Royal Caribbean is getting ready to start building its next private beach destination, and this one takes the cruise line well beyond the Caribbean. Royal Beach Club Lelepa, on the northwest side of Vanuatu, will be the line’s first exclusive cruise destination in the South Pacific, and it is expected to open in October 2027.

During the company’s third-quarter earnings call on October 27, Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley said a groundbreaking ceremony for Lelepa is coming in about two weeks, which points to construction getting underway around November 10, though an official start date has not been confirmed. Bayley noted the new destination is already drawing strong interest in the Australian market, where Royal Caribbean plans to base three ships in 2027 and four in 2028 as it grows capacity across the Asia-Pacific region.

The project has been a long time coming. It was first announced in October 2019 as Perfect Day at Lelepa and has since been renamed Royal Beach Club Lelepa. Plans call for family-friendly beaches, an adults-only area, a nature trail, beach games, and four beach bars. One detail many cruisers will love: unlike the Royal Beach Club locations on Paradise Island and in Santorini, admission to Lelepa is included in the cruise fare, covering unlimited food and drink ashore plus beach chairs, umbrellas, tender transfers, and towels. There will be no pool and no Wi-Fi on the island, while extras such as shore excursions, day beds, and watersport rentals will cost more.

Key takeaways

  • Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu will be Royal Caribbean’s first exclusive cruise destination in the South Pacific, expected to open in October 2027.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony is expected in about two weeks, pointing to a construction start around November 10.
  • Admission is included in the cruise fare, with unlimited food and drink, beach chairs, umbrellas, tender transfers, and towels covered.
  • Planned highlights include family-friendly beaches, an adults-only section, a nature trail, beach games, and four beach bars — but no pool and no Wi-Fi.
  • The destination supports Royal Caribbean’s growing Australia and Asia-Pacific deployment, with four ships planned for Australia in 2028.

Thinking about a South Pacific or Australia sailing once Lelepa opens? Request a free quote and I will help you find the sailing that fits your plans.

Source: Royal Caribbean Blog