As a frequent cruiser, I almost never get off in Nassau unless I have a friend in port on another cruise ship.
Like many regular cruisers, I've been to the island countless times, and while the port area has been improved dramatically, the area just outside those gates has become less pleasant.
Vendors have always been a little pushy, but on my last trip, in addition to having to turn down people looking to braid my hair, I also had to turn down multiple men offering to hook me up with drugs.
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Those folks had always been there, but they have become emboldened since cruise ships came back after the Covid shutdown. It's not unbearable, but as a solo traveler, I'm wary of it. And while I like Junkanoo Beach, which is an easy walk from the port, I stay on the ship in Nassau when I'm alone.
Other passengers might like Nassau more than I do, but they stay on the ship because they have visited the port so often. That will change in 2025 as Royal Caribbean builds its first Beach Club, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, an added-fee private resort destination.
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Royal Caribbean knows what people want
Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty often cites Perfect Day at CocoCay as the cruise line's highest-rated destination. CocoCay offers passengers a beach day with a giant pool and lots of included dining options.
You can upgrade at CocoCay to a private beach club, which has a heated pool and upgraded food, or an adults-only area, which offers its own heated pool. It's not necessary, however, to spend any extra money at Perfect Day at CocoCay in order to have a good time.
The new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer a CocoCay-like experience in Nassau for an added fee. Royal Caribbean has not set pricing for the club, which will be accessed via ferry boats from the cruise port to Paradise Island.
Royal Caribbean has shared some detail on what it's calling "The Ultimate Beach Day Across Three Zones." It laid out what those zones will contain,
- Family Beach: Families of all ages can make a splash or relax in the shade at Family Beach, only steps away from The Shallow End zero-entry pool. For some friendly competition, there are beach games of all kinds from tug-of-war to paddle ball. To max out memories, vacationers can kick back to a whole new level with the Ultimate Family Cabana – a one-of-its-kind exclusive retreat with two stories of amenities, including a thrilling slide, dedicated whirlpool, frozen drink machine and more.
- Chill Beach: Introducing all-day relaxation, vacationers can catch endless rays poolside at The Deep End and unwind at the powdery white sand of Chill Beach. Plus, vacationers can immerse themselves in the Caribbean culture with shopping at local artisan huts or sampling different island flavors, from grilled shrimp skewers to fire engine fritters.
- Party Cove: The beachfront cove is the place to keep the party vibes going. Adventurers can groove to DJ-spun beats at the world’s largest swim-up bar, The Floating Flamingo, or crank up the celebration in the Party Cove VIP space, featuring personal poolside service and incredible views.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is expected to open in December 2025.
Royal Caribbean has a bigger plan
Royal Caribbean knows what its passengers want. It has plans to build a second Perfect Day in Mexico at the current Costa Maya port, which the cruise line has purchased.
"Perfect Day in Mexico is strategically located to deliver exceptional vacation experiences in both the Eastern and Western Caribbean and supports our ambition that every guest on the Royal Caribbean brand will have a perfect day on their Caribbean itinerary," Liberty shared during the cruise line's third-quarter earnings call.
Liberty says the new Perfect Day will unlock some opportunity for the company.
"It also allows us to further grow the large and growing Gulf Coast area, including the Texas market, which is larger than Florida, and has a similar cruise consideration, but only half the penetration," he added.
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The CEO says Royal Caribbean has figured out the right model.
"Upon its completion in 2027, Perfect Day Mexico will join our incredible collection of private destinations that include Perfect Day at CocoCay, Labadee, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opening in 2025, and Royal Beach Club and Cozumel opening in 2026," he said.
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