Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay is one of the most sought after extras on any Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas, but its pricing can be confusing. There is no single flat rate, costs swing widely between sailings, and cabanas and combo packages add yet another layer of numbers to decipher.
Understanding how the ticket structure works, what is actually included, and when a premium option might make financial sense will help you walk into your cruise with a realistic budget and far fewer surprises on your statement at the end of the trip.
Understanding Thrill Waterpark Admission Prices
Unlike a traditional theme park with a fixed gate price, Thrill Waterpark uses dynamic pricing. That means the cost of entry is adjusted based on demand, season, ship, and even how far out you are from your sailing date.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed that admission is always an extra charge, separate from the basic access you receive to the rest of Perfect Day at CocoCay as part of your cruise fare. On some sailings you might see prices that feel comparable to a regional water park; on others, especially during peak holiday weeks, they can climb toward big theme park territory.
Recent examples published by cruise experts and bloggers show wide but consistent ranges. Typical full day pricing in the last year often falls somewhere between roughly 50 and 140 dollars per person, with off peak sailings sometimes dropping into the 40 dollar range and peak sailings surging into the 130 to 150 dollar band.
On highly coveted holiday sailings and new ship itineraries, specialized coverage has reported advertised ranges as high as around 90 to 199 dollars per person. These examples are not a guarantee of what you will see, but they underscore just how far the numbers can move.
Royal Caribbean’s own guidance describes Thrill Waterpark as an admission charge experience with complimentary access for children ages 0 to 3, and variable pricing beyond that. In practical terms, expect children aged 4 and up to pay the same ticket rate as adults unless a short term promotion is running.
The only way to see your exact price is to log into your reservation in the Cruise Planner or the Royal Caribbean app and check the excursion listings for your specific sailing.
This variability means that two families on the same ship in different months can end up paying very different amounts for the identical product. For some, the price is a pleasant surprise. For others, it becomes one of the biggest line items of the entire vacation. Going in with an understanding that there is no universal “Thrill Waterpark price” is the first step toward managing expectations.
Full Day, Half Day, and When Each Option Makes Sense
Thrill Waterpark admission is most commonly sold as a full day pass that allows you to enter and exit freely throughout your time at CocoCay. You swipe your SeaPass card at the entrance to get in and can come and go as you like to visit the beaches, Oasis Lagoon, or have lunch at one of the island’s complimentary food venues.
This flexibility is important because you are not forced to choose between the waterpark and the rest of the island; you can slide hard for a few hours, take a break, then come back later in the afternoon.
On many sailings Royal Caribbean also offers a half day option. Recent coverage has noted full day prices in the mid 40 to upper 90 dollar range on some itineraries, with half day passes running only modestly less, sometimes just a handful of dollars cheaper.
That price gap is crucial. If the discount for a half day pass is small, the full day option usually represents better value simply because it buys flexibility. You can arrive when crowds are lowest in the morning, leave during the midday heat, and still have time to return without watching the clock.
The half day product can make sense in a few scenarios. One is if you are traveling with older teens or adults who intend to spend only a couple of hours on slides and the rest of the day relaxing at the pool or on the beach. Another is when you want to pair the waterpark with another paid activity like the Up, Up and Away balloon or a snorkel excursion and know you will not be able to make full use of an all day pass.
In those cases, calculate the timing of your port day against the small savings. If your ship arrives later or leaves earlier than usual, a half day ticket paired with a focused plan may be an efficient compromise.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember that entry times are tied to the ship’s call at CocoCay, not arbitrary clock hours. There is no evening session or second day; once your ship sails, your waterpark time is over. Checking the all aboard time on your itinerary will help you decide whether a short or long visit can realistically fit into your day.
What Your Thrill Waterpark Ticket Actually Includes
At first glance, Thrill Waterpark is all about the towering slides. Daredevil’s Peak, which rises to a height of 135 feet and lays claim to the title of tallest waterslide in North America, tends to dominate the skyline. However, your admission covers much more than a single headline attraction.
Royal Caribbean’s own pricing breakdown notes that a Thrill Waterpark ticket includes access to 13 waterslides, the wave pool, the Adventure Pool, complimentary dining at the Snack Shack located inside the park, and the use of beach chairs and umbrellas within the waterpark area.
This means you do not need to budget extra for a basic lunch as long as you are satisfied with the included offerings. Snack Shack menus typically feature casual, crowd pleasing items like chicken sandwiches, burgers, salads, fries, and desserts.
