Royal Caribbean Just Bought Half of Sandals Resorts, Here’s What Changes for Guests

Fast on the heels of rampant rumors, Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have confirmed the signing of a joint partnership agreement that includes a 50% investment in Sandals Resorts by Royal Caribbean Group. This joint venture will now continue resort growth as well as at-sea vacations in ways previously unprecedented in the cruise industry.

The signing was announced on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Royal Caribbean Group’s Miami headquarters.

Under the agreement, which is still subject to typical closing and financial terms and conditions, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for an approximately $3 billion (USD) investment. Funding from Morgan Stanley is backing the investment through committed debt financing.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2027 subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and should start impacting both companies’ portfolios from that point.

Together, the companies expect to continue growing both land-based vacation options as well as expanding Royal Caribbean Group’s presence across the broader global vacation market beyond just cruise vacations.

“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. “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. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy.”

Liberty describes the partnership as “turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.” Through the partnership, guests will have expansive choices across all three brands in the Royal Caribbean Group: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, as well as new river cruises and now, the land-based resorts.

“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.

“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.”

Stewart confirmed that the resorts are not slowing down, and in fact, continued expansion for both companies is expected.

“As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud,” he said.

Liberty and Stewart will share leadership responsibilities to govern the board of the joint venture. No further details on executive leadership of the new partnership have yet been disclosed.

What Will This Mean for Cruise Guests?

At the moment, nothing is changing for “Loyal to Royal” guests, but there are interesting prospects that could evolve in the coming years.

Cruise Hive reported in October 2025 that Royal Caribbean Group introduced its “Points Choice” loyalty flexibility options, permitting guests from any of its cruise brands to apply earned points to any of the sister lines.

Existing reservations, loyalty programs, and the operations for both the cruise lines and resort properties will remain unchanged for now, but it is possible that cross-brand loyalty might be one consideration as the companies begin working together.

Read Also: What Is Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society?

Another option might be combination cruise vacation options with pre- and post-cruise stays available at Sandals and Beaches properties. This might also lead to new homeport options more closely connecting the resorts with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Silversea ships, or even offering day visits to Sandals and Beaches properties as shore excursions.

While no such plans have yet been confirmed by either company, this new partnership will certainly yield some exciting vacation options for eager travelers in years to come.