Royal Caribbean Announces New Beach Club in Cozumel

Royal Caribbean International has announced a new beach club: the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, opening in 2026.

At the future location of the beach club along the western coast of the island, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley revealed plans for the next experience in the Royal Beach Club Collection while alongside the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo in Mexico, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, and the mayor of Cozumel, Juanita Alonso.

“We are delighted to build on our longstanding partnership with the local community and government to continue bringing our guests to Mexico,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “The expansion of our destination offerings aligns with the growing global demand for the ultimate vacation experiences and enables our guests to connect with the beauty of local cultures and people in the places they visit.”

“The anticipation for what’s next when it comes to Royal Caribbean destinations has only continued to build since we revealed Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas that opens in 2025. Now is the perfect time to announce the next iteration of this collection with Royal Beach Club Cozumel,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Cozumel is an incredible destination, and the beach club will perfectly complement all the island has to offer as an experience that combines familiar Royal Caribbean touches with the spirit of Mexico, alongside amenities and activities for every type of vacationer.”

Royal Caribbean said the club would feature “striking beaches, views and pools for every vibe.”

“We are very proud that Royal Caribbean International has chosen Quintana Roo to build Royal Beach Club Cozumel as a new attraction for many of their guests visiting our magical island. My administration will always be committed to partnering and working very closely with the private sector to build modern and sustainable infrastructure and create local jobs for our people. These kinds of projects reaffirm our commitment to continue to be the top port of call in Latin America,” said Mara Lezama, governor of Quintana Roo.

Nassau Cruise Port Welcomes Icon of the Seas with Performance

Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) welcomed the Icon of The Seas on its inaugural call to Nassau on Thursday, January 18, according to a press release.

Passengers onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship were greeted with a Junkanoo performance by the Music Makers Junkanoo Group.

A special inaugural ceremony took place aboard the ship, attended by Mike Maura Jr., CEO and director at NCP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Chester Cooper, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International Michael Bayley and local dignitaries and industry executives. Maura celebrated the strength of the partnership between Royal Caribbean and Nassau Cruise Port and their commitment to strengthening the Bahamian economy further.

“Icon of the Seas is truly in a class of its own, and the Royal Caribbean team should be immensely proud of the result of this incredible seven-year endeavor,” said Maura.

 “We appreciate the confidence that Royal Caribbean continues to show in Nassau Cruise Port and in The Bahamas to deliver a superior tourism product, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Royal Caribbean team in ensuring that its guests enjoy fun, memorable experiences in Nassau.”

Deputy Prime Minister Cooper added: “This is magnificent for the Bahamas. It is a great day for Royal Caribbean but a magnificent day for Nassau Cruise Port and The Bahamas. [We are] on the verge of greatness for 2024. The numbers are expected to be significant coming from RCCL but also from the entire industry. We are looking forward to another banner year.”

The Icon of the Seas is currently sailing its maiden voyage which departed from Miami on Jan. 27. 

Tourism Trinidad Welcomes MSC Seaside

MSC Cruises’ Seaside made its inaugural visit to the Port of Spain in Trinidad on Thursday, December 14, just as passenger arrivals this season reached the 20,000 mark.

The arrival of the MSC Seaside marks the 18th call for the port so far for the 2023-24 season.

The ship arrived in Trinidad while sailing its 14-night Southern Caribbean voyage which departed from Fort de France, Martinique on December 9. 

MSC Seaside’s visit brings passenger arrivals to 21,011 since the start of the 2023-24 season in October. Among these, an estimated 13,800 passengers have disembarked, with 25 percent opting for curated organized tours.

After leaving Trinidad, the MSC headed towards St Georges, Grenada. The itinerary also includes calls in Pointe A Pitre, Guadeloupe; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St Johns, Antigua; and Basseterre, St. Kitts before returning to Fort de France.

The port’s projections indicate that approximately 88,000 passengers and 30,000 crew will visit Trinidad’s shores during the 2023-24 season, representing an estimated 81 percent increase in passengers from last season.