Royal Caribbean is bringing its beach club concept to a surprising new destination.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be the first exclusive cruise destination in the South Pacific, and the cruise line revealed the first visitors will be able to go there beginning October 2027.
This will be the fourth Royal Beach Club operation, adding onto the two that will open later this year.
Previously, Royal Caribbean had indicated Lelepa would be more of a standalone product instead of a Perfect Day or Beach Club. However, we now have a better scope of what it'll be when it's operational.
Pristine beaches
Located on the northwest side of Vanuatu, Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two stunning beaches. Vanuatu is located east of Australia.
Available exclusively to Royal Caribbean passengers, visitors will be able to choose between the beaches, as well as an adults-only area (18+).
There is family-friendly East Beach and "adventure-primed" West Beach, plus a peaceful Nature Trail to explore.
Just like all of its beach clubs, it'll be all-inclusive with unlimited food and drink. However, there's one big difference.
While other Royal Beach Clubs require the purchase of a day pass to enter, entrance to Royal Beach Club Lelepa is included in your cruise fare.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa offers access free of charge to two beaches, an Adult’s Only area, and the Nature Trail, along with other complimentary items including:
- Entry
- Transportation via tender to the island
- Loungers
- Umbrellas
- Towel Refresh
- 2 Eateries
- Restrooms
- Beach Games (volleyball, beach cricket, and more)
You’ll also find equipment for games like cornhole and beach cricket at both beaches, and volleyball courts on West Beach, all free of charge.
For an extra cost, you can pay for:
- Day beds
- Shore excursions
- Watersport equipment (kayaks, paddle boards, snorkel gear)
Guests will board a complimentary tender that takes from and to the ship. Royal Caribbean will build a brand new jetty to welcome the tender boats in.
One thing you won't find at Lelepa are any pool options. In addition, there won't be Wi-Fi on the island.
Opening in October 2027
Sailings departing at the end of October 2027 will be the first to visit.
Sailings with calls at Royal Beach Club Lelepa open for sale on March 18, 2026 EDT / March 19, 2026 AEDT.
Two ships will offer cruises to Royal Beach Club Lelepa, sailing from Sydney and Brisbane. Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will each be the first two ships to call on the island.
Admission to the island is available to guests of all ages.
Food options to indulge
Food is complimentary at Lelepa, with two restaurants and four beach bars.
Gluten free and vegetarian options are available at all the island’s dining venues, as well as options to suit most dietary needs.
In addition to alcoholic beverages, there are non-alcoholic drink options, such as water, sodas, juices, teas, plus local coffee and smoothie options.
The minimum age to consume alcohol at Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be 18.
How this beach club will be different
Unlike Royal Beach Club Nassau, this one is included in your cruise fare.
In fact, all three of its beach clubs required a separate admission cost, but Lelepa will be included in the fare.
Speaking to the media in June 2025, Royal Caribbean indicated part of that decision not to charge was because Lelepa isn't exactly like the other beach clubs or even Perfect Day.
Another difference is there won't be a freshwater pool.
The cornerstone of the Royal Beach Clubs in Nassau and Cozumel are the heated pools. However, Lelepa won't have them.
Another key difference is there will be more of a connection to nature, which is something Royal Caribbean identified in their market research. That's part of the reason there will be a different look and feel to it.
Expanding its private island strategy
When Royal Beach Club Lelepa opens, it will be one of four beach clubs that flank two Perfect Days. It's all part of a broader strategy to outmaneuver and out deliver any other cruise line or resort.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and Perfect Day at CocoCay are already open and welcoming thousands of guests a month. Each has been a home run for Royal Caribbean in terms of guest satisfaction and revenue.
Opening this year will be Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece, along with Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico.
Both of these clubs will build on the success of the first beach club, and have an unrivaled experience passengers can opt into while visiting for the day.
Following that will be opening of Perfect Day Mexico, a bigger and more impressive version of what we have at CocoCay.
All of them are available only to Royal Caribbean passengers (as well as sister brand ships). But vacationers on other cruise lines are unable to visit, making it a walled garden just out of reach for the competition.
