First Look at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Food and Beverage Experience

Food is included in the day pass, and there is no shortage of bars. If you did not choose the alcoholic beverage package you can still use your key card in the club to purchase drinks. If including beverages in your day pass is important to you, look in your cruise planner for bundles that include your day passes, and cruise-length beverage package options. Bundling is usually your best cost savings.

There are three walk-up food stations, all offering the same menu. Compared to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, the menu here is much more limited. We sampled the shrimp skewers, crab cake sandwich, tropical salad, and fire engine fritters. While everything was perfectly edible, nothing truly stood out. It was fine for a beach day, but not particularly memorable. The staff that works in the food service areas were friendly and attentive. We appreciated that special touch.

RCCL’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island

Royal Caribbean continues to expand its portfolio of private destinations. Its newest offering, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, gives cruisers a fresh way to experience Nassau. I recently had the opportunity to visit the area. If you’ve ever sailed into Nassau before, the location will feel immediately familiar. This stretch of land sits directly beside the cruise ships in port.

Royal Beach Club is designed to be an all-inclusive private beach day with a distinctly Royal Caribbean feel. The project represents a significant investment by Royal Caribbean, reportedly in the nine-figure range, and reflects the brand’s focus on curated guest experiences close to port. The club features pools, bars, dining stations, live entertainment, and beach access, all set along a single stretch of shoreline.

Access to Royal Beach Club is via a short ferry ride from the ship, which is well organized and efficiently run. Once across, guests enter a private beach experience exclusively available to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity passengers. This is a paid excursion, with day passes starting around $130 per person and climbing to well above $200 per person, depending on demand, timing of purchase, beverage package selection, and additional upgrades. The price includes club Wi-Fi and food (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages are available for purchase as part of your day pass).

The Lay of the Land

The layout is simple and intentional. There are essentially three repeating sections along the strip, each offering a food station, bars, seating, and beach access. This design helps keep lines manageable and ensures guests never need to walk far for food or drinks. It was not crowded on the day we were there, and Royal Caribbean limits the number of daily passes sold to keep the crowds to a minimum. There were accessibility ramps on each end of the island to reach the main amenities if using a wheelchair or stroller. A paved pathway throughout the beach club allows for easy mobility, and beach wheelchairs are available if needed for accessing the sandy beach areas.

Cabanas, Entertainment, and Atmosphere

Private cabanas are available to rent and come with upgraded amenities, but they carry a steep price tag that makes them a significant splurge.

Entertainment includes a DJ near the pool area along with live music performers. The music was enjoyable and well balanced, upbeat without being too loud. On the day we visited, the club was not crowded, which made the experience feel relaxed and unhurried.

The beach itself is nice, with plenty of loungers, umbrellas, and open seating. There are also a few lawn games available for guests who want to mix in a little activity. For those not wanting to be covered in sand, there are 3 large pools to use for soaking up the sun and fun.

Overall Impressions and Who This Is Best For

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island provides another option for cruisers who may find it challenging to find novel experiences in a frequently visited port. In that sense, it fills a gap, particularly for guests who prefer a low-key beach day with food and drinks included.

That said, on itineraries that also include Perfect Day at CocoCay, I do question the overall value. CocoCay offers more variety, more dining options, and a broader range of experiences, which may make Royal Beach Club feel less compelling by comparison—especially given that Coco Cay is included in your sailing fare. For me personally, this experience didn't offer enough value to justify the cost, but I'm also spoiled by having beaches close to my home and don't often spend all day on any beach. If you can't get enough of the sand and sun and prefer an all-inclusive atmosphere, you may find this to be exactly what you were looking for.

Beach lovers who enjoy lounging with cocktails or families who enjoy pool time are going to be pleased to have this option so close to port. For me, the true highlight was the staff. Every team member we encountered was warm, welcoming, and genuinely proud of what they were a part of. From ferry operations to service within the club, they took excellent care of us.

Sidenote on Nassau

It’s also worth noting that Nassau’s newly renovated port area is well worth a stroll. With new shops and restaurants located right off the ship, it offers an easy way to get your feet on land, enjoy some Caribbean flavors, or do a little retail therapy without committing to a full excursion. There is no fee to enjoy the newly renovated port area.

Overall, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island adds another choice to Royal Caribbean’s Nassau port of call and gives repeat visitors to the Bahamas a fresh option. With a variety of personalities and interests on board, there are folks who will find a day in a private beach club worry-free and relaxing. While it may not be the best value for everyone, it will certainly appeal to travelers looking for a chill beach day with drinks, music, and attentive service close to the ship.