Royal Caribbean opened its first beach club in Europe with an exclusive offering for its cruise ship passengers.

Royal Beach Club Santorini opened last week, offering passengers a full-day shore excursion on the popular Greek island.

Leon is a good friend of ours and runs the wildly popular Loyal to Royal Instagram account. He was among the first to try the new beach club and check out what's new and different.

Here is his full review of the new private beach club.

Welcome to the newest Royal Beach Club

The new Royal Beach Club Santorini by Royal Caribbean genuinely surprised me, not just because of how beautiful it is, but because of how different it feels from what I experienced at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas when it first opened last year.

Of course, I expected some differences. 

The Mediterranean has a completely different vibe than the Bahamas. And honestly, that is exactly what makes this beach club work so well. Instead of a high energy, party style destination, this feels like a calm, laid back escape that perfectly matches the vibes of Santorini.

From Odyssey of the Seas to the Royal Beach Club 

Our day started with a tender ride from Odyssey of the Seas to the island. 

From there, everything was seamlessly organized by Royal Caribbean. We hopped on a bus and within about 20 minutes, we arrived at the beach club.

The drive itself was already something special. You travel through the rugged interior of Santorini, surrounded by rocky landscapes, before suddenly arriving at the coast. It is one of those moments where you realize you are somewhere truly unique.

My first impression

The arrival set the tone immediately. 

We were welcomed with a refreshing Greek drink, but without any over the top fanfare. No loud music, no party crowds, just a calm, easygoing atmosphere. 

Once inside, you are free to explore and pick any spot you like. There is no need to reserve seating, no extra tickets, and no long lines. That sense of freedom really stood out to me. It felt effortless from the very beginning.

Greek flavors done right

Around noon, the buffet opened and this is where the experience really comes to life if you love food. 

You will find a wide range of fresh Greek dishes: gyros served in warm pita bread, crisp salads, freshly prepared fish, souvlaki and more. There is truly something for everyone.

And do not skip dessert. The Greek sweets are worth trying, but the real standout for me was the Greek frozen yogurt served at the bar. It is offered in three flavor combinations and incredibly creamy.

Designed for comfort and the heat

One of the smartest design choices is the large, mostly covered terrace. On hot summer days, you can sit comfortably in the shade almost anywhere. There is also a smaller open air section if you prefer to soak up the sun.

The whole space feels light, airy, and fresh, thanks to the color palette and overall design. It is stylish without trying too hard and very much in line with the Santorini aesthetic. From the main terrace, you can walk down to the beach below, a striking black volcanic shoreline lined with loungers and umbrellas.

What I really appreciated is that it never felt overcrowded. Capacity is clearly managed well, so you always have space to relax. Guests come and go throughout the day, which keeps the experience feeling exclusive while still accessible.

How I would compare it to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Having visited both beach clubs, the contrast between Santorini and Nassau is clear and intentional. 

The beach club in Nassau leans into that classic Caribbean energy: lively, social, and more focused on a beach party vibe. 

In Santorini, it is the opposite. Everything is about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and embracing a more relaxed Mediterranean pace. Neither is better. They are just designed for completely different experiences.

Final thoughts

Royal Beach Club Santorini is a fantastic addition to Royal Caribbean’s growing beach club collection. It feels thoughtfully designed for its location, blending seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty and atmosphere. 

Set between the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, it truly feels like a hidden escape. And the best part is that it is easy to combine with exploring the rest of the island, which has so much more to offer.

If you are cruising the Mediterranean, this is exactly the kind of experience you did not know you needed, until you are there.

Check out Loyal to Royal for more Royal Caribbean news, updates, and more!

How does Royal Caribbean's top two premium beach offerings compare: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island vs. Coco Beach Club?

I have visited both in the past, but I wanted to pit the two against each other since they represent the top ways to spend extra while sailing through The Bahamas.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened less than six months ago, and it's a new kind of higher-end shore excursion that is curated by the cruise line. A private enclave designed exclusively for Royal Caribbean passengers.

Then you have the Coco Beach Club, the original elevated way to splurge on a beach day.  Within a secluded portion of Perfect Day at CocoCay, you'll find an area with the best amenities and no crowds.

Each of them have an extra cost to visit, so I booked both over the same weekend while sailing on Utopia of the Seas in order to compare both and see which one stands out.

My goal was to look at how each delivers relaxation, food quality, crowds, and overall value.

Royal Beach Club combines the best features from its private island

It's clear Royal Caribbean designed the Royal Beach Club by taking all the lessons learned from building Perfect Day at CocoCay and combining it into a new offering.

I brought my family to the Royal Beach Club after pre-booking admission in the months leading up to the cruise.  Thanks to a variety of sales, I was able to get admission for $89.99 per person for unlimited food, alcohol, and access. 

If you've been to CocoCay before, I think you'll quickly notice Royal Caribbean took three ideas as the basis to craft this area:

• The concept of a premium, exclusive area from the Coco Beach Club
• The adults-focused energy and vibe of a pool party from Hideaway Beach
• The fun that a swim-up bar brings from the Oasis Lagoon

It makes sense: take the best ideas and turn them into one super idea, and that's what you have with the Royal Beach Club.

There are three zones, each with its own vibe.  Chill Beach is where families can go to enjoy a sprawling pool and beach area. Party Cove has an all-day pool party with DJ pumping tunes, and Paradise Beach is the more laid-back hangout spot.

We opted for Paradise Beach zone, and primarily spent time in the pool.  It's heated and has stunning views of the ocean and area around you.

No matter where you sit, there is fantastic waiter service.  One waiter is assigned to each group of chairs, and they'll deliver any drinks you need.

Of course, you could grab a drink at the swim-up bar or even go between zones and grab a drink on your way.  It's all very convenient and easy.

There are food stations throughout the property that serve quick-service options, such as burgers, salads, wraps, shrimp, and more.  It's casual dining, but perfect to keep your day going without taking you out of the fun in and around the water.

The water is definitely the focus at the Royal Beach Club. You are immersed with the perfect pools and turquoise blue ocean water.  You're never more than a few steps away from any of it.

Coco Beach Club is relaxing, easy to get to, and has amazing food

I've visited the Coco Beach Club many times over the years, and it's best selling point is you won't encounter crowds or have to compete for a beach chair.

It's effectively the same beach you'd find elsewhere on the island, but the difference is the elevated resort feel this area has compared to the rest of the island.

It's a short walk from the ship (there's tram service too), and as soon as you walk in, you'll see what I mean.  A beautiful deck leading to a heated infinity pool that overlooks the white sand beach.

You can grab a chair along the beach, or try for one of the day beds near the pool. It's all first-come, first-serve.

At the chairs, you simply have to turn the flag up on the chair to request drink service.  Keep in mind admission here does not include drinks, so you'll need to pay extra for beverages (unless you have a drink package from the ship).

Without a doubt, the food is where the Coco Beach Club truly excels. They have their own sit-down restaurant where you can dine on filet mignon, lobster, and more.

I believe this restaurant is just as good, if not better than, many Royal Caribbean ship-based restaurants.  In fact, I dined at 150 Central Park for dinner on the same night I visited the Coco Beach Club, and I swear my steak at the club was better.

Each club does one thing better than the other

After trying both out, I can see a clear advantage to each offering.

The Royal Beach Club has a superior beach and pool experience.  They have multiple pools, and their beach is arguably prettier with less seagrass.

While the Coco Beach Club has one heated pool, there are three heated pools. Plus, there's a party area for those looking for more energy in their pool day.  And all the pools have swim-up bars, which are undeniably fun.

Moreover, the Royal Beach Club is all-inclusive.

The Coco Beach Club has some of the best food you'll find on ship or land.  

The food at Royal Beach Club is good, but nothing you'll rave about.  But the CBC restaurant is going to leave you dreaming about it for weeks to come after your visit.

It's amazing the high quality of the food here, and it's probably the top reason I'll return every time.

The biggest difference: price vs experience

The biggest variable in comparing the two beach clubs is price.  Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for each, and that means you could have wildly different prices than I did to visit.

In my experience, the Royal Beach Club prices usually range between $90 and $160 per person for the alcohol package when pre-purchased before your sailing.

The Royal Beach Club is usually priced around $130 - $250 per person before the cruise. Keep in mind no drinks are included with admission.

Both offer cabanas to rent for the day that include admission.

Almost certainly, you'll pay more to visit the Coco Beach Club because I've observed that Royal Caribbean has used price to balance demand for it since it opened.

Outside of price, you also have to think about what you want from your day.

Coco Beach Club can cost significantly more, but it's also more of an elevated feel than the Royal Beach Club.

You’re not getting the same experience, but you might not need it.

Final verdict

Having tried both, if I had to pick only one, I'd easily choose the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island instead of the Coco Beach Club.

I had a great day at both, but I think there's more to do and enjoy at the RBC without paying nearly as much.  Plus, you get food and drink for the price.

While there's no question the food is far superior at the Coco Beach Club, I cannot justify paying the price there. This is especially true when the price is over $200 per person.

I also think the pools are more fun and enjoyable at the Royal Beach Club, and the ocean color and clarity is better.

Not to mention I could still have a great day elsewhere for no extra cost at CocoCay. I can't say the same about Nassau if I skipped the club.

You should pick the Coco Beach Club if you're okay paying more for exclusivity. But go for the Royal Beach Club if you want a fun, social beach day and care more about value.

Hundreds of guests who had been looking forward to their perfect day at the Royal Beach Club in Nassau were disappointed when they arrived to find alcohol sales had been banned for the day.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the newest addition to the cruise line's private destination portfolio. It's got everything from dreamy stretches of beaches to resort-style pools, diverse dining options, private cabanas, and more. 

Admission isn't included in the cost of your cruise fare. There are multiple types of day passes available for purchase, including those that include unlimited alcoholic beverages (since drink packages and Diamond vouchers don't work at the club). 

The open bar day pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages and dining starts at around $170 per person, before any pre-cruise discounts through the Cruise Planner. Comparatively, the base price for the non-alcoholic day pass starts at around $130 for guests 13+.

However, on Thursday, April 30, the pricier pass was essentially useless as alcohol service was suspended for the entire day due to the ongoing national elections.

"Pursuant to section 99 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Chapter 7), the Parliamentary Commissioner hereby informs the general public that all licenses issued under the provisions of the Business Licence Act (No. 25 of 2010) for the sale of any intoxicating liquour shall be suspended during the hours of the day on which a poll is being held for a general election (including the Advanced Poll)," reads a public notice issued by the Commonwealth of The Bahamas' Ministry of National Security. 

The dates and hours included on the public notice are Thursday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

(Credit: BIS Bahamas / Facebook)

"...[A]ny person selling or exposing or offering for sale any intoxicating liquor during such hours shall be deemed doing so while not holding a licence under the provisions of the Business Licence Act," the notice continues. 

Guests flocked to social media to express their frustration, with many questioning why they weren’t notified in advance.

"We are at Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club today and they can't serve alcohol because of the local election!!! Needless to say it's a very quiet day," wrote @disneysherpas on TikTok. 

"We're on Allure right now too. What an experience this morning was lol. Crazy part is nobody told us until we got into [the Royal Beach Club]. Our cabana attendant was the first to mention it. Thought he was joking. He was indeed not joking lol," commented one TikTok user. 

Someone else added, "Currently on allure and this was the most quiet I've ever seen Nassau."

Allure of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship measuring 225,282 gross tons, was the only Royal Caribbean vessel in port on April 30, according to Nassau Cruise Port.

She departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a three-night cruise to The Bahamas (Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay) on April 29. Allure is expected to return to Florida on Saturday, May 2, per Cruise Mapper. 

Full refunds offered

In response to the unexpected disruption, Royal Caribbean provided full refunds to guests who had purchased the alcoholic passes.

"Earlier today, we were informed of a public notice issued by the Ministry of National Security in The Bahamas that prohibits the distribution of alcohol during national elections where advanced polling stations are located," the letter given to impacted passengers begins.

It continues, "As a result, alcoholic beverages could not be served during your visit [to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island] due to this nationwide restriction that applies throughout The Bahamas... While this may not have matched your expectations, especially while enjoying your day ashore, guests continued to have full access to the beach, amenities, and all other aspects of the Royal Beach Club experience during the stay." 

As such, the cruise line issued automatic refunds in the form of Onboard Credit to guests, with no action required on their part.

The credits can be used anywhere onboard, with remaining funds being refunded to the card on file within 14 business days after final debarkation. 

Alcohol won't be served at the Royal Beach Club on May 12, either

According to the public notice, Royal Caribbean is not permitted to distribute alcohol on May 12, since it is a general election day in The Bahamas. 

Consequently, guests visiting the Royal Beach Club on May 12 should expect similar restrictions, with alcohol service suspended during the election window. 

According to Cruise Mapper, there's just one Royal Caribbean ship expected to dock in Nassau that day: Utopia of the Seas. MSC Seaside and Caribbean Princess will also be in the Bahamian capital, but guests cannot visit the private Royal Caribbean beach club. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The heated pools and all-inclusive pass fixed a long-standing problem

The brand new Royal Beach Club Santorini has opened to welcome its first cruise ship passengers.

The "Ultimate Santorini Day" is a new kind of excursion offered on the Greek island exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers.

The first guests were welcome to a new private-style destination in Greece that blends a traditional port day with a curated, all-inclusive beach experience.

Unlike a traditional cruise line private island, this is a curated shore excursion that goes beyond what a third party can offer. Royal Caribbean built out an island visit that offers the very best experience based on what its customers have always wanted.

Think of it like a premium shore excursion built right into one of the most visited cruise ports in the world.

A different kind of excursion

The first guests arrived today to try it out, and we have our first look at what this is all about.

Royal Caribbean opted to takeover an existing beachfront location on the southern coast of the island and transform it into a branded experience that matches up to what its guests yearn for in a beach day.

In fact, they picked Santorini because the island had high appeal with guests, but low satisfaction scores. This has been a core part of Royal Caribbean's formula of picking ports that don't perform as well as they'd like and add a beach club to enhance it.

It started with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, and will expand to Cozumel as well later this year. 

A day pass includes:

• Transportation from the ship
• Access to black sand beach
• All-you-can-eat Greek cuisine
  • Unlimited Greek frozen yogurt
  • Gyros, Greek salads, food trucks
  • Complimentary welcome drink
  • House wine, draft beer, and more
• Visits and transportation to Oia and Fira

Odyssey of the Seas was the first ship to visit the island with paying guests, and Royal Caribbean Blog reader Nick J. shared photos of his experience.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is part of a packaged excursion called the "Ultimate Santorini Day," which combines sightseeing with a beach break.

