Latest news with #CelebrationKey
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are racing to grow their private islands and resorts. Here's how their new cruise destinations compare.
Large cruise lines are expanding their collections of private islands and resorts. Royal Caribbean has been a leader with its themepark-like island. Now, competitors like Carnival are coming. Here's how Carnival's Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico compare. Royal Caribbean might need to post a lookout from its theme park-like private island: Its biggest competitor is steaming straight ahead. Carnival is set to open a multi-complex resort, Celebration Key, in July on the Grand Bahama Island. And it'll be packed with amenities that so far have been decidedly Royal Caribbean's turf: water slides, swim-up bars, and pay-to-enter clubs. It's not alone: Almost every major cruise company is rushing to develop its collection of private destinations. Norwegian is building a pier and new resort-like amenities at its Caribbean island, Great Stirrup Cay. And MSC is building a second, smaller island next to its first, Ocean Cay. They all come on the heels of Royal Caribbean's wildly successful island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which arguably kickstarted the cruise-to-resort boom when it launched in 2019. Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into enhancing the island with features like a ticketed adult-only lounge. Emphasis on "ticketed" — it's a key reason cruise companies are expanding their resort portfolios. These in-house warm-weather retreats both maximize profits and reduce fuel expenditure due to their proximity to Florida's major look at how Royal Caribbean and Carnival are going head-to-head with their coming destinations. undefined Celebration Key and Perfect Day Mexico: sisters, not twins. Both cruise-owned resorts are intended to be complimentary to enter. But it's not all free: Guests will encounter add-on fees for different amenities. They'll also each have more than 30 food and beverage options scattered throughout different districts, designed for different travelers. At both resorts, five segments are fairly comparable: an arrivals area, a premium club, stretches of beaches, an adult-only lounge, and a laid-back family-friendly pool. Only Carnival's Celebration Key plans to have a shopping district. The open-air retail center, called Lokono Cove, is set to carry a variety of gift shop inventory made by local Bahamian artists. Royal Caribbean says Perfect Day Mexico will also sell locally made souvenirs, although it's unclear where these stores will be. Similarly, only Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico is expected to have a complete waterpark. Royal Caribbean is recreating Perfect Day at CocoCay's best amenity — its 14-slide waterpark, which can cost about $100 per person to enter — at Perfect Day Mexico. Plans for the new Loco Waterpark span over 30 rides, including a six-person raft slide and two 170-foot-tall, over two-minute-long racing slides. There will also be a kids' section and various pools for the youngest guests. Carnival's Celebration Key isn't expected to have a waterpark, although the company does say its family pool, Starfish Lagoon, will have a children's water play area and two 350-foot-long, 10-story-tall slides. Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's take on a kid-friendly resort pool. In addition to the water amenities, Carnival says Starfish Lagoon will have outdoor games and sports, a swim-up bar, hammocks, and both floating and on-land cabanas — all centered on a large pool. Royal Caribbean's family area, Splash Cove, should look drastically different — and lazier. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot pool and a water playground, Perfect Day Mexico's Splash Cove is said to have the cruise line's first lazy river, dotted with in-water bars, rentable cabanas, and a high-energy path with waves and rapids. Looking for an escape from the kids? Royal Caribbean promises El Hideaway — and Carnival promotes Calypso Lagoon. Calypso Lagoon shares Starfish Lagoon's large pool and sports amenities. To make it grown-up-friendly, its plans also include a bar with 50 swinging seats and an adult-only section marked by a DJ, plenty of lounge chairs, and, of course, rentable cabanas. Both Calypso and Starfish share a mile-long beach. Perfect Day Mexico's beach is set to be about twice as long. Unlike Calypso Lagoon, Perfect Day Mexico's adult-only El Hideaway would require a day pass (likely with a fee) to enter. Once inside, Royal Caribbean says guests will have amenities like a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a rentable 20-person cabana with a private pool and bar. If you want to spend big, pay for the premium beach clubs: Perfect Day Mexico's Costa and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove. Perfect Day Mexico's Costa Beach Club and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club are expected to operate as upscale waterfront lounges with high-end restaurants and infinity pools. Carnival's is meant to be adult-only. Both resorts could become the centerpiece of their cruise lines' itineraries. Carnival says it will continue expanding Celebration Key after its July debut, including building a $100 million pier extension to simultaneously accommodate four of its largest ships by 2026. Almost all of the company's vessels are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. By 2028, Carnival says the resort will be capable of welcoming 4 million travelers annually. Similarly, Cruise Critic reported that Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate up to 21,000 guests daily. And by 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean guests will sail to a Perfect Day resort: CocoCay, Mexico, or both. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are racing to grow their private islands and resorts. Here's how their new cruise destinations compare.
Large cruise lines are expanding their collections of private islands and resorts. Royal Caribbean has been a leader with its themepark-like island. Now, competitors like Carnival are coming. Here's how Carnival's Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico compare. Royal Caribbean might need to post a lookout from its theme park-like private island: Its biggest competitor is steaming straight ahead. Carnival is set to open a multi-complex resort, Celebration Key, in July on the Grand Bahama Island. And it'll be packed with amenities that so far have been decidedly Royal Caribbean's turf: water slides, swim-up bars, and pay-to-enter clubs. It's not alone: Almost every major cruise company is rushing to develop its collection of private destinations. Norwegian is building a pier and new resort-like amenities at its Caribbean island, Great Stirrup Cay. And MSC is building a second, smaller island next to its first, Ocean Cay. They all come on the heels of Royal Caribbean's wildly successful island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which arguably kickstarted the cruise-to-resort boom when it launched in 2019. Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into enhancing the island with features like a ticketed adult-only lounge. Emphasis on "ticketed" — it's a key reason cruise companies are expanding their resort portfolios. These in-house warm-weather retreats both maximize profits and reduce fuel expenditure due to their proximity to Florida's major ports. Let's look at how Royal Caribbean and Carnival are going head-to-head with their coming destinations. Carnival and Royal Caribbean each have at least one destination scheduled to debut in 2025. In addition to its private island, Royal Caribbean is building two pay-to-enter "Royal Beach Clubs" on Paradise Island, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. They're set to open in 2025 and 2026. There's also another beach destination on Lelepa, Vanuatu, that's set to open in 2027, and a second Perfect Day that's set for 2027, too. CocoCay, which is the model for these planned Royal destinations, operates less like an untouched island and more like a Caribbean resort with pay-to-enter clubs, waterslides, and upscale lounges. None of Carnival's private ports, including its RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay island, are as flashy or theme park-like as its competitor — that is, until Celebration Key is set to open in July. Celebration Key and Perfect Day Mexico: sisters, not twins. Both cruise-owned resorts are intended to be complimentary to enter. But it's not all free: Guests will encounter add-on fees for different amenities. They'll also each have more than 30 food and beverage options scattered throughout different districts, designed for different travelers. At both resorts, five segments are fairly comparable: an arrivals area, a premium club, stretches of beaches, an adult-only lounge, and a laid-back family-friendly pool. Only Carnival's Celebration Key plans to have a shopping district. The open-air retail center, called Lokono Cove, is set to carry a variety of gift shop inventory made by local Bahamian artists. Royal Caribbean says Perfect Day Mexico will also sell locally made souvenirs, although it's unclear where these stores will be. Similarly, only Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico is expected to have a complete waterpark. Royal Caribbean is recreating Perfect Day at CocoCay's best amenity — its 14-slide waterpark, which can cost about $100 per person to enter — at Perfect Day Mexico. Plans for the new Loco Waterpark span over 30 rides, including a six-person raft slide and two 170-foot-tall, over two-minute-long racing slides. There will also be a kids' section and various pools for the youngest guests. Carnival's Celebration Key isn't expected to have a waterpark, although the company does say its family pool, Starfish Lagoon, will have a children's water play area and two 350-foot-long, 10-story-tall slides. Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's take on a kid-friendly resort pool. In addition to the water amenities, Carnival says Starfish Lagoon will have outdoor games and sports, a swim-up bar, hammocks, and both floating and on-land cabanas — all centered on a large pool. Royal Caribbean's family area, Splash Cove, should look drastically different — and lazier. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot pool and a water playground, Perfect Day Mexico's Splash Cove is said to have the cruise line's first lazy river, dotted with in-water bars, rentable cabanas, and a high-energy path with waves and rapids. Looking for an escape from the kids? Royal Caribbean promises El Hideaway — and Carnival promotes Calypso Lagoon. Calypso Lagoon shares Starfish Lagoon's large pool and sports amenities. To make it grown-up-friendly, its plans also include a bar with 50 swinging seats and an adult-only section marked by a DJ, plenty of lounge chairs, and, of course, rentable cabanas. Both Calypso and Starfish share a mile-long beach. Perfect Day Mexico's beach is set to be about twice as long. Unlike Calypso Lagoon, Perfect Day Mexico's adult-only El Hideaway would require a day pass (likely with a fee) to enter. Once inside, Royal Caribbean says guests will have amenities like a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a rentable 20-person cabana with a private pool and bar. If you want to spend big, pay for the premium beach clubs: Perfect Day Mexico's Costa and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove. Perfect Day Mexico's Costa Beach Club and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club are expected to operate as upscale waterfront lounges with high-end restaurants and infinity pools. Carnival's is meant to be adult-only. Both resorts could become the centerpiece of their cruise lines' itineraries. Carnival says it will continue expanding Celebration Key after its July debut, including building a $100 million pier extension to simultaneously accommodate four of its largest ships by 2026. Almost all of the company's vessels are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. By 2028, Carnival says the resort will be capable of welcoming 4 million travelers annually. Similarly, Cruise Critic reported that Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate up to 21,000 guests daily. And by 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean guests will sail to a Perfect Day resort: CocoCay, Mexico, or both.
Travel Weekly
07-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Carnival to launch paperless solution for shore excursions
Entry to Carnival Cruise Line excursions will soon be paperless. The line announced Wednesday that Carnival's Hub app will offer digital confirmation prior to excursion check-in and that guests' Sail & Sign cards will then be all they need to show upon arrival. The rollout of the new system will begin with Bahamian private destination Celebration Key when it opens July 19 and will be expanded to other destinations. That includes Alaska and Europe by summer 2026, Carnival said. In addition to check-in confirmation, the app will include information about excursion logistics such as meeting times and locations. Guests will be able to make last-minute bookings if space is available. The new system launched in Australia earlier this year and is currently being piloted in the Bahamas and Caribbean.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE UNVEILS AN EXCITING 'INNOVATION ITINERARY' OF NEW SHIPS, FLEET ENHANCEMENTS, DEPLOYMENT PLANS AND EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS
Line Lays Out Strategic Plans to Further Solidify Its Position as the Cruise Industry Innovator and Leader MIAMI, April 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on a period of expansive growth, Carnival Cruise Line is outlining its strategic plans over the next five years with the introduction of its "Innovation Itinerary," focused on three pillars: sailing the most fun fleet at sea; creating compelling experiences and destinations; and building more Carnival loyalists. The line's President Christine Duffy provided details on new ships, deployment, fleet enhancements and exclusive destinations at a media briefing today aboard Carnival Celebration at PortMiami. (To see video from the event, click here.) "Since our inception in 1972, we have defined and led the modern cruise industry and our plans for the next five years and beyond are no different," said Duffy. "The excitement and energy continue at Carnival! Having just integrated two ships into the Carnival fleet in Australia, we now stand at 29 ships, the largest global fleet in our history. Looking ahead, we have the opening of Celebration Key this July, followed by our expansion at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay in 2026; the delivery of our fourth and fifth Excel ships in 2027 and 2028; and then the introduction of three ships in our new platform, Project Ace, beginning in 2029, plus fleet enhancements and new investments at some of our existing destinations. We are poised to continue our leadership position as both America's Cruise Line and the World's Most Popular Cruise Line." New Ships: At the event, Duffy revealed that the fourth ship in Carnival's award-winning Excel class ships will be named Carnival Festivale, continuing the tradition of giving these ships the names of the first Carnival ships that popularized cruise vacations for so many Americans. Debuting in spring 2027, Carnival Festivale will sail from Port Canaveral, Florida. Reservation and itinerary details will be released this summer. In the meantime, those