Royal Beach Club Paradise Island offers white sandy beaches, pools, unlimited food and beverages, and more – a refreshing option for cruisers visiting the port of Nassau, Bahamas.
Something New to Look Forward to at the Port of Nassau
I take weekend Caribbean cruises at least four times each year so you can understand that visiting the port of Nassau, Bahamas can be a bit mundane. I dread the hustle and bustle of tourist filled streets blended with overly aggressive Bahamian taxi drivers, hair braiders, and peddlers. So, when Royal Caribbean took a run-down strip of land near the port on the Paradise Island side and turned it into the private Royal Beach Club, I couldn’t wait to hop on a cruise to Nassau and try the new excursion.
About Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
The Royal Beach Club is a 17-acre property, Royal Caribbean’s first-ever private beach club destination, and created in partnership with The Bahamas. Located on Paradise Island just outside the Nassau cruise port, it’s basically a very narrow strip of land that was turned into a beach playground. Seeing it in person demonstrates how the length goes on for acres and acres but the width of the island is manageably narrow. Walking from one end of the beach club to the other end was quite a feat but the walk from the food, bars, and pools to the beach area is much shorter.
I must explain that this beach club is not a free place to visit as is my favorite destination, Royal Caribbean’s Private Island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The Royal Beach Club is an excursion of sorts that requires you to purchase a day pass in order to visit. However, it makes for the ultimate beach day with all-inclusive access to private beach areas, multiple pools, food, beverages, WIFI, and more.
Exclusive Beach Club With a Caribbean Twist
I truly appreciate the fact that this beach club is reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise guests along with its sister ships, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. Rest assured, the club can accommodate thousands of guests and it never felt overly crowded.
Note: The full piece of land is technically 17 acres, 13 acres owned by Royal Caribbean and the other four acres are Crown Land, held as equity by the Bahamian government and its people. I learned that the property is run by both Royal Caribbean and Bahamian locals so it helped boost jobs and local residents have the option to purchase a Day Pass for the club.
Royal Beach Club Day Pass – All-Inclusive Resort Experience
Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, the beach club was not included in the cruise fare price so I had to reserve my spot as an add-on shore excursion. The day pass purchase included generous amenities such as unlimited dining and beverages, free high-speed Wi-Fi, transportation, complimentary lockers, and beach amenities including chaise lounges, and umbrellas, and so much more.
There are two day pass options:
- Day Pass with Unlimited Open Bar to enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks
- Day Pass with Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks (All the mocktails I could ever want!)
Duly note: If you purchase a drink package on the cruise ship, the beverages are NOT free at Royal Beach Club. A Day Pass is required in order to take advantage of unlimited drinks at the club.
Getting To and From the Royal Beach Club
The boat transportation from the Nassau cruise port terminal to the beach club is complementary. I simply disembarked the ship and followed the signs to the nearby Royal Beach Club boats. Once I boarded the boat, it was a quick, five minute ride across the bay to Paradise Island. Even the boats add to the festive atmosphere as each features a bright color and cute names such as Flirty Flamingo (pink), Sassy Starfish (blue), Coral Calypso (orange), Twisted Turtle (green), and Lucky Lizard (turquoise).
The only identification that you’ll need to enter the Royal Beach Club is your cruise SeaPass card and a government-issued identification so be sure to pack those when disembarking the ship.
Royal Beach Clubs Neighborhoods
Royal Beach Club is separated into three neighborhoods, each offering its own laid back or party vibe, yet set among the most beautiful white sandy beach areas amidst turquoise water. With my short attention span, I visited and spent time in each area, moving around throughout the day.
The three areas include Family Beach, Chill Beach, and Party Cove
Family Beach
Family Beach is a kid-friendly area with easy access to food and drinks. It’s located at the far end of the beach club. While I was not travelling with children, I walked to look at it and there was plenty of seating and a huge pool with its own swim-up bar. The shallow end of the pool is a zero-entry pool designed for effortless access. There’s a Paradise Grill is located right near the pool.
Chill Beach
I appreciated that Chill beach is a quieter, more relaxed area with a large pool, convenient swim-up bar, and food. I sat on a lounge, peering out into the ocean and hearing the tranquil sound of the waves, for two straight hours. I also took a dip in The Deep End Pool and swam up to the bar for my pina colada mocktail. I never had to leave the pool to get a drink. A Paradise Grill is also conveniently located on Chill Beach, ready when you get hungry.
Note: Chill Beach is located adjacent to the bustling Party Cove section so it’s not exactly 100% soundproofed. Still, a lovely area to “chill” out.
Party Cove
Party Cove is where a DJ is spinning non-stop lively music from an above-ground, two-story bridge. It’s an area described as the action-packed, social hub of the beach club, not exactly where you’d find me for more than a few minutes. What you will find is the world’s largest swim-up bar, the Floating Flamingo, a two-level bar ideal for sipping cocktails or mocktails while enjoying music and ocean views. A third Paradise Grill is located at the Party Cove.
