One month into operations, the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is nearing capacity on a daily basis.
Royal Caribbean said initial satisfaction rates have been high for its first beach club -- located near the port in Nassau, Bahamas -- and the club is regularly approaching the daily maximum of 3,800 to 4,000 guests.
There are three eateries and 10 bars throughout the property. Passes are all-inclusive and can be packaged to include beverages. Prices vary based on demand. There is free entry for children 3 and under.
"The results have been phenomenal, and we've been thrilled with the overall feedback," said Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer.
The 17-acre property is easily visible from Royal Caribbean ships docked in Nassau. The beach club features three areas: Chill Beach, Party Cove and Family Beach. Each has a pool, and Party Cove is the only section without a beach.
The Party Cove swim-up bar at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
Chill Beach is designed for a relaxing experience. Party Cove is a pool with a two-deck bar called the Floating Flamingo and an all-day DJ. Family Beach is a livelier beach and pool section than Chill Beach. It has a zero-entry pool, beach games and a costumed pirate character who engages with children.
Royal Caribbean said it has been seeing guests dispersed evenly between the three sections.
Five ferries, each with a capacity for 241 passengers, transport guests to and from the beach club throughout the day. There are two docks on the property, so guests can choose whether to arrive on the Chill Beach side or closer to Family Beach.
One challenge is weather-related closures. The beaches face the open ocean rather than the harbor, so strong waves and riptides can be a risk during adverse weather conditions, officials said. Weather can affect ferry operations, as well.
Royal Caribbean guests board ferries here to get to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Photo Credit: Teri West
When a winter frontal system hit the Bahamas with heavy winds last week, the club closed for the first time, scuttling our opportunity to experience it. In the event of closure, booked guests are refunded.
Royal Caribbean describes the beach club as having a more authentic Bahamian flair than Perfect Day at Coco Cay, its other cruise destination in the Bahamas. At the beach club, local vendors sell goods and crafts with straw and tile work.
The cuisine is inspired by Bahamian dishes. One example is Royal Caribbean's version of the fire engine, a Bahamian dish with rice and corned beef with corn. At the beach club, it's turned into a bite-sized fritter.
"Our guests have told us they love the design and attention to detail, enjoy the variety of options offered at the destination paired with Bahamian flair seen in the local artisans, entertainment, and food and beverage experiences at the beach club," Schneider said.
The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island has two beach areas, one for families. Photo Credit: Royal Caribbean
The property sports a large Royal Caribbean logo visible from cruise ships, which has led to inquiries from guests from other cruise lines interested in visiting the beach club. Admission is only for Royal Caribbean guests, though.
Nassau is among the most visited ports in the Caribbean, and Royal Caribbean says guests have been craving a new option for how to spend the day there.
Due to its popularity, Royal Caribbean recommends that guests purchase a Royal Beach Club pass once their cruise is booked.