Santorini has struggled with cruise overcrowding for years, and Royal Caribbean is trying to smooth out that experience by spreading guests across multiple locations throughout the day.

What the beach club itself offers

At its core, Royal Beach Club Santorini is a beach-first experience. The setting is a stretch of Santorini’s signature volcanic black sand coastline, with wide-open views of the Aegean Sea.

When you get to the beach, you can expect:

• Reserved loungers and umbrellas
• Towels and beach facilities
• A Mediterranean buffet and quick bites
• Draft beer, wine, soda, and water
• Wi-Fi access throughout the property

There's also a clear emphasis on local flavor. Instead of generic cruise fare, the food leans into Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

Who can access it

The beach club is open to:

• Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean
• Guests on Celebrity Cruises
• Guests on Silversea
• Local residents, depending on availability

There are no age restrictions, so it’s designed to work for families as well as adults.

The bigger strategy behind beach clubs

This opening is part of a much larger rollout.

Royal Caribbean Group plans to expand its land-based portfolio significantly over the next few years, including:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel
• Perfect Day Mexico
• Royal Beach Club Lelepa

The goal is clear: give guests more controlled, predictable experiences that garner high satisfaction scores.

As Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said, expanding these destinations gives guests "more ways to have unforgettable experiences."

Royal Caribbean is just days away from opening its newest private destination with a beach club in the Mediterranean.

Royal Beach Club Santorini is opening for the summer cruise season in Greece, and it looks very different from anything the cruise line has done before.

Speaking during a recent webinar, Keri-Ann Chin-Sang, Senior Director of Product Development, pulled back the curtain on Royal Beach Club Santorini ahead of its debut. What she described isn't a scaled-down version of Perfect Day at CocoCay, but something far more intentional, and far more exclusive.

"In five days, we'll be celebrating the debut of Royal Caribbean's first ever Royal Beach Club in Europe," Chin-Sang said during her explanation.  She's actually spent the last few weeks in Greece working on it. "We're super excited… we are here in the final days of adding the finishing touches and making sure everything's just perfect for guests."

One thing is clear from her overview of the new beach club: Royal Caribbean is taking a completely different approach to what a "private destination" looks like in Europe.

This beach club will be smaller, and more exclusive

Unlike a private island experience, the Royal Beach Club is not meant to be anything like CocoCay.

"What you're seeing here is… probably a little bit smaller than what everyone typically thinks of when you think of a Royal Caribbean private destination," Chin-Sang explained.

Whereas CocoCay can accommodate over 10,000 people, Royal Beach Club Santorini has a smaller footprint.

"Royal Beach Club Santorini is truly an exclusive experience in this first season for really just about 300 guests at a time."

"Currently the plan is 300 guests at a time… in a day we're looking at 900 guests for the day. But at any one time, we're planning for an intimate group of 300 guests."

That limit is intentional as a way to to respond to one of Santorini’s biggest challenges.

Royal Caribbean is trying to solve Santorini's major problem

Royal Caribbean's research showed them that while Santorini is one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe, it's also been frustrating for guests.

"Santorini always has high appeal with guests, but somehow came back with low satisfaction," Chin-Sang revealed.

"In digging into that, we realized that it's mostly about the transportation, the crowds, the wait times."

If you’ve ever visited, you've probably experienced long tender lines, packed streets in Fira, and the infamous cable car queues.

Royal Caribbean sought to design a beach club experience that fixes those problems.

"We thought really long and hard about how we could fix that and enhance the guest experience and make sure that guests are really able to maximize their day on the island."

You'll have a "build your own adventure" approach when in Santorini

Admission to the club goes beyond a beach day. Royal Caribbean is bundling the beach club into what it calls the "Ultimate Santorini Day" tour.

"This three stop build your own adventure… allows people to plan their day," Chin-Sang explained.

Guests will be able to experience multiple parts of the island in a structured, seamless way.

"Some guests will be able to start their day at the beach club. Some guests will start their day with the towns… Oia and Fira, and every stop along the tour has its own unique charm."

That includes:

• Oia
• Fira
• The beach club

"You can enjoy a relaxing afternoon on a black sand beach with an unlimited Greek buffet… like who wouldn't want this perfect tour in Santorini," she said.

The biggest difference, though, is how easy it's meant to be.

"You don't have to think hard about waiting in a long line, or waiting in the sun to ride the cable car… you are ushered from location to location on a cozy, air conditioned bus."

In other words, Royal Caribbean is trying to make a port notorious for crowds and waits into a much easier experience.

This club was designed to fit in, not stand out

Another major shift is how the destination looks, because it's not using bright colors or incorporate attractions.

