Royal Caribbean International has announced its next goal: to offer the ultimate beach day.
The company has announced that its first Royal Beach Club will be located in Antigua, along a 0.8-kilometer stretch of coastline near Fort James. The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Antigua and Barbuda for the project, which is slated to open in 2021.
Created for Royal Caribbean International passengers, the Royal Beach Club located in Fort James will combine the island's stunning beaches with the cruise line's service and amenities.
Established as the ultimate beach experience, the Royal Beach Club Collection will provide the unique features and flavors of each destination. In Antigua, guests can enjoy exceptional island views from private cabanas or take a dip in a stunning pool and swim to the bar for a classic rum punch.
“The Royal Beach Club Collection is an adventure we can’t wait to reveal to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “We have incredible partners in the government of Antigua and Barbuda who will help us bring the collection’s first destination to life. Together, we are designing an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and create significant economic benefits and local employment opportunities for years to come.”
The Honorable Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development and Investments of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, explains: “The Government of Antigua and Barbuda welcomes this multi-million dollar investment by Royal Caribbean in our tourism product. We anticipate an economic impact of approximately US$80 million in direct revenue to the Government over the next 30 years and more than US$1 billion in indirect revenue during the same period.”
Fernández commented, “The project will also provide significant employment opportunities for the residents of Antigua and Barbuda, both during the construction phase and in the project's operations over the coming years. We are truly grateful and pleased that the first Royal Caribbean Beach Club is located in Antigua, which confirms the confidence in our twin-island nation.”
“The Royal Beach Club concept is based on Royal Caribbean’s successful Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, but this will clearly be a different experience for guests. With Royal Beach Club, we’re starting off with a great day on a beautiful beach, adding even more amenities and activities,” explains Bayley. “Each venue will feature local food and music, family-friendly activities, and customized attractions to give everyone endless options for enjoying a day by the sea.”
Although Royal Caribbean does not expect to create specific designs for the island of Antigua for several months, the company will offer regional food, island-style barbecues and live music, along with unforgettable experiences such as paddle surfing, snorkeling or incredible pools where the whole family can splash around or enjoy the swim-up bar.
Cruise tourism is booming globally, with a projected 50% growth in the Caribbean over the next decade. Through land-based destinations, such as Royal Caribbean's recently announced Perfect Day at Lelepa in the South Pacific and the new Royal Beach Club concept, the company is supporting its growing fleet of innovative, award-winning ships.
