Royal Caribbean CEO shares when new beach clubs will open in Bahamas, Mexico, and South Pacific

Royal Caribbean just shared a timeline for when its new beach clubs will open to passengers.

Royal Caribbean is currently working on two new beach clubs, rapidly expanding its onshore experiences.

Over the Ultimate World Cruise this past weekend, Royal Caribbean CEO and President Michael Bayley held a question and answer session where he shared the cruise line’s plan for when the two new beach clubs in Nassau and Cozumel will open.

The cruise line’s next big investments are poised to rival every other cruise line.

The cruise line is also still planning to open a private destination experience in the South Pacific, mimicking the success of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

By 2026, Royal Caribbean will have two exclusive beach clubs on land, with a private destination experience on the way.

According to Michael Bayley, the cruise line is currently working on all three.

Royal Caribbean’s CEO announced a timeline for the three projects

“We’re aiming to have the Royal Beach Club [in the] Bahamas open towards the end of next year,” Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean President and CEO, announced during the Q&A session.

Royal Caribbean’s timeline is as follows:

• Royal Beach Club Paradise Island: between October-December 2025
• Royal Beach Club Cozumel: 2026
• Perfect Day at Lelepa: 2026 or 2027

Construction has already begun on the Paradise Royal Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas, Michael Bayley said.

“These projects are underway, and the one in the Bahamas is well underway.”

Construction began on the beach club this summer, with photos revealing the ground cleared and building materials being moved in.

The cruise line’s goal is to open its first new beach club in the fourth quarter of 2025, between October and December.

As for the Royal Beach Club on the western coast of Cozumel, Mexico—”we’re looking at 2026.”

Royal Caribbean has hinted that both beach clubs are going to stand out as more than “just another beach” to visit.

Bayley was more vague when it came to the cruise line’s third project, Perfect Day at Lelepa. 

“Either ’26 or ’27, we’re not sure yet,” he said.

The private destination was first announced in October 2019, but the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold.

“We’re hoping that all [will] go to plan,” Michael Bayley admitted.

“What we’ve learned in these projects is that, just like anything, they don’t go to plan.”

However, he wants cruisers to know that the cruise line does have a plan.

Construction has already begun on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island 

Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025, Royal Caribbean’s first beach club aims to solve passenger problems in Nassau, Bahamas.

In 2023, the Nassau Cruise Port saw 4.4 million visitors from cruise ships.

However, Royal Caribbean customers consistently rank as one of the bottom 10% cruise ports.

According to Michael Bayley, the port lacks original, exciting adventures that are unique to the area.

Many passengers describe the shore excursions as uninspiring and rate the port poorly.

When the Royal Beach Club opens on Paradise Island, it will seek to solve customer’s dissatisfaction with Nassau.

The Royal Beach Club will open on a 17-acre strip of land across from the cruise ship dock.

Royal Caribbean intends for the club to incorporate Bahamian food and culture while generating hundreds of jobs in the area.

Cruisers can expect to “be welcomed by local architecture that complements the exceptional views of The Bahamas’ turquoise-blue waters and white sand beaches, along with experiences that feature Bahamian fare, island-style barbecues, live music, and local artisans.”

The extra-cost, exclusive club will offer access to three pools with swim-up bars, live music, two beaches, and four restaurants.

Additionally, the club will have three distinct zones: a family zone, a party zone, and a chill zone.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel is on track to open in 2026

Royal Caribbean first announced intentions to build a second beach club in March of 2024 and has revealed few details since.

Cruisers are still in the dark as to the name, exact location, and pricing.

However, we do know that sailings to Cozumel are intended to fulfill a need for Royal Caribbean cruises from Galveston, Texas.

Cruises from the growing Texan port need more variety in the Western Caribbean.

A Royal Beach Club in Cozumel will give Royal Caribbean cruisers some new and exciting to do.

The extra-cost, exclusive club will combine great views, beaches, pools, and food.

Full details haven’t yet been shared, but the Cozumel Club will have swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking, restaurants, and street markets.

Perfect Day at Lelepa will open by 2027

Royal Caribbean’s third project, Perfect Day at Lelepa, will be a private destination experience similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

The area was initially expected to open in 2022, but few updates have been released.

According to Michael Bayley, the cruise line is now looking at finishing it in 2026 or 2027.

The private destination will be built on Lelepa Island in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

Read more: I visited Royal Caribbean’s next Perfect Day private destination: here’s what to expect

When the project was first announced, Michael Bayley said it was intended to “showcase the distinct natural ecological beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities.”