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Itβs not often that a cruise line gets to celebrate Christmas early β but thatβs exactly what happened in Nassau this month.
Royal Caribbean officially marked the opening of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, December 13, just days before the first cruise guests are set to experience the new destination.
The long-anticipated beach club will begin welcoming passengers on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, and the celebratory event signaled the completion of one of Royal Caribbeanβs most ambitious shore-side projects to date.
A Major Celebration in Nassau
More than 150 attendees gathered for the ceremony, including Bahamian government representatives, community leaders, VIPs, and executives from both Royal Caribbean International and Royal Caribbean Group.
The event wasnβt just symbolic β it was a full-on island-style celebration.
Guests enjoyed:
- Live Bahamian music
- Traditional dancers
- Refreshments and cocktails
- A vibrant tropical ribbon-cutting ceremony
The atmosphere reflected exactly what Royal Caribbean hopes guests will feel once they arrive: relaxed, festive, and unmistakably Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley shared his excitement during the event, noting that while the club itself looks spectacular, the real reward will be seeing how guests react once they experience it for the first time.
Opening Date Confirmed Despite Earlier Delays
While an earlier sneak preview of the beach club had to be postponed due to construction timelines, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the official opening date has not changed.
The first cruise passengers will step onto Royal Beach Club Paradise Island on December 23, 2025.
Several Royal Caribbean ships are scheduled to be in Nassau that day, including:
- Radiance of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
On Christmas Eve, the lineup expands with:
- Wonder of the Seas
- Vision of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
For Christmas Day, Odyssey of the Seas will be the lone Royal Caribbean ship calling on Nassau β giving those guests an especially exclusive holiday experience.
From Groundbreaking to Grand Opening
Construction on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island officially began in April 2024, launching a 20-month development project that placed a strong emphasis on local collaboration.
Throughout the build, Royal Caribbean partnered closely with Bahamian artists, builders, and contractors, ensuring the resort reflects local culture while still delivering the cruise lineβs signature upscale experience.
That effort reached a major milestone just one day before the ribbon-cutting.
A Massive Crown and Anchor Takes Its Place
On Friday, December 12, Royal Caribbean installed a giant Crown and Anchor logo at the beach club β a bold visual statement that now faces directly toward the cruise port.
The massive emblem was lifted into position using cranes and assembled piece by piece around a reinforced central core designed to support the structure for decades.
For cruisers sailing into Nassau, the logo will be impossible to miss β and itβs expected to become one of the most photographed sights in the harbor, especially for guests viewing it from ships docked just across the narrow channel.
What Makes Royal Beach Club Different
Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay or other private island destinations offered by cruise lines, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is not included with a Royal Caribbean cruise fare.
Instead, it operates more like a premium shore excursion β with one major difference: the resort is fully owned and operated by Royal Caribbean.
Guests who choose to visit the 17-acre beach club will receive:
- Round-trip ferry transportation from Nassau
- Lounge chairs and shaded umbrellas
- Access to three pools and two beaches
- Towels
- Three grill-style restaurants
- Internet access
- Drinks and premium spaces (depending on pass type)
Brightly colored ferries will shuttle guests between the cruise port and the resort, adding to the island-style arrival experience.
Pricing and Important Things to Know
Passes to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island start at around $170 per person, with pricing varying based on included amenities and premium options.
One key detail guests should be aware of: Onboard drink packages and dining packages do not apply at the beach club.
Any food, drinks, or premium experiences at the club must be purchased separately, even if guests have prepaid packages on board their ship.
More Royal Beach Clubs Are Coming
Paradise Island is just the beginning.
Royal Caribbean has already announced plans β or active construction β for additional Royal Beach Club locations, including:
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Vanuatu
- Santorini, Greece
Together, these destinations signal a growing strategy: offering cruise guests high-end, controlled shore experiences without relying on third-party resorts.
Final Thoughts
With its official ribbon cutting complete, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is now just days away from welcoming its first guests.
The combination of Bahamian culture, Royal Caribbean polish, and a prime location just minutes from the cruise port makes it one of the most talked-about new cruise destinations of the year.
For Nassau β and for Royal Caribbean β itβs a major milestone that could reshape how cruise lines think about beach days going forward.
