Getting ashore
This is a private island. You only come here on a ship that calls. Royal Caribbean says it is open only to guests sailing on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Ships dock at a pier, and you walk ashore. The walk from the ship to Arrivals Plaza is about 6 minutes. A pier tram loops the pier at no charge. Take your SeaPass card. You need it to get back on the ship. There is no overnight stay.
Watch-outs
The beach is included. Chairs and umbrellas are included. A cabana, Thrill Waterpark, and the Up, Up and Away balloon are not. The cost page lists those extras and prints no dollar price. Prices change by season, so use the figure for your own sailing. If wind stops a booked balloon ride, the line says that booking is refunded. Take the ship’s towels back. An unreturned towel is about $25. Ages 0 to 3 are included at the waterpark. A child under 14 needs a ticketed guest aged 14 or older to go in. The zip line needs closed-toe shoes.
Getting around the island
From Arrivals Plaza, the walk times are about 3 minutes to the waterpark, about 5 to Harbor Beach, about 8 to Oasis Lagoon, about 5 to 10 to Chill Island, and about 10 to South Beach. The island tram leaves Arrivals Plaza, near the waterpark, all day. It stops every 15 minutes at South Beach, Oasis Lagoon, and Breezy Bay on Chill Island. A separate tram goes to Hideaway Beach. The trams are included. These walks are in the sun. The same times are posted on the island.
Taxis & ride apps
There is no town, so there is no town taxi. No ride app is listed for this island. You ride a tram, or you walk. The pier tram runs between the ship and Arrivals Plaza at no charge. The island tram covers the main beaches and the pool. If walking is hard, ask Guest Services for the accessible tram. Guest Services is at the pier and at places on the island. That tram runs on a regular turn, including from the pier. Do not wait for a taxi rank. A car has nowhere else to go.
What to do nearby
You can spend the call on a free beach. The line names five: Chill Island, Breezy Bay, South Beach, Cove Beach, and Harbor Beach. Loungers and umbrellas are included, and you may swim. Oasis Lagoon, the large freshwater pool, is included. Splashaway Bay and the children’s galleon are included. Lockers, showers, and changing rooms are included. Food at Chill Grill, Skipper’s Grill, and three snack shacks is included. So are water, fruit juice, iced tea, and lemonade. Alcohol is extra unless your ship drink package covers it.
Going further
There is no town beyond the beach, and you cannot stay the night. The island is about 55 miles north of Nassau. That is not a trip from this pier. Paid places are still on the island. Thrill Waterpark, the zip line, a cabana, Coco Beach Club, and the helium balloon cost extra. The cost page does not name a dollar price for the cabana, the waterpark, or the balloon. Hideaway Beach is for guests 18 and over, and it has its own tram. Snorkelling and a jet ski are extra too. Book ahead if you want a set time. Be back for the ship’s all-aboard.
Food & shopping
Pay with your SeaPass card . That is how the island charges you. The market sells Bahamian crafts. The card works there until 2:30 p.m. The same page says US dollar cash is always accepted at that market. The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is the local currency. The Central Bank says it has stayed at a fixed rate against the US dollar since 1973. The rate has been fixed for many years. Use it as a guide. Captain Jack’s charges from a menu, even for loyalty members and suite guests. The grills and snack shacks do not. Bars charge from a menu.
Opening times & connectivity
The island follows the ship. It does not keep shop hours. The Hideaway page says that beach is open from the ship’s arrival until the ship leaves. The market takes a SeaPass card until 2:30 p.m. US dollar cash is accepted there as well. The line does not describe a free Wi-Fi network. A VOOM internet package bought on the ship works on the island. English is spoken. In an emergency, call 911 or 919. Write down the all-aboard time before you step off. There is no later boat.
Accessibility & mobility
The line calls the island accessible. Beach wheelchairs are free and first come, first served. Ask a crew member where to find one. Accessible trams run on a regular turn, including from the pier to Arrivals Plaza. Ask Guest Services at the pier. Oasis Lagoon and the infinity pool at Coco Beach Club have pool lifts. The wave pool at the waterpark can take a wheelchair. The towers for the slides, and the zip-line tower, have stairs. These pages do not say the gangway is step-free. Ask the ship about the gangway.