Royal Caribbean Group to acquire 50% stake in Sandals Resorts
The Stewart family will retain half-ownership of the Caribbean resort company, with the transaction expected to close in early 2027.
Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to acquire a 50% equity stake in Sandals Resorts International, adding Sandals and Beaches Resorts to its broader vacation portfolio. The Stewart family, which founded Sandals more than four decades ago, will retain the other half of the company and maintain operational continuity for the brands’ Caribbean identity.
The transaction is scheduled to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. Existing reservations, travel advisor commissions and booking platforms are expected to remain unchanged in the near term. Over time, Royal Caribbean plans to connect Sandals with its unified loyalty platform.
Citi analyst James Hardiman placed Buy-rated Royal Caribbean Group on a 90-day positive Catalyst Watch. JPMorgan separately increased its price target for Royal Caribbean shares to $394 from $345. The company’s shares gained nearly 4% on Thursday following the announcement.
Royal Caribbean Group’s existing cruise portfolio includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea. Celebrity River Cruises is also planned to launch in 2027.
