On March 15, passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas were surprised to see a new tip in the Cruise Compass: personal speakers were no longer allowed on the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The change wasn’t part of a major announcement but was quietly added to the Cruise Compass, the daily newsletter many cruisers rely on for onboard info.
Shortly after, Royal Caribbean updated their official FAQ to reflect the new rule. It now reads:
“You’ll find music to set the soundtrack to your day playing throughout the island. But if you’d prefer to listen to your own selection of music, we ask that you please do so with personal headphones.” Source
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, a popular stop known for its beautiful beaches, relaxing spots, and fun attractions.
The new speaker policy seems to follow repeated complaints from cruisers who were frustrated by loud music coming from Bluetooth speakers in public areas on the island.
That doesn’t mean music is off-limits altogether—guests are still welcome to listen to their own playlists, but only with headphones. There’s also curated music playing throughout the island to set the mood for your day.
Royal Caribbean appears to be enforcing the rule seriously, with several reports of staff asking guests to stop using speakers—likely from people who didn’t realize the policy had changed.
So far, this rule hasn’t shown up at Royal Caribbean’s other private destination, Labadee in Haiti, and Bluetooth speakers are still allowed onboard the ships themselves. That said, some cruisers are wondering if the policy might expand in the future.
What Sparked the Speaker Ban at CocoCay?
Over the past few months, more and more cruisers have spoken up about loud music being played from personal speakers at CocoCay. Some shared stories of entire beach areas being overwhelmed by one group’s playlist, making it hard for others to relax.
The complaints weren’t just one-off moments. On forums and social media, passengers repeatedly called for Royal Caribbean to do something about people blasting music in public areas, especially when speakers were left playing unattended.
The timing of the new rule suggests it may have been put in place to deal with bigger, rowdier crowds during spring break. This time of year tends to bring larger groups and more families to the island, and enforcing a quieter atmosphere might help keep things under control.
Royal Caribbean markets Perfect Day at CocoCay as a peaceful, family-friendly destination. Having loud music interrupt that vibe doesn’t really fit with the experience they’re aiming to deliver.
By asking guests to use headphones instead of speakers, the cruise line is trying to balance personal enjoyment with the comfort of everyone around. After all, not everyone shares the same taste in music or volume preferences.
The new rule is part of a broader effort to make sure every guest can enjoy their beach day without being disturbed by noise they didn’t ask for.
Reactions from Cruisers: Applause and Frustration
The decision to ban Bluetooth speakers at CocoCay has triggered a lot of online responses, and most of them are positive. Many passengers applauded the move, saying it was long overdue.
Some described personal speakers as a growing nuisance and pointed out that the island already plays music throughout, making additional sound systems unnecessary. One user summed it up simply: “There’s this neat invention called headphones. You can use them all over.”
One Redditor shared that they had to leave a reserved beach bed because of loud music coming from a nearby cabana. Others shared similar experiences. “It’s too loud there already. We don’t need more people blasting music,” one person wrote.
Some even called for Royal Caribbean to take things further and ban Bluetooth speakers ship-wide. “I wish they would just ban them from the ship completely,” one commenter said. “I don’t want to hear some random person’s crappy music when I’m trying to relax.”
Still, not everyone supported the ban. A small number of cruisers felt the rule went too far and took away from the fun. “Not a good idea, people are on vacation,” one user said. Another added, “Dang y’all are party poopers. The beach is a vibe with music.”
Others suggested a compromise might have worked better, like having designated zones where speakers are allowed, away from quieter areas. But even among those who enjoy music on the beach, there was some agreement that too many people simply don’t use good judgment with volume or location.
In the end, most cruisers seemed to land on the same point: this isn’t about ruining fun—it’s about making sure everyone gets to enjoy their day. Or as one person put it: “Everyone has more fun when we can all stay out of each other’s way.”
Is This the Start of a Bigger Crackdown?
Right now, Royal Caribbean’s speaker ban only applies to its private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. There’s no official word yet on whether this rule will extend to ships or to Labadee, the cruise line’s other private destination in Haiti.
That said, some cruisers have reported that crew members at Labadee already step in when music gets too loud—so informal enforcement may already be happening.
Carnival Cruise Line took a firmer stance back in November 2024, banning all Bluetooth and portable speakers across its entire fleet. With Royal Caribbean now taking its first step at CocoCay, many cruisers are wondering if a similar fleet-wide policy might be on the horizon.
Given how many people are in favor of quieter public spaces, it wouldn’t be surprising if more restrictions rolled out in the near future.
So, What Can You Do Instead?
If you’re someone who enjoys music on vacation, don’t worry—there are still plenty of ways to enjoy your playlist without running into trouble. The easiest and most cruise-friendly option is to bring personal headphones or earbuds.
When it comes to shared spaces like beaches, pool decks, or even ship lounges, it’s important to be mindful of others nearby. Not everyone wants to hear music—especially when they’re trying to nap, read, or enjoy the sound of the ocean.
As for Bluetooth speakers, the safest move is to leave them in your stateroom—or better yet, skip packing them entirely. While the current ban only applies to CocoCay, that could change, and speakers have already been a source of complaints across cruise forums.
To avoid confusion, be sure to read the Cruise Compass (delivered daily to your cabin) for any updates to onboard rules or island guidelines. Royal Caribbean also occasionally updates its website and FAQs with new policies, so it’s worth checking before your cruise.
