Travel Destination: Coco Cay, Bahamas - Yahoo Voices - voices.yahoo.com

Coco Cay is Royal Caribbean's private island where you can totally relax in the warmth of the Bahamas sun, while listening to the gentle rhythm of the ocean waves. Your dreams become your reality as you lounge on the white sandy beaches, mesmerized by the clear blue waters of the Caribbean. If you prefer the shade, you can swing lazily on one of the rope hammocks under the coconut trees and still soak in the spectacular views of the crystal clear ocean water.

Acquired by Royal Caribbean International, Coco Cay was originally known as Little Stirrup Cay, part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, slightly more than 50 miles to the north of Nassau. The 138-acre island is less than a mile wide and not quite two hundred yards in length from north to south. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines use the uninhabited island as a private port stop for their guests. Royal Caribbean has invested over $20 million recently in improvements after the facilities were heavily damaged from a hurricane several years ago.

Coco Cay is an oasis which appeals to all age groups, from adults to children. If you are looking for relaxation, or something more adventurous, Coco Cay is the place to be. Here you have your choice of fun activities including parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking. You can rent a Wave Runner or floating beach mat for reasonable prices.

A large part of RCCL's $20 million investment went to the development of Coco Cay's Aqua Park, which is essentially a playground in the water. This new recreation category has been a big hit with cruise passengers, as it was originally tested by RCCL in Labadee. Although it is a fun activity, it actually is quite a workout, with floating rock climbing walls, trampolines and water slides. Coco Cay's Aqua Park is the largest in the Caribbean and fun for the entire family, although children must be at least four years of age and 48 inches tall. There is also a children's park for those not meeting the height requirements, and this includes a race track with Fisher Price ATV's, Jeeps and other riding electric vehicles that travel 2-4mph.

Royal Caribbean extends its Adventure Ocean Children's program to Coco Cay and while the adults are enjoying their own activities the kids have their own fun in a fenced off area just for them. All the counselors have degrees in education or other related fields and guide the children in fun activities like sand castle building, water balloon games, beach relays, and creating photo frames with seashells.

Royal Caribbean serves a barbecue lunch at its facilities on the island and there are several bars where you can quench your thirst. Of course you cannot leave this island without trying one of their famous Coco Loco's, a sweet alcoholic beverage made with dark rum, coconut rum, orange, pineapple, and papaya juices, grenadine and cream of coconut. You can ask for a virgin version for the kids for a few dollars less.

So whether you want to take a nap in a hammock, float on a mat in the ocean, or stir up some waves on a Wave Runner, you can do it all on Coco Cay, one of the port stops on RCCL's Bahamas cruises.