Royal Beach Club Lelepa is Royal Caribbean’s upcoming South Pacific destination in Vanuatu, and it is worth understanding now because this is not just another beach club with a paid day pass; it is a fare-included island day that could change how Australia-based Royal Caribbean cruises feel in 2027 and beyond.
The big difference is simple: Lelepa is being positioned more like an included private-destination stop than a paid beach-club add-on.
My view is that Royal Beach Club Lelepa could be one of the strongest South Pacific cruise days for families, couples, and first-time Vanuatu visitors who want a beautiful beach day without complicated local logistics.
But it is also a destination where expectations need to be realistic. This is not CocoCay with a waterpark. It is not a mega-resort pool club. And because it is still under development, some features, final layouts, and local-impact questions are still worth watching.
If you are comparing Royal Caribbean’s private-destination strategy, my Perfect Day at CocoCay guide is the best contrast. CocoCay is Royal’s proven Bahamas private-island model. Lelepa looks more natural, more South Pacific, and less attraction-heavy.
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Quick Verdict: Should You Book a Cruise for Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
Royal Beach Club Lelepa is worth getting excited about if you want an easy South Pacific beach day with included entry, tender transportation, loungers, umbrellas, towels, two beaches, two eateries, restrooms, beach games, an adults-only area, and a nature trail.
It is especially appealing because most of the core beach-day setup is included. That makes it very different from paid Royal Beach Club destinations where the day pass itself is the upgrade.
Best for: families, couples, Australia-based Royal Caribbean cruisers, first-time Vanuatu visitors, beach lovers, adults who want a quieter cove, and travelers who prefer easy cruise line logistics.
Think twice if you want a pool, a waterpark, heavy thrill attractions, deep cultural touring, Port Vila-style local exploring, or a fully independent Vanuatu day.
Worth paying more for: future shore excursions, water sports, day beds, specialty activities, or anything that gives you a better Vanuatu experience beyond the included beach setup.
Not worth paying more for: extras you only book because you think an included beach day is not enough. Lelepa’s main value is that the basics are already part of the fare.
The non-obvious takeaway is that Royal Beach Club Lelepa may feel less like a “beach club” and more like a South Pacific version of a private island stop. The name says “beach club,” but the value model is closer to an included destination.
That makes it more interesting than the label suggests.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa: What We Know So Far
Royal Beach Club Lelepa is planned for Lelepa Island in Vanuatu, east of Australia. Royal Caribbean says it will be the cruise line’s first exclusive cruise destination in the South Pacific and is scheduled for sailings beginning in October 2027.
The island day is expected to be reached by tender from the ship.
The currently published included features are straightforward.
| Included feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Entry | No separate day-pass admission expected |
| Tender transportation | Ship-to-island access handled by Royal Caribbean |
| Two beaches | Different beach styles for different travelers |
| Loungers and umbrellas | Basic comfort included |
| Towel refresh | Easier than managing towels all day |
| Two eateries | Food is part of the day, not a separate plan |
| Restrooms | Important for families and longer stays |
| Beach games | Light activity without extra planning |
| Adults Cove | A quieter adults-only escape |
| Nature Trail | A break from the beach and a way to see more of the landscape |
That is a strong included base.
But the smartest way to read the early details is carefully. Royal Caribbean also notes that current features reflect design concepts and may change. Since Lelepa is not open yet, early guides should be treated as planning help, not a final revision.
1. Lelepa Opens in October 2027, Not 2026
This is the first correction many cruisers need.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa is scheduled to welcome guests on sailings from October 2027. That means it is not something you can visit on a 2026 sailing unless Royal Caribbean changes its published timeline.
That also means anyone booking far ahead should be careful with expectations.
New cruise destinations can shift. Construction, permits, weather, environmental approvals, staffing, testing, and local agreements can all affect a first-opening season. I would not book a cruise only because you want to be on one of the first Lelepa sailings unless the ship, date, price, and full itinerary also work for you.
Should you book early?
Yes, if the whole cruise makes sense.
Royal Caribbean’s Australia and South Pacific cruises can be attractive even without Lelepa, especially for guests sailing from Sydney or Brisbane who want Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, or other South Pacific routes. Lelepa can make those itineraries more appealing, but the ship and remaining ports still matter.
