An Overview of the Royal Beach Club
If you’ve cruised to Nassau before, you know the port has long had a bit of a “been there, done that” reputation. That’s exactly what makes the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island such a game-changer. This is Royal Caribbean’s first-ever private beach club, and it opened in late December 2025 — so when we visited on our Wonder of the Seas sailing, the place was practically brand new, and being some of the first guests through the gates made it feel that much more special.
Here’s the lay of the land. It’s a 17-acre property on Paradise Island, the same barrier island as Atlantis, right across the harbor from the cruise port — you can actually see it from the ship as you sail in. The whole thing runs on an all-inclusive day pass that covers a lot: unlimited food and drinks, Wi-Fi, the boat ride over, loungers, umbrellas, and towels, so there’s no need to haul anything off the ship. One thing to know up front — there are two main pass options: one with an unlimited open bar, and one with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. And unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, the beach club isn’t included in your cruise fare — it’s a paid add-on, more like a shore excursion, so factor it into the budget.
The club is laid out in three neighborhoods, and as you walk in and head down the property they run in order: Chill Beach, then Party Cove, then Family Beach. Chill Beach is the laid-back end, anchored by the Deep End Pool and its swim-up bar — that’s where our group set up camp. Party Cove is the high-energy heart of the club, built around The Floating Flamingo, billed as the world’s largest swim-up bar, with a DJ and dancing. And Family Beach sits at the far end, with the zero-entry Shallow End Pool and the two-story Ultimate Family Cabana made for kids. The best part — none of the areas are roped off, so your day pass gets you into all three. Across the property you’ve got two beaches and three temperature-controlled pools, plus ten bars in all (three swim-up and seven beach bars), with private cabanas available in every neighborhood if you want a shaded home base for the group.
What ties it all together is that it actually feels like the Bahamas, not a generic beach setup. The architecture, the live music, the local artisans, and the Bahamian-inspired food all lean into the island’s culture, and the staff are local Bahamians who were some of the friendliest, most genuine folks we came across all trip. Add in the fact that it’s a fraction of the cost of a day at Atlantis or Baha Mar, and it’s an easy call. If you want one simple, no-stress beach day in Nassau, this is the move — and the rest of this review walks through exactly how to do it.
The Short Version
Honestly? It was a perfect day. Getting there was effortless, the beaches were beautiful, the water was that gorgeous bright blue, and the pools and swim-up bars were just awesome. Add in great food options, really good drinks, and excellent service, and I can’t see how anyone could spend a day here and not love it — for me, it was about as perfect as a port day gets.
Getting There
Getting over to the Royal Beach Club is about as easy as a port day gets, and that simplicity is a big part of the appeal. When you step off the ship, you just follow the walkway like you’re heading out to leave the port area. Right by the main exit, you can’t miss it — there’s a giant Royal Beach Club sign, and Royal Caribbean staff are stationed there to scan your SeaPass card and point you toward the boat.
From there it’s a quick water taxi across the harbor. The ride only takes a few minutes — about five, in my experience — and it’s a fun little cruise in its own right, circling around where the big ships are parked before dropping you right at the club. There are two docks, and which one you land at depends on which boat you board. The dock on the right brings you in at Chill Beach, the laid-back end of the club; from there, walking down the property, the first pool you’ll pass is the Deep End Pool and its swim-up bar, then Party Cove, and past that the Family Beach area. The other boat uses the dock on the left, which drops you right where Party Cove meets Family Beach — turn left for the family pool and Family Beach, or turn right for Party Cove. Either way you’re in the same club and free to roam the whole thing, so don’t sweat which boat you grab.
Once you’re off the boat, you just head down the dock — and they welcome you in style, with folks dancing and a live band playing as you walk up. A short set of stairs later, you’re standing inside the Royal Beach Club, drink in hand before you know it. Off the ship, onto the boat, up the stairs, done — it really is that seamless.
