Royal Caribbean and Sandals Explore Cruise-Resort Packages
The companies are considering booking and loyalty links following their 50-50 joint venture agreement.
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts International are exploring pre- and post-cruise resort packages as they develop their newly announced partnership. Executives said the Sandals and Beaches brands would retain their separate identities rather than become extensions of Royal Caribbean’s cruise business.
Royal Caribbean Group is also considering offering Sandals and Beaches reservations through NextCruise desks aboard its ships. The arrangement could allow passengers to reserve future all-inclusive resort stays while at sea. The companies are additionally evaluating how their respective loyalty programs could work together.
Executives said Sandals and Beaches properties would not become day-use destinations for cruise passengers.
The plans follow the companies’ September 23 announcement of a 50-50 joint venture. Under the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group is acquiring a 50% equity stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion.
The partnership combines Sandals and Beaches’ Caribbean all-inclusive resort operations with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, which includes Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.