Antigua poised for first Royal Caribbean Beach Club

Fort James beach

The Royal Beach Club at Fort James, not far from St. John’s cruise berths, will offer regional fare, island-style barbecues and live music, along with wave runners, paddle boarding, snorkeling, a family splash pad, private cabanas and a spectacular pool with swim-up bar.

Distinct from Perfect Day

The concept builds on the success of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, but will be a distinctly different experience.

‘With Royal Beach Club, we’re starting with a great day at a beautiful beach, and adding even more services and activities. Each location will feature local food and music, family activities and custom attractions to give everyone plenty of options about how to spend their day by the sea,’ said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Royal Caribbean signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Antigua and Barbuda for the project, to be located along a half mile of beach near Fort James.

‘We have incredible partners in the government of Antigua and Barbuda to bring the first of our collection to life,’ Bayley said. ‘Together, we are designing an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and will create significant economic benefits and opportunities for local employment for years to come.’

Hefty economic impact

H. Charles Fernandez, minister of tourism and investments, welcomed this multimillion-dollar investment in Antigua’s tourism product. He said the economic impact is projected to be approximately US$80m from direct revenue to the government over the next 30 years and over $1bn in indirect revenue during the same period.

Fernandez continued: ‘The project will also provide meaningful employment to Antiguans and Barbudans for both the construction phase and the operations of the project for years to come.’

Oasis-class berth coming soon

Royal Caribbean is already partnering with Global Ports Holding to develop Antigua's cruise facilities, including the completion of a berth at St. John's to handle Oasis-class ships.

Cruise tourism is anticipated to grow 50% in the Caribbean over the next decade. Through land-based destinations such as Perfect Day and the new Royal Beach Club concept, the company is supporting its expanding fleet.

The Royal Beach Club news closely follows Royal Caribbean's recently announced partnership with Carnival Corp. & plc and the government of St. Lucia to manage the cruise facilities at Castries and to develop and operate a new cruise port at Vieux Fort on the island’s south side.