Royal Beach Club Pools and Activities
While many cruisers like me, simply enjoy the relaxation aspect of a beach, there are activities to appease all ages. As just mentioned, each neighborhood has a dedicated swimming area and all pools are temperature controlled and large enough to accommodate many guests. I can’t tell you how lovely it is to simply walk right into a heated pool. In addition to swimming and lounging in the sand on the beach, there are also organized beach games, group activities, and fun ways to mingle with other cruise passengers.
Food and Beverages at the Royal Beach Club
I found it to be such a great perk to find a Paradise Grill no matter what neighborhood you visit. While each offers the same menu, throughout the day, I did order at least one food item from each of the grills. Of course, compared to the outstanding fancy food that you can get onboard a Royal Caribbean ship, the food at the club is a simpler offering. That’s not to say the food at the club is bad, it’s just food options that you’d expect to find at a beach concession stand except some selections feature a Caribbean twist.
Beverages can be picked up from any of ten bars including three swim-up bars. The all-inclusive unlimited drinks includes everything from soda and seltzer, to beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, daiquiris, and so much more.
Here’s just a sample of the food offerings:
- Lobster BLT
- Bahama Mac & Cheese (My favorite!)
- Pinwheel Shrimp Skewers
- Tropical Salad (My other favorite!)
- Classic Hot Dog
- Veggie BBQ Burger
- Island Crab Sandwich
- Crispy Fish Sandwich
Note: Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available.
Upgrade to Cabanas, Day Beds, and The Party Deck
I will never understand the need to upgrade, but if you crave extra comfort or privacy, you can select from several cabana options that provide a private shaded space, attendant service, plush seating, and added amenities. The steep prices varies by location at the club, from smaller day beds up to the Ultimate Family Cabana or The Party Deck. A day bed rental can cost approximately $750 while the beach cabana is approximately $2,350. Those prices just don’t seem worth it considering a visit to the beach club is eight hours or less.
Takeaways About the Royal Caribbean Beach Club Paradise Island
- New, unique 17-acre destination located adjacent to busy Nassau cruise port
- Exclusive for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and SilverSea cruise passengers
- Day Pass with unlimited alcoholic beverages or non-alcoholic beverages available
- Complimentary five minute boat ride takes guests to the club
- Choose a quieter option to relax on the powdery white sands of Chill Beach
- Family Beach is ideal for guests of all ages with convenient pools and food
- Head to Party Cove for non-stop music and the world’s largest swim-up bar
- Enjoy unlimited food at any of three Paradise Grill locations
- Enjoy live music and other family-friendly activities
- Upgrade your visit with pricy yet enticing private cabanas or daybeds
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get from the cruise ship terminal to the Royal Beach Club?
Boat transportation from the cruise port to the beach club is included in your day pass. Simply disembark the ship and look for the special colorful boats (clearly labeled) for a five minute ride across the bay to Paradise Island.
- How much does a Royal Beach Club Day Pass Cost?
There is no fixed price for day passes. Royal Beach Club is sold as a shore excursion, and prices vary depending on the cruise ship sailing. Prices could range from as low as $84.99 to as high as $169.99 and more. There is a discounted price for ages 4 to 12 years old and guests ages 3 and under are free.
- Is there a discount on a day pass if I already purchased an onboard Deluxe Beverage Package?
No, the drinks package onboard your cruise does not apply to the beach club. You need to purchase a Royal Beach Club Day Pass with the beverage package of your choice.
- How long do we get to enjoy the beach club?
Visits typically last from six to eight hours. While that might not sound ample, rest assured that it’s plenty of time for a fun, Bahamas beach day. Disembarking the ship early is the best way to make the most of your time at the resort.
- Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both the water transportation taxis and the Beach Club are accessible. In fact, beach wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms, and zero-entry pools provide accessibility throughout the property for those with limited mobility.
- What makes Royal Beach Club Paradise Island different than Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Royal Beach Club is more like a shore excursion where you pay a fee that includes all food, beverages, and activities. Perfect Day at CocoCay is free to all cruise passengers so there is no fee to gain access to the island but it does offer many fee-based water activities such as a waterpark.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Caribbean Beach Club Paradise Island made for one of my best ever visits to the Nassau, Bahamas cruise port. It takes a “good” Caribbean beach visit to a “great” beach visit. Whether enjoying peaceful moments at Chill Beach or swaying to the music at the Party Cove pool, we loved it. With that being said, would I book this excursion again? I don’t know if I’ll pay the Day Pass fee to visit the beach club every time I cruise to Nassau, but it sure is tempting.
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered travel or consumer advice. Hotel amenities, prices, policies, and availability may change. Readers should verify all details independently and use their own judgment when planning travel.
Author Bio: Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls Deland, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.