Eating & Drinking: Food, the Drink Package & the Bars
One of the things I appreciated most about the food setup was how it was spread out. Each of the three areas — Chill Beach, Party Cove, and Family Beach — has its own Paradise Grill, the on-site restaurant, so you’re never trekking across the whole club to grab a bite, and no single spot ever felt slammed. The menu is called Bahama Bites — a lineup of local, island-inspired dishes — and it’s the same great food at every Paradise Grill, so wherever you’ve set up for the day, everything you need is right there. That layout did a lot to keep the place from ever feeling crowded; each area felt completely self-contained.
Here’s the part that genuinely surprised me: this is not the food they bring out from the ship. A lot of private islands and beach stops basically cart the ship’s food over and serve you the same stuff ashore. Not here. The food at Royal Beach Club is cooked on-site by local Bahamians, and it has a completely different vibe because of it — fresher, more local, and honestly a step up. It actually felt like eating in the Bahamas, not eating cruise-ship food on a beach.
As for what to order, a few things stood out. The crispy fish sandwich was excellent, the lobster BLT wrap was a winner, and the shrimp skewers — shrimp on a stick — were a perfect grab-and-go bite. On the menu you’ll also find burgers, sandwiches, chicken tenders, wraps, Fire Engine Fritters, and fresh salads rounding it out. One thing worth mentioning: I found the food ran a little on the spicy side across the board. I liked it that way, but if you’re sensitive to heat, just go in knowing that.
And if you’re cruising with kids, they’re more than covered. The Paradise Grill menu has all the kid-friendly staples — chicken fingers, mac and cheese, hot dogs, and the like — so the little ones will have plenty they’re happy to eat. It’s one more reason this place works just as well for families as it does for an adults’ group.
A quick word on drinks: getting the all-inclusive package makes a lot of sense here. As I mentioned, drinks aren’t included in your day pass, and the bars run around $16–17 a cocktail — so if you plan to do any real drinking, the unlimited package pays for itself fast. Just know it’s a separate add-on specific to the beach club, but at those prices it’s an easy yes for most groups.
And the drinks were genuinely good. Like the food, these are not the same drinks you get on the ship — they’re made differently, with their own signature lineup, and I thought that was a big plus. There’s a full bar that can mix whatever you want, plus around eight signature cocktails to work through. My runaway favorite was the Sunset Margarita — I had more than a few of those. The Paradise Punch was really good too, and I tried a couple of Mama’s Mojitos that I’d happily order again.
The best part is how easy the drinks are to get. There are bars in every section — around seven bars throughout the club plus the three swim-up bars — so you’re never far from your next round and you’re rarely, if ever, waiting in a line. That easy access is a big part of what made the day feel so laid-back.
Chill Beach
Chill Beach was our home base, and it’s an awesome place to set up for the day. If your boat comes in at the Chill Beach dock, you’ll head up the stairs and spot a giant towel hut on your right — grab what you need and walk straight out onto the beach. And what a beach it is.
The sand here is beautiful. If you know Atlantis, this is the same gorgeous stretch as Paradise Beach down by The Reef tower — Chill Beach sits just down from there, so you’re getting that same powdery, postcard-quality shoreline. Honestly, it’s every bit as pretty as the beach up at Atlantis. It’s big and wide with plenty of room to spread out, and it never felt crowded.
The centerpiece for us was the Deep End Pool and its swim-up bar, which had hands-down the best views of any pool in the club. It has an almost infinity-edge feel, looking straight out over the water — really, really beautiful. (Party Cove’s pool gets a bit of an ocean view from its swim-up bar, but it’s not on the same level.) It’s a genuinely great pool, and if you want to drift toward a livelier vibe, the swim-up bar at the far end has more of a party feel without ever getting rowdy. Add in Chill Beach’s own food spot and a couple of bars, and we pretty much had everything we needed in one place.
Chill Beach Cabanas
If you want to give yourself a shaded home base, Chill Beach has three cabana options worth knowing about. The first is the Pool Cabana — about 310 square feet for up to 8 guests, with both a pool and ocean view. It comes with really nice towels, a ceiling fan, a cooler table, and lockable storage, plus four in-water loungers right beside your cabana. These sit right at the end of the Deep End Pool, so you’re semi-private but still right on the water with your own chairs in the pool — a really cool setup and a great spot to splurge.
You have to love it comes with a yellow floating starfish! The view isn’t so bad either.
The second option is the Beach Cabana — about 248 square feet for up to 8 guests, with four loungers, a nice little seating area, the same great towels, a ceiling fan, and a cooler table. One important thing to know, since you’re paying a premium: these have the worst ocean views of the bunch. They’re set back from the water with a row of beach chairs and umbrellas out in front, so you’re not getting a direct oceanfront look. It runs a little on the small side too — but it’s still a nice way to claim some shade and space for the day, as long as the view isn’t your priority.
There’s also a third, more premium pick available here: the Royal Beach Cabana — the roomiest of the three at about 395 square feet, for up to 10 guests, and it comes with its own dedicated attendant. You get loungers out front, a ceiling fan, lockable storage, a TV, a wet bar, a mini fridge, and a hanging chair — a real step up if you’ve got a bigger group or just want room to spread out.
Here’s the part worth knowing: most sit back with some beach seating between you and the water, but if you walk all the way down to the very end of Chill Beach, a handful have nothing parked in front of them at all — and in my opinion they’ve got the best, clearest ocean views of any cabana at the entire club, even better than the matching ones over on Family Beach. They’re beautiful, peaceful, and private; the only catch is they’re the farthest from the action. If a clear view of the water is your priority, those end cabanas are the ones to hope for when you book.
Party Cove
Party Cove was the party spot, no question. It’s got a real Miami South Beach club feel — high energy, music pumping, and a see-and-be-seen crowd. This is where the pretty people want to be, and it’s a blast. The centerpiece is the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar, which is absolutely humongous, with great views and a genuinely fun vibe. Between the DJ, the pool, and that massive swim-up bar, it’s a total party scene. We walked over a few times and always had a great time — though I’ll be honest, I personally enjoyed the laid-back Chill Beach side a little more. To each their own; both are a great time.
Flanking the main pool are two more relaxed side pools, one on the left and one on the right — long, skinny pools with some really nice views and some beach area. They’re a great spot if you want to be near the party energy without being right in the thick of it. They’re also a little quieter, and there were definitely some kids in those side areas — so if you’re traveling with family but still want to be around the fun, those side pools are worth keeping in mind.
Party Cove doesn’t have cabanas like the other areas, but there are two ways to claim your own space: the VIP Party Deck up above the action, and day beds down by the side pools.
The VIP Party Deck
Rising above the pool is the VIP Party Deck — and there’s one on each side of the central DJ, so you’re right at DJ level with a great view of the booth and front-row access to everything going on. Each deck runs about 720 square feet and holds up to 12 guests, making it perfect for a group that wants to go all-in on the party. The best perk: dedicated food and beverage service, so nobody has to leave to grab drinks — they come to you. The layout is fantastic, with couches, chairs, and rugs that make it feel like a proper lounge, plus a great view of both the pool and the ocean. It also comes with a mini fridge, a cooler table, the same plush beach towels you’ll find around the club, a shoe cubby, and lockable storage. If your group wants to be at the heart of the party with your own elevated home base, this is it.
Day Beds
If it’s just the two of you, the day beds are a great option — each one fits two guests. They’re located over by the side pools, set slightly apart from the main party so you get good views and a bit more breathing room while still being close to the action. They come with dedicated beverage service, so someone’s looking after your drinks the whole time and you barely have to move.
Family Beach
Family Beach is the part of the island built with little kids in mind, and the Shallow End Pool is the heart of it. It’s a zero-entry pool — that gradual, beach-style slope into the water instead of a hard step or ladder — which is a big deal if you’ve got nervous little ones who’d rather walk in at their own pace than face a drop-off.
I’ll be straight with you: I was on an adults’ trip when I visited, so I didn’t get to put this section through its paces with my own kids. What I did do was walk the whole family area to scope it out for when I bring Sarah and the girls back — and it’s clear this side of the island is going to be great for them. There are a ton of loungers ringed around the pool, and enough of them sit in the shade that you can almost always find a spot to park the little ones out of the sun. That matters more than you’d think over a full day.
