Royal Caribbean Buys Stake in Sandals Resorts
The $3 billion deal gives Royal Caribbean a 50 percent share in the Caribbean resort operator and access to more than 1,000 acres of land.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Cruises
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Royal Caribbean Group has acquired a 50 percent stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for $3 billion, announced in September. The partnership values the resort operator at around $6 billion and will keep the brands' existing identities and leadership.
Why it matters
The deal ties a major cruise line to a Caribbean all-inclusive resort operator with 18 operating properties and three more under development. It also gives Royal Caribbean access to undeveloped land across the region for future expansion.
The $3 billion purchase values Sandals and Beaches at around $6 billion, with 18 operating resorts across nine Caribbean destinations and three more under development. The land bank spans more than 1,000 acres, but the deal is expected to close in early 2027 pending regulatory approvals.
The players
Royal Caribbean Group
Royal Caribbean Group is a major cruise operator that is acquiring a 50 percent stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
Sandals and Beaches Resorts
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is a Caribbean all-inclusive resort operator with 18 operational properties across nine destinations.
The details
Royal Caribbean Group's investment includes undeveloped sites and parcels located alongside existing Sandals and Beaches resorts. The partnership will keep the resort brands' existing identities and leadership while providing additional resources for expansion.
Timeline
September: Acquisition announced.
Early 2027: Investment expected to close, pending regulatory approvals.
Roadmap
The deal extends a trend of cruise operators moving beyond ships into owned land-based destinations across the Caribbean. It pairs a cruise line with an established all-inclusive resort brand and a large land bank for future development.
Travelers booking Royal Caribbean cruises or Sandals and Beaches stays may see the brands operate as separate identities under the partnership. The deal does not change existing reservations, and the expansion of Caribbean properties may affect future destination options.
The takeaway
Cruise travelers should watch for new Caribbean destinations and resort options that may emerge as this partnership develops its land bank. Keeping an eye on regulatory approvals in early 2027 will show when the deal is finalized.
What happens next
The investment is expected to close in early 2027, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Further reading
For more on how cruise lines are reshaping their business, explore our Cruises coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TravelpulseCA.
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