Royal Caribbean International is bringing its first-ever “Royal Beach Club” to the fast-growing cruise destination of Antigua. 

Royal Caribbean and the government of Antigua and Barbuda have signed an agreement for the new beach destination, which is slated to break ground this year. 

The club, created exclusively for guests of the cruise line, will be set on a half-mile stretch of beach. with everything from private cabanas to a pool to local food and barbecues. 

It will also feature a swim-up bar, live music and watersports, both motorized and non-motorized.

“The Royal Beach Club will deliver a memorable beach day to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a statement. “Together with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, we will bring to life an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and create significant economic benefits and opportunities. In addition, we are looking at ways for the local community to also enjoy the beach club on days our ships are in other destinations.”

Royal Caribbean has also committed to bringing its Symphony of the Seas cruise ship to Antigua on Nov. 3, 2020, docking at Antigua’s capital of St John’s. 

“The government of Antigua and Barbuda is truly grateful and appreciative that Royal Caribbean’s first Royal Beach Club will be in Antigua, which confirms confidence in our twin island state,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez. “We are also excited to share our beautiful island with guests sailing aboard Royal Caribbean ships when they begin calling to the island later this year.”       

It’s yet another boost for Antigua, which has been matching its surging stayover tourism arrival numbers with similarly strong momentum in the cruise sector.

— CJ