Soft serve ice cream and nonalcoholic beverages from the Coca Cola Freestyle machines are included if you have a beverage package that covers them, or otherwise are available as part of standard shipboard drink pricing charged back to your onboard account.
Beyond food, the value lies in the range of activities that a single ticket unlocks. Parents with younger children often gravitate toward the wave pool, widely touted as one of the largest in the Caribbean, which cycles through calm periods and intense wave sets on a countdown.
The Adventure Pool offers climbing walls, rope swings, and a lily pad course that keeps both kids and adults occupied for long stretches. Sun loungers, shaded seating, complimentary lockers at the entrance, life jackets for children, and freshwater showers all come with the territory and do not carry extra fees.
What is not included are alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and snacks purchased at bars or venues outside the island’s complimentary restaurant lineup. If you plan to indulge in cocktails by the pool, a drink package purchased for your cruise will be honored on the island.
Without one, you will pay per drink as you would on the ship. Factoring in those extras is important if you are trying to decide whether to concentrate your spending on the waterpark itself or spread your budget across multiple experiences at CocoCay.
Packages, Combos, and How to Use Dynamic Pricing to Your Advantage
Beyond standalone admission, Thrill Waterpark is often folded into multi experience packages. The most common example is the Thrill Waterpark plus Zip Line bundle, which combines a day at the slides with a ride on CocoCay’s multi tower zip line course.
Royal Caribbean classifies this as package pricing and, like everything else on the island, its cost varies by season and sailing. These combos can offer savings over purchasing the components separately, but the mathematics depend heavily on the rates that appear in your Cruise Planner.
When you log into your reservation, check not only the ala carte price of Thrill Waterpark and Zip Line, but also the combined package. On some sailings the difference may be negligible, in which case booking them separately gives you more flexibility to cancel one without the other.
On others, the bundled rate may shave a meaningful amount off the total, especially on high demand summer weeks when individual experiences are priced at a premium. Take a moment to add up the real numbers instead of assuming that a package is automatically a bargain.
Dynamic pricing, which once felt opaque and unmovable to many travelers, can actually be turned to your advantage with a bit of persistence. Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and rebook most pre cruise purchases in the Cruise Planner if the price drops before your sailing, with no penalty.
Bloggers who track CocoCay pricing closely recommend locking in a rate you are comfortable paying as soon as you see it, then periodically checking back. If admission for your date decreases, you can cancel your existing booking and immediately repurchase at the lower figure.
This strategy applies equally to waterpark tickets, combo packages, and even premium areas like Coco Beach Club or cabanas across the island. It does require attention and a willingness to monitor your sailing, but for families purchasing multiple tickets, even a 10 or 20 dollar drop per person can translate into substantial savings.
Just be sure to complete the cancel and rebook sequence in the same session so your preferred time slots and limited capacity experiences do not disappear while you hesitate.
Cabanas, Capacity, and When Premium Space Pays Off
One of the biggest single line items at Thrill Waterpark is a private cabana. These stand alone structures are positioned in several clusters around the park: near Daredevil’s Peak, near the family slide tower, and around the wave pool.
A cabana rental provides a shaded living room style space with a sectional sofa, loungers, a cooler stocked with bottled water on arrival, towels, power outlets, and the services of a cabana attendant who can deliver food and drinks throughout the day.
The price for that comfort is significant. Recent reporting from cruise focused outlets and travel blogs shows Thrill Waterpark cabana prices commonly ranging from around 500 to 900 dollars per day on some sailings, and from approximately 800 to 1500 dollars on others, depending on season, ship, and how early you book.
At first glance those figures can be startling, but a crucial detail softens the blow: admission to the waterpark for up to six guests is included with a Thrill Waterpark cabana rental. In effect, you are rolling ticket costs and private space into one purchase.
To determine whether a cabana makes financial sense, start by multiplying the current per person ticket price you see in Cruise Planner by the number of people in your party who would otherwise buy admission. If follow up research or your booking portal shows, for example, a 130 dollar ticket and you have six people eager to hit the slides, you are already looking at 780 dollars in passes alone.
In that scenario a cabana priced in the 900 dollar range may be an acceptable stretch for the additional comfort and service, especially when you consider that loungers inside the waterpark can fill up quickly on crowded days.
On the other hand, if you are a small family of three or four and your sailing displays waterpark tickets in the 60 to 80 dollar range, the math is very different. You might be facing between 180 and 320 dollars for admission only, far less than the cost of a cabana. In that case, booking one of the many complimentary chairs and umbrellas sprinkled around the slides and pools will likely be the better choice.
