Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Last reviewed: February 2026
Weather & Best Time to Visit
My Thoughts: Royal Caribbean's Third Premium Destination
I've been tracking Royal Caribbean's beach club expansion with genuine interest, and Antigua makes perfect sense as their third location after Nassau and Cozumel. This island has something special — they claim 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, though I've never counted them myself. What I can tell you is that every beach I've visited in Antigua has had that impossibly clear Caribbean water that makes the sand look like it's glowing. If Royal Caribbean can secure one of these pristine stretches for their beach club, they'll be starting with natural advantages most destinations can't match.
What excites me most about an Antigua beach club is the cultural depth Royal Caribbean could tap into. This island has layers of history that set it apart from generic Caribbean destinations. Nelson's Dockyard at English Harbour is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the only continuously working Georgian dockyard in the world. Admiral Horatio Nelson himself was stationed here in the 1780s. Shirley Heights overlooks the harbour with sunset views that have attracted travelers for generations. If Royal Caribbean brings the same thoughtful cultural integration they've shown at Paradise Island, an Antigua beach club could incorporate steel pan music, local sailing traditions, and cuisine that reflects the island's British colonial heritage alongside its Caribbean soul. However, I'm uncertain whether they'll fully embrace this opportunity or take a more generic approach — only time will tell.
The sailing culture here is extraordinary and could give this beach club a distinctive character. Antigua hosts one of the world's premier sailing regattas each spring, and the yacht-building traditions at English Harbour continue practices that date back centuries. I can imagine a beach club that incorporates small sailboats, hobie cats, and maybe even sunset sailing excursions as premium add-ons. On the other hand, there's also a risk that the beach club could feel too manufactured compared to the authentic sailing culture that makes Antigua special. The contrast between genuine and constructed experiences is something I'll be watching closely.
My expectations are calibrated by my experience at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau. That facility demonstrated Royal Caribbean understands premium beach experiences — the controlled capacity, the quality loungers and umbrellas, the swim-up bars and cabana options, the included beverages and quality food. I walked away feeling the admission price was justified, which is not something I can say about every cruise excursion I've taken. If they replicate that standard in Antigua while incorporating local character, this could be exceptional. But there's always the question of whether lightning strikes twice — the Nassau location might have benefited from pioneering energy that's harder to maintain in subsequent properties.
The Eastern Caribbean positioning is strategically smart. Antigua sits perfectly for ships doing Southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan or longer voyages from Florida. It's a natural fit alongside ports like St. Maarten, St. Kitts, and Barbados. Having a premium beach option here gives Royal Caribbean something exclusive to offer on these routes, competing with the various beach clubs and resort day passes that have proliferated across the region. Whether the premium price will feel worth it compared to Antigua's excellent independent beach options remains to be seen.
I do have some questions about logistics. Ships currently dock at St. John's, the capital, which is on the northwest coast. If the beach club is located elsewhere on the island — perhaps the protected Caribbean side to the south — transportation time could be significant. Antigua isn't large, but it's not tiny either, and driving here means winding roads through villages and hills. I'm hoping Royal Caribbean addresses this thoughtfully, perhaps with ferry service if the location permits, or at minimum with comfortable air-conditioned transport. The journey should feel like part of the experience rather than dead time cutting into your beach day.
The food and beverage potential intrigues me. Antigua has legitimate culinary traditions — pepperpot and fungi (a cornmeal dish, not mushrooms), fresh grilled fish, rum punches that have been perfected over centuries. If the beach club features authentic local cuisine alongside standard beach fare, it could be genuinely distinctive. I'm imagining jerk chicken and saltfish fritters alongside burgers, local rum cocktails alongside piña coladas. Whether Royal Caribbean actually executes on this potential or defaults to generic Caribbean theming remains unknown until the property opens and I can experience it firsthand.
I'll return to update this page with firsthand observations once Royal Beach Club Antigua opens and I've had the chance to experience it personally. Until then, this represents my informed speculation based on the Paradise Island model and my familiarity with Antigua itself. For anyone planning an Antigua visit before then, please explore my complete Antigua Port Guide — the island is wonderful with or without a Royal Beach Club. I learned from following these developments that anticipation itself is part of travel's gift—the dreaming and planning matter as much as the arrival.
Cruise Port Overview
Royal Beach Club Antigua will follow Royal Caribbean's proven beach club model, first established at Paradise Island in Nassau. These destinations are designed as premium, exclusive beach experiences accessible only to Royal Caribbean cruise guests — distinct from the company's private islands like CocoCay and Labadee where entire ships disembark together. Beach clubs operate more like upscale shore excursions with controlled attendance, dedicated transportation, and resort-quality amenities.
