“It looked just like a postcard – no editing required and with the
right weather between 20 and 24-degree Celsius under the sunny sky,”
says Lai Khe Han, director of TLC Travel & Tours, who recently
cruised to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in
the Bahamas.
Home to the tallest waterslide in North America, the largest
freshwater pool and wave pool in the Caribbean, and overwater cabanas
each with its own slide into the ocean, it’s not hard to see why a visit
to the private cruise resort had been on Khe Han’s bucket list.
“I was excited by the concept of a private island, and the chance to
explore how a cruise line can create such novel experiences. It’s
amazing that Royal Caribbean created it out of nothing in the middle of
the sea,” he remarks.
Topping the list of Khe Han’s to-dos is Thrill Waterpark, with 13
waterslides – including Splash Summit, that has a winding tube slide for
two called The Twister. Khe Han’s insider tip: get ashore early because
there’s plenty to explore.
Lai Khe Han, director of TLC Travel & Tours, arriving at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Photo Credit: Lai Khe Han, TLC Travel & Tours
“To cool off, explore the pristine waters of Chill Island, where
there are rentals for kayaking and snorkelling,” he adds. Those looking
for relaxation can also find their zen at the beachfront infinity pool
by buying admission to the exclusive Coco Beach Club.
“There’s something for everyone – CocoCay is unlike anything you can
see in Asia and it's not your average beach resort,” says Khe Han who
has travelled the world, given his experience working at a travel
agency.
Cruising to CocoCay might have been a personal dream come true for
the Malaysia-based travel planner, but now equipped with first-hand
experience he believes he can provide clients with even better
recommendations of cruising in the Caribbean.
Beyond an Icon-ic vacation
Beyond CocoCay, there’s more that Royal Caribbean International offers to make fulfil other travellers’ bucket lists.
Set to make a 2024 debut is Icon of the Seas, the first Icon Class
ship featuring seven pools, including the largest pool at sea, and the
three-storey Ultimate Family Townhouse, complete with its own white
picket fence, mailbox and a slide into the living room.
The ship will spotlight eight neighbourhoods, including Royal
Promenade featuring its first floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a lush and
lively Central Park, and multi-level suite sun deck The Grove.
In the region, Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas is geared
towards the Asian market with thrilling features at sea, spanning Sky
Pad, a bungee trampoline adventure using virtual reality; surf simulator
Flowrider; and RipCord by iFly, touted as the first sky-diving
experience at sea.
Dining wise, cruisers will find a range of international flavours on
board, from Windjammer and the Main Dining Room to speciality dining
options at Teppanyaki and Sichuan Red.
For 2023, Royal Caribbean has unveiled three-to-12-night cruises on
Spectrum of the Seas. These sailings include 12-night cruises between
Singapore and Japan with port visits at destinations such as Thailand,
Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.