"We didn't want to make this your traditional beacon, bright colors of a Royal Caribbean destination," Chin-Sang said.

Their goal was to make it feel like part of Santorini itself.

"We wanted to really make sure that we were developing a property that felt like it was part of Santorini, authentic to the local architecture."

A day at the beach club is meant to be picture perfect

The beach club includes many of the amenities cruisers expect, in addition to the backdrop of being on a beautiful Greek island.

"It is the kind of scenery guests dream about," Chin-Sang said, describing the setting.

"It's set at the southern coast of Santorini, with a backdrop of these unreal volcanic cliffs."

Here's what's included:

• A black sand beach
• Loungers and umbrellas
• Changing huts and showers
• A main bar and buffet

"All of the amenities that guests are looking for are just a few steps away… it's pretty much a hassle free day."

In fact, small details have been refined to ensure it's a great experience, "The beach is at a lower elevation than the restaurant, so all of the restaurant seating is the best seat in the house."

Food will be a focal point to embrace being in Greece

Food is another area where Royal Caribbean is leaning into the destination.

"We've worked for several months… with local chefs to really pour that authentic Greek vibe into the menu."

You can expect to find on the menu gyros and souvlaki, Greek burger, vegetarian moussaka, and more.

"My personal favorite… the unlimited Greek frozen yogurt," she said.

Drinks are also included, with a strong local focus.

"We're very, very excited to be able to offer a Royal Beach Club exclusive craft beer… it's called Lava Lager."

Guests will also find custom wines made specifically for Royal Caribbean visitors. There will be custom red, white, and rosé wine varietals.

Royal Caribbean is doing something different in Santorini

If there’s one theme that comes through in this preview, I think it's that they're taking a far different approach with this beach club.

Their goal isn't to build the biggest or most feature-packed destination. Instead, they're trying to solve a problem their research tells them exists and then deliver a better version of Santorini.

"We found the most gorgeous site that we could possibly find on the island," Chin-Sang said.

"And we've made it into an experience where the transportation is curated, it's included… you don't have to think hard."

Considering Royal Caribbean has a reputation of going big, they're building something much more tailored to the destination.

If it works, it could usher in a new approach to how it tackles private destinations in other parts of the world.

Royal Caribbean has renamed the main areas of its private beach club in The Bahamas.

Since opening in December 2025, Royal Caribbean has quietly made small tweaks to improve the guest experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

This is the cruise line's private beach option in Nassau, Bahamas where cruisers can choose to purchase admission to it.

The latest change is to rename the key areas of the club.

It appears the name changes are more a reflection of how they're being used by guests, rather than a fundamental change in what's being offered.

Adjusting to match the experience

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is the first of four beach clubs that will open by 2027, and the cruise line isn't afraid to make tweaks.

The change is reflected in the names of each beach going forward: Chill, Party and Paradise.

Family Beach is being renamed to Chill Beach, and Royal Caribbean is making the change because they want the area to be welcoming to all. A "family" area might sound like it's just for kids, and preclude someone from even going there.

As a result, the area formerly known as Family Beach will swap names to Chill Beach.

The new Chill Beach has a zero-entry pool, beach games, and more. In addition, family-focused activities including Captain Cool, beach games and pool games will continue to take place at Chill Beach (previously Family Beach)

The original Chill Beach will now be called Paradise Beach, as a way to reflect its location.

Signs around Royal Beach Club will be updated very soon to reflect the name changes.

Cabana name changes too

Since the zones are changing names, some cabanas are too.

Prior to the official name change news breaking, guests received emails from Royal Caribbean informing them that their cabana rental has changed in name only. The locations and amenities remain unchanged.

"We have a small update to share," an email to guests read. "Your Beach Cabana (Family Beach) is now called the Beach Cabana (Chill Beach)."

"That’s the only change—everything else about your reservation remains exactly the same."

Why Royal Caribbean likely made the change

Labels can make or break someone's decision how they spend their day at the beach club, and I think Royal Caribbean wants to make sure any assumptions are correct.

Simpler, more intuitive naming is a good idea for first-time visitors. And it doesn't create any pre-conceived notions about if a certain area should be avoided.

I think "family beach" may have kept some visitors from even going over to see the area because they believed it was just for kids.

In truth, the area formerly known as Family Beach was massive, especially the beach area. It was quite possible to get away from the crowds there.

Remember, each zone is just a starting point

Despite the names, you can go to any of the zones with or without kids.  Royal Caribbean likes to use colorful names to make it easy to distinguish.

Party Cove is where you'll find the DJ playing party music and a pool party vibe. Kids are welcome to join in.

Similarly, the new Chill Beach has more for young kids with a zero-entry pool. But it's also one of the largest beaches.

Basically, the names are primarily a general motif and not immersive.

Guest feedback is like gold to Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean places a high value on guest feedback about any of their products, but new ones get even more attention.

Every passenger that visits Royal Beach Club gets a post-visit email survey link, where they have the chance to rate just about everything offered.  Plus, there is an opportunity to enter suggestions or general feedback in text form.