Based on the Paradise Island model, I expect Royal Beach Club Antigua will feature: pristine beach areas with premium loungers and umbrellas, freshwater pools with swim-up bars, private cabana rentals at various price tiers, water sports equipment and activities, dining venues featuring local Caribbean cuisine, cultural programming showcasing Antiguan traditions, and dedicated transportation from St. John's cruise terminal. The specific site selection, capacity limits, and amenity details have not been publicly confirmed as of early 2026.
Antigua currently receives ships at St. John's Cruise Terminal, located right in the capital city. The terminal sits adjacent to Heritage Quay duty-free shopping, making it convenient for independent exploration of downtown. For the beach club, Royal Caribbean will likely establish dedicated pickup points at or near the cruise terminal with transportation to the beach club location. Whether this involves ground transportation or ferry service will depend on the beach club's site selection — information we're still waiting to receive from Royal Caribbean's official announcements.
Accessibility considerations should follow the Paradise Island standard, which includes wheelchair-accessible facilities, beach wheelchairs available for loan, and accessible restroom facilities. Guests with mobility considerations should confirm specific accommodations when booking becomes available, as some premium features like overwater cabanas typically require stair access.
Getting There (Expected)
While specific transportation details await official announcement, here's what I anticipate based on the Royal Beach Club model and Antigua's geography:
- Dedicated Transportation: Expect Royal Caribbean to provide dedicated shuttle or ferry service from St. John's cruise terminal to the beach club, similar to the ferry service at Paradise Island. This transportation should be included in your beach club admission and timed to maximize your beach day while guaranteeing return to ship.
- Travel Time: Depending on the beach club's location on Antigua, travel time could range from 15-40 minutes. The island is relatively compact at about 14 by 11 miles. If the beach club is located on the southern Caribbean coast (calmer waters), ground transportation would take roughly 30-40 minutes from St. John's. A northern location would be closer.
- Schedule: Based on the Nassau model, expect multiple departure times throughout the morning with return shuttles running until approximately 60-90 minutes before your ship's all-aboard time. Royal Caribbean's transportation guarantee means if their shuttle causes you to miss the ship, they're responsible for getting you to the next port.
- Booking: Beach club admission will be booked through Royal Caribbean's shore excursion system — either online before your cruise via the Cruise Planner or onboard through the Shore Excursions desk. Booking in advance is strongly recommended as capacity will be limited and popular sailing dates may sell out early.
- Independent Access: Like Paradise Island, Royal Beach Club Antigua will almost certainly be exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests who book through the ship. Independent taxi access will not be available — this is a controlled, private destination rather than a public beach.
Antigua Area Map
Interactive map showing Antigua cruise terminal and points of interest. Specific Royal Beach Club location to be updated when announced.
Beaches & Expected Amenities
Based on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and typical premium beach club features, here's what I anticipate at the Antigua location:
- Beach Areas: Premium beach with controlled capacity, quality loungers with umbrellas, and generous spacing between guests. Antigua's Caribbean-facing beaches offer calm, protected water ideal for swimming and wading — likely the type of location Royal Caribbean will select.
- Pools: Freshwater pool complex likely including swim-up bar service, family pool, and possibly adults-only section. The Paradise Island location features multiple pools with excellent design — expect similar infrastructure here.
- Cabanas (Premium Upgrade): Expect tiered cabana options from beachfront structures to potentially overwater cabanas if the site permits. Nassau pricing ranges from $249-$599 depending on cabana type — similar pricing likely for Antigua.
- Food & Beverage: Base admission will likely include non-alcoholic beverages. Food and alcohol typically à la carte. I hope they'll feature authentic Antiguan cuisine — pepperpot, jerk, fresh seafood — rather than generic beach fare.
- Water Sports: Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and possibly sailing given Antigua's nautical heritage. Small sailboats and hobie cats would be a natural fit for this location.
- Cultural Programming: If they follow the Nassau model, expect live music, artisan vendors, and cultural demonstrations. An Antiguan beach club should feature steel pan music, local crafts, and perhaps demonstrations of the sailing traditions that define this island.
Shore Excursions & Activities
The big question: should you book the Royal Beach Club excursion or explore Antigua independently? Here's my analysis of the trade-offs based on what I know about both the island and the Royal Beach Club concept.
