Royal Caribbean Cruises has several island destinations. One of the favorites among cruise passengers is Perfect Day at Coco Cay. It has everything from water slides to pools to cabanas and the exclusive Coco Beach Club.
If you like those types of ports, you will be sure to enjoy a visit to Royal’s latest venture. The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, is Royal Caribbean’s inviting new addition to Nassau’s shoreline.
Royal Beach Club is set to redefine beach days in Nassau, blending the laid-back allure of The Bahamas with the cruise line’s signature energy.
This 17-acre haven on Paradise Island promises an exclusive, all-inclusive experience for about 40% of Royal Caribbean guests docking in Nassau. It’s designed as a seamless shore excursion—think hassle-free ferries, unlimited eats and drinks, and zones tailored to every vibe—from family fun to adult-only chill.
With bookings open now, it’s poised to elevate visits from ships like Utopia of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas. Here’s everything you need to know, from its prime location to the thoughtful community ties that make it more than just a day out.
Prime Location: Convenience Meets Coastal Serenity
Perched at the western tip of Paradise Island, the club overlooks turquoise waters and sits just a 10-minute ferry ride from Nassau’s bustling cruise terminal—close enough for spontaneity, far enough for that “island escape” feel.
The site’s natural perks shine: pristine sands, calm swimming coves, and postcard views framed by the nearby Paradise Island Lighthouse. It’s a stone’s throw from Atlantis Resort, allowing easy crossovers if you want to mix vibes, but tucked into a quieter stretch for breathing room.
Access is a breeze with a fleet of five custom, Bahamian-motif ferries shuttling up to 250 guests each from the port’s West Marina. Round-trip transport is bundled into your day pass, turning the quick sail into a teaser of the fun ahead.
From major U.S. ports like Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Baltimore, Cape Liberty, and Fort Lauderdale, Nassau stops are a staple—and this club makes them unforgettable. No land access means no traffic hassles; just step off your ship, hop the ferry, and dive in.
Hog Island Lighthouse courtesy of ‘where was it shot’
What to Expect: Zones, Amenities, and All-Inclusive Bliss
Spanning two beaches and three temperature-controlled pools, the club divides into three vibe-perfect neighborhoods, ensuring everyone finds their groove. Capacity tops out at around 4,000, but expect an average of 2,000 for that uncrowded feel.
Live entertainment—from steel drums and DJ sets to cultural shows and fire performances—pulses throughout, while the Artist Discovery Program showcases 11 Bahamian creators across 25 installations, like murals and sculptures.
Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddleboards) and beach games (oversized Jenga, cornhole) keep things active, and over 200 local staff bring that warm, authentic service.
| Neighborhood | Vibe | Key Features |
| Chill Beach | Relaxed recharge | Hammocks, The Deep End pool for lounging with a book, shaded loungers from recycled materials, serene swim-up bar. |
| Party Cove | High-energy social | The Floating Flamingo—world’s largest swim-up bar (110 seats, two stories)—with DJ beats, craft cocktails, and VIP sections until sunset. |
| Family Beach | Kid-friendly joy | 4,000 sq ft splash pad, zero-entry pool (The Shallow End), family games, dedicated grill, and the Ultimate Family Cabana (two-story with slide and frozen drink machine). |
Dining and drinks? All-inclusive and Bahamian-inspired: unlimited bites at three Paradise Grills (grilled specialties, fresh salads, conch fritters, soft-serve) and sips at 10 bars (three swim-up, seven beachside).
Sustainability nods include native landscaping, marine-safe designs, and zero-waste practices. Over 40 cabanas offer shaded upgrades with attendants, and artisan shops sell local treasures. Wi-Fi, towels, umbrellas, and lockers are standard.
