Royal Caribbean Behind the Crown and Anchor Episode 1

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean says destinations are the number one reason people sail with them, so getting the formula right has been a focus for decades.
• Guest research boiled down to “thrill and chill,” with something every member of the family can enjoy together.
• Perfect Day at CocoCay debuted in 2019 and is described as Royal Caribbean’s top rated destination.
• CocoCay was inspired by the ship experiences Royal Caribbean has built over the last 50 plus years: beaches, water slides, pools and swim up bars.
• Guests asked for an adults only area, which became Hideaway Beach, with both quiet spots and a party vibe.
• For future destinations, the team talked to families and kids on ships and even visited schools to get ideas, especially for the water park.
• Master plans and concepts were tested with groups of guests onboard and in their hometowns before moving to design and mockups.
• The episode ends by teasing Part 2, with a first look at the new experiences coming to its destinations.

Good to Know

This is Royal Caribbean’s video, not one I filmed, so it’s the cruise line telling its own story. It’s more about the thinking and planning behind the destinations than a walk around, so don’t expect a tour of the island.

When this episode came out in May 2025, the YouTube description said Royal Beach Club Paradise Island was opening in December 2025 and Perfect Day Mexico was coming in 2027. Plans can change, so check the latest news before you book around a specific destination.

If you’ve been to CocoCay, it’s interesting to hear that the island looks quite different today than it did when it launched in 2019, and that a lot of what’s there came straight from guest feedback.