Choose Royal Beach Club If You Want:
- Guaranteed quality: Premium amenities, controlled crowds, consistent standards — no guessing about beach chair availability or facility quality
- Zero logistics: Transportation handled, return to ship guaranteed, no negotiating with taxi drivers or navigating unfamiliar island roads
- All-day convenience: Beverages included, food on-site, no need to carry cash or worry about finding restaurants
- Family-friendly environment: Safe, supervised, age-appropriate activities without hawkers or aggressive vendors
- First-time visitors: If you've never been to Antigua and want a stress-free beach day, the beach club removes all uncertainty
Choose Independent Antigua If You Want:
- Nelson's Dockyard: The UNESCO World Heritage Site is unmissable — restored Georgian naval buildings where Horatio Nelson himself was stationed. The beach club won't replicate this historical experience
- Shirley Heights: The famous lookout with panoramic views over English Harbour. Worth visiting even without the legendary Sunday afternoon barbecue
- Beach variety: Antigua's 365 beaches offer everything from calm coves to Atlantic-side surf. Independent exploration lets you choose your preferred vibe
- Budget flexibility: Independent beach options like Dickenson Bay or Deep Bay are free or low-cost. Taxi fares plus lunch will likely be less than beach club admission
- Authentic culture: Downtown St. John's, the public market, local restaurants serving real Antiguan food — experiences you won't find at a curated resort destination
How to Book
Booking through Royal Caribbean: Royal Beach Club admission will be available as a ship excursion through the Cruise Planner online before your sailing or through the Shore Excursions desk onboard. Book ahead — capacity is limited and popular sailing dates sell out weeks in advance. The excursion price will include round-trip transportation from St. John's with guaranteed return to ship, plus all-day access to beach club facilities. You can cancel up to 48 hours before your port day for a full refund. For independent Antigua exploration, you can book historical tours, catamaran sails, and beach excursions through the ship or arrange them independently with local operators at the pier.
My Recommendation
Once Royal Beach Club Antigua opens, I'll evaluate based on firsthand experience. My preliminary thinking: it will be excellent for families, first-timers, and those who prioritize hassle-free relaxation. But Antigua offers so much beyond beach lounging — Nelson's Dockyard alone justifies a visit to this island — that experienced travelers might prefer mixing beach club days with cultural exploration on return visits. The best news is you'll have choice: premium beach club or authentic Antiguan adventure, depending on what you're seeking that particular port day.
For detailed information on current independent Antigua options, see my complete Antigua Port Guide covering beaches, Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, food, and all the ways to experience this extraordinary island.
Food & Dining (Expected)
While specific menus await the beach club's opening, I'm hopeful Royal Caribbean will embrace authentic Antiguan cuisine rather than generic beach fare. Here's what I'd love to see and what seems likely based on the company's approach at Paradise Island:
- Included with Admission: Non-alcoholic beverages — water, soft drinks, juice, iced tea. This follows the Paradise Island model where base admission covers unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
- À La Carte Food: Expect a main restaurant featuring Caribbean specialties alongside casual grill options. If they're smart, they'll offer authentic Antiguan dishes: pepperpot (a rich meat stew), fungi (cornmeal similar to polenta), saltfish fritters, fresh grilled lobster and snapper, and ducana (sweet potato dumpling).
- Bar Service: Premium rum punches, Caribbean cocktails, local Wadadli and Carib beer, and tropical drinks. Prices at Paradise Island run $8-14 per drink; expect similar in Antigua. The rum culture here is genuine — Antiguan rum has been produced for centuries.
- Casual Options: Beach grill with burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches for those wanting familiar options. I hope they'll also offer jerk chicken, fish sandwiches, and Caribbean roti wraps.
- Cultural Integration: The opportunity here is to showcase real Antiguan flavors — dishes that reflect both the island's British colonial heritage and its African Caribbean soul. I'll be watching to see if Royal Caribbean takes this chance to make the food genuinely local rather than generic "Caribbean."
Budget Planning: If pricing follows the Nassau model, plan on $40-60 per person for lunch and drinks. Families should budget $150-250 for a full day including admission and food/beverages.
Important Notices
- Opening Timeline: Royal Caribbean announced Royal Beach Club Antigua for 2027. Specific opening dates and booking availability have not been confirmed as of this writing. Check Royal Caribbean's official announcements for updates.
- This Page is Preliminary: Content on this page represents informed speculation based on the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island model and general Antigua conditions. Details will be updated with confirmed information as it becomes available.
- For Current Antigua Information: If you're planning an Antigua visit before the beach club opens (or want to explore independently), see our complete Antigua Port Guide for current beaches, Nelson's Dockyard, and practical information.
- Sun Protection: Antigua receives intense sun year-round. SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapplication every 2 hours, and protective clothing are essential — even on cloudy days.