Artist’s conception. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
The Day Pass: Effortless Entry to Paradise
This fee-based setup is all about stripping away stress: your pass covers ferry, amenities, food, and drinks, letting you roam zones freely. Book via the Royal app or website up to 48 hours before for full refunds if plans change. Kids 3 and under are free; prices vary by season and age.
| Pass Type | Includes | Starting Price (Ages 13+) | Ages 4-12 | Ages 3 & Under |
| Unlimited Open Bar & Dining | Alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks, all-day dining, full access | $169.99 (21+) | $129.99 | Free |
| Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining | Non-alcoholic drinks, all-day dining, full access | $129.99 | $109.99 | Free |
Upgrades like cabanas ($300+) or The Party Deck (private swim-up overlook for 12, ~$1,200) add exclusivity. It’s not just a pass—it’s a blueprint for unhurried days, with attendants personalizing everything from cabana setups to sunset spots.
Artist’s conception. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean’s Deep Roots in The Bahamas
For nearly 50 years, Royal Caribbean has invested in Bahamian communities, and this club embodies that legacy. It’s a mosaic of local talent: Bahamian-run grills, artists like Allan Wallace (entry mural) and Angelika Wallace-Whitfield (flamingo sculpture), and hires like technical director Alphonso Bowe and HR lead Simmone Bowe.
Training for 200+ staff has been completed, emphasizing inclusive growth—think International Women’s Day nods and small-business workshops. Eco-focus?
A dedicated director ensures reef protection and recycled-material loungers. Visitors fuel this cycle: your conch salad supports family vendors, your cabana shade comes from community-planted palms.
Artist’s conception. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
A True Partnership: Equity and Shared Success
This isn’t solo development—it’s a pioneering public-private model where Bahamians hold up to 49% equity (Royal at 51%), with the government contributing four acres of Crown Land. Profits feed a tourism levy for local reinvestment, from entrepreneur sessions on Utopia of the Seas to open bids for services like maintenance and entertainment.
Leaders like president Philip Simon (appointed 2023) steer with local insight. Ground broken in April 2024, it’s about collective wins: no-dredging eco-policies, community input on designs, and opportunities for families to own shares.
For guests, it means authentic chats with staff who share in the venture—turning your day into a feel-good thread in the island’s tapestry.
Artist’s conception. Courtesy of Royal Caribbean
It Was Not Always Well In Paradise
The development on Paradise Island prompted discussion. When plans emerged around 2020, Atlantis Resort and others raised concerns about pressure on beaches, wildlife, and infrastructure. A June 2023 public forum with the Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection gathered input, resulting in adjustments for reduced impact.
Atlantis president Audrey Oswell has called for balanced growth, and Royal Caribbean has shared independent environmental reports, maintained natural buffers, and limited construction effects.
Early staffing questions were resolved, and attention now focuses on training, artist programs, and economic ties. Development brings scrutiny but also improvements: stronger reef safeguards, local equity, and shared innovations.
Visitors benefit from a site that fits into the island’s ecosystem. Ongoing dialogue helps ensure the club adds to Nassau’s appeal without overwhelming it, preserving the area for future visits.
Royal’s Partnership With The Bahamian Government
Royal Caribbean says it has agreed to a public-private partnership whereby “Bahamians can own up to 49% equity in the beach club.”
The 17-acre Beach Club will be made up of 13-acres of land owned by the cruise line and four acres of “Crown Land” (public land owned by the state) that’s serving as equity.
With this agreement, a share of Royal’s profits from the project will be returned to the Bahamian government. Considered a first-of-its-kind agreement, it is also coupled with a new tourism levy.
To facilitate this partnership, Royal Caribbean hired Bahamian business and land development executive Philip Simon as president of Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island and general manager of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas.
Philip Simon. Picture courtesy of Royal Caribbean
You can find further information about the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island here: https://www.royalbeachclubatparadiseisland.com/
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Jonathon is the tech guy behind CruiseportAdvisor.com. When he’s not stuck in front of his computer, Jonathon enjoys travel & cruising (even after being on a cruise ship that caught fire – a story for another day!)
