Royal Caribbean has announced a significant development in its Mediterranean operations with the creation of its first private beach club in Europe, set on the island of Santorini. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, the Royal Beach Club Santorini represents a new phase in the company’s strategy to extend its onboard experience to exclusive coastal destinations.
The establishment will offer guests direct access to the island’s volcanic black-sand beaches and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Designed primarily for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises passengers, the club will also accommodate local visitors when capacity allows. The experience functions as a premium shore excursion, providing a curated environment that blends Santorini’s distinctive natural landscape with the high standards of service associated with the cruise line.
A day pass will grant visitors beach access, dining options, sun loungers with umbrellas, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a coastal ferry link with stops at Oia and Fira, allowing guests to explore the island’s renowned whitewashed villages. Early concept imagery depicts shaded cabanas, sunbeds, and a poolside lounge bar designed for comfort and style.
Pricing for October 2026 sailings aboard Explorer of the Seas has been listed at approximately US$284 per adult and US$199 per child, with promotional rates occasionally reducing these figures. The experience has been marketed under the title “The Ultimate Santorini Day,” already available for advance booking through the Cruise Planner system.
While Royal Caribbean has yet to disclose the official site map, preliminary visuals suggest that the project’s location may correspond closely with the Theros Wave Bar area on Eros Beach, a site notable for its dramatic cliffs and upscale coastal atmosphere. References within company materials to “the luxurious Theros Beach Club” have led many to believe this connection is likely.
The Santorini development forms part of Royal Caribbean’s expanding Royal Beach Club Collection, which includes projects in Cozumel and Paradise Island in the Bahamas. These properties are intended to provide exclusive onshore experiences that mirror the cruise line’s onboard quality, enhancing port days with controlled, high-comfort environments.
Santorini has long been a favored destination among Aegean itineraries, known for its volcanic vistas and cliffside villages. With the addition of the Royal Beach Club, guests are expected to enjoy a more seamless and less crowded shore experience—an evolution in the way modern cruising engages with iconic maritime destinations.