Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, offering amazing vacations filled with fun, relaxation, and adventure. Their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, is a highlight for many cruisers, with its beautiful beaches, exciting waterpark, and relaxing spots. However, to keep the experience enjoyable for everyone, Royal Caribbean has specific rules about what you can bring and use on their ships and at CocoCay. A recent Royal Caribbean pool ban on personal speakers at Perfect Day at CocoCay has sparked a lot of discussion among passengers.
Royal Caribbean Bans Personal Speakers on Perfect Day at CocoCay
In March 2025, Royal Caribbean announced a new rule: personal speakers, including Bluetooth speakers, are not allowed on Perfect Day at CocoCay, their private island in the Bahamas. This change was first noticed by passengers on the Icon of the Seas during its March 15 cruise. A note in the Cruise Compass, the daily newsletter given to guests, stated, “Glass bottles and personal speakers are not permitted on the island.”
Why Did Royal Caribbean Ban Speakers at CocoCay?
The main reason for this Royal Caribbean ban is to keep the island peaceful and enjoyable for everyone. Perfect Day at CocoCay has many areas, like Chill Island and Oasis Lagoon, where people go to relax. When guests play music loudly on personal speakers, it can disturb others who want to enjoy the natural sounds of the beach or the music Royal Caribbean provides throughout the island.
Many cruisers have complained about loudspeakers ruining their experience. For example, a Reddit user shared a story about a family at Labadee, another Royal Caribbean private destination, who set up a speaker at full volume and left it while they swam. A lifeguard confiscated the speaker, and the family was told they could retrieve it when leaving or have security escort them back to the ship. Another passenger mentioned choosing Chill Island to avoid noisy crowds at Oasis Lagoon, only to still hear speakers in the distance. These stories show why Royal Caribbean decided to act.
How Is the Ban Enforced?
If you bring a personal speaker to CocoCay, staff may ask you to stop using it. In some cases, they might take the speaker and hold it until you leave the island. If you refuse to comply, security could get involved, and you might be asked to return to the ship. The ban is specific to CocoCay, and there’s no mention of it applying to Labadee yet, but some cruisers hope it will extend there too.
Can You Still Listen to Music?
Yes! Royal Caribbean encourages guests to use headphones if they want to listen to their own music or podcasts. This way, you can enjoy your playlist without bothering others. The island already has music playing in many areas, so you might not even need your own tunes.
Can You Bring a Speaker on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
While personal speakers are banned at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the rules for bringing them on Royal Caribbean ships are different. If you’re wondering, can you bring a speaker on Royal Caribbean cruise, the answer is yes—with conditions. As of March 2025, Bluetooth speakers are not listed on Royal Caribbean’s official prohibited items list for onboard use. This means you can bring a speaker on the ship, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Royal Caribbean Pool Ban Policy
Royal Caribbean has specific rules for pools to ensure safety and comfort for all guests. While the speaker ban at CocoCay affects pool areas like Oasis Lagoon, the royal caribbean pool ban policy also includes other important guidelines. There are additional pool-related policies you should know about, both on the ship and at CocoCay.
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Pool Rules at Perfect Day at CocoCay
At CocoCay, pools like Oasis Lagoon and the Thrill Waterpark have rules to keep everyone safe. For example:
- Swim diapers: Young children must wear swim diapers in pools and at Splashaway Bay.
- No glass bottles: Glass bottles are banned at CocoCay, including near pools, to prevent injuries.
- No personal speakers: As mentioned, you can’t use speakers in pool areas. Use headphones instead.
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Pool Rules on Royal Caribbean Ships
Onboard, pool areas are busy and fun, but there are rules to follow:
- No diapers in main pools: Regular diapers are not allowed in main pools, but swim diapers are okay in designated Baby Splash areas.
- No diving: Diving into pools is prohibited to avoid accidents.
- No saving chairs: Chair hogging is a big issue, and Royal Caribbean discourages reserving pool chairs for long periods.
- Use headphones: While not officially banned, playing music through speakers by the pool can annoy others, so stick to earbuds.
These rules help create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. If you are unsure about a specific pool rule, ask a crew member or check the Cruise Compass.
Royal Caribbean Walkie-Talkies Policy
Walkie-talkies are another item that cruisers often ask about. Unlike personal speakers, Royal Caribbean allows walkie-talkies on their ships for personal communication.
Some families use walkie-talkies to stay in touch on large ships, especially if they don’t want to rely on the Royal Caribbean app for texting (which requires a Wi-Fi connection). They’re also useful for coordinating plans when you are in port or at CocoCay.
Rules for Walkie-Talkies
Royal Caribbean has specific guidelines for walkie-talkies:
- Allowed specs: They must have up to 10-mile coverage, 5 watts power, internal voice-operated transmission, and no external antenna.
- Use them politely: Walkie-talkies can be loud, so avoid using them in quiet areas like the spa or library. Some cruisers find them annoying, with one saying, the beeps and yelling are so obnoxious.
They might not work well: The ship’s metal structure can interfere with walkie-talkie signals, so they are not always reliable.
Alternatives to Walkie-Talkies
Instead of walkie-talkies, you can:
- Use the Royal Caribbean app for free texting without an internet plan.
- Rent DECT phones (portable phones) for $25 a week on some ships, like Radiance and Voyager class vessels.
- Stick to meeting points or cabin phones for communication.
Other Royal Caribbean Bans You Should Know
Royal Caribbean has a long list of prohibited items to ensure safety and comfort. Here are some other important bans:
- Irons and steamers: These are fire hazards and are not allowed. Use wrinkle-release spray or the ship’s laundry services instead.
- Power strips and extension cords: These are banned, but USB chargers are okay. Bring a European power adapter for extra outlets.
- Drones: You can bring drones, but they can only be used on land, outside port areas, and not at CocoCay or Labadee.
- Alcohol: You can’t bring beer or hard liquor onboard, but you can bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day.
- Candles and incense: These are fire hazards and are prohibited.
Always check the full prohibited items list on Royal Caribbean’s website before packing. Royal Caribbean pool ban
The Bottom Line
Royal Caribbean’s ban on personal speakers at Perfect Day at CocoCay is all about making the island a relaxing place for everyone. While you can still bring speakers on the ship, it’s best to use them quietly in your cabin or on your balcony. Pool rules, like wearing swim diapers and avoiding glass bottles, keep everyone safe, and walkie-talkies are allowed but should be used politely. How Much Is A Drink On A Royal Caribbean Cruise