who want to be the first know can be notified by signing up here. Carnival Festivale will keep in the Carnival tradition of bringing innovation and fun with each new ship and will debut three brand new zones; two of which on Decks 6, 7, and 8 will celebrate music with new music-themed venues and immersive experiences, representing the ways in which music brings people together. One zone is inspired by the process of creating music, using cutting-edge media, interactive moments, immersive sound and transformative lighting to activate it throughout the cruise, while the other zone on deck 8 symbolizes the energetic vibes of outdoor music performances. Carnival sails more families than any other cruise line, welcoming one million children per year; and to better serve those families, Carnival Festivale will feature 1,000 interconnecting rooms, nearly 70% more than on the first three Excel ships. The expansion of the interconnecting rooms is in lieu of the Family Harbor staterooms on the existing Excel ships. Carnival Festivale will also introduce a dedicated space for Carnival's Turtles program which is for children six months to two years, and more experiences for them on the open decks. Overall spaces for Carnival's youth programs will also be enhanced to support additional programming. Carnival Festivale will also feature a new outdoor zone on the top three decks, named Sunsation Point, that is a vibrant and exhilarating family fun zone that promises endless entertainment and unforgettable memories for guests of all ages. On Deck 18, a main feature of Sunsation Point is Carnival Waterworks Ultra, the most family friendly water park at sea and the ultimate destination for splashy excitement. This new area will replace BOLT, the Ultimate Seacoaster that is the top deck feature on the existing Excel ships. The expansive water park will feature six exhilarating slides, four of which are new to Carnival, including two family raft slides and, in the spirit of catering to all ages, slides that allow guests as little as three feet tall! Two different splash pads offer endless aquatic playtime with kids' slides and spray toys, while dedicated baby splash areas that will let even the littlest cruisers get in on the fun. The treehouse inspired elevated adventure trail and toddler areas provide dry play activities with plenty of shaded seating nearby. A sports court, ropes course and jogging track along with a new miniature golf course, outdoor games and themed arcade spaces are also included in this zone. In the evening, Sunsation Point bursts with vibrant illumination and the fun continues into the night with special evening events that have extended water park hours, in addition to a DJ and other activities. This is a first for Carnival to open Waterworks at night and activate multi deck zones for guests of all ages to enjoy together in the evening. Since this ship will be sailing from Port Canaveral alongside Mardi Gras, there will be new dining options. Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse is working closely with the Food and Beverage team to develop new concepts, including a new dining outlet that will replace ChiBang! But guests don't have to worry as fan favorites Guy's Burger Joint, Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and Big Chicken are a few of the staples that will continue. More details on dining options will be available in the coming months. Duffy also revealed that the name of the line's fifth Excel class ship will be Carnival Tropicale, also one of the original names of early Carnival ships. The homeport and open for sale date will be unveiled well ahead of the scheduled delivery of the ship in spring 2028. Many of the new features on Carnival Festivale will also be included on Carnival Tropicale, as well as some new concepts and theming. Looking further ahead, Carnival's exclusive new ship platform, currently called Project Ace, includes three ships at 230,000 gross tons each being built by Fincantieri that will be delivered in 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively. With over 3,000 guest staterooms, the new ships will be the largest in the Carnival Corporation global fleet and will be able to deliver fun to more guests than any ship in the world when carrying almost 8,000 guests at full capacity. "These ships clearly represent the next generation of Fun ships. They will be experiences unto themselves, and, partnered with itineraries that call in part on our exclusive destinations, will provide amazing cruise vacations for guests," said Duffy. "This class will introduce new dining outlets, entertainment, and re-imagined outer deck amenities. Our New Build team is in the midst of designing these vessels, so stay tuned for more as we get closer to delivery." Deployment Updates: When Carnival Festivale is delivered in