It’s official - Royal Caribbean and sandals are “partnering”

Royal Caribbean Sandals partnership

Royal Caribbean and Sandals Are Partnering: What It Means for Your Next Caribbean Vacation

It's official. Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have announced a major partnership, and cruise fans are already buzzing about it, including in this Reddit discussion among Royal Caribbean cruisers.

If you love cruising, all-inclusive resorts, or both, here's what's actually happening, what it means for trips you've already booked, and how to take advantage of what comes next.

What was announced

Royal Caribbean Group, the company behind Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, is investing about $3 billion for a 50% stake in a new joint venture with Sandals Resorts. The partnership includes Sandals and Beaches Resorts' all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean.

Sandals isn't being taken over. The Stewart family's leadership continues, with Adam Stewart remaining Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, and the joint venture will be led by a board under Stewart and Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty.

Does this affect a trip I've already booked?

No. Both companies have said that existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations, and cruise operations will continue as usual. If you're booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise or at a Sandals or Beaches resort, your vacation goes ahead exactly as planned.

What could change down the road

The companies say they'll explore ways to make it easier for travelers to discover and book vacations across both brands. Royal Caribbean has also been building a loyalty program that spans its vacation brands, and Sandals and Beaches could eventually become part of that bigger picture.

Nothing specific has been announced yet, but it's easy to imagine what travelers are hoping for: cruise-and-resort combinations, shared perks, or loyalty benefits that carry over between a Royal Caribbean sailing and a Sandals stay. We'll be watching closely and will share details as soon as they're official.

A little Sandals news worth knowing

Sandals was already growing before this deal. The resort formerly known as Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica is being transformed into Sandals Caribbean Cay, reopening this December with 291 rooms, an expanded private-island experience, new SkyPool Suites, and new dining options. It's one of the most exciting reopenings in the Caribbean this year.

Why a travel advisor matters even more now

When two major travel brands start working together, new packages, promotions, and loyalty rules follow. Some will be great deals. Some will come with fine print. Knowing which is which is where a travel advisor earns their keep.

Cruise and resort combinations. Many travelers already pair a cruise with a few nights at a resort before or after sailing. We coordinate flights, transfers, and hotel dates so the pieces fit together, whether you're sailing out of Florida or starting your trip in Jamaica.

Choosing the right resort. Sandals resorts are adults-only and designed for couples, while Beaches resorts are built for families. Within each brand, resorts vary a lot in atmosphere, room types, and price. We help you pick the one that fits.

Staying on top of new offers. As new promotions and perks roll out from this partnership, we'll know about them and can tell you whether they're really the best value for your trip.

Someone to call when plans change. With Platinum Trip Overwatch, we monitor your trip before, during, and after you travel, and handle issues in real time.

No planning fees. Lap of Luxury Travel is compensated by our cruise and resort partners, so our planning and support come at no additional cost to you.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise or a Sandals getaway?

Whether you're dreaming of a Caribbean sailing, a romantic Sandals escape, a Beaches family vacation, or a trip that combines both, our licensed advisors can help. We plan luxury cruises and all-inclusive vacations for travelers throughout Apollo Beach, Tampa, Brandon, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and the greater Tampa Bay area.

Start Planning My Trip or call 800-462-6807.