You can still enjoy everything inside the gate without the premium of private space. Think of cabanas as a value proposition for larger groups on high priced dates, not as a default add on for every visit.
Age Rules, Height Requirements, and Family Budgeting
Thrill Waterpark is marketed primarily at families and adventurous adults, but there are important rules and restrictions that can affect both what you can ride and how you budget. Royal Caribbean stipulates that children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed guest age 14 or older to enter Thrill Waterpark.
In practice, that means you cannot purchase a pass for a 10 year old and send them into the park alone while you relax elsewhere on the island. These age rules ensure safety but also mean that at least one adult in the group must buy admission alongside younger children.
Height and weight restrictions apply to many of the individual slides and are clearly posted at the attractions. Several slides require riders to be at least 48 inches tall, and maximum weight limits typically hover around the 300 pound mark for the most intense experiences.
Other slides and the family oriented structures may have lower minimum heights, and the wave pool and Adventure Pool welcome smaller children as long as they wear a life vest. Before committing to waterpark admission for an entire family, especially if you have multiple young children, review the latest requirements in Royal Caribbean’s official guidance and consider whether your kids will be tall and confident enough to use most of what you are paying for.
The good news for parents with toddlers is that children aged 0 to 3 do not pay for Thrill Waterpark admission at all. They can accompany ticketed adults into the park at no charge, though their ability to participate will be limited to the gentlest areas and pools. That complimentary access softens the impact for families in the baby and preschool stage.
The flip side is that children aged 4 to 12 are generally charged the same ticket price as adults. Four full fare passes can quickly transform a moderately priced excursion into a major outlay.
All of these factors argue for a careful assessment of your family’s interests. If your older kids love big slides and meet the minimum height requirements, you may find that a day of adrenaline justifies the cost. If most of your group prefers the beach, the giant Oasis Lagoon pool, or the splash areas that are already included in your cruise fare, those free or lower cost options may deliver more value.
An honest conversation before your trip can prevent disappointment and help older children understand why a premium experience may or may not be in the cards this time.
Saving Money: Booking Strategies and Timing Tips
With prices that can easily exceed 100 dollars per person, Thrill Waterpark is not a casual add on for many travelers. Fortunately, there are several practical ways to keep the cost in check. The first is to monitor pricing early and often. As soon as your sailing appears in the Cruise Planner, check the rates for Thrill Waterpark and consider booking immediately if the number looks reasonable for your budget. Waiting rarely produces huge discounts for high demand dates, and occasionally you will see prices creep up as your sailing fills and demand increases.
The second tactic is to watch for Royal Caribbean’s pre cruise sales. The line periodically runs promotions on shore excursions and Perfect Day at CocoCay add ons, with discounts that can vary from modest to significant. Because you can cancel and rebook when prices fall, there is no penalty to securing your preferred option, then trying to catch a sale later.
Just be aware that sales language can be more marketing than mathematics. Always compare the “regular” and “sale” rates displayed for your specific sailing rather than assuming a percentage off headline translates into real savings.
Another way to limit spending is to skip the waterpark entirely on your first visit to CocoCay and explore everything that is included instead. Many guests are surprised at how much there is to do without buying any extras, from the expansive Oasis Lagoon pool to multiple beaches and play areas.
If you fall in love with the island and decide that a return trip is likely, you can earmark Thrill Waterpark as the splurge for a future sailing and budget for it accordingly. That approach can be particularly smart for large families who would need to purchase multiple tickets all at once.
Finally, consider pairing a waterpark day with a short cruise rather than a long one. Three and four night sailings to CocoCay can sometimes be priced attractively enough that the incremental cost of Thrill Waterpark feels more manageable.
The shorter itinerary keeps your overall vacation budget in check while still delivering the marquee experience. No matter how you arrange it, the key is to think of Thrill Waterpark as a major excursion, not an incidental purchase, and plan with the same care you would for a theme park vacation on land.
The Takeaway
Thrill Waterpark prices are fluid, but the underlying structure is straightforward once you strip away the marketing language. Admission is always an extra charge layered on top of your cruise fare, with children under 4 typically entering free and everyone else subject to dynamic pricing that reflects ship, season, and demand. Ticket ranges reported in recent months illustrate just how broad the spectrum can be, from sub 50 dollar off peak days to occasions where a single pass approaches 200 dollars.
