Life's a beach

World’s largest swim-up bar anyone? Inside Royal Caribbean’s new private beach club

Royal Caribbean has announced new details of its new private beach club exclusively for cruise guests on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

A year-round tropical climate, palm-fringed beaches, and crystal-clear waters – is it any wonder that The Bahamas is home to aptly named ‘Paradise Island’?

Well, if it’s possible, Paradise Island is about to become a whole lot more blissful with the arrival of a brand-new beach club. Set to open in December 2025 (exact date still to come), Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island promises an unparalleled beach experience in The Bahamas. As the first destination in the exclusive Royal Beach Club Collection, this new offering blends Paradise Island’s natural beauty with Royal Caribbean’s iconic experiences.

Exclusive to Royal Caribbean cruise guests and just a stone’s throw from the capital, Nassau, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will cover 17 acres and be home to three swimming pools, swim-up cabana bars, live entertainment plus an array of dining options.

Holidaymakers can expect an all-inclusive beach day featuring Bahamian culture, pristine beaches and signature amenities, all designed to create unforgettable moments. Here’s what to expect…

Render of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Slice of heaven

Located on the western end of Paradise Island, the 17-acre Royal Beach Club delivers a cool combo of both exclusivity and all-inclusivity. Guests will enjoy access to everything from breathtaking beaches and luxurious cabanas to live music and island-inspired cuisine. Day passes, available from early next year will include amenities like water taxi transport, food, beverages and much more.

Crafted by local Bahamian architects and designers, the beach club’s style will be authentic to the destination, built from natural materials and decorated in vibrant colours.

Warm, turquoise waters invite lazy afternoons paddling, cocktail in hand, before kicking back on The Bahamas’ world-famous white sand beaches. For those with a more competitive spirit, the host of beach sports and activities on offer should get the blood pumping.

Daily beach barbecues are sure to offer a memorable opportunity to taste freshly-caught seafood among other zesty Bahamian flavours, while live performances from local musicians will complete the dreamy beach atmosphere. If a spot of retail therapy is in order, local artisans will be in situ selling traditional hand-crafted goods.

Once complete, the Royal Beach Club will be able to host approximately 2,000 guests.

– READ MORE: Royal Caribbean’s newest ship: Icon of the Seas –

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Beach day for every vibe

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island offers three distinct zones to cater to all types of travellers:

Family Beach

Perfect for families of all ages, Family Beach is just steps from The Shallow End, a zero-entry pool. Families can engage in fun beach games or unwind in the shade. For a premium experience, the Ultimate Family Cabana offers a two-storey retreat complete with a private slide, a whirlpool and even a frozen drink machine.

Chill Beach

For those seeking serenity, Chill Beach offers powdery white sand and the relaxing vibes of The Deep End pool. Guests can also explore Bahamian culture by shopping at local artisan huts or indulging in island delicacies like grilled shrimp skewers and fire engine fritters.

Party Cove

Party Cove is the epicentre of fun, featuring The Floating Flamingo, the world’s largest swim-up bar. Dance to DJ beats or enjoy personal poolside service in the exclusive VIP area with stunning beachfront views.

– READ MORE: Royal Caribbean: romantic private island retreats –

The logistics

Starting in 2025, Royal Caribbean will offer itineraries to Nassau and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island from six departure cities, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Florida; Cape Liberty, New Jersey; Galveston, Texas; and Baltimore. Options range from three-night escapes on Utopia of the Seas to seven-night adventures aboard Symphony of the Seas.

WILL THERE BE MORE ROYAL CARIBBEAN PRIVATE ISLANDS?

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is just the beginning of Royal Caribbean’s expanding collection of exclusive destinations. Following its debut, holidaymakers can look forward to Royal Beach Club Cozumel in 2026 and Perfect Day Mexico in 2027. With destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti, already making waves, there’s no shortage of incredible Caribbean escapes on offer.

For more details on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and Royal Caribbean’s growing list of unique destinations, stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

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Doing their bit

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island showcases Bahamian spirit through its architectural design, live music, artisan shops, and authentic cuisine. Developed in partnership with the Bahamian government, this project also supports local communities by creating hundreds of jobs for Bahamian businesses and entrepreneurs.

Through a unique public-private partnership, Bahamians will own up to 49 percent equity in the development, ensuring the country’s economy and tourism sector is greatly benefitted.

Royal Caribbean has been offering experiences in The Bahamas as one of its primary destinations since the cruise line launched more than 50 years ago. Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean’s CEO said: “The beauty and charm of the island are why we chose to debut the Royal Beach Club Collection in Nassau, and with the collaboration and support of local entrepreneurs and the wider community, we know that what we create will far exceed everything we imagined.”

The involvement of the local community has generated hundreds of jobs, not only for the short term but in the long term too. Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas also commented: ‘Signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings…and take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry.”

Construction plans also ensure the restoration of native habitats is a key priority, helping to protect native wildlife during the build and far beyond.