Skip the Ship: Royal Caribbean's Brand-New Beach Club Is Here

Think of it as a smaller, more intimate version of Royal's private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. It sits on a long, narrow strip of land right across from where your ship docks, and it's a really lovely way to spend your day in port.

Private cabana

Your ticket includes entry to the Beach Club plus either a non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink package, so your beverages and all the food are covered. The drink menu was so fun, with cocktails like the Goombay Smash, Bahama Mama, and Mama's Mojito, all of which were really good. The food menu had a great variety too—my personal favorite was the lobster BLT wrap, and I'd encourage you to try a little of everything to find your own winners. There's even a QR code outside Paradise Grill that pulls up allergen information for each dish, which I thought was a really helpful touch.

Some of the drink options

Paradise Grill menu

Other food options

One thing I always tell clients: Keep an eye on the Cruise Planner for price drops. Our tickets dropped by more than half at one point, and I was able to cancel and rebook easily. Same goes for cabanas—they go on sale periodically, and if you're going with family or anyone who is heat-sensitive, a cabana is absolutely worth it. Some of our group booked one on Chill Beach that held eight guests, and it came with a personal concierge, a ceiling fan, a cooler stocked with water and drinks, snacks, fresh fruit, and desserts throughout the day. It felt noticeably cooler in there, which, in the island heat, made a huge difference.

Desserts

More bar options aside from their special cocktails

Speaking of heat: Come prepared! The Chill Beach area is absolutely gorgeous, with white sand and crystal-clear water, but it is hot. Bringing a neck fan or misting fan is a smart move, especially with kids in tow.

Logistically, the walk from the ship to the ferry is about 10 minutes, and the ferry ride itself is a quick and fun seven-minute ride on brightly colored double-decker boats. Just be aware that any other Royal or Celebrity ships in port that day will also have guests heading to the Beach Club, so lines can get long. Arrive early for the best chair selection, too. No need to bring a towel from the ship—they have you covered there.

Ferry boats to the island

The staff throughout the day were genuinely warm and welcoming—many of them were local residents, and it was a pleasure chatting with them. The whole vibe of the place felt festive and fun, with multiple pools, the Party Cove area with music and games, and just a great overall energy.

One last tip: The ferry drops you back at the far end of the port, and the walk back to the ship takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Plan your departure time accordingly, and, if you love shopping, leave a little extra time because the route winds right through some great local shops. About halfway back, there's also a complimentary golf cart shuttle available for guests with mobility or health concerns.

All in all, it was a wonderful day and a great value. I'd happily recommend it to anyone sailing into Nassau on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.