Royal Caribbean Is Opening a Beach Club in Santorini — Here’s What to Expect
Royal Caribbean Group has announced plans for its first-ever European beach club — and it’s coming to one of the most iconic islands in the world.
The new Royal Beach Club Santorini is set to open in summer 2026, marking the cruise giant’s debut of its popular private destination concept in Europe.
A New Kind of “Perfect Day” in Greece
Located along Santorini’s stunning volcanic coastline, the Royal Beach Club will be available exclusively to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises guests, with limited access for local Greek residents.
The experience blends everything travelers love about Santorini — breathtaking beaches, traditional white-washed villages, and Mediterranean cuisine — with the curated luxury and service that Royal Caribbean has become known for at its private island destinations.
Guests can expect a mix of relaxation and exploration. The cruise line is packaging the experience as the “Ultimate Santorini Day,” combining a visit to the Royal Beach Club with guided tours of the island’s most famous landmarks in Oia and Fira. Each excursion will include a scenic ferry ride along the island’s cliffs and coastline before guests spend the day lounging on black volcanic sands beside the Aegean Sea.
What’s Included
A day pass to the beach club will include access to the beach, loungers, umbrellas, Wi-Fi, and complimentary beachfront dining. There are no age restrictions, making it a family-friendly option for all travelers.
While Royal Caribbean hasn’t yet confirmed final pricing, listings for 2026 Greek Isle cruises show the Ultimate Santorini Day experience starting at $284 per adult and $199 per child, with early promotional discounts available.
A Potential Location Revealed
Although the company hasn’t officially announced the exact location, renderings and online listings point toward Theros Beach Bar on Eros Beach in Vlychada, about 15 minutes from Fira. The site is known for its dramatic volcanic cliffs and luxurious beach club atmosphere, which aligns closely with Royal Caribbean’s visuals and description.
The Santorini project mirrors the line’s approach to developing destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas — a model that has proven immensely successful both in guest satisfaction and profitability.
Managing Overtourism in Santorini
Santorini, while world-famous for its beauty, has struggled with overtourism in recent years. The island can see as many as 17,000 cruise passengers in a single day, prompting local authorities to introduce new arrival fees in 2025 to help fund infrastructure improvements.
Royal Caribbean says the Ultimate Santorini Day will launch guests from three different starting points around the island, a move designed to reduce congestion and spread out visitor flow.
Part of a Global Expansion
The Royal Beach Club Santorini joins an ambitious lineup of new destinations planned by Royal Caribbean Group, which aims to grow its portfolio of private and semi-private experiences from two to eight by 2028.
Coming next are:
- Royal Beach Club Paradise Island (Bahamas) – opening December 2025
- Royal Beach Club Cozumel (Mexico) – opening 2026
- The Cormorant at 55 South (Chile) – also 2026
- Perfect Day Mexico (Costa Maya) – opening 2027
- Royal Beach Club Lelepa (Vanuatu) – opening 2028
The Bottom Line
Santorini’s mix of striking scenery, culture, and coastline makes it the perfect choice for Royal Caribbean’s first European beach club.
By blending authentic Greek charm with its signature service and all-inclusive experience, Royal Beach Club Santorini is set to deliver a memorable — and crowd-conscious — way to explore one of the world’s most photographed islands.
“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini is a bold step forward,” said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO. “We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems — from its iconic villages to its vibrant beach culture — creating a balanced, authentic island experience.”
