Royal Caribbean welcomes first passengers to Santorini beach club

Royal Caribbean has opened its first private destination in Europe to passengers.

Plans for Royal Beach Club Santorini to open in time for summer 2026 were unveiled in October, as the line announced plans to acquire and redevelop an existing beach club.

The destination promises to offer passengers from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ships “the Ultimate Santorini day”, featuring a volcanic black sand beach with loungers, umbrellas, towels, complimentary Wi-Fi, Greek food and wine and a live DJ.

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Passengers will also be handed a complimentary drink on arrival and can access free round-trip transportation around the Greek island with visits to Oia and Fira.

The opening follows the launch of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas in December, as part of the line’s plans to operate a portfolio of eight private destinations by 2028.