Royal Caribbean is leveling up Greek island cruising in a big way. The cruise line has confirmed plans to open its first private beach club in Europe on the stunning island of Santorini launching summer 2026. If you already love Santorini, imagine adding VIP beach access, signature Royal Caribbean hospitality, and a bit of luxury flair to that picture. Yes, please.
The new Royal Beach Club Santorini will give guests those postcard-perfect views of the Aegean Sea, plus volcanic black-sand beaches, chilled cocktails, and a super relaxed vacation vibe away from the usual crowds.
Who Gets to Go?
The club is exclusive, mostly for:
Royal Caribbean guests
Celebrity Cruises guests
Locals in Greece might score a spot too if space allows. It works more like a premium shore excursion you book through the cruise line.
Royal Caribbean says the idea is to combine the island’s natural beauty with the kind of service people rave about onboard.
What’s Included?
A day pass gets you:
Access to a volcanic black-sand beach
Beachfront dining included
Sun loungers + umbrellas
Wi-Fi
Scenic coastal ferry ride
Stops in Oia and Fira for those iconic white-and-blue town views
Totally family-friendly, no age rules
Early concept art shows cabanas, shaded palapas, comfy sunbeds, and a pool with a stylish lounge bar — basically the kind of place where you snap 100 sunset photos.
How Much Will It Cost?
Example pricing spotted for October 3, 2026 (Explorer of the Seas):
$284 per adult
$199 per child
Current sale in Cruise Planner drops prices to about $197 and $138. Still a splurge — but maybe worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime Santorini beach day.
Cruisers booked for Greek itineraries in 2026 can already find “The Ultimate Santorini Day” available to book.
Where Will It Be?
Royal Caribbean hasn’t officially shown the map yet, but the teaser images look almost identical to Theros Wave Bar on Eros Beach, about 15 minutes from Fira. Dramatic black cliffs? Check. Stylish beach club vibe? Check.
The Cruise Planner even mentions “the luxurious Theros Beach Club.” So the secret is basically out.
Part of a Bigger Plan
This isn’t just a one-off project. Royal Caribbean is building a whole Royal Beach Club Collection worldwide. They already have:
Royal Beach Club Cozumel coming soon
Paradise Island (Bahamas) Royal Beach Club opening late-2025
The idea is simple: give guests special places only they can access, matching the ship’s quality with a cool on-shore experience.
And Santorini is the first time this concept hits Europe.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Santorini is already a fan-favorite port. The volcano views, those cliffside villages… it is pure vacation magic. The new beach club adds:
Less crowd chaos
A smoother day ashore
Guaranteed beach time with no scrambling for space
An exclusive Greek-island experience you can only get through Royal
So if Greece is calling your name, summer 2026 might be the perfect time to answer. Sun, sea, scenery — and now a private beach spot to enjoy all of it.