They then aggregate the surveys to look for patterns, and potentially, a policy change.

Royal Caribbean even holds focus groups from time to time to ask more specific questions of cruisers.

It's the dawn of a new era for Nassau cruisers — if you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, that is. 

Private cabanas aren't a new concept. In fact, some of the dreamiest are the overwater cabanas at the Coco Beach Club. However, Royal Caribbean invested in perhaps its most swanky cabana yet at its all-new beach club in The Bahamas. 

The Ultimate Family Cabana is a one-of-a-kind retreat designed to feel like a beachside villa that goes far beyond the average beach set-up. 

Available at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the cruise line's extra-cost private club in Nassau, the Ultimate Family Cabana is unlike traditional cabanas that offer private loungers, shade, and other basic amenities. 

Instead, the two-story sanctuary feels like a miniature beach house — complete with everything from a slide to a private bathroom, reserved beach space, frozen drink machine, television, and more. 

Here's what you can expect inside.

Royal Caribbean's new Ultimate Family Cabana

Before you even walk inside, you will realize this cabana is unlike any other. With its premium amenities, the Ultimate Family Cabana is poised to become Royal's top-of-the-line product when it comes to perfect beach days. 

Royal Caribbean's largest cabana is located within the Family Beach area of the beach club, just steps from the zero-entry pool and picturesque beach. 

However, you may not want to spend much time outside the cabana. As you enter, you're welcomed by an expansive living room with comfortable chairs and couches that could easily live on someone's private lanai. 

There's also a dedicated dining area, complete with a large table and seating for the whole group. This is convenient, seeing as the cabana can accommodate up to 12 people. 

Moving on, one of the highlights of the Ultimate Family Cabana is the frozen drink machine, ensuring you can get all-you-can-(reasonably)-drink piña coladas and daiquiris with no wait. 

Nearby is a small shaded kitchen, housing a fridge and sink. Opposite the kitchen is the cabana's private bathroom. This means you won't have to trek far for restroom breaks during your ultimate beach day. 

Upstairs is where you’ll find some of the best views in the entire beach club. The second level opens to a plush daybed, table, chairs, and a wet bar. This makes it easy to sip on a crafted cocktail or snack while enjoying the breezy deck.  

The entrance to the neon orange spiral slide is also on the second level of the Ultimate Family Cabana. One neat feature of the slide is that there's a button at the top that "primes" it with water. This ensures that you don't get stuck or burn your bottom on the way down. 

Even if you aren't an avid slide-goer, you will want to visit the second level at least once — mostly to take in the scenery of the turquoise Bahamian waters.

You can also people-watch, as the elevated vantage point offers sweeping views of the Family Beach area and pool. You can even see the towering Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. 

Back downstairs, the Ultimate Family Cabana continues to impress with its beachfront hot tub. This ensures that, even on the chilliest Bahamian days, you can soak up the sunshine and white-sand shoreline. 

The best part is that the hot tub is located steps from a private beach area. As such, you'll have a dedicated space to relax away from the hustle and bustle — all without fighting for a prime lounge chair! 

That's not all, either. Just beyond the hot tub, the cabana’s private beach area also features a hammock. I don't know about you, but I could easily fall asleep reading here. It's the perfect spot to catch up on anyone's endless "TBR" (to-be-read) list! 

No matter how you choose to spend your day at Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Family Cabana, you'll find it has ample spaces to relax and recharge. It's the best of both worlds, really — you can enjoy the newly-opened Royal Beach Club while having a private space with luxurious amenities to retreat to. 

How much does the Royal Beach Club Ultimate Family Cabana cost?

The Ultimate Family Cabana's amenities sound incredible, but the cost is a big part of the equation, too. Affording this slice of paradise isn't for the casual budget cruiser. 

The onboard price for the cabana is $10,000. However, you can save thousands by reserving it through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner. 

For example, during my upcoming cruise on Utopia of the Seas in July 2026, the Cruise Planner lists the Ultimate Family Cabana with a 30% discount, bringing the price down to $6,999.99.

Comparatively, day passes to the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island cost around $97 to $110 per person, depending on whether you want unlimited non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverages included. 

Despite the hefty price tag, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley claimed the demand for the cabana is unprecedented. 

"In the first hour when we opened for sale, we sold our Ultimate Family Cabana for one day at $10,000, which was quite remarkable...Subsequently, we've sold a lot of days in the Ultimate Family Cabana at $10,000," he said during an earnings call last year. 

Royal Caribbean's new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean's newest addition to its growing private destination portfolio. 

The private beach club destination was created in partnership with The Bahamas and is located on Paradise Island — a narrow strip of land near the Nassau cruise port. 

Unfortunately, the 17-acre beach club isn't included in your cruise fare. As such, it acts more like an optional shore excursion, with access to the private beaches, heated pools, unlimited beverages, and local cuisine available for an added cost. 

