Royal Caribbean's CEO revealed that one popular cruise destination could become year-round in the near future.
While the cruise line is synonymous with epic Caribbean vacations, it also operates around the globe, including Alaska, Europe, South America, Hawaii, Mexico, and more.
During a Q&A session on the newly launched Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley hinted that the company is working to better curate sailings for the Australian market, particularly when it comes to the Royal Beach Club Lelepa.
"There [are] a lot of differences [and] nuances between [the] Australian consumer and an American consumer. And we're creating that experience. So we think [the Royal Beach Club Lelepa is] going to really tick the box for the Australian market," Bayley said.
He added that the company's intention is to grow the region's market, especially because they're proud of the work that's gone into developing Royal Beach Club Lelepa.
"It's [an] exceptionally beautiful destination, and we're building something which is really in harmony with the environment. And it's going to be a really special place," Bayley stated.
Lelepa is a long-time project that's going to really break ground in July
Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be the first cruise destination in the South Pacific, and Royal Caribbean is targeting October 2027 for the first guests to visit the private club.
During the Q&A session aboard the Legend, Royal Caribbean executives confirmed that a major milestone for the long-awaited project is upcoming in July.
Unfortunately, executives shared few additional details, leaving cruise fans in the dark as to what they can expect as development moves forward.
That said, we have an idea of the amenities available at the Royal Beach Club Lelepa.
Located on the northwest side of Vanuatu, just northeast of Australia, the Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two stunning beaches, the family-friendly East Beach and "adventure-primed" West Beach, along with an adults-only area for passengers 18+.
Additionally, a specially crafted lineup of food and drinks will be available — all included at no extra charge.
Speaking of what's included, unlike other Royal Beach Clubs (i.e., Paradise Island and Santorini), entrance to Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be included in your cruise fare.
This means you won't have to budget for a curated private island day, with everything from admission to tender transportation, lounge chairs, umbrellas, beach games, restrooms, food, and more included.
Of note, there won't be Wi-Fi at the Royal Beach Club Lelepa, and unlike some of Royal Caribbean's other private destinations, guests won't find sprawling freshwater pools.
What ships sail to Australia?
Royal Caribbean cruise ships sail from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, from October to April. Beginning in late 2027 and continuing into 2028, Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will be based in the region.
Anthem is a Quantum Class ship that launched in 2015 and comes in at 168,666 gross tons, while Voyager is a Voyager Class ship that hit the high seas in 1999. She's slightly smaller than Anthem, measuring around 137,000 gross tons.
According to Bayley, Royal Caribbean isn't planning on sending its upcoming Discovery Class ships to Australia. Rather, they will be deployed in regions like Alaska, Europe, and Asia.
"Discovery Class is a class for Royal Caribbean. It is a class by its name that will go to Asia; it will go to Alaska; it will go to [Europe]," he said aboard Legend of the Seas.