Best move: treat Lelepa as a major bonus, not the only reason the cruise works.
That is especially true for a new destination. Early visits can be exciting, but they can also involve soft-opening realities, route adjustments, and features still settling into normal operation.
2. Entry Is Included, Which Makes Lelepa Different From Other Royal Beach Clubs
The biggest value point is that Royal Caribbean says there is no charge to visit Royal Beach Club Lelepa. Entry is included with your cruise fare.
That is a big deal.
It means Lelepa is not following the same basic model as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island or Royal Beach Club Santorini, where guests pay for access through a day pass or shore excursion.
For passengers, this changes the decision from “Is the day pass worth it?” to “How much extra do I actually need to spend once I’m there?”
That is a much better starting point.
Why an included entry matters
An included entry means the default Lelepa day can be a strong value even if you do not buy extras.
You can tender ashore, use the beaches, eat at the included eateries, sit in included loungers, use umbrellas, enjoy basic beach games, explore the nature trail, and return to the ship without turning the day into a high-spending excursion.
That is what many cruisers want from a private destination.
| Traveler type | Why included entry helps |
|---|---|
| Families | Reduces the pressure of buying passes for every person |
| Budget cruisers | Makes the beach day easier to enjoy without extra spending |
| Couples | Lets you relax without turning the day into a package calculation |
| Repeat Royal cruisers | Creates a CocoCay-style value floor in the South Pacific |
| First-timers | Simplifies a Vanuatu port day |
The paid extras may still matter. But they should not define the day for most guests.
3. You Will Tender to the Island
Royal Caribbean lists tender transportation to the island as part of what is included.
That means ships will not dock directly at Lelepa in the same way they dock at some private destinations or cruise piers. Guests should expect a ship-to-shore transfer by tender.
Tendering is not automatically bad.
In a place like Vanuatu, tending can feel like part of the adventure. But it does change the rhythm of the day. You need to think about timing, heat, accessibility, crowds, and how much gear you carry.
Who tendering affects most
Tendering matters most for the following:
- Families with strollers or lots of beach gear
- Guests with mobility concerns
- People who get seasick on smaller boats
- Travelers who dislike waiting in lines
- Anyone who wants to go back and forth to the ship often
- Guests with tight excursion timing
If you are mobile and relaxed, tendering may be a minor inconvenience. If you need a very smooth walk-off port, it may be the day’s biggest drawback.
Best tender strategy
Go early if shade and beach location matter.
Go later if you care more about avoiding the first rush than getting first choice of loungers.
That trade-off shows up at almost every trendy beach destination. Early usually gives you better selection. Later usually gives you a calmer start.
Best move: pack lighter than you think.
Every extra bag feels heavier when you are wandering, walking in the sun, managing towels, sunscreen, water shoes, kids, phones, and beach gear.
4. East Beach and West Beach Serve Different Travelers
Royal Caribbean describes two main beach areas: family-friendly East Beach and adventure-ready West Beach.
That is helpful because it suggests Lelepa will not be one single beach experience where everyone crowds into the same area.
East Beach sounds like the easier, calmer choice for families and relaxed swimmers. West Beach sounds like the better fit for guests who want a more active beach day.
Final details may change, but the basic decision should be simple:
| Choose East Beach if… | Choose West Beach if… |
|---|---|
| You have kids | You want more active energy |
| You want calmer swimming | You want the adventure side |
| You care about convenience | You want a less family-centered feel |
| You want a classic beach day | You may add water sports or activities. |
| You prefer a softer start | You want more movement and exploration |
Do not assume one beach is better.
Choose the beach that matches your day.
Pro tip: choose by energy, not just scenery
The prettiest view may not be the best spot for your group.
Families need shade, bathrooms, food access, and calm water more than a perfect photo angle. Couples may prefer a quieter edge. Active travelers may want to be closer to future rentals or excursion meeting points.
Best move: take a few minutes after arriving to understand the layout before dropping your bag at the first lounger you see.
5. Adults Cove Could Be the Best Spot for Couples
Adults Cove is one of the most interesting parts of Royal Beach Club Lelepa.