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is divided into three main areas: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach. Family Beach is where the Ultimate Family Cabana is located, along with the Shallow End Pool & Swim-Up Bar, Paradise Grill location, and more. 

Party Cove is the social hub of the beach club — think non-stop music, flowing drinks, and a lively energy that's tailored toward adults. Here, you'll find the world's largest swim-up bar, rentable day beds, another Paradise Grill, and more. 

Finally, Chill Beach was designed for guests who want a relaxed atmosphere and peaceful oceanfront spaces. Complete with beach bars, another pool and swim-up bar, and easy-access to local cuisine at the Paradise Grill, it’s the perfect spot to unwind without feeling overwhelmed by activity. 

Currently, Royal Caribbean offers two types of day passes to Royal Beach Club: the Open Bar Day Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining) and the Non-Alcoholic Day Pass (Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining). 

Because of the day pass options, it’s worth noting that your Royal Caribbean drink packages don’t carry over to the Royal Beach Club. Even if you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, you'll need to purchase the Open Bar Day Pass to enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages ashore. 

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean's Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. The heated pools and all-inclusive pass fixed a long-standing problem

As Royal Caribbean nears the opening of its new beach club in Cozumel, Mexico later this year, they've made an announcement related to beach access.

As part of the company's dedication to community well-being and sustainable tourism, Royal Caribbean is developing new public beach access in the Zona Hotelera Sur area, a recent press release revealed. 

Public beach access in the Cozumel area has long faced challenges, including traffic conflicts, limited signage, and inadequate lighting. As such, relocating the path will ensure greater accessibility, improved safety, and enhanced facilities.

The cruise line plans to begin construction as soon as it obtains all of the necessary regulatory and environmental permits, with the current public beach access remaining open until the new facilities are fully operational.

Read more: We got our first look at Royal Caribbean's private beach club in Mexico

This new initiative aligns with Royal Caribbean's SEA the Future sustainability program. While the cruise line is focused on offering memorable vacation experiences aboard its fleet of ships and award-winning private destination portfolio, they want to do so in a way that sustains the planet, energizes local communities, and accelerates local innovation. 

Uplifting and upholding environmental preservation, economic development, and sustainability means that these destinations will be accessible and desirable for generations to come. 

"We are excited to bring the Royal Beach Club experience to Cozumel while ensuring that beach access, a right guaranteed under Mexican law, is available to all. This initiative reflects our dedication to creating shared value by improving safety, accessibility, and infrastructure for the community,” said Ari Adler Brotman, President, Royal Caribbean Mexico.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel is set to open in 2026

An official opening date has yet to be announced for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel. However, it's expected to open to cruise passengers in 2026. 

Like the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the next private destination is designed to operate as an extra-cost shore excursion, unlike the complimentary access guaranteed to everyone visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. 

The main idea behind the new beach club is to give guests easy access to breathtaking ocean views and a curated beach experience unlike any other. 

At the Royal Beach Club Cozumel, patrons will find everything from swim-up bars to oceanfront pools, private cabanas, snorkeling opportunities, local street markets, tequila tastings, cooking classes, and more. 

Pricing and day pass availability have yet to be revealed by the cruise line. 

A new option has appeared on an upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise to offer a non all-inclusive admission to its new beach club.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is open only to Royal Caribbean Group passengers, and up until now it's been an all-inclusive product. 

But on one upcoming cruise, there's a new option that does not include drinks or food at all.  

So far it's only been spotted on one sailing, so it might be a test to gauge interest and demand. Here's what we know so far.

A cheaper day pass option

Royal Beach Club has offered two admission types: all inclusive alcohol, and all inclusive non-alcohol.

The Royal Beach Club Day Pass is a third option priced at $49.99.

The pass includes:

• Complimentary transportation
• Free Wi-Fi
• Umbrellas
• Loungers
• Towels
• Self-service water and juice

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus a variety of beach side bites will be available for purchase a la carte. Items will be available for purchase a la carte. Payments must be made using a credit card. 

Drink prices are listed at $16 to $17 per cocktail, and $8-9 for beers. 

According to Royal Caribbean, a la carte prices for dining options will range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a variety of entrees and sides. Kid menu options will also be available.

Of course, this day pass also gets you into the beach club and access to the beaches and pools. Royal Beach Club offers a full day of fun in both heated pools and access to exclusive beach access.

The advantage of this day pass is it's perfect for those that don't think they'd come close to getting value from paying for an all-inclusive pass. Those sorts of admission assume you'll eat and drink enough all day to get your money's worth from it.

Instead, this day pass means a lower entry for admission, which is good for those that want a great beach day without eating or drinking a lot.  Perhaps they plan to spend less time at the club, or are content with one or two food or drinks.

Is this a test or will this be a new option?

So far, we've only spotted this new third admission type on the Wonder of the Seas March 9th sailing.

