Royal Caribbean to acquire 50% stake in Sandals Resorts
The US$3 billion transaction would give the cruise company part-ownership of 20 Caribbean resort properties.
Royal Caribbean has announced plans to acquire a 50% interest in Sandals Resorts through a US$3 billion deal. The transaction would give Royal Caribbean part-ownership of all 20 Sandals properties across the Caribbean.
Sandals’ portfolio includes seven resorts in Jamaica, three in Saint Lucia and two in the Bahamas, along with properties in Antigua, Curaçao and Grenada. In a joint statement, Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals and Beaches Resorts said the partnership would help the resort brands continue expanding and innovating while retaining the characteristics familiar to guests.
Royal Caribbean Group Chair and CEO Jason Liberty said the company’s move into all-inclusive resorts reflects its aim to provide vacations both on land and at sea. He linked that strategy to the group’s expansion into river cruising, with Celebrity River Cruises scheduled to debut in 2027. Liberty also disclosed plans to connect the Royal Caribbean and Sandals loyalty programs and said the transaction was not focused on resort day passes.
