Royal Caribbean to open 1st European destination, Royal Beach Club Santorini in 2026 

Royal Caribbean Group has announced plans to open Royal Beach Club Santorini in summer 2026, expanding its growing portfolio of land-based destinations and introducing a new way for cruise guests to experience one of Greece’s most recognisable islands.

The development marks a significant step in the company’s goal to grow its portfolio of beach club destinations from two to eight by 2028. 

It will welcome guests from both Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, combining Santorini’s volcanic coastline and Aegean views with curated activities and local cultural elements.

As part of the new Ultimate Santorini Day concept, the beach club will be integrated into a broader experience combining visits to the island’s most recognisable sites with time at the club. 

Guests will explore Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches in Oia, browse the cafes and art galleries of Fira, and spend part of the day at the new coastal retreat designed to reflect the island’s Mediterranean character.

“Expanding our Royal Beach Club Collection to include Santorini — one of the world’s most popular and beautiful locations — is a bold step forward in growing our vacation portfolio from two to eight by 2028, giving guests more ways to have unforgettable experiences with us,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

“We’re thrilled to connect guests with Santorini’s gems — from its iconic villages to the Aegean Sea’s famous beach club culture — creating a balanced, authentic island experience,” he added.

Royal Caribbean Group said the Santorini project will also incorporate a new system for managing visitor flow across the island, allowing guests to begin their day from three different starting points to help distribute arrivals more evenly and reduce congestion.

“Santorini is an incredible destination that our guests love to explore, and with this new beach club, we are able to bring the best of what the island has to offer with the signature service Royal Caribbean is known for,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.

The Santorini venue follows the debut of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas, set to open in December 2025. 

It forms part of a broader strategy to expand the company’s shore-based offerings, which currently include Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas and Labadee in Haiti. 

Additional destinations in development include The Cormorant at 55 South in Chile, Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico, and Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu.