Royal Caribbean Opens Cruises to Its First South Pacific Private Destination
Royal Caribbean has officially opened bookings for cruises that will visit its newest private destination, Royal Beach Club Lelepa, set to debut in October 2027.
Located in the island nation of Vanuatu, the new beach club will become the cruise line’s first exclusive destination in the Southern Hemisphere and its first Royal Beach Club that does not charge an admission fee.
The new destination will offer cruise guests a tropical beach escape designed around the region’s natural beauty and tailored to travelers sailing from Australia and the South Pacific.
First Look at Royal Beach Club Lelepa
Royal Beach Club Lelepa (pronounced leh-leh-PAH) will be located on the northern side of Lelepa Island, part of the Vanuatu archipelago roughly 1,200 miles northeast of Brisbane, Australia.
The destination sits about 25 miles from Port Vila and approximately 350 miles north of Nouméa in New Caledonia, placing it in one of the most scenic regions of the South Pacific.
Unlike some cruise line private islands that have large piers, Lelepa will be a tender port, meaning guests will reach the beach club via water shuttles from their ship. Royal Caribbean believes this approach will enhance the secluded, exclusive feel of the destination.
According to Michael Bayley, the beach club has been designed specifically with Australian travelers in mind.
“We are developing a beach club experience that is completely connected to the Australian guests who’ve told us exactly how they want to experience that,” Bayley said.
What Guests Can Expect on the Island
The beach club is designed to highlight the island’s natural environment while still delivering the amenities Royal Caribbean guests expect.
Highlights of Royal Beach Club Lelepa include:
- Two pristine beaches
- An adults-only retreat
- Scenic nature trails
- Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- Glass-bottom ocean experiences
- Beach volleyball, beach cricket, and cornhole
- Shaded pavilions and plenty of loungers
Guests will also find 10 bars serving cocktails, local beverages, and classic cruise drinks.
Dining will be included through two eateries offering a mix of Royal Caribbean favorites and local South Pacific dishes, giving visitors a taste of the region’s cuisine.
Early concept art also shows bright tropical architecture, shaded relaxation areas, and wide stretches of crystal-clear water backed by lush mountains.
What Will Be Included in the Cruise Fare
One of the biggest differences with this destination is that visiting the beach club will not require an extra ticket.
Admission will be included in the cruise fare, similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, rather than operating like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, which requires an additional fee.
Included amenities will feature:
- Entry to the beach club
- Tender transportation to the island
- Beach loungers and umbrellas
- Towel refresh stations
- Access to two restaurants
- Restrooms and public facilities
- Beach games and activities
Beach strollers and beach wheelchairs will also be available to help ensure accessibility for all guests.
Travelers looking for a more private experience will be able to upgrade to daybeds or exclusive seating areas through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner.
Ships and Cruises Visiting the New Destination
The first cruises to Royal Beach Club Lelepa will begin in October 2027.
Currently confirmed ships include:
- Anthem of the Seas
- Voyager of the Seas
These voyages include:
- 9-night South Pacific sailings from Sydney aboard Anthem of the Seas
- 7- and 8-night cruises from Brisbane aboard Voyager of the Seas
Additional itineraries may include longer South Pacific voyages and even transpacific sailings.
Some early deployment details have also referenced Quantum of the Seas, and Royal Caribbean may announce more ships visiting the destination closer to the opening date.
A Growing List of Royal Caribbean Private Destinations
Royal Caribbean has been rapidly expanding its portfolio of exclusive destinations in recent years.
In addition to the wildly popular Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, the cruise line has recently introduced or announced:
- Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau
- Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya
- Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece
Royal Beach Club Lelepa marks a significant milestone because it will be Royal Caribbean’s first private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
With its focus on natural scenery, beach relaxation, and cultural connection to the region, the destination aims to offer a distinctly different experience from the company’s Caribbean private islands.
As Royal Caribbean continues to expand its lineup of private ports, Lelepa could quickly become one of the most sought-after stops for travelers exploring the South Pacific.
