Royal Caribbean has opened its first exclusive beach club in Europe on Santorini's Vlychada Beach, giving cruise passengers a dedicated resort experience on one of Greece's most visited islands.
The Royal Beach Club Santorini sits along the island's southern coast, known for its volcanic cliffs and gray-black sand. Access is limited to passengers sailing with Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, offered as paid full-day shore excursions across Mediterranean itineraries.
The "Ultimate Santorini Day" package includes guided tours of Oia and Fira, all-you-can-eat and drink, welcome drinks, and live DJ sets throughout the day. Ships scheduled to call at Santorini in the coming months include the Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean says the club is also designed to ease congestion across the island. Excursions depart from three different points on Santorini, spreading visitor traffic away from the most crowded spots.
Royal Caribbean CEO Michael Bayley said the beach club brings together the best of Santorini with the service the cruise line is known for. The Santorini location is part of a wider expansion, with additional beach clubs planned in the Bahamas and Mexico.
Cruise tourism in Greece contributed 2 billion euros to the domestic economy in 2023 alone, supporting more than 22,600 jobs and adding 1 billion euros directly to GDP.
