Royal Caribbean Environmentally Responsible Plans for New Beach Club

Royal Caribbean International is making significant commitments to build and run The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas, in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

The cruise line has outlined six cornerstones of its environmental plans, including zero waste-to-landfill, renewable energy, wastewater treatment, protecting and enhancing surrounding habitats, and environmental monitoring.

Royal Caribbean’s sustainability principles and practices, along with The Bahamas’ stringent environmental process, will form the foundation of the plans. Here are some of the key highlights of the cornerstones:

Zero Waste-to-Landfill

The beach club will be free of single-use plastics and will use compostable service ware at food and beverage venues. Additionally, biodigesters will reduce food and other organic waste, and process cooking oil into biodiesel for energy production. Royal Caribbean will also partner with local Bahamian companies focused on recycling and innovative waste reduction programs.

100% Renewable Energy by 2030

The cruise line is committed to a net-zero carbon footprint for the Royal Beach Club by 2030. The project will incorporate smart design considerations during construction, such as natural shade and low flow filters. The company will also invest in renewable green energy production, including solar, wind, and hydro, both onsite and through innovative partnerships throughout New Providence.

No Dredging and No Overwater Cabanas

Royal Caribbean will conserve the ocean environment, including coral, and will not dredge the area in and around Paradise Island. It also plans to minimize the impact on marine life through monitoring and adjusting the location of limited structures.

Best-in-class Wastewater Treatment

The beach club will have a dedicated wastewater treatment plant that will process 100% of the wastewater generated onsite. More than 95% of the treated wastewater is intended for beneficial reuse, and the remaining byproduct will be composted for landscaping and vegetation.

Protecting the Island’s Habitat

Royal Caribbean plans to restore the western end of Paradise Island by adding native plants and vegetation, removing invasive, non-native species, and constructing buildings only on previously altered property. The company will also continuously study and protect wildlife during construction and eventual operation.

Local Environmental Monitoring

A Bahamian company will conduct environmental monitoring when building and operating the beach club, and publicly report information through an environmental scorecard.

Royal Caribbean will hold a supplemental public hearing in conjunction with The Bahamas’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection to ensure an open and public process. The cruise line plans to share more about its environmental plans in the coming weeks, including answers to questions from various stakeholders submitted during the initial public consultation in September 2021.

The Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island, opening in 2025, will combine Royal Caribbean’s signature experiences with the island’s striking beaches. The 17-acre beach club will feature private cabanas, stunning pools, and more, with vibrant Bahamian culture and cuisine throughout. The project is a first-of-its-kind, public-private partnership with up to 49% equity available to Bahamians, creating opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to manage the experience and hundreds of jobs for Bahamians across construction and long-term operation. The Crown Land will be contributed as equity in the new venture to ensure a share of the profits return to the government and the Bahamian people, with a new tourism levy going into reinvesting in the local community.