spring 2027 and begins sailing from Port Canaveral, Mardi Gras will move to offering short cruises from the same homeport. "As new ships are introduced, this will allow us to upgrade capacity and hardware in key markets, with a particular focus on short cruises," explained Duffy. "With short cruises on Mardi Gras, our guests who may not have the time to take a weeklong vacation can experience all the amazing features of our Excel class." Carnival has always been a leader in offering short cruises which appeal to first-time cruisers and families with more limited vacation time. Carnival offers short cruises from all of its homeports in the U.S. and Australia, with the exceptions of Baltimore and Seattle. Duffy also reiterated Carnival's commitment to serving the line's secondary markets which are an important part of its portfolio as America's Cruise Line by continuing to be an accessible vacation for 50 percent of the U.S. population that is within a five-hour drive of a Carnival cruise. As part of this commitment, Carnival will return to year-round operations in Mobile, Alabama beginning in spring 2027. Carnival previously sailed year-round from Mobile and currently sails seasonally. In addition, Carnival is exploring moving a larger Conquest class ship to Baltimore in 2027 that can accommodate about 1,000 more guests than Carnival Pride, the Spirit class ship currently deployed from Baltimore. Guest Experience: Since first introducing Fun Ship 2.0 in 2011, Carnival has continually sought to enhance the guest experience on its ships. In order to continue to innovate, Carnival will be evolving the guest experience on its existing ships by making strategic enhancements. Changes will include décor modernization, new dining, beverage and entertainment experiences that will draw from features and concepts that will be introduced on its new ships. More details will be revealed as dry dock and enhancement plans are finalized. Destinations: It's not just ships that are part of the Innovation Itinerary, it's also about exclusive destinations. Carnival Corporation already has the largest collection of cruise destinations across the Caribbean and Mexico that are utilized by many of its corporate brands. Carnival Cruise Line, as the largest year-round operator in these regions, is the line that frequents these destinations the most. Given this, the destinations are being enhanced and will be marketed as the new Paradise Collection by Carnival and include: The first exclusive destination that has been designed for Carnival guests, Celebration Key is a game-changer, opening in July. It offers guests the ultimate day in paradise. Twenty Carnival ships from 10 U.S. homeports on more than 1,400 sailings are already open for sale and will make visits to Celebration Key through 2027, with more to come. The line recently announced the expansion of RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, which has been consistently rated as one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. The addition of a pier that can support Excel class and Project Ace ships will allow Carnival to bring its largest ships to this beautiful destination. The expansion is focused on unlocking more of the beach paradise Carnival guests love, making sure to preserve the pristine beach and lush, natural beauty of this island paradise. The destination's enhancements will begin to be completed by summer 2026 and continue through the end of the year. Coming in 2026, Mahogany Bay, Carnival's destination in Roatan, Honduras, will be renamed Isla Tropicale and expanded to include a pool with a swim up bar and cabanas. Future enhancements will also include an expanded beach and a beach club. Loyalty: Duffy rounded out the event by confirming that Carnival will be enhancing its existing loyalty program, the details of which are expected to be announced this summer, with enhancements taking effect in 2026. "Carnival has an incredibly loyal and passionate fan base who are advocates for our brand, our crew and the amazing vacations we deliver. We've had our existing VIFP loyalty recognition program in place since 2012 and as our fleet and business has grown, so has the VIFP program," she said. "As we continue to grow, we are modifying the program to unlock greater value and engagement for our loyal guests." Duffy said updates will be announced this summer, giving guests and travel advisors plenty of time to learn about the changes. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival operates from 13 U.S. and two Australian homeports, as well as seasonally from Europe and employs more than 50,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival's fleet of 29 ships reflects an exciting period of growth that continues with the addition of five ships through 2033: a fourth and fifth Excel class ship scheduled for 2027 and 2028 respectively; followed by three additional new ships from an innovative new class currently under development. Carnival's next new guest offering will be the all-new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to debut on Grand Bahama this summer. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line
