If you are planning a European cruise to the Greek Isles, Royal Beach Club Santorini could completely reshape your day in port.
Royal Caribbean will launch this new Santorini beach club in summer 2026, introducing Europe’s first Royal Beach Club. The experience combines iconic island sightseeing with a reserved beach escape on the southern coast. As a result, cruise guests can explore the highlights of Santorini while still securing guaranteed beach time.
If you are searching for Royal Beach Club Santorini cost, what is included, how the Ultimate Santorini Day works or whether it is worth booking, this guide explains everything clearly before you reserve your place.
What Is This Santorini Beach Club?
Unlike Perfect Day private island destinations, this Royal Caribbean beach club operates as a land-based premium shore excursion.
The venue sits in Vlychada along Santorini’s southern shoreline. Instead of constructing a large new development, Royal Caribbean has upgraded an existing beachfront location. This approach limits environmental impact while still delivering a high-end experience.
The setting stretches along volcanic black sand with uninterrupted views across the Aegean Sea. Here, guests enjoy Mediterranean atmosphere combined with structured cruise line service. Consequently, visitors benefit from comfort and organisation in a port that often struggles with congestion during peak months.
The Ultimate Santorini Day Itinerary
The Ultimate Santorini Day combines sightseeing and relaxation within an eight-hour guided excursion.
First, guests visit Oia, Santorini’s most photographed village. Visitors typically spend around ninety minutes exploring its whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches and sweeping caldera views. Because this portion allows independent time, you can explore at your own pace.
After Oia, organised transport takes guests south to the beach club in Vlychada. Here, you spend approximately three and a half hours enjoying reserved loungers and shaded areas. Meanwhile, the southern location keeps you away from the island’s busiest northern hotspots.
The final stop is Fira, Santorini’s capital. Guests usually have around ninety minutes to explore its shops, cafés and cliffside viewpoints before returning to the ship. Importantly, transport aligns with departure times, which reduces the risk of delays.
By spreading visitors across Oia, Fira and the southern beach venue, Royal Caribbean actively reduces bottlenecks and eases pressure on the island’s infrastructure.
What’s Included at the Beach Club?
Many travellers want to know exactly what this Santorini excursion includes.
Once you arrive, the experience operates as an all-inclusive beach day. Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean buffet featuring authentic Greek dishes such as gyros, souvlaki and spanakopita. In addition, a Greek frozen yoghurt station is available.
The package also covers draft beer, house wine, coffee, soft drinks and hydration stations. Beach amenities include loungers, umbrellas, WiFi access and private changing facilities.
Unlike arranging a beach visit independently, your seating, dining and transport are secured in advance. Therefore, you avoid the uncertainty that often comes with peak season demand.
How Much Does the Santorini Beach Club Cost?
This Royal Caribbean excursion is not included in your cruise fare.
Pricing varies by sailing date and ship. Early listings show day passes priced at around 284 dollars per adult and 199 dollars per child. However, cruise planner promotions have reduced those figures to approximately 197 dollars per adult and 138 dollars per child on select sailings.
Because prices can fluctuate, monitoring pre-cruise sales often leads to meaningful savings.
Who Can Visit?
Only guests sailing with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea can book this beach experience through their cruise planner.
In addition, local Greek residents may purchase tickets on port days, subject to availability. There are no age restrictions, which makes the venue suitable for families as well as couples.
A Smarter Way to Beat the Crowds in Santorini
Santorini ranks among the most beautiful cruise ports in Europe. However, it also ranks among the busiest during summer.
This organised beach concept addresses that challenge directly. By staggering arrival points between Oia, Fira and the southern coast, Royal Caribbean spreads guests more evenly across the island. Consequently, fewer visitors crowd into one location at the same time.
For cruise passengers who have previously faced long cable car queues or packed streets, this structured approach can noticeably improve the overall experience.
Is Royal Beach Club Santorini Worth It?
For many visitors, the appeal lies in combining Santorini’s iconic scenery with guaranteed beach access.
The Ultimate Santorini Day allows you to see Oia’s famous blue domes and explore Fira’s caldera views without spending the entire day managing logistics. Because transport, timing and beach seating are organised in advance, you gain structure and predictability.
Independent exploration can cost less, especially if you feel confident using local buses and navigating crowds. However, during heavy cruise days, long queues and limited beach availability can reduce your time ashore.
This premium Santorini experience suits travellers who value convenience, comfort and time efficiency. For first-time visitors or families, that reassurance often justifies the premium.
If you plan to cruise the Greek Isles and are considering Royal Beach Club Santorini, reviewing pricing early and watching for cruise planner promotions can help you secure better value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Beach Club Santorini
When does Royal Beach Club Santorini open?
Royal Caribbean will open Royal Beach Club Santorini in summer 2026. Odyssey of the Seas is expected to be among the first ships to visit in April 2026.
Who can visit the beach club?
Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea can book the experience through their cruise planner. In addition, local Greek residents may be able to purchase tickets on port days, subject to availability.
Is the beach club included in my cruise fare?
No. This Santorini beach experience is sold as a paid shore excursion and is not included in your base cruise fare.
How much does the Santorini beach club excursion cost?
Pricing varies by sailing and booking window. Early cruise planner listings have shown prices around 284 dollars per adult and 199 dollars per child, with promotional sales reducing those figures on select sailings.
Are food and drinks included?
Yes. Admission includes a Mediterranean buffet, Greek frozen yoghurt, draft beer, house wine, coffee, soft drinks and hydration stations.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. The venue welcomes guests of all ages, making it a family-friendly option during a Santorini cruise stop.
Where is the beach club located?
The beach club operates in Vlychada on Santorini’s southern coast, approximately fifteen minutes from Fira. Royal Caribbean upgraded an existing venue to minimise environmental impact.
What is the Ultimate Santorini Day?
The Ultimate Santorini Day is an eight-hour shore excursion that combines visits to Oia and Fira with several hours at the beach club. By staggering arrival times and locations, the itinerary helps reduce overcrowding while allowing both sightseeing and relaxation.
