Royal Caribbean opened its first beach club in Europe with an exclusive offering for its cruise ship passengers.
Royal Beach Club Santorini opened last week, offering passengers a full-day shore excursion on the popular Greek island.
Leon is a good friend of ours and runs the wildly popular Loyal to Royal Instagram account. He was among the first to try the new beach club and check out what's new and different.
Here is his full review of the new private beach club.
Welcome to the newest Royal Beach Club
The new Royal Beach Club Santorini by Royal Caribbean genuinely surprised me, not just because of how beautiful it is, but because of how different it feels from what I experienced at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas when it first opened last year.
Of course, I expected some differences.
The Mediterranean has a completely different vibe than the Bahamas. And honestly, that is exactly what makes this beach club work so well. Instead of a high energy, party style destination, this feels like a calm, laid back escape that perfectly matches the vibes of Santorini.
From Odyssey of the Seas to the Royal Beach Club
Our day started with a tender ride from Odyssey of the Seas to the island.
From there, everything was seamlessly organized by Royal Caribbean. We hopped on a bus and within about 20 minutes, we arrived at the beach club.
The drive itself was already something special. You travel through the rugged interior of Santorini, surrounded by rocky landscapes, before suddenly arriving at the coast. It is one of those moments where you realize you are somewhere truly unique.
My first impression
The arrival set the tone immediately.
We were welcomed with a refreshing Greek drink, but without any over the top fanfare. No loud music, no party crowds, just a calm, easygoing atmosphere.
Once inside, you are free to explore and pick any spot you like. There is no need to reserve seating, no extra tickets, and no long lines. That sense of freedom really stood out to me. It felt effortless from the very beginning.
Greek flavors done right
Around noon, the buffet opened and this is where the experience really comes to life if you love food.
You will find a wide range of fresh Greek dishes: gyros served in warm pita bread, crisp salads, freshly prepared fish, souvlaki and more. There is truly something for everyone.
And do not skip dessert. The Greek sweets are worth trying, but the real standout for me was the Greek frozen yogurt served at the bar. It is offered in three flavor combinations and incredibly creamy.
Designed for comfort and the heat
One of the smartest design choices is the large, mostly covered terrace. On hot summer days, you can sit comfortably in the shade almost anywhere. There is also a smaller open air section if you prefer to soak up the sun.
The whole space feels light, airy, and fresh, thanks to the color palette and overall design. It is stylish without trying too hard and very much in line with the Santorini aesthetic. From the main terrace, you can walk down to the beach below, a striking black volcanic shoreline lined with loungers and umbrellas.
What I really appreciated is that it never felt overcrowded. Capacity is clearly managed well, so you always have space to relax. Guests come and go throughout the day, which keeps the experience feeling exclusive while still accessible.
How I would compare it to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Having visited both beach clubs, the contrast between Santorini and Nassau is clear and intentional.
The beach club in Nassau leans into that classic Caribbean energy: lively, social, and more focused on a beach party vibe.
In Santorini, it is the opposite. Everything is about slowing down, enjoying the scenery, and embracing a more relaxed Mediterranean pace. Neither is better. They are just designed for completely different experiences.
Final thoughts
Royal Beach Club Santorini is a fantastic addition to Royal Caribbean’s growing beach club collection. It feels thoughtfully designed for its location, blending seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty and atmosphere.
Set between the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, it truly feels like a hidden escape. And the best part is that it is easy to combine with exploring the rest of the island, which has so much more to offer.
If you are cruising the Mediterranean, this is exactly the kind of experience you did not know you needed, until you are there.
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