New York Times
12-03-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Private Islands and Beach Clubs: The Newest Cruise Offerings Are on Dry Land
Opposite the bustling Nassau Bahamas Cruise Terminal, where it is not unusual to see four or five passenger ships docked at once, is a slice of tropical paradise with miles of white-sand beaches and turquoise water. Once dotted with mansions, the 17-acre expanse on the western end of the Bahamas' Paradise Island, has been acquired by an unlikely developer: the Royal Caribbean cruise line. After the success of its Bahamian private island, CocoCay, the company is expanding its land-based offerings with a beach club scheduled to open in December. The projected $165 million project will have three swimming pools, the world's largest swim-up bar and themed beach zones. 'We are creating the ultimate beach day with the authentic vibe, colors and flavors of a lost Bahamian beach club,' Jay Schneider, Royal Caribbean's chief product innovation officer, said during a tour of the construction site. 'There will be local art, music and locally inspired cuisine balanced with American comforts.' Many cruise lines own private Caribbean islands, but the exclusive beach club concept is part of a new trend amid record demand for cruises and the seemingly nonstop rollout of megaships. Carnival is also building a beach club called Celebration Key, expected to open in July on Grand Bahama Island. Royal Caribbean is developing two beach destinations in Mexico that will open in 2026 and 2027. Not everyone is enthusiastic about the cruise lines' real estate portfolios. Some Bahamians say they are fed up with being priced out of their land by foreign investors and are concerned that the new attractions will divert tourism dollars away from excursions run by local vendors. 'The tourists will go from cruise ship to the private club back to the ship without spending a dime in the real Nassau,' said Ray Jacobs, a market vendor and boat captain. To mitigate these grievances, Royal Caribbean has teamed up with the Bahamian government for its beach club project in a partnership that will give Bahamians a 49 percent equity ownership stake. Another 1 percent of gross profits will go toward improving local attractions, the company said. 'We want to connect locals to big projects to make sure everyday Bahamians have access to tourism opportunities,' said Latia Duncombe, the director general of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Among those opportunities are the approximately 400 jobs that will be filled by Bahamians at the beach club, Royal Caribbean said. Local businesses will be awarded lucrative contracts for food and beverages, excursions, security, entertainment and other services. The cruise line also said it would adhere to its companywide sustainability principles, teaming up with Bahamian companies on recycling, waste reduction programs and environmental protection. 'They just swept in' Despite the potential to boost tourism, some Bahamians think the government has been overly accommodating to outsiders. Toby Smith, a local entrepreneur, applied to lease public land on the western tip of Paradise Island in 2012 for a beach club project that would include the restoration of the Hog Island lighthouse, which has been in disrepair since the 1980s. After a drawn-out process, Mr. Smith finally received approval in January 2020. A month later, after hearing rumors that Royal Caribbean had shown interest in the same land, Mr. Smith approached the government for clarity, but never heard back. In March 2020, most of the land promised to Mr. Smith was awarded to Royal Caribbean. 'I spent eight years negotiating and waiting for the lease of my sustainable, scaled and cultural beach club project, and they just swept in and got there in six weeks,' Mr. Smith said. 'It's a disgrace.' Dionisio D'Aguilar, the tourism minister at the time, acknowledged that Mr. Smith had been sent a lease for the land before Royal Caribbean applied for the same plot. 'Royal Caribbean came forward with an attractive proposition for the Bahamian people — a deal that seeks to create a number of entrepreneurs in a number of service areas,' Mr. D'Aguilar said during a 2021 television interview on Eyewitness News Bahamas. 