If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean before, you probably know and love Perfect Day at CocoCay, the private island where everything from lunch to your drink package is included in your cruise fare.
So when you see that Royal Caribbean is opening a brand-new beach experience in Nassau — The Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island — it’s natural to wonder: “Is it the same deal?”
Let’s clear that up because while Nassau is a favorite cruise stop, it’s not quite like CocoCay when it comes to food, drinks, or what’s included.
🏝 What’s the Difference Between Nassau and CocoCay?
- CocoCay is a private island owned by Royal Caribbean. Your meals, drinks, and onboard drink package all work there, just like they do on the ship.
- Nassau, on the other hand, is a public port in The Bahamas. It’s home to local restaurants, bars, and beach clubs so food and drinks aren’t included in your cruise fare once you step off the ship.
You can always walk back to your ship for lunch, but any food or beverages purchased in Nassau will be out-of-pocket unless you’ve booked a specific all-inclusive excursion.
🏖 What Is the Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island?
Opening December 23, 2025, the Royal Beach Club is Royal Caribbean’s newest private-style experience and it looks stunning.
This exclusive, all-inclusive beach club features:
- Three neighborhoods: Party Cove℠, Family Beach℠, and Chill Beach℠
- Multiple pools with swim-up bars
- Two white-sand beaches
- All-day dining at Paradise Grills℠
- Unlimited drinks (with the alcohol package)
- Wi-Fi, towels, loungers, umbrellas, and showers included
But here’s the key: a day pass is required.
🎟 Current Pricing (as of November 2025):
- 🌺 All-Inclusive Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining): $224.99 per person (ages 21+)
- 🏖 Non-Alcoholic Pass (Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Drinks & Dining): $179.99 per person
Your pass includes round-trip water transportation, so once you book it, you’re set for a full day of food, drinks, and beach time.
🍹 Is the Royal Beach Club + Drink Package Bundle a Good Deal?
Many cruisers are now seeing an option to bundle the Royal Beach Club pass with the Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP) before sailing and Royal Caribbean claims you can save up to 40%.
But is it really a good deal? Let’s do the math.
💰 Option 1: Buying Everything Separately
| Item | Price (Per Person) | Total for Two People |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Beach Club Pass (Unlimited Open Bar & Dining) | $224.99 | $449.98 |
| Deluxe Beverage Package (w/ BOGO 50% Off + 18% gratuity) | ≈ $318.50 | ≈ $637 |
| Total if Purchased Separately: | ≈ $1,087 |
💸 Option 2: Buying the Bundle
Royal Caribbean currently lists the “Deluxe Beverage Package + Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass” for about $108.99 per person per day.
After adding gratuity and taxes, it totals around $978 for two people for the full cruise including the day at Royal Beach Club.
✅ Savings: About $100–$110 total, or roughly 10%.
⚖️ Is It Worth It?
That depends on how you like to cruise.
What You’re Paying For:
- Private access to the Royal Beach Club
- All-day dining and unlimited drinks
- Multiple pools, beaches, Wi-Fi, loungers, and transportation
What You’re Not Getting:
- It’s not a water park — no slides or adventure zones
- It’s not adult-only — kids are allowed
- You already have unlimited food on the ship
So you’re really paying for the exclusivity, setting, and convenience, not for the food itself.
If you were already planning to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package, the bundle gives you an upgraded Nassau day for a little less money. But if you’d be just as happy enjoying the ship’s pool deck and free dining, this might not be worth the extra spend.
🧮 How to Decide
Ask yourself these three questions before booking:
- Do you already plan to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package?
→ If yes, the bundle is likely the better deal. - Do you prefer quiet, resort-style experiences over exploring Nassau?
→ Then the Royal Beach Club is your vibe. - Would you rather spend $225 on something more adventurous?
→ Then look into excursions like Blue Lagoon Island, Pearl Island, or Atlantis Waterpark instead.
🍔 What Are Other Food Options in Nassau?
If you skip the Royal Beach Club, Nassau still has plenty of food options.
- The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay — authentic Bahamian seafood and conch fritters.
- Margaritaville Beach Resort — poolside dining and drinks with ResortPass day access.
- Baha Mar — upscale resort dining with a waterpark and multiple restaurants.
- Atlantis Paradise Island — lots of variety, but most restaurants are pricier.
💡 Tip: Use ResortPass
If you want that beach club feel without spending $225 per person, check ResortPass. You can often find day access to Margaritaville Resort or Baha Mar for $100–$150 per person, including pool and restaurant access.
❓FAQs: Nassau Food & Royal Beach Club
Q: Is food included when my ship docks in Nassau?
A: No. Nassau is a public port, so food and drinks are not included once you leave the ship.
Q: Does my drink package work in Nassau?
A: Only at the Royal Beach Club and only if you purchase a bundle that includes it. Otherwise, drink packages only work onboard or at CocoCay.
Q: What’s included in the Royal Beach Club day pass?
A: Unlimited dining, drinks (based on package), Wi-Fi, beach access, pools, loungers, umbrellas, and transportation.
Q: Are kids allowed at the Royal Beach Club?
A: Yes. Kids 3 and under are free with the non-alcoholic pass.
Q: Is the Royal Beach Club worth it for families?
A: It’s a beautiful beach day, but not a kid-focused experience. Families might prefer Baha Mar or Blue Lagoon Island.
Q: Can I just buy the non-alcoholic pass and order drinks there?
A: Yes, alcoholic drinks are available à la carte for guests 21+, paid by credit card.
🌞 Final Thoughts
So to recap:
- CocoCay = included food, drinks, and your drink package works.
- Nassau = public port, everything costs extra.
- Royal Beach Club = private, all-inclusive, but you’ll pay for the day pass.
If you were already planning to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package, the bundle deal can save you about $100 and gives you a more exclusive Nassau experience.
But if you’d be just as happy on the ship or want something more active save the money for another excursion or a sea day treat.
Charity Bradley 
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