Royal Caribbean and Sandals outline cruise-resort partnership plans
The companies are considering vacation packages, onboard resort bookings and closer links between their loyalty programs while maintaining distinct brands.
Executives from Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts International have discussed a partnership combining cruise vacations with all-inclusive resort stays. The plans would connect Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises with Sandals and Beaches properties.
Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty said the relationship could create pre- and post-cruise stay options and packages. He stressed that the companies intend to remain separate, distinctive brands and said the arrangement would not involve cruise passengers simply arriving en masse at Sandals and Beaches pools.
Under the developing partnership, guests are eventually expected to be able to reserve Sandals and Beaches stays while aboard a Royal Caribbean Group ship. The companies are also exploring ways to merge their loyalty programs, although they have not announced specific terms or benefits.
Royal Caribbean agreed in September to acquire a 50% stake in Sandals and Beach Resorts for approximately $3 billion. Separately, Legend of the Seas, identified as Royal Caribbean’s third Icon-class ship, was delivered in June and began Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries in July.