Royal Caribbean has not announced or confirmed any details related to this pass, so we're working off this one entry in the Cruise Planner.

To provide context, here are the pricing for each admission type for this Wonder of the Seas sailing:

• Open Bar Day Pass: $95.99 per person
• Non-alcoholic Day Pass: $67.99 per person
• Day Pass: $49.99 per person

In the past, Royal Caribbean has experimented with offering a new option by first trialing it out on select sailings. Based on cruiser feedback and sale demand, these tests have either succeeded and the option became a widespread offering or was removed completely.

If you don't see it available on your visit to Nassau, there's nothing you can do to "get it".  If/when Royal Caribbean decides to expand the option, it will appear for sale.

Royal Beach Club is a new way to enjoy a shore excursion

The Royal Beach Club opened in late December, and Royal Caribbean has touted it as being "breathtakingly beautiful" and catering to what vacationers look for in a beach day.

Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, said it's the ultimate beach day and guest feedback has been incredibly high.

It's essentially a shore excursion designed, built. and operated by Royal Caribbean. This means they extend the same level of high satisfaction score guest experience to the island as guests are used to on their ships.

There are three different neighborhoods on the island, each with its own flavor: Family Beach, Party Cove, and Chill Beach. 

Family Beach has a zero-entry pool for all ages, Party Cove is the perfect place to pump up the vibes with DJ-spun beats, and Chill Beach offers tranquil serenity.

Listening to feedback, Royal Caribbean has made changes to its Royal Beach Club menu.

The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in late December 2025, and the cruise line has canvased every guest since then to gather comments about what they like and didn't like about the experience.

This is a new shore excursion that Royal Caribbean built exclusively for its customers in the heart of Nassau, Bahamas.

Linken D'Souza, Royal Caribbean Senior Vice President Food & Beverage, talked to Royal Caribbean Blog exclusively about the new changes that have been implemented as of today.

His goal with the menu update is to provide a fresher and lighter array of choices. Just like any cruise ship, finding the right blend of food is critical.

More variety

All of the food is included with entry to the Royal Beach Club, which serves lunch for most of the day.

There are multiple Paradise Grill locations through the Royal Beach Club, but they all serve the same food so you don't have trek around the island to find one specific item.  All of the food is unlimited, you simply have to go to the counter and get something else.

One of the opportunities the cruise line saw to improve the experience was to add more choices to the menu and rework a few items.

In discussing the changes to the updated menu, Mr. D'Souza said they wanted to offer less fried food, while adding more variety and choice.

Gluten-free buns are available upon request.

The old menu

The new menu goes into effect today, and there's more variety and healthier choices too.

Compared to the old menu, it's gone from 18 to 33 items. The goal is to broaden up the choices, with simple fixed too. There's now a classic burger, as well as a kids menu.

The salads changed from fried chicken to grilled chicken breast, and there's now a Caesar salad option too.

Mr. D'Souza's team will begin collecting guest feedback again this weekend, which should get quite a test on Saturday when three Royal Caribbean ships are scheduled to visit Nassau.

In addition to the new menu, you'll also see new dessert options.

He thinks the desserts have been well-received so far (especially the pineapple ice cream), but they added new ice cream flavors and desserts to the desserts station.

There are gluten free options too

One early area of confusion surrounded gluten free choices.

Royal Caribbean has always offered a great array of gluten free food options on it ships. Handling allergies and special dietary needs has been something the line excels at.

Mr. D'Souza says there are gluten free options at the Royal Beach Club, thanks to a special bread they have for it.

My understanding is the gluten free bread can be substituted to replace anything on the menu that has bread in it.

Moreover, the QR code with allergies has also been updated to reflect all of the dietary information to share with guests.

A new kind of excursion experience

Having visited the Royal Beach Club, it's clear that Royal Caribbean built something that stands out from the rest with just about everything you'd want in a beach day.

Located a short 5 minute water taxi ride away from where the cruise ships dock, Royal Beach Club is split into three zones that offer a different ambiance.

Chill Beach is your traditional feet in the sand (or pool) tropical paradise. 

Access to blue turquoise ocean, a swim-up bar with views of the ocean, and powder white sand. It's practically a postcard backdrop.

Next to it is Party Cove, which has a giant structure meant to bring DJ music to everyone within earshot.  You can party in the pool, at your chairs, or opt to rent a party deck area for your VIP experience.

This is where you'll find the energy of the club, and it's for anyone that revels in music being a part of the pool party.

Lastly, there's family beach.  There's a large zero-entry pool with geysers to make it appealing to young children and their parents.  

Along with a giant swim-up bar, there's also a much larger beach that seemingly goes on forever. Plenty of space to spread out.

Admission is required to access the Royal Beach Club, which includes unlimited food, drinks, Wi-Fi, seating, and transportation back and forth to your ship.

The cost depends on your sail date, but prices range between $100 - $160 per person when purchased before the cruise begins. The onboard price if you wait is $250 per person.