And for the grown-ups, there’s a swim-up bar right in the pool — so cruising with kids doesn’t mean giving up a drink in your hand while you keep an eye on them.
The Cabanas
If you want to upgrade your day, Royal Beach Club has cabanas across the island, and the family side has some of the best. One thing to know up front, because it applies to most of the cabanas here and over at Chill Beach too: they’re set at the back of the beach, so you’ll usually have a row of beach seating in front of you between the cabana and the water. Don’t book one expecting a totally unobstructed ocean view — a handful have it, but most don’t. What you’re really paying for is shade, space, and a home base. One more booking note worth knowing: you reserve a cabana category, not a specific spot — Royal Caribbean assigns your exact cabana and location before you arrive. You can request one of the prime end locations, but there’s no guarantee you’ll get it, so go in with that expectation. Here’s how they break down.
Panoramic Royal Pool Cabanas
These sit right along the Shallow End Pool, so you’re steps from the water — huge when you’ve got kids bouncing between the pool and the cabana all day. They run 475 square feet and hold up to 10 guests, and you get your own attendant, loungers out front, the nice plush towels, a ceiling fan, lockable storage, a TV, a wet bar, and a mini fridge. Pool on one side, ocean on the other — and here’s the part worth knowing: of all the cabanas at the club, these generally have the best ocean views. The only ones that beat them are the Royal Beach Cabanas tucked at the very end of Family Beach and Chill Beach, which sit on their own with nothing in front of them (more on those below). For a family that wants a home base right by the water with a great view to match, these are hard to beat.
Beach Cabanas
Smaller and more low-key — 248 square feet, up to 8 guests — down at the far end of the beach, past the pool toward the end of the club. You get chairs, ceiling fans, lockable storage, a cooler, and a table. One thing to be clear about, since you’re paying a premium either way: these have the worst ocean views of any of the cabanas. There’s a row of beach loungers set up directly in front of them, so your view of the water is blocked. They’re a solid pick if shade and a spot on the sand matter more to you than a view — just don’t book one expecting to look out at the ocean.
Royal Beach Cabanas
A step up from the Beach Cabanas and the same amenities as the ones on Chill Beach — 395 square feet for up to 10 guests, with your own attendant — and these are down at that far end too. Here’s the tip worth knowing: if you walk all the way to the very end of the beach, there’s a handful of these with no loungers parked out in front of them. They’re the farthest from everything and the most private, and they’ve got some of the best, clearest ocean views at the club — beautiful and peaceful. (The only cabanas I’d put above them for a view are the matching ones at the very end of Chill Beach, which are even better.) The trade-off is they’re a hike from the pools, the bars, and the action, so you’re choosing the view over being close to the fun. If an unobstructed look at the water is what you’re after, these are among the only cabanas that truly deliver it, so hope for them when you book. You also get loungers out front, a ceiling fan, lockable storage, a TV, a wet bar, a mini fridge, and a hanging chair.
The Ultimate Family Cabana
This is the showstopper. It’s a roughly 2,000-square-foot, two-story beach house built for up to 12 guests — yes, two stories — with a slide running from the top floor down to the bottom, which is exactly the kind of thing kids lose their minds over.
Inside there are lounge spaces with ocean views, a heated whirlpool, its own dining area with an exclusive food menu, a wet bar, a frozen drink machine, mini fridges, TVs, and its own bathrooms, shower, and changing room.
It also comes with its own dedicated attendant and a reserved stretch of beach, and the kid-fun extras keep going past the slide — a pile of loungers, a wooden swing, a hammock, and a suspended net lounger up on the second floor.
Positioning is hard to beat. It sits right where Party Cove ends and the family pool begins, set directly on the sand with its own beach access, and you can walk straight out the other side toward the food and the other pools. If you’ve got a big group or a multi-family thing going, it’s a genuine one-of-a-kind on the island. And don’t forget, the cabana is 2 stories!
A quick note on all of these: pricing varies by date, so check when you book.