Within that framework, a few constants stand out. A full day pass usually offers better value than a marginally cheaper half day ticket because it buys flexibility to come and go, and includes far more than just the headline slides.
Cabanas, while expensive, can become cost effective on high priced sailings for groups of up to six thanks to their built in admission. Packages that bundle Thrill Waterpark with experiences like the Zip Line can sometimes shave a bit off the total cost, but only if you run the numbers against standalone rates for your exact sailing.
Families should pay close attention to age and height rules, since under 14s must be accompanied by an older ticketed guest and many attractions have minimum height requirements. For some groups, the smarter money may be to enjoy the extensive complimentary offerings at CocoCay and treat Thrill Waterpark as a once in a while splurge rather than a must do every time.
Using Royal Caribbean’s cancel and rebook flexibility, tracking promotions, and being realistic about how much time you will actually spend in the park will help ensure that, if you do decide to pay for the thrill, you get the maximum fun for every dollar spent.
FAQ
Q1. How much does a Thrill Waterpark ticket usually cost?
Recent examples show full day tickets ranging from around 50 to 140 dollars per person on many sailings, with some high demand dates climbing closer to 150 dollars or more. There is no fixed price, so you must check your Cruise Planner for the exact cost on your specific cruise.
Q2. Do children pay the same price as adults for Thrill Waterpark?
Children aged 4 and up are generally charged the same ticket price as adults. Kids aged 0 to 3 enter Thrill Waterpark at no additional charge when accompanied by a paying guest, which can help families with very young children manage costs.
Q3. Is food included with Thrill Waterpark admission?
Yes, complimentary dining at the Snack Shack inside Thrill Waterpark is included with your ticket. You can order a selection of casual items such as burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and desserts at no extra charge. Alcoholic drinks and certain beverages are not included unless you have a qualifying drink package.
Q4. What is the difference between a full day and half day Thrill Waterpark pass?
A full day pass allows you unlimited entry and exit to the waterpark throughout your ship’s stay at CocoCay. A half day pass limits your time in the park to part of the day, typically with a designated morning or afternoon window. On many sailings the price difference between them is small, so the full day option often represents better overall value.
Q5. Are cabanas at Thrill Waterpark worth the cost?
Thrill Waterpark cabanas are expensive but include admission for up to six guests, along with a private shaded space and cabana attendant service. They tend to make the most financial sense for larger groups on sailings where individual waterpark tickets are priced high. For smaller families on lower priced days, standard loungers and umbrellas inside the park usually offer better value.
Q6. Can I get a discount on Thrill Waterpark by booking early?
Booking early does not guarantee a discount, but it does let you lock in a price you are comfortable with and reserve limited capacity options. Because Royal Caribbean allows you to cancel and rebook if prices fall later in the Cruise Planner, many travelers secure tickets early and then monitor for sales or price drops before their sailing.
Q7. Are there any age or height restrictions for Thrill Waterpark attractions?
Yes. Children under 14 must be accompanied into Thrill Waterpark by a ticketed guest who is at least 14 years old. Many slides require a minimum height of 42 or 48 inches and have maximum weight limits, particularly the most extreme attractions such as Daredevil’s Peak. The wave pool and Adventure Pool are more flexible but still require life vests for smaller children.
Q8. Does Thrill Waterpark admission include other CocoCay attractions like the Zip Line or Up, Up and Away balloon?
No. Standard Thrill Waterpark admission covers the waterpark’s slides, wave pool, Adventure Pool, and included dining at Snack Shack. Experiences such as the Zip Line and Up, Up and Away balloon ride are separate purchases, although Royal Caribbean sometimes offers combo packages that bundle them with waterpark admission at a combined rate.
Q9. Can I leave Thrill Waterpark during the day and come back later?
Yes. Both full day and most half day tickets allow you to exit and re enter the waterpark while your ship is docked at CocoCay. You simply swipe your SeaPass card at the gate each time. This flexibility lets you enjoy slides in the morning, head to the beach for a while, then return to the park in the afternoon if you wish.
Q10. Is Thrill Waterpark worth the price if I am visiting CocoCay for the first time?
It depends on your priorities. If you love big slides and want an intense, high energy day, the waterpark can be a highlight of your trip. If you are more interested in relaxing on the beach, swimming in the giant Oasis Lagoon pool, or exploring the island’s complimentary areas, you might prefer to skip the waterpark on your first visit and save the splurge for a future cruise once you know how you like to spend your time on CocoCay.