Royal Caribbean is taking its private destination game to a whole new level—and this time, it’s heading somewhere completely different.
After dominating the Caribbean with places like CocoCay, the cruise line is now expanding into the South Pacific with a brand-new beach experience that looks straight out of a dream.
Set to open in 2027, this upcoming destination isn’t just another stop—it’s being designed as a full-day escape where nature, relaxation, and activities all come together in one place.
A New Kind of Private Destination (And a First for the Region)
Royal Caribbean has officially revealed its newest project: Royal Beach Club Lelepa, located in the island nation of Vanuatu.
What makes this launch especially interesting is that it marks the cruise line’s first private destination in the Southern Hemisphere—a big move beyond its usual Caribbean focus.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Opening timeline: October 2027.
- Included in cruise fare (no extra entry cost).
- Accessed via tender boats, not a dock.
- Located on the northern side of Lelepa Island.
Unlike heavily developed cruise ports, this destination is being built to highlight the island’s raw beauty rather than transform it completely.
Where Exactly Is Lelepa?
If you’re trying to picture it on a map, Lelepa sits in a pretty unique location within the South Pacific.
- Around 1,200 miles northeast of Brisbane, Australia.
- Roughly 25 miles from Port Vila (Vanuatu’s capital).
- About 350 miles north of Nouméa, New Caledonia.
This positioning makes it ideal for cruises sailing from Australia and longer South Pacific itineraries.
What the Experience Will Actually Feel Like
Instead of packing the island with rides and attractions, Royal Caribbean is focusing more on natural beauty + relaxed luxury.
Early previews suggest a destination that blends beach vibes with light adventure and local culture.
Highlights you can expect:
- Two separate beach areas with plenty of space.
- An adults-only retreat for a quieter experience.
- Scenic walking trails through the island.
- Crystal-clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
And from the early renderings, the entire place looks colorful, open, and very tropical—think shaded cabanas, soft sand, and endless ocean views.
Activities: Relax or Stay Active—Your Choice
Whether you’re the type who wants to do nothing or try everything, Lelepa seems designed to offer both options.
Water and beach activities:
- Snorkeling in clear, shallow waters.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Glass-bottom experiences for marine viewing.
Onshore fun:
- Beach volleyball.
- Beach cricket (a fun nod to Aussie culture).
- Casual games like cornhole.
It’s not about high-energy thrills—it’s more about enjoying the environment at your own pace.
Food, Drinks, and Local Flavor
Food is always a big part of the cruise experience, and Royal Caribbean is blending familiar favorites with regional flavors here.
Guests will have access to:
- Two dining venues are included in the cruise fare.
- A mix of international dishes and local island cuisine.
- Around 10 bars serving cocktails, beers, and tropical drinks.
There’s also mention of a “Mama’s Market”, which is expected to feature:
- Local crafts and souvenirs.
- Unique items you won’t find onboard.
- A more authentic shopping experience.
What’s Included (And What’s Not)
One of the biggest positives here is that most of the experience is already covered in your cruise fare.
Included for all guests:
- Access to the beach club.
- Food and standard dining.
- Beach loungers, umbrellas, and towels.
- Accessibility options like beach wheelchairs.
Optional extras:
- Private daybeds or upgraded seating.
- Certain water sports equipment rentals.
This makes it more similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay rather than paid beach club experiences like Paradise Island.
Cruises That Will Visit Lelepa
Royal Caribbean has already started offering itineraries that include this destination.
Early sailings feature ships like:
- Quantum of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
These cruises will include:
- Departures from Australia
- South Pacific island itineraries
- Even longer transpacific journeys
More ships and routes are expected to be announced as the launch gets closer.
Why This Beach Club Feels Different
What stands out most about Lelepa is the direction Royal Caribbean is taking.
Instead of building another high-energy private island, they’re leaning into something more authentic and nature-focused.
The idea is simple:
- Keep the island’s natural beauty intact.
- Design the experience around what travelers actually want.
- Create a destination that feels unique—not copy-pasted.
This is especially tailored for Australian and South Pacific cruisers, who often prefer a more laid-back, scenic experience.
A Smart Expansion Move
Royal Caribbean is clearly expanding beyond its Caribbean dominance, and Lelepa could be a major step forward.
For cruisers, this means:
- More variety in destinations.
- New regions to explore with familiar cruise comfort.
- A different style of private island experience.
If everything goes as planned, Royal Beach Club Lelepa could easily become one of the most talked-about cruise destinations when it opens in 2027.
