Royal Caribbean Group is officially moving into the all-inclusive resort business. The company has signed an agreement to acquire a 50 percent equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. The deal brings together two major names in Caribbean travel, pairing Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of all-inclusive hospitality with Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise, private destination and river cruise offerings.
A New Vacation Partnership
Under the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will hold a 50 percent stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, with the joint venture governed by a board under the shared leadership of Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty and Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. Stewart will continue to guide the resort company’s long-term strategic growth.
The companies say they will explore opportunities to broaden distribution and deepen guest engagement across their respective portfolios. That could give travelers more ways to combine or extend vacation experiences across cruises, private destinations and all-inclusive resorts, although the companies have not announced specific new products or cross-brand programs.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, in a press statement. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests.
“Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey—bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world,” Liberty continued.
What It Means for Sandals
The new partnership is designed to accelerate that growth, with Sandals and Beaches retaining their existing identities and operations. According to the companies, existing reservations, loyalty programs and resort operations will continue as usual.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, in a press statement. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands.
“Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades,” Stewart added.
Reaction from the Industry
World Travel Holdings and Dream Vacations shared their perspectives on Royal Caribbean Group’s announcement today:
“Today’s travelers are looking for more flexibility and more ways to personalize their vacations. Bringing together two iconic brands in cruising and all-inclusive resorts has the potential to expand vacation choices and create even more opportunities for travelers to find the experiences that best fit their needs,” said David Crooks, Chief Product Officer, World Travel Holdings.
“This is exciting news for travel advisors because it creates new opportunities to engage clients in conversations about their next vacation,” said Drew Daly, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Dream Vacations. “Today’s travelers aren’t thinking in terms of cruise or land vacations. They’re looking for the experience that’s right for them, and advisors are uniquely positioned to help guide those decisions.”