Royal Caribbean describes it as a peaceful adults-only escape designed for tranquility and relaxation. That matters because South Pacific itineraries often attract a mix of families, couples, multi-generational groups, and adult travelers.
A dedicated adults-only area gives couples and adult cruisers a clearer reason to get off the ship even if they do not want the family beach scene.
Who should choose Adults Cove
Adults Cove is likely best for:
- Couples
- Adults sailing without kids
- Parents who want a break if kids are occupied elsewhere
- Guests who want a quieter beach day
- Readers, nappers, and slow beach-day people
- Anyone who prefers calm over games and activity
It is less ideal if you want beach games, active water sports, or the most social part of the island.
The value of adults-only space
Adults-only beach space is often more valuable than it sounds.
On big family-friendly cruise lines, many adults do not need luxury. They just need a quieter place where they can actually hear the water, read a few pages, swim without constant kid energy, and feel like the day has a little calm built in.
That is what Adults Cove can offer if Royal executes it well.
Best move: if you are cruising as adults, start at Adults Cove early rather than using it as an afterthought.
6. The Nature Trail Is the Non-Beach Detail to Watch
The Nature Trail may end up being one of Lelepa’s most important features.
At first, it sounds minor. A walking trail is not as flashy as a pool, zipline, waterpark, or beach club bar. But in a South Pacific destination, a nature trail can help the day feel more connected to the island instead of just another beach setup.
That matters.
Lelepa’s appeal should not only be sand and loungers. It should be the sense that you are in Vanuatu, surrounded by different plants, views, landscapes, and island atmospheres than you would get in the Bahamas or Caribbean.
Who should use the nature trail?
The Nature Trail is best for:
- Guests who want a break from the beach
- Families with older kids
- Couples who like light walking
- Anyone who wants photos beyond the sand
- Cruisers who get bored sitting still
- Travelers who want the day to feel more place-based
It may be less ideal during the hottest part of the day, especially if shade is limited or humidity is high.
What to bring
Royal Caribbean recommends proper footwear and sun protection for the Nature Trail. Reef-safe insect repellent is also a smart idea.
That is practical advice.
Do not plan to walk the trail barefoot in beach flip-flops if you are uncomfortable on uneven surfaces. You do not need hiking boots for an easy stroll, but you do need shoes that can handle a warm, sandy, natural path.
Best move: walk the trail earlier in the day before heat and beach laziness take over.
7. Food Is Included, But Drink Details Need Watching
Royal Caribbean says Lelepa will include unlimited island eats from two casual eateries close to the shore. Published examples include fresh fruit, fish and chips, and other crowd-pleasing favorites.
That is a strong inclusion.
Food is one of the most important things that separates a good private-destination day from an expensive beach excursion. If lunch is included and convenient, you can stay ashore without returning to the ship or paying for every snack.
What the food inclusion means
Included food makes Lelepa easier for
- Families who need predictable meals
- Budget cruisers who want a low-spend day
- Adults who want to stay ashore longer
- Guests who do not want to research local lunch options
- First-time Vanuatu visitors who prefer controlled logistics
Expect casual beach-day food, not specialty dining.
The best private-destination meals are convenient, fresh enough, and easy to prepare. They do not need to feel like a formal restaurant. They need to keep the beach day moving.
What about drinks and drink packages?
This is one area where I would be careful.
Royal Caribbean’s currently published included list clearly mentions food, loungers, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, beach games, tender transportation, and the Nature Trail. It does not yet give the same level of detail about drink-package rules, premium beverages, bars, or whether onboard beverage packages will transfer ashore.
So I would not make a major drink-package decision based on Lelepa yet.
Best move: wait for the Cruise Planner and final destination FAQs before assuming what drinks are included, what costs extra, and whether your onboard beverage package applies.
For the bigger package decision, my Royal Caribbean drink package worth it guide can help because private destinations can change package value quickly.
8. Do Not Expect a Pool or Water Park Unless Royal Adds One Later
Based on currently published official features, Royal Beach Club Lelepa is being presented as a beach-and-nature destination, not a pool-and-waterpark destination.
That is important.
Royal Caribbean’s page highlights two beaches, Adults Cove, unlimited island eats, loungers, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, beach games, tender transportation, and the nature trail. It does not currently list a pool or waterpark as part of the included experience.