Live Music & Beach Games
Beyond the pools and bars, there’s a nice little entertainment setup I didn’t expect. Off to one side there’s a covered pavilion with a stage and rows of chairs set out, where a live reggae band plays through the day. It’s the kind of thing you can wander over to, grab a seat in the shade, and just take in for a while — a really pleasant way to break up all the swimming and eating, and it adds to that “we’re actually in the Bahamas” feel the whole club has going for it.
There’s also a free games area with cornhole and a few other lawn-style games. Nothing fancy, but it’s a fun, no-cost way to kill some time between dips in the pool — especially good if you’ve got kids or a group looking for something to do. Little touches like the band and the games are part of what makes a full day here easy to fill.
The Staff
One thing that really set Royal Beach Club apart from a stop like CocoCay: the staff here aren’t ship crew brought ashore — they’re local Bahamians, and it showed in the best way.
Going in, the staff were honestly the one thing I was a little worried about. A few of the reviews we read before booking knocked them — not friendly, not helpful, that kind of thing — so it was on our radar. We found the complete opposite.
The standout was our waiter at the pool. He was around all day, brought our drinks right to us in the water, and never once left us hunting him down — hard-working, genuinely helpful, and just a good guy who made the whole day better. The bartenders were cut from the same cloth. Every one I ran into, whether at a swim-up bar or one of the other spots around the club, was friendly and quick, half of them laughing and joking like they were having as good a day as we were.
So if those reviews give you second thoughts, set them aside. I didn’t have a single staff run-in worth knocking — top to bottom, they were one of the best parts of the day.
Is It Worth It?
For us, it was an easy yes. The way I’d put it: the Royal Beach Club fills a gap that didn’t really exist in Nassau before. On one end you’ve got the walkable-from-the-port options like Margaritaville or the British Colonial — the beach club runs about the same money, but it’s a far better day than either. On the other end you’ve got Atlantis and Baha Mar, which are fantastic, more high-end resorts — and a good bit pricier. The beach club lands right in the middle: a polished, all-inclusive beach day that beats the cheap options outright and gets you most of the way to the resort experience for a fraction of the cost.
So is it worth it? If you’re sailing into Nassau and want one easy, beautiful, no-stress beach day, I think it’s the best value in town — and the ease of use alone almost justifies it. We’d do it again without thinking twice.
What to Know Before You Go
First, book early. The beach club isn’t included in your cruise fare — it’s a paid add-on, more like a shore excursion — and capacity is limited and changes by season, so day passes and cabanas can sell out. Grab yours through the Royal app or My Royal Cruise as soon as you’ve booked your cruise, or at the onboard Shore Excursions desk if there’s still room. The good news: you can cancel for a full refund up to 48 hours before your day in Nassau, and if the stop gets canceled for weather, you’re refunded automatically.
Next, pick the right pass. There are two tiers — Unlimited Open Bar & Dining for the 21-and-up crowd, and Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining — and everyone in your stateroom doesn’t have to choose the same one. One heads-up if you go the non-alcoholic route: buying a cocktail à la carte on the island takes an actual credit card, since your SeaPass won’t cover à la carte alcohol. Kids three and under get in free.
Bring both your SeaPass card and a government-issued ID — you’ll need the ID just to board the ferry, so don’t leave it in the safe. Past that, the usual: sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and a change of clothes. Towels, lockers, freshwater showers, and restrooms are all on-site and free, so there’s no reason to lug anything off the ship. Throw a card or a little cash in your bag if you want something from the local artisan huts, or for shopping back at the Nassau port — the return ferry drops you on the mainland side so you can wander before you reboard.
A few odds and ends: every pool is temperature-controlled, Paradise Grill has gluten-free and vegetarian options (no kosher, at least for now), and there’s no snorkel-gear rental — though there are free beach toys and games for the kids. The two piers are Chill Pier and the Family & Party Pier, and whichever ferry you hop, you’re free to roam the whole club once you land.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is simple. If you want a spot that’s close to the ship, with amazing pools, a beautiful beach, and easy access to food and drinks all day, the Royal Beach Club is a no-brainer. Add in the option to rent a cabana and upgrade the experience for your group, and it’s a great call for just about everyone. We were lucky enough to be among the first guests through the gates, and it left us wanting to come back — next time with Sarah and the girls. If Nassau is on your itinerary, do yourself a favor and book the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean’s private beach club in Nassau, which opened in late December 2025. It’s a 17-acre, all-inclusive day-pass destination on Paradise Island — a short ferry ride from the cruise port — with multiple pools, beach areas, dining, bars, and cabanas across Chill Beach, Party Cove, and Family Beach.
How do you get to Royal Beach Club from the cruise port?
You take a short ferry from the Nassau cruise port over to Paradise Island. It’s one of the easiest port-day logistics out there — you get off the ship and onto the ferry, and you’re there.
Is the Royal Beach Club drink package worth it?
If you’re a drinker, yes — it’s an easy call. Cocktails run about $16 and beers around $9, so once you’re past a few drinks in a day the unlimited package has basically paid for itself. Royal also runs some great bundles that pair the beach club pass with a drink package and other add-ons, which can stretch the savings even further. My rule of thumb: if you plan on more than a few drinks, get the package; if you’re a light drinker, you might come out ahead paying à la carte.
What are the different areas at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
The club is laid out as three neighborhoods. Chill Beach is the laid-back end, built around the Deep End Pool and its swim-up bar. Party Cove is the high-energy heart, anchored by the Floating Flamingo swim-up bar and a DJ. And Family Beach is the kid-friendly end, with the zero-entry Shallow End Pool and the two-story Ultimate Family Cabana. None of them are roped off, so a single day pass gets you into all three, each with its own bars, beach access, and cabanas.
Are there cabanas at Royal Beach Club?
Yes, with options in every area — and if I were visiting with a group, I’d book one without hesitation. For being right in the middle of the action, the pool cabanas in the Family area and the Pool Cabanas over at Chill Beach are the best; you’re steps from the water with everything happening around you. The beach cabanas are nice too, and set a bit further back, which gives them more of a tucked-away, “private slice of the island” feel. It really comes down to your goals — front-row and lively, or quieter and more secluded.
Do the Royal Beach Club cabanas have ocean views?
Not all of them — and it’s worth knowing before you book. The Beach Cabanas on both Chill Beach and Family Beach have a row of loungers set up in front of them, so the ocean view is largely blocked. The Panoramic Royal Pool Cabanas on Family Beach have great views, and the best, fully unobstructed views belong to the Royal Beach Cabanas tucked at the very end of each beach — with the ones at the far end of Chill Beach the best on the whole property. One catch: you can’t pick your exact cabana. You reserve a category and Royal Caribbean assigns the specific spot before you arrive, so you can request a prime end location but aren’t guaranteed one.
Is Royal Beach Club good for families?
Absolutely. The biggest thing in its favor is how close and easy it is — a quick ferry from the ship, no long bus ride or planning headache, which counts for a lot when you’ve got kids in tow. Once you’re there, the family pool and beach have everything you need for a great day with them: a kid-friendly zero-entry pool, the beach and ocean, and plenty of food they’ll actually eat. There are loads of umbrellas to keep them out of the sun, too. All in, it’s about as easy and low-stress a beach day as you’ll find for the whole crew.
Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island accessible?
Yes. All three pools have lifts for assisted entry and exit, and you’ll find complimentary beach wheelchairs, beach-access mats over the sand, and accessible restrooms, dining, and bars throughout the club. The ferries are accessible too — ADA-compliant seating and ramps on every vessel — and guests using wheelchairs can board at either pier.
Is there beach seating at Royal Beach Club?
Yes — and plenty of it. There’s a ton of free loungers on both Chill Beach and Family Beach, so you’re not going to be left standing around hunting for a spot. Here’s the insider tip, though: if you want one of those front-row loungers right up by the water, you’ll want to be one of the first ones off the ship and over to the ferry. The prime first-row spots go fast, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for the day. So if a front-row seat matters to you, get off the ship early and beat the rush. If you’re easygoing about where you sit, don’t sweat it — there’s more than enough seating to go around.
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Check out our Youtube Video Tour of the Royal Beach Club: