Royal Caribbean Eyes Sandals Partnership Push
Royal Caribbean Group's CEO says cruise-resort packages are a likely product of its planned joint venture with Sandals Resorts.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Cruises
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts announced plans in September to form a joint venture, with Royal Caribbean taking a 50% equity interest in Sandals for about $3 billion. CEO Jason Liberty spoke on the topic from the CruiseWorld stage in Fort Lauderdale.
Why it matters
The partnership reflects cruise operators competing more directly with land-based vacations by building out private destinations and hotels for guests. It may also influence how travelers plan and book trips that combine cruising with all-inclusive resort stays.
The transaction is structured as a joint venture in which Royal Caribbean acquires a 50% equity stake in Sandals for approximately $3 billion. Specific packages and their pricing have not yet been disclosed.
The players
Royal Caribbean Group
A major cruise company that operates large ships across the Caribbean and other regions and is expanding into private destinations and hotels for its guests.
Sandals Resorts
An all-inclusive resort brand known for its properties in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, and one of the two standout brands in a fragmented all-inclusive sector.
Jason Liberty
The chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group who discussed the partnership's likely offerings at the CruiseWorld event.
The details
Liberty said cruise-resort packages are one likely product of the partnership, potentially including pre- and post-cruise land stays or packages that encourage additional vacations. The companies are working to align their products so guests remain within their combined ecosystem, and Royal Caribbean does not plan to station its Icon of the Seas outside Sandals in the Bahamas.
Timeline
September: Royal Caribbean and Sandals announced plans to form the joint venture.
Thursday: Liberty spoke from the CruiseWorld stage in Fort Lauderdale.
Travel Outlook
Cruise operators are increasingly competing with land-based vacations, and the leisure travel sector is projected to grow faster than the cruise industry itself. The all-inclusive category is also expected to expand quickly, placing the partnership within a broader shift toward integrated vacation packages.
Travelers considering a cruise followed by an all-inclusive resort stay may eventually find bundled land packages. Until pricing and details are announced, it is worth comparing separate bookings against any future combined offers.
The takeaway
Partnerships between cruise lines and resort brands may make it easier to extend a single trip beyond the ship. Readers planning vacations can watch for combined packages as these ventures take shape.
Further reading
Explore more Cruises coverage for context on how cruise lines are expanding beyond the ship.
