Caption: Royal Beach Club Lelepa, Lelepa Island, Vanuatu (concept rendering). Source: Royal Caribbean International press center / media library.
This article is Royal Caribbean International’s Royal Beach Club Lelepa announcement. It is about the October 2027 opening of a private beach club on Lelepa Island, Vanuatu, including what’s included for guests and what Royal Caribbean is building for the 2027-2028 Australia summer season.
I love visiting Perfect Day at Coco Cay and have written about the experience as part of my review of Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean is officially bringing its “Perfect Day” energy to the other side of the world. For years, cruisers in the Caribbean have enjoyed the high-energy thrills of CocoCay and the relaxed vibes of Labadee.
Now, the cruise line is expanding its “Royal Beach Club” collection with a massive investment in Vanuatu. This marks a significant shift in how the line approaches the Australian and South Pacific markets, moving from standard port calls to exclusive, branded experiences.
The Location: Lelepa Island, Vanuatu
Lelepa Island is situated just off the coast of Efate, the main island of Vanuatu. Known for its turquoise waters and lush tropical landscapes, the island offers a distinct backdrop compared to the flat, sandy cays of the Bahamas. The Royal Beach Club Lelepa is designed to cover roughly 13 hectares. This is not just a beach with a few chairs; it is a multi-million-dollar development intended to merge the convenience of a resort with the natural beauty of the South Pacific.
Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands located approximately 1,750 kilometers east of northern Australia. By choosing this location, Royal Caribbean is positioning itself to capture the growing demand for luxury-adjacent experiences in the region. The project is a partnership between the cruise line and the government of Vanuatu, ensuring that the development respects the local environment and supports the community.
What to Expect: Two Beaches and a Nature Trail
The Royal Beach Club Lelepa was announced on March 18, 2026. Bookings opened the same day. It is set to open in October 2027 in Vanuatu, and Royal Caribbean is calling it the first Royal Beach Club in the Southern Hemisphere.
The destination will feature:
- East Beach (family-focused)
- West Beach (adventure-focused)
- Nature Trail
Entry to Royal Beach Club Lelepa is included in the cruise fare, and Royal Caribbean also says eats are included once you’re on the island. The concept is intentionally light on “connected resort” extras. Royal Caribbean has said there will be no pools and no Wi‑Fi to keep the day centered on the natural setting.
Caption: Arrival Bar at Royal Beach Club Lelepa (concept rendering). Source: Royal Caribbean International press center / media library.
Dining and Local Flavors
One of the highlights of any private destination is the food. Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the Royal Beach Club Lelepa will feature two primary dining venues. These eateries will serve a mix of international favorites and local Ni-Vanuatu cuisine.
Expect to find fresh tropical fruits and locally caught fish. Royal Caribbean also says there will be 10 bars across the beach club. I read that as: you’ll never be far from a drink, whether you’re posted up on a lounger or bouncing between beach areas. Royal Caribbean has also said that eats are included as part of the beach club day.
Nature and Culture: Beyond the Beach
Unlike some private islands that feel like closed-circuit theme parks, Lelepa aims to incorporate the natural island environment. A dedicated Nature Trail will be available for guests to explore. This complimentary walking path will wind through the island’s interior, showcasing native flora and providing viewpoints over the ocean.
Local culture will also play a role in the experience. The cruise line has stated that the club will feature local artisans and cultural demonstrations, allowing guests to learn about the history and traditions of the Vanuatu people. This aligns with a broader industry trend toward more “authentic” shore excursions, even within the context of a private club.
Caption: West Beach at Royal Beach Club Lelepa (concept rendering). Source: Royal Caribbean International press center / media library.
The Ships: Anthem and Voyager of the Seas
To get to this new paradise, Royal Caribbean is deploying two of its most popular ships to Australia for the 2027-2028 season. Both ships will feature Royal Beach Club Lelepa as a signature stop on their itineraries.
- Anthem of the Seas: Departing from Sydney, this Quantum-class ship will offer nine-night South Pacific sailings. Anthem is known for its high-tech features, including the North Star observation capsule, the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, and the SeaPlex indoor activity hub. It is a ship built for all-weather cruising, which makes it a perfect fit for the varying conditions of the Tasman Sea.
- Voyager of the Seas: Homeporting in Brisbane, Voyager will sail seven- and eight-night itineraries. This ship recently underwent a massive “Royal Amplified” renovation, adding the Perfect Storm duo of waterslides, a revamped Vitality Spa, and refreshed stateroom categories.
These homeports: Sydney and Brisbane: make the new beach club accessible to a wide range of Australian residents and international travelers who fly in for these bucket-list voyages. You can find more details on current cruise offerings in our cruises category.
Sustainability and Environmental Commitment
Royal Caribbean has made several claims regarding the sustainability of the Lelepa project. The cruise line has committed to making the beach club a “carbon-neutral” operation. This will likely involve extensive use of solar power and advanced waste management systems.
The construction is also designed to minimize the impact on the island’s coral reefs and surrounding ecosystem. This is a critical point of interest for modern travelers who are increasingly concerned about the environmental footprint of large-scale tourism. By focusing on sustainability, Royal Caribbean is attempting to future-proof the destination against both environmental changes and shifting consumer expectations.
Why This Matters for the Cruise Industry
The announcement of Royal Beach Club Lelepa is a clear indicator that the “Private Destination Arms Race” is moving into new territories. Traditionally, private islands were the domain of Caribbean itineraries. By bringing this model to Vanuatu, Royal Caribbean is raising the bar for competitors like P&O Australia and Carnival Cruise Line, who also have a heavy presence in the region.
From a business perspective, private destinations allow cruise lines to capture more of the guest’s shore-side spending. When you are on a private island, your SeaPass card is the only currency. However, for the traveler, the value comes in the form of “managed” perfection: you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi, haggling for a beach chair, or wondering if the food is safe to eat.
Planning Your Trip: Booking and Logistics
Bookings for the 2027-2028 Australia summer season are now open, and Royal Caribbean says bookings opened on March 18, 2026. Because this is a brand-new destination with an October 2027 opening target, demand is expected to be high for the early sailings.
If you are planning to book, consider the following:
- Departure Port: Do you prefer the iconic Sydney Harbour departure or the convenience of Brisbane’s newer cruise terminal?
- Ship Preference: Anthem offers more high-tech indoor activities, while Voyager is fantastic for those who love traditional outdoor deck fun.
- Itinerary Length: The nine-night sailings from Sydney offer more sea days to enjoy the ship’s amenities, while the shorter Brisbane runs are better for a quick tropical getaway.
For those looking to maximize their travel value, staying updated on travel deals and news is essential. We frequently track the latest updates across the industry in our news section.
Final Thoughts on Lelepa
The Royal Beach Club Lelepa represents a significant evolution in South Pacific cruising. It promises a Royal Caribbean-managed beach day in Vanuatu with a clear layout: West Beach for adventure, East Beach for families, plus a Nature Trail. The big practical points are that entry and eats are included, and there are 10 bars across the beach club.
Caption: Royal Caribbean Ultimate Destinations map showing Royal Beach Club Lelepa (update graphic). Source: Royal Caribbean International press center / media library.
Planning a cruise to the South Pacific or want to be among the first to step foot on Lelepa Island?
I can help you navigate the booking process, select the best cabin on Anthem or Voyager, and ensure you get the best value for your 2027-2028 vacation. As a professional travel advisor, I have access to exclusive rates and insights that you won’t find on standard booking sites.
Visit my Scott and Thomas travel agent profile to start planning your next wander today!