'It's a harsh environment out there, and you've got to have some long dollars,' he added. Mr. Smith started a legal battle against the government and, last year, was granted the right to take his case to the Privy Council in London, the highest court for the Bahamas, a former British colony. In the meantime, Royal Caribbean amended its lease with the government in April 2024 so that it does not include the overlapping acres of land that were promised to Mr. Smith, and built a wall on the construction site to separate the two plots. Lounging like a 1 percenter Avid Royal Caribbean cruisers are excited about the beach club and are mostly unaware of the local tensions it has created. 'We've probably been to Nassau more than 20 times and done all the excursions, so we usually stay on the ship when we stop there,' said Alan Rivera, 47, a car salesman from Tampa, Fla., who was recently celebrating his anniversary with his wife on board Utopia of the Seas. 'The beach club is a great idea because when you've done all the excursions, all you really want to do is lie on the beach,' Mr. Rivera said. 'We'll be back to try it out.' A day earlier, Utopia of the Seas docked at Royal Caribbean's private island for its 'Perfect Day at CocoCay.' The experience gives a taste of what the beach club offering might be like. When the gangway hit the pier at 8 a.m., a flood of guests made their way across the island to the themed sections that seemingly offered something for everyone. Many of the attractions are included in the fare: the pristine beaches, the freshwater pool and eateries. For an extra fee, there is the adults-only Hideaway Beach; the Coco Beach Club, with over-water cabanas and private butlers; and a water park with the largest water slide in the region. 'Private islands are usually reserved for the 1 percent,' said Priscilla McKenzie, 33, sipping a margarita as she sat in the crystalline waters of Hideaway Beach. While CocoCay feels almost like an extension of Royal Caribbean's ships, the company says that the new Paradise Beach Club will feel Bahamian and focus solely on the beach club experience. Capacity will be capped at 40 percent of cruise ship volume, with tickets offered on a first-come-first-served basis. The limit, the cruise line said, will ensure that excursions and local attractions will continue to draw passengers. Mr. Schneider, of Royal Caribbean, said the company looked at two core metrics when devising itineraries and investing in destinations: 'high appeal and high satisfaction.' The Greek island of Santorini, for example, has very high appeal, but it has low satisfaction because of overtourism. Nassau, with a generally low satisfaction and appeal rate among passengers, is still strategically an important destination for Royal Caribbean. Recent company surveys have found that Nassau had lost appeal for cruisers who had already experienced the major sights and activities; those who gave low satisfaction ratings were looking for a wider variety of activities. 'With the beach club and the revenue it will raise for broader tourism investments in Nassau, we believe it will play a role in raising its appeal and satisfaction for our guests,' Mr. Schneider said. But many ordinary Bahamians working at the port, local market and restaurants are unconvinced. 'The only chance we have to sell tours is when the cruise passengers come out of the port,' said Doug Nance, an independent tour guide and driver. 'When the beach club opens, they're just going to get on another boat and go in the opposite direction.' Mr. Jacobs, the boat captain, recently visited the construction site by boat and said he was shocked to see that the land had been razed and the trees ripped out. Royal Caribbean said it had removed 75 percent of the plants considered invasive species by the government and was preserving 30 percent of the native trees during construction. The company said all those plants and trees would be replanted alongside new native species. Driving across the coast, John McPhee, the president of the transportation company Ride Bahamas, said that despite the government's efforts to team up with Royal Caribbean, the fact that Mr. Smith was not allowed to execute his vision demonstrates the systematic failures with the country's tourism model, which tends to cater to foreign investment. 'I learned as a young boy that whenever a piece of land juts out into the ocean, it creates a conflict,' Mr. McPhee said. 'A disturbance in currents, where smaller fish get trapped, and the bigger fish come and feed off them.' 'Royal Caribbean has taken advantage of this,' he added. But some are optimistic. Derek Schofield, 55, who works in logistics for several excursion companies, said that the creation of new jobs is beneficial for the growth of the tourism industry. 'Some of us may go home with fewer dollars in our wallets at the end of the day,' he said. But, he added, 'if we look at the bigger picture, this project will boost the tourism economy and open up opportunities for many Bahamians, putting more food on the table for Bahamian families.'
