Water is Life
By Sarah Etinas
Water is Life
By Sarah Etinas
Find bliss with Royal Caribbean, from onboard pools to onshore private island beaches.
Experience wellness by way of water on Royal Caribbean’s boundary-pushing fleet of ships. Each vessel is equipped with numerous pools for picture-perfect relaxation, tropical cocktail in hand. And in port at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, water-based wellness activities continue with exclusive pools, calming beaches, and overwater bungalows.
Poolside Paradise
Every Royal Caribbean ship has a handful of sun-kissed pools, ideal for a refreshing swim or a relaxing poolside cocktail. Icon of the Seas, the newest ship in the fleet, takes poolside wellness to the next level. There are seven pools on this 7,600-passenger ship, each with its own unique atmosphere and flair. Tucked away on the top deck, Cloud 17 is a hidden gem with unobstructed ocean views and exclusive access to The Lime & Coconut Bar.
Suite guests should check out The Grove, exclusive to VIP cruisers, with its peaceful pool, bubbling hot tub, and swinging day beds. Then, there’s the Swim & Tonic Swim-Up Bar & Pool, where tropical cocktails, island-inspired music, and endless sunshine set the scene. And let’s not forget to mention Royal Bay, a 40,000+ gallon oasis and the largest pool at sea.
“Let’s not forget to mention Royal Bay, a 40,000+ gallon oasis and the largest pool at sea. “
“Let’s not forget to mention Royal Bay, a 40,000+ gallon oasis and the largest pool at sea. “
Casita Comforts
Take your pool days up a notch with your own private casita, available on Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Icon of the Seas. These exclusive cabanas can serve as a great poolside homebase for your whole group, just for the day or even for the entire duration of your trip. There, you, along with five to seven other members of your party, can relax in style, with welcome drinks, pool towels, shaded and unshaded lounge seating, charging outlets, and a coveted call button for dedicated beverage service.
Island Bliss
Royal Caribbean’s water-filled wellness experiences aren’t just limited to onboard offerings. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian island, there are all sorts of water activities, for both thrilling and chilling. If your definition of wellness is all about smiles and excitement, Perfect Day at CocoCay provides lots of options. Embrace your inner daredevil on the adrenaline-pumping water slides of Thrill Waterpark, take a guided Wave Jet (jet ski) tour around the island, or dance to the DJ-spun tunes at the adults-only Hideaway Beach, just to start.
“The main clubhouse is home to an eye-catching heated infinity pool, along with a high-end restaurant. “
“The main clubhouse is home to an eye-catching heated infinity pool, along with a high-end restaurant. “
If you happen to prefer a classic form of wellness, one of peace and pampering, the island’s Coco Beach Club may be the spot for you. The main clubhouse is home to an eye-catching heated infinity pool, along with a high-end restaurant serving up gourmet plates like grilled lobster and herb-marinated filet mignon.
Looking for a little more privacy? Rent a secluded overwater cabana, where lounge chairs, a two-person hammock, a mini fridge, and even a small slide await. Alternatively, spend a day at Cove Beach, the island’s quietest beach, only accessible via a short, Bahamian flora-dotted trail.
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After more than 25 years as a restaurant General Manager, I’ve taken my passion for five-star service and shifted it from the dining room to destinations around the world. I’ve spent the last four years planning seamless, stress-free vacations that are as unforgettable as the people taking them.
I bring the same dedication to detail, vendor management, and quick problem-solving that I used to deliver in the hospitality industry—now applied to curating flawless travel experiences. My clients are more than just customers—they’re VIPs, and I treat each trip as if I were planning it for myself.
As the owner of Vacation Planners of West St. Louis County, I’m proud to combine my personalized service with the tools, resources, and perks of a nationally recognized brand. Whether it’s a honeymoon, a family getaway, or the ultimate bucket-list adventure, I listen closely, plan meticulously, and make sure my clients return home already dreaming of their next journey.
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