That could change as final details develop, but I would not plan around it.
Why this matters
Some Royal Caribbean guests hear “exclusive destination” and think CocoCay.
That is not the right expectation.
CocoCay is built around beaches, a huge pool, waterpark-style thrills, paid clubs, cabanas, bars, and a highly developed private-island layout. Lelepa appears to be aiming for something different: more natural, more South Pacific, and less attraction-heavy.
| If you want… | Lelepa fit based on current details |
|---|---|
| Beautiful beaches | Strong fit |
| Pool day | Not currently the expectation |
| Waterpark thrills | Not currently the expectation |
| Adults-only quiet | Strong fit |
| Nature walk | Strong fit |
| Included beach basics | Strong fit |
| Major resort complex | Not the right expectation |
This may actually be a strength.
The South Pacific does not need a fake island personality. The water, beach, and setting can do a lot of the work if Royal keeps the experience comfortable without overbuilding it.
9. The Local and Environmental Questions Are Worth Taking Seriously
Lelepa is not an empty fantasy island. It is a real island in Vanuatu with local communities, landowners, ecosystems, cultural heritage, fishing grounds, turtle nesting concerns, and a nearby heritage landscape that matters to the people who live there.
That is why the development is more complicated than a beach map.
Local leadership and landowner concerns have been raised around consultation, environmental assessment, cultural heritage protection, and the scale of cruise tourism on a small island. Royal Caribbean has said it is working through the required processes and consulting with local stakeholders.
For cruise passengers, this does not mean you should avoid Lelepa automatically.
But it does mean the most responsible way to talk about the destination is with respect and realistic expectations. Lelepa is not just a product. It is a place.
Why this matters for cruisers
Private cruise destinations can be wonderful for passengers because they are easy, safe, and predictable.
But they can also reduce how much guests interact with the country they are visiting. If your whole Vanuatu experience happens inside a controlled Royal Caribbean beach area, you may have a relaxing day, but not necessarily a deep Vanuatu day.
That does not make the stop bad.
It just means you should know what you are choosing.
Best move: enjoy the beach club respectfully, support local vendors or excursions if available, follow environmental rules, avoid disturbing wildlife or coral, and remember that this is someone’s home region, not just your cruise stop.
Who Should Love Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
Royal Beach Club Lelepa should be a strong fit for cruisers who want a beautiful, easy South Pacific beach day without having to plan every detail themselves.
It is especially good for travelers who value included basics.
You can get tender access, beaches, loungers, umbrellas, towels, food, restrooms, beach games, an adults-only space, and a nature trail without buying admission. That is a strong value foundation.
Best-fit travelers
Lelepa should work well for:
- Families who want an easy Vanuatu beach day
- Couples who want Adults Cove and scenery
- Budget-focused cruisers who like included destinations
- First-time Royal Caribbean Australia cruisers
- Guests who dislike independent port logistics
- People who love natural beach settings
- Cruisers who prefer calm over theme-park energy
For these travelers, Lelepa may become one of the itinerary highlights.
Who Should Skip or Lower Expectations?
You should lower expectations if you want Lelepa to be a South Pacific CocoCay.
That does not appear to be the goal.
You should also think carefully if tendering is difficult for you, if you need a pool, if your kids strongly prefer slides and splash zones, or if your ideal Vanuatu day is cultural touring, village visits, markets, waterfalls, Port Vila, or independent exploring.
Less ideal for
Lelepa may be less ideal for
- Guests who hate tendering
- Pool-first travelers
- Thrill seekers
- Cruisers who want deep cultural immersion
- People who prefer independent ports
- Travelers who dislike beach-focused days
- Anyone booking only because they expect final details to match early renderings exactly
That last point matters.
Lelepa is still under development. Features can change. Opening timing can shift. Early renderings are useful, but they are not the same as a finished destination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Royal Beach Club Lelepa
Mistake 1: Thinking Lelepa works like Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Why it is a problem: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a paid Nassau day pass. Royal Beach Club Lelepa is currently described as included with your cruise fare, which changes the whole value equation.
Extra considerations: Paid upgrades may still exist, but the base island day should be much easier to enjoy without buying admission.
