Royal Beach Club Santorini was one of the main reasons we booked the Ultimate Santorini Day excursion. We had already visited Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, so we wanted to see what Royal Caribbean would do with the same idea in Greece. We paid £372 for two people after booking ahead with a pre-cruise discount. The morning version was cheaper, but we deliberately chose the tour that finished at the beach club.
That price did not cover the beach club alone. Our day also included transport around Santorini and time in Oia and Fira before we arrived at the club. At the time of our sailing, Royal Beach Club was sold as part of this larger excursion rather than as a simple standalone beach day. We had roughly three hours there, which went quickly but still gave us enough time to eat, swim and relax.
First impressions
The drive became quieter and rockier as we approached Vlychada. Royal Caribbean did not build the resort from scratch. It took over an existing beach club, and our guide told us he had visited it as a child. Royal has added its own branding and service, but the place still feels connected to Santorini rather than like a generic private island.
We were welcomed with cold, mint-scented towels and a choice of drinks, including house wine. After walking around Oia and Fira in the summer heat, the towel may have been the best part of the welcome. Everyone had a padded lounger, towels were provided and there were showers and places to change. We never felt as though we had to race for a good spot.
The food was the highlight
The buffet was the strongest part of the experience. There were Greek salads, fish, souvlaki, gyros, filled pitas and plenty of hot and cold dishes. It felt fresher, more local and a little more upmarket than the food we had at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. There was also a frozen Greek yoghurt station, which became our final dessert before going back to the loungers.
Selected drinks were included. That covered water, soft drinks, draft beer, house wine and regular coffee during our visit. Cocktails and speciality coffees cost extra, so it is worth checking the menu rather than assuming every drink is part of the package.
Santorini versus Nassau
We would not say that one Royal Beach Club is simply better than the other. Nassau is larger and feels more like a full resort, with three pools and a broader, more mainstream setup. Santorini is smaller, quieter and more distinctive. The pale cliffs, black volcanic beach, Greek food and live music give it a character Nassau does not have.
The biggest thing we missed was a pool. The sea felt great on such a hot day, but the black gravel and rocks were uncomfortable underfoot. Bring water shoes. Nassau makes cooling off effortless, while Santorini asks you to negotiate a rocky shoreline first.
Was it worth the price?
£372 for two people is a lot for one excursion. We still felt it was worth it because the price covered the whole day, not only the beach club. We saw Oia and Fira, had our transport organised, ate a full Greek meal and ended the excursion somewhere we could stop walking and cool down.
For a first visit to Santorini, we would book the combined excursion again. It gives you the famous villages and a relaxing finish without having to arrange the transfers yourself. If you have visited Santorini several times already, choose the version that gives you the longest possible stay at the club.
Our beach-club visit was only one part of the day. For the route we followed, tender advice and what to expect in Oia and Fira, read our Santorini cruise-port guide.
Booking note
Prices, inclusions and tour running orders can change. The details above describe our sailing and the package we booked.
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