I finally had the chance to visit Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau this past May, and overall, I really enjoyed it. Would I go back? Absolutely.
What Is Royal Beach Club Paradise Island?
First, what is Royal Beach Club? Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is Royal Caribbean's all-inclusive beach club experience located on Paradise Island in Nassau. Cruise guests can purchase a day pass that includes transportation from the cruise port, unlimited dining, beverages, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, loungers, umbrellas, towels, and access to multiple pools and beaches. The destination features three distinct areas—Party Cove, Paradise Beach, and Chill Beach—allowing guests to choose between a lively party atmosphere or a more laid-back beach day. With three pools, two beaches, multiple dining venues, and numerous bars, it's designed to offer something for every type of traveler.
Before I visited, I honestly expected something much smaller. The island is way bigger than it looks in photos. There is a ton of space to spread out, multiple pools, and two beautiful beaches, so it never felt crowded despite plenty of guests enjoying the day.
One thing I appreciated right away was that there were distinct areas depending on the vibe you wanted. If you're looking for music, energy, and a lively atmosphere, the party pool is where you'll want to be. Prefer something a little more relaxed? There are quieter pools and beach areas where you can simply unwind and enjoy the Bahamian sunshine.
Of the two beaches, both looked lovely, but the beach closer to Atlantis was absolutely stunning. Looking back, I wish I had spent more time there. Lesson learned for next time.
The Food
The food was surprisingly good, and there are multiple dining locations serving the same menu making it easy to grab a bite wherever you happen to be relaxing.
We sampled quite a few items and weren't disappointed. The standout favorite was definitely the Fried Cheese Bites. I mean, can you really go wrong with fried cheese?
The Shrimp on a Stick was quite tasty although I wasn't expecting the tails to still be attached which made them a little awkward to eat. Everything else ranged from good to perfectly fine—not necessarily life-changing, but certainly enjoyable enough that I left happy.
Bahamas Election Day Visit
One unique wrinkle during our visit was that it happened to be election day in The Bahamas which meant no alcohol was being served.
That was a little disappointing especially since the non-alcoholic options leaned heavily toward frozen, sweet drinks which aren't really my thing. Under normal circumstances, I suspect the beverage menu would have been much more enjoyable for me. I'll have to report back after a future visit when I can properly test that theory.
Free Wi-Fi for the Win!
One huge perk: complimentary Wi-Fi.
I purposely chose not to purchase an internet package on the ship, so being able to connect, respond to messages and email, and check in with family was a nice bonus. Sometimes it's the little things!
Getting There
Transportation to the beach club was incredibly easy.
The signage from the cruise port was clear, the queue was organized, and boats were running frequently throughout the day. We waited about 15 to 20 minutes but only because we missed the previous boat by about 30 seconds.
The ride itself was quick and convenient.
The One Thing I'd Prepare For Next Time
If you're planning a visit, there’s one thing you should know in advance.
Getting to the island is easy.
Getting back to the ship is a bit of a trek.
The return ferry doesn't drop guests off where they boarded close the ship. Instead, it drops everyone near the end of the Nassau port shopping area, past the amphitheater. From there, you'll walk through the entire shopping district, go through security, and then continue all the way back to your ship. We understand this is a security step, but it also “conveniently” sends you through the length of the shopping mall!
My husband Ben and I walk a lot, and even we thought it was a long walk in the heat.
I remember hearing a group of women behind us saying they wished they had known beforehand because they would have dried off more thoroughly before leaving. Walking a long distance in a wet swimsuit (and possibly some sand in your shoes or in your suit!) isn't exactly anyone's idea of vacation bliss.
Ben spotted a tram running, but the line was quite long. Honestly, I was too hot and focused on getting back to the ship to even notice it.
So if I were doing it again—and I definitely would—I would make sure I'm completely dry before leaving the beach club, refill my water bottle, and mentally prepare myself to walk through the shopping district alongside about 5,000 of my newest best friends.
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island view from the ship.
Final Thoughts
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island exceeded my expectations. The space is larger than it appears, the food was solid, the beaches are beautiful, and the overall experience felt well organized and easy to enjoy.
Now that I know what to expect for the walk back to the ship, I'd happily visit again—and next time, I'll be spending more time on that gorgeous beach near Atlantis.
Thinking about sailing with Royal Caribbean and experiencing Royal Beach Club Paradise Island for yourself? Contact Upon a Star Travel today, and let's start planning your next cruise vacation.