- Hurricane Season: Antigua is in the Atlantic hurricane belt with season running June 1 through November 30. Peak risk is September-October. Ships may reroute during active storms. Travel insurance is recommended for cruises during these months.
Depth Soundings: Preliminary Thoughts
I have not yet visited Royal Beach Club Antigua as it has not opened. These thoughts are based on my experience with Royal Beach Club Paradise Island and extensive familiarity with Antigua itself.
The Royal Beach Club concept makes sense for Antigua. This is already one of the Eastern Caribbean's most popular cruise destinations, with stunning natural beaches, established tourism infrastructure, and a culture that welcomes visitors warmly. Adding a premium beach option gives Royal Caribbean guests another choice — not replacing the independent Antigua experience, but complementing it with a guaranteed-quality alternative for those who want simplicity and exclusivity.
My enthusiasm centers on the cultural potential. Antigua has genuine depth — the sailing heritage, the Nelson's Dockyard history, the vibrant local music and food traditions. If Royal Caribbean brings the same thoughtfulness they showed in Nassau — integrating local performers, artisans, and cuisine into the beach club experience — this location could offer something genuinely distinctive. On the other hand, I recognize the risk of generic execution that ignores what makes Antigua special. The proof will be in the experience itself.
The 365-beaches factor is worth noting. Antigua genuinely has extraordinary natural beach assets — some of the clearest water and softest sand in the Caribbean. Whatever beach Royal Caribbean secures for this property will likely be stunning by any measure. The question is whether the beach club infrastructure enhances or detracts from that natural beauty. My hope is for thoughtful design that works with the landscape rather than imposing an artificial resort feel on pristine nature.
I'll return with firsthand impressions once the beach club opens. Until then, treat this page as an informed preview rather than a confirmed guide. And for anyone visiting Antigua before then, please explore my complete Antigua guide — the island is wonderful with or without a Royal Beach Club.
Practical Information at a Glance
- Country: Antigua and Barbuda
- Language: English (official)
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) — USD widely accepted
- Expected Opening: 2027 (specific date TBA)
- Admission: Expected $99-149/person (based on Nassau pricing)
- Transportation: Dedicated shuttle/ferry from cruise terminal (included)
- Food Included: Non-alcoholic beverages; food à la carte
- Booking: Through Royal Caribbean shore excursion system
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Royal Beach Club Antigua open?
A: Royal Caribbean announced the destination for 2027, but specific opening dates have not been confirmed. Check Royal Caribbean's official announcements for the latest timeline updates as the opening approaches.
Q: How much will Royal Beach Club Antigua cost?
A: Pricing has not been announced. Based on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, expect base admission around $99-149 per person depending on season, with food and alcoholic beverages as additional charges. Cabana rentals will likely add $249-599 depending on type.
Q: Will I still be able to visit regular Antigua?
A: Yes. Royal Beach Club will be one shore excursion option among many. You can choose between the beach club experience or exploring Antigua independently — visiting Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, the island's beaches, or downtown St. John's. The beach club doesn't replace other options.
Q: How is Royal Beach Club different from CocoCay?
A: CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island where entire ships disembark. Royal Beach Club is a premium beach club with limited capacity and separate admission — more like an upscale shore excursion than a private island. Both offer exclusive experiences but with different scales and pricing models.
Q: Can I visit Royal Beach Club if I'm not on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
A: No. Royal Beach Club destinations are exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise guests who book through the ship's shore excursion system. They are not open to independent visitors or guests from other cruise lines.
Q: Will Nelson's Dockyard be accessible from the beach club?
A: The beach club will be a separate experience from Nelson's Dockyard. If you want to visit the UNESCO site, you'll need to book a different excursion or explore independently. The beach club is designed as an all-day beach experience, not a historical tour.
Q: Is Royal Beach Club Antigua wheelchair accessible?
A: Based on the Paradise Island model, the main facilities should be wheelchair accessible with beach wheelchairs available. Premium features like overwater cabanas typically require stair access. Confirm specific accommodations when booking becomes available.
Q: Should I book Royal Beach Club or explore Antigua independently?
A: It depends on your priorities. The beach club will offer guaranteed quality, zero logistics, and controlled crowds — ideal for families, first-timers, and those wanting hassle-free relaxation. Independent exploration offers Nelson's Dockyard, Shirley Heights, authentic beaches, and lower costs. See my comparison above for a detailed breakdown.
Photo Gallery
Images showing Antigua's natural beauty — the environment where Royal Beach Club will be located. Beach club facility photos will be added after opening.
Image Credits
- All photographs: In the Wake — original photography from Antigua visits
- Hero image: Dickenson Bay, Antigua via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0