New Trends in Cruising: Exclusive Beach Clubs

Opposite the bustling Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, where it is not unusual to see four or five passenger ships docked at once, is a slice of tropical paradise with miles of white-sand beaches and turquoise water.Once dotted with mansions, the 17-acre expanse on the western end of the Bahamas’ Paradise Island, has been acquired by an unlikely developer: the Royal Caribbean cruise line.After the success of its Bahamian private island, CocoCay, the company is expanding its land-based offerings with a beach club scheduled to open in December.The projected $165 million project will have three swimming pools, the world’s largest swim-up bar and themed beach zones.“We are creating the ultimate beach day with the authentic vibe, colors and flavors of a lost Bahamian beach club,” Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean’s chief product innovation officer, said during a tour of the construction site.

“There will be local art, music and locally inspired cuisine balanced with American comforts.”Many cruise lines own private Caribbean islands, but the exclusive beach club concept is part of a new trend amid record demand for cruises and the seemingly nonstop rollout of megaships.Carnival is also building a beach club called Celebration Key, expected to open in July on Grand Bahama Island.

Royal Caribbean is developing two beach destinations in Mexico that will open in 2026 and 2027.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe....