains Laura Hodges Bethge, Celebrity’s president.

From our perspective, it’s a good move by Celebrity to add the Perfect Day at CocoCay experience. The Meandering Traveler has gone ashore many times at this private island. We’ve seen it greatly evolve — with enhancements at every turn.

Getting off the ship, guests find that CocoCay is vibrant, fun, and in many ways, idyllic. Choice rules here. There are so many options for how guests can spend their time ashore. 

Relaxation and Thrills

Pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters await. Personally, we’d head for the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas for a dip. Why not swim up to the bar for a cool, refreshing cocktail?

At the relaxing, exclusive Coco Beach Club (see photo below), guests can get away from any crowds with a heated infinity pool, specialty restaurant, and 20 exclusive overwater cabanas.

Hideaway Beach, a new offering debuting in January 2024, will offer an adults-only paradise too. Look for private cabanas and a new signature food outlet.

While certainly a day ashore can be highly relaxing, it’s totally up to the guest. If you prefer more thrills and intense activities, you’re also in luck.

Just head for the island’s Thrill Park. Cruise guests can get their adrenaline flowing on North America’s tallest waterslide.

Another option for cruisers is to is to soar 450 feet above the island in Up, Up and Away. That’s a hot-air balloon ride that provides panoramic views of the island and surrounding ocean.

Parting Thoughts

For more information about Celebrity Cruises voyages to the Caribbean in 2024, including the opportunity to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, contact a skilled professional travel advisor.

Important Information from Pavlus Travel