Royal Caribbean is at it again—and this time, they’re making serious moves when it comes to where we’ll be docking in the future. If you thought Perfect Day at CocoCay was the peak of private port luxury, think again. The cruise giant has announced several new developments across the globe, from the Bahamas to Italy and even Alaska.
Here’s a closer look at what’s coming and why it matters for future cruisers.
The Royal Beach Club – Paradise Island, Bahamas
Expected to open by the end of 2025, this 17-acre resort-style beach club will be exclusive to Royal Caribbean guests and sits just across the water from the port in Nassau. Think white sands, infinity pools, cabanas, and a swim-up bar with Bahamian food and cocktails.
This is all about offering a premium beach day with a more intimate vibe than the sprawling CocoCay. And yes, there’ll be private cabanas if you’re after something a bit bougie.
Fiumicino Cruise Terminal – Just Outside Rome
In a bold move to expand its Mediterranean operations, Royal Caribbean is planning a major new terminal near Rome, in Fiumicino. This port will be able to accommodate Oasis-class ships and is designed to boost local tourism and create thousands of jobs.
However, not everyone is on board—local conservation groups have raised environmental concerns. So, while it’s promising from a cruise perspective, this one might take some navigating politically.
Perfect Day at Costa Maya – Mexico
Royal Caribbean has confirmed it’s developing another private destination: Perfect Day at Costa Maya, set to open in 2027. They’ve purchased the land surrounding Costa Maya to create a dedicated guest-only experience, echoing CocoCay—but with a distinctly Mexican twist.
Plans include waterparks, transport hubs, and a full resort-style set-up. It’s great news for those sailing western Caribbean itineraries—and a clever move to compete with other cruise lines expanding in that region.
Ravenna Cruise Terminal – Northern Italy
Construction is already underway on a sleek new terminal in Ravenna. This one’s notable for its commitment to sustainable development—something Royal Caribbean is trying to lean into more visibly these days.
Located on the Adriatic Sea, Ravenna gives passengers an alternative to Venice (which has restricted cruise ships in recent years). Expect a quieter, more cultural experience if this becomes a regular embarkation point.
Douglas Island Cruise Port – Juneau, Alaska
Finally, Royal Caribbean is heading way north with a new port development planned for Douglas Island in Juneau, Alaska. Done in partnership with Goldbelt Inc., this new facility is being built with a promise of preserving the natural beauty of the area while increasing cruise access.
The idea is to better manage cruise tourism to the region—and open up more opportunities for scenic Alaska sailings with less environmental strain.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, you probably love exploring new ports just as much as enjoying the ship. And with these developments, it’s clear Royal Caribbean isn’t just thinking about what’s on board—it’s reimagining what’s waiting ashore too.
Whether you fancy beach clubs in the Bahamas, Italian coastal towns, or new ways to explore Alaska, it looks like we’ll have even more to look forward to in the next few years. Now the only question is: where first?
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