Royal Caribbean International (RCI) kicked off the construction of its private resort in the Bahamas on Monday.
The groundbreaking ceremony occurred in Nassau’s Paradise Island, the first Royal Beach Club site. Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, RCI President and CEO Michael Bayley, The Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper attended the celebration.
| Prime Minister Davis announced, “Signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry.” |
Spanning 17 acres, the planned development is set to become another prime destination for the cruise line. The tropical getaway will feature local architecture, three pools, private cabanas, swim-up bars, and four island-themed areas where guests can drink and dine.
According to RCI, local business owners will participate in its construction and fine-tune the overall experience. Due to the public-private partnership, Bahamians have a 49% stake in its equity.
The private resort is expected to host up to 2,000 guests daily and inject an annual $100 million into the local economy during its first decade of operation. It is predicted to create 250 jobs for residents, including 100 jobs in construction.
| Liberty expressed appreciation for RCI’s continued support from The Bahamas government. He said, “Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum, and continued economic development for many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community.” |
When the resort opens in 2025, guests can reach Paradise Island by ferry from the Nassau Cruise Port. Unlike its first Bahamian resort, Perfect Day at CocoCay, vacationers may need to pay an additional fee to enter Paradise Island.
In June 2023, RCI tore down abandoned and collapsing homes on the island to make room for the new resort.
Another Royal Beach Club Collection property will open in Cozumel, Mexico in 2026.
