Bahama Beach Club Update

[Baron Barracuda]

Scheduled to open in 2025

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/royal-caribbeans-beach-club-in-the-bahamas-moves-forward-for-2025-opening-301766018.html

[melbur]

Have heard about this, glad it's happening in Nassau. This is a port I usually pass on. 

Will be good to have a place to go

[ramja96]

This will be free, right? (Not at all serious)

[The Fun Researcher]

Much much much needed!!!

[Biker19]

"

Audrey Oswell, president & managing director of Atlantis Paradise Island, is urging the Bahamas to take a closer look at Royal Caribbean's planned Royal Beach Club.

 

Oswell called on the public to petition the government to 'put on the brakes and follow through on a serious examination of the impact this proposed project will have on our environment and our businesses.'

On Wednesday, Royal Caribbean said it got the government's green light to open its first Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, with plans for the 17-acre project to begin receiving cruisers in 2025. 

 

Environmental concerns

In a statement, Oswell alleged 'potentially devastating impacts to the Paradise Island coastline and the pristine beaches with any expansion of beach areas, overwater cabanas, seawalls, jetties or other structures.' She particularly cited concerns about potential impact to the thriving coral reef at the north seabed.

Oswell also said the impact of additional boat traffic in Nassau harbor to ferry guests, supplies, employees and other support service workers has not been adequately addressed.

Further concerns by the Atlantis chief pertain to desalination and wastewater treatment, emergency services/evacuation for large numbers of people using the Beach Club and the privatization of Paradise Island's last public beach.

 

Lost business downtown?

'The proposed beach project would assure that thousands of RCI visitors to Paradise Island will bypass our downtown, negatively impacting merchants, restaurants and other venues that rely on tourism,' Oswell asserted.

In taking her stance, Oswell is challenging one of Atlantis Paradise Island's major customers since Royal Caribbean sends many cruisers to the attraction on excursions.

 

Government plans environmental impact assessment

Bahamas Tourism Minister Chester Cooper told Eyewitness News his ministry is aware of Atlantis’s concerns and assured the project will be 'vetted properly.' Cooper also said the project's approval is subject to an environmental impact assessment and an environmental management plan, and Department of Environmental Planning and Protection is aware of the questions raised by Atlantis and remains satisfied these will be addressed as a part of the normal process."

 

Atlantis chief calls for Bahamas to reconsider Royal Beach Club (seatrade-cruise.com)

[Blizzard54]

Sounds a bit like Atlantis does not want the competition.

[wreckem2013]

After the governments fiasco of the Grand Lucyan and canceling Royals  bid to buy it, I don’t think the government there really wants to screw up another Royal Caribbean project.

[The Fun Researcher]

44 minutes ago, Blizzard54 said:

Sounds a bit like Atlantis does not want the competition.

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

Atlantis has enjoyed very little competition for being at the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean.  It's about time that there are more, good options while at Nassau.  Still baffles me now few good excursions are at this stop.  It's ripe for more "all inclusive" beach days, and private locations like what Royal is proposing here

[Biker19]

"

Royal Caribbean International has committed to vigorous environmental standards for its new Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas. The cruise line has outlined six cornerstones of its plan, each of which follows strong sustainability standards and meets the stringent environmental guidelines of The Bahamas.

 

Great interest is growing in Royal Caribbean’s new Royal Beach Club, a 17-acre private resort scheduled to open on Paradise Island in 2025. Now, the cruise line has announced its environmental initiatives for the property, a series of six sustainability cornerstones.

 

Zero Waste-to-Landfill

First, the beach club will be free of all single-use plastics (straws, cups, utensils, stirrers, etc.) and will offer compostable items instead for all food and beverage venues. Furthermore, biodigesters will be used to reduce food and other organic waste to minimize refuse altogether.

 

Part of reducing food waste will be processing cooking oil into biodiesel for energy production, and other recyclables will be processed through local Bahamian companies focused on waste reduction.

 

100% Renewable Energy by 2030

In less than five years, Royal Caribbean has committed to have a net-zero carbon footprint for the Royal Beach Club. Innovations to reach this goal include utilizing natural shade as part of temperature regulation, installing low flow filters, and investing in other renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydro energy onsite and through partnerships with local companies.

 

No Dredging and No Overwater Cabanas

Ocean conservation is of high importance to all cruise lines, and Royal Caribbean is ensuring the ocean is preserved at the Royal Beach Club property by avoiding all dredging in and around Paradise Island, as well as not building any overwater cabanas. This will ensure protection of coral beds and marine life, and preserve the environment for all to enjoy for amazing snorkeling, diving, and other fun.

 

Furthermore, any temporary structures during the construction period, such as a floating pier, will be closely monitored and adjusted as necessary to ensure minimal impact.

 

Best Wastewater Treatment

A best-in-class wastewater treatment plant will service the Royal Beach Club property, processing 100% of wastewater generated onsite so there is no hazardous transportation to be concerned about. More than 95% of the treated water will be reused for appropriate purposes, and remaining byproducts after treatment will be composted for landscaping use right on the property.

 

Habitat Protection

The Bahamas has a unique and delicate ecosystem, and Royal Caribbean has pledged to help restore and protect it as part of the Royal Beach Club project. The western end of Paradise Island has several former residential properties neglected or abandoned, and these will be demolished and the native vegetation restored as invasive or non-native plant species are removed.

As the cruise line builds new structures for the resort, buildings will only be raised on previously altered property or areas with significant invasive or non-native species of plants.

 

Not only plants, but wildlife will also be monitored and protected during construction and the eventual operation of the property, which can help preserve the amazing biodiversity of the unique nation.

 

Local Monitoring

To avoid any hint of impropriety with how each environmental commitment is implemented, Royal Caribbean will use a Bahamian company to oversee all environmental monitoring and publicly report their findings. This will ensure that all interested parties remain informed and are able to stay abreast of new developments as the project proceeds.

 

Local Connections

With so many Bahamian connections from the very inception of the new development, Royal Caribbean International is clearly demonstrating its desire to work with local agencies and keep the best interests of The Bahamas in mind.

The public-private partnership between the cruise line and the island nation can be a productive one for both sides, while creating an amazing new property which will showcase not only the best type of beach vacation, but also the vibrant culture and and spirit of The Bahamas.

 

Planned to open in 2025 (an exact date has not yet been announced), the new resort is sure to be as popular and enjoyable as CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s complete private island in The Bahamas, located just 75 sailing miles (120 kilometers) from where Royal Beach Club will take shape."

 

Royal Caribbean to Implement Strict Plans for First Beach Club (cruisehive.com)

[crewsweeper]

So are we going to see short cruises just to new private island and Coco Cay? Wonder what the cost of activities will be at the new place.  And will we be drinking out of biodegradable cups?  

[Biker19]

Just now, crewsweeper said:

So are we going to see short cruises just to new private island and Coco Cay?

It's not a private island - it's right next to the existing docks in Nassau. RCI already stops at Nassau on a lot of sailings - now you will have an opportunity to donate some more money to them at this new facility.

[smokeybandit]

33 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

now you will have an opportunity to donate a ton of money to them at this new facility.

FIFY

[luckyinpa]

where are they gonna make up the 3K per overwater cabana they are losing?

[ReneeFLL]

We normally stay on the ship so it will be nice to do something there. 

[RedIguana]

1 hour ago, luckyinpa said:

where are they gonna make up the 3K per overwater cabana they are losing?

Premium Overland Spacious Oceanview Cabana's!  1.5 inches from the waters edge with stairs that end at your own floating raft! 30% off! $6999 (price shown reflects discount)

[RedIguana]

5 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Best Wastewater Treatment

A best-in-class wastewater treatment plant will service the Royal Beach Club property, processing 100% of wastewater generated onsite so there is no hazardous transportation to be concerned about. More than 95% of the treated water will be reused for appropriate purposes, and remaining byproducts after treatment will be composted for landscaping use right on the property.

Interesting. So they are going to go through the process of removing the nutrients from the waste, and instead of landfilling it or using it inland as fertilizer, they are simply going to use it on site. I assume that most of the nutrients they removed will then just be washed into the local waters every time it rains. I am curious how they intend to disinfect the sludge before composting or after composting, or if they expect the heat from composting to kill the pathogens.

[Biker19]

"

Royal Caribbean International appointed Bahamian business and land development executive Philip Simon as president of the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island.

 

He'll also serve as GM of Royal Caribbean International Bahamas.

Simon will oversee every aspect of the proposed beach club and be the local chief executive collaborating with The Bahamas government, regulatory agencies, businesses and fellow residents to ensure Bahamian expertise and influence are cornerstones of the project.

 

Commitment to local participation

RCI's Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer, said the company is 'committed to maximizing Bahamian participation and building a development that will set new standards in environmental design and operation in The Bahamas. Philip, a resident and native of The Bahamas, has the experience and reputation to ensure that.'

 

Simon will lead executive staff and a team based in Nassau, overseeing everything from the responsible development of the beach club to the recruitment of local Bahamians and businesses for construction and operations.

 

A key part of this role will be collaborating with Royal Caribbean’s equity partner to bring a new public-private partnership to life. This enables Bahamians to own up to 49% equity in the beach club. Simon will also support the development of partners, businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize the local sector’s opportunities to operate the beach experience.

 

20-year track record

Simon has a 20-year track record of responsible development and management. He was most recently managing partner at PMR Bahamas Realty Ltd. (Torch Cay), overseeing the company’s business in The Bahamas, and president of The New Providence Development Co. Ltd. before that.

 

His background also includes serving as a voice and key supporter of local businesses during his time as CEO of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce from 2002-2010, where he managed daily affairs with a special emphasis on trade and business development.

 

Boards and affiliations

Simon has served on the boards of Bahamas Ferries, the Bahamas Venture Capital Fund, The Regional Management Consultancy Task Force, Civil Society Advisory Group, The Bahamas National Pride Association and The Bahamas Trade Commission. He is also the former chairman of the Self-Starter Youth Entrepreneurial Grant Program, an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Old Fort Bay and a former membership officer of YPO Bahamas. He is the current chairman of Junior Achievement Bahamas and deputy chair of The Bahamas Primary School Student of The Year Foundation.

 

The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island is a proposed 17-acre beach experience planned to open in 2025, pending environmental review."

 

Royal Caribbean taps Bahamian Philip Simon to lead Royal Beach Club (seatrade-cruise.com)

[MCC retired]

Finally , a reason to get off of the ship in Nassau !

[cruisegirl1]

Wonder how many will be happy with this alternative, once the prices are announced.  It WON'T be free or even cheap. Space will be somewhat limited, when a few RCCL ships are in port.  I suspect it to be in line (at least) with Coco Cay Beach Club prices. 

M

[The Fun Researcher]

34 minutes ago, MCC retired said:

Finally , a reason to get off of the ship in Nassau !

My thoughts exactly.  For such a major cruise port Nassau is sorely lacking in excursion and beach day options

[smokeybandit]

1 hour ago, MCC retired said:

Finally , a reason to get off of the ship in Nassau !

It'll probably cost you $400+ though.

 

 

[smokeybandit]

1 hour ago, cruisegirl1 said:

Wonder how many will be happy with this alternative, once the prices are announced.  It WON'T be free or even cheap. Space will be somewhat limited, when a few RCCL ships are in port.  I suspect it to be in line (at least) with Coco Cay Beach Club prices. 

M

Since it includes a good bit more than the beach club, and they already have the Atlantic price point to compare to, I'm guessing it'll be one of the most expensive things RC offers, other than cabanas.

 

Also remember this is a for-profit venture for the Bahamas gov't, too.

Edited June 16, 2023 by smokeybandit

[cruisegirl1]

46 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Since it includes a good bit more than the beach club, and they already have the Atlantic price point to compare to, I'm guessing it'll be one of the most expensive things RC offers, other than cabanas.

 

Also remember this is a for-profit venture for the Bahamas gov't, too.

Agreed.  I keep hearing how happy folks are that there is an RCCL club.  I hope they are still happy and utilize the option once they learn the fees.   

M

[Biker19]

"

Royal Caribbean International announced the start of the construction on the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, a 17-acre beach experience on Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas, according to a statement .

 

Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley were joined by The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis and Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper to commemorate the special occasion.

 

The first of the Royal Beach Club Collection, set to open in 2025, will highlight the island nation of The Bahamas, from the location to the Bahamian food, culture and staff, to a unique public-private partnership in which Bahamians will own up to 49 percent equity.

“Marking more than the beginning of the construction process, today’s groundbreaking event symbolizes partnership, momentum and continued economic development for so many Bahamian entrepreneurs and the entire community,” said Liberty. “We are grateful to our partners for their support, especially the Bahamian government, who stand with us here today in celebration of what is to come.”

 

Bayley added: “As we break ground on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, together with the government and the people of The Bahamas, we are celebrating what partnership and innovation can achieve. This will be yet one more reason, in Nassau’s bright future, to experience a destination we have visited since the very beginning of Royal Caribbean more than 50 years ago.

 

“The beauty and charm of the island are why we chose to debut the Royal Beach Club Collection in Nassau, and with the collaboration and support of local entrepreneurs and the wider community, we know that what we create will far exceed everything we imagined.”

The first Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will feature architecture crafted by a local Bahamian architectural firm: three swimming pools; swim-up bars and private cabanas and more. The cruise line added that more details will be revealed in the coming months.

 

“With the signing of this Heads of Agreement for the development of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, we embark on this project to further enhance the vitality of our tourism product. Signing today’s agreement, we add another world-class experience to our tourism offerings. And even more importantly, we take a bold step toward greater Bahamian empowerment in the tourism industry,” said PM Davis."

 

Construction Begins on Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News

[BND]

On 3/13/2023 at 1:50 PM, Blizzard54 said:

Sounds a bit like Atlantis does not want the competition.

Exactly.  Not sure why they'd be concerned with downtown business as Atlantis basically already killed most of it.