Better alternatives: Start with the included beaches, food, loungers, umbrellas, towels, the Adults Cove, games, and the Nature Trail before adding extras.
Mistake 2: Expecting CocoCay-style pools and waterparks
Why it is a problem: Current official Lelepa details emphasize beaches, nature, dining, games, and adults-only relaxation, not pools or waterpark attractions.
Extra considerations: Royal Caribbean may release more details later, but planning around unannounced features is risky.
Better alternatives: Treat Lelepa as a natural South Pacific beach day, not a mega private-island resort.
Mistake 3: Ignoring vendor logistics
Why it is a problem: Tendering affects timing, comfort, accessibility, and how much gear you should carry.
Extra considerations: Guests with mobility concerns should review the final accessibility details before assuming the day will be easy.
Better alternatives: Pack light, go early if shade matters, and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips to the ship.
Mistake 4: Skipping the Nature Trail
Why it is a problem: If you only sit on the beach, you may miss one of the features that makes Lelepa feel more like Vanuatu and less like a generic beach stop.
Extra considerations: Heat, humidity, footwear, and sun protection matter. The trail may be more enjoyable earlier in the day.
Better alternatives: Walk the nature trail before lunch, then relax on the beach afterward.
Mistake 5: Assuming final features are locked
Why it is a problem: Lelepa is not open yet, and Royal Caribbean notes that current concepts and features are subject to change.
Extra considerations: New destinations can evolve before opening and during the first season.
Better alternatives: Check your Cruise Planner, final FAQs, and onboard information before locking in assumptions about bars, drink packages, excursions, and premium spaces.
Best Royal Beach Club Lelepa Plan by Traveler Type
Best plan for families
Families should start with East Beach.
That appears to be the family-friendly side, and it should be the easiest place to build a simple beach day. Use the included loungers, umbrellas, food, restrooms, and games before adding paid extras.
Best move: keep it simple and avoid overpacking for the tent.
Best plan for couples
Couples should look at Adults Cove first.
If it delivers the peaceful escape Royal is promising, it may be the best area for adults who want quiet water, shade, and a slower South Pacific day.
Best move: start at Adults Cove early, then walk the Nature Trail or visit another beach later.
Best plan for active cruisers
Active cruisers should use West Beach and the Nature Trail.
This is where Lelepa seems more adventure-oriented, though final water sports and shore excursion options need to be confirmed closer to opening.
Best move: do the active part early, then relax after lunch.
Best plan for budget cruisers
Budget cruisers may do very well at Lelepa because the base day is included.
Use the beaches, loungers, umbrellas, towel refresh, two eateries, restrooms, beach games, and nature trail without automatically buying extras.
Best move: let the included destination carry the day.
Best plan for repeat Royal Caribbean cruisers
Repeat Royal cruisers should resist comparing every detail to CocoCay.
Lelepa is a different kind of destination, and that is probably the point. It should feel more natural, less built-up, and more South Pacific.
Best move: judge Lelepa by how well it fits Vanuatu, not by how many CocoCay-style attractions it has.
Best plan for mobility-conscious guests
Mobility-conscious guests should wait for the final accessibility details before making firm assumptions.
Tendering, natural paths, sand, heat, and beach access can all affect comfort.
Best move: Contact Royal Caribbean before sailing if tendering or beach mobility is a concern.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa vs Perfect Day at CocoCay
This will be the comparison many Royal Caribbean guests make, but it is not a perfect match.
CocoCay is a highly developed private island in the Bahamas with multiple beaches, a giant pool, a water park, private clubs, cabanas, dining, bars, and lots of paid upgrade choices.
Lelepa appears to be a more natural South Pacific beach destination with included entry, two beaches, Adults Cove, two eateries, loungers, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, games, tender transportation, and a nature trail.
| Choose Lelepa if… | Choose CocoCay-style expectations if… |
|---|---|
| You want a natural South Pacific beach day | You want pools and thrill attractions |
| You like included beach basics | You want a heavily built destination |
| You want adults-only calm | You want lots of paid zones |
| You value scenery and simplicity | You want maximum activity variety |
| You want Vanuatu atmosphere | You want Bahamas resort energy |
CocoCay is bigger and more attraction-heavy.
Lelepa may feel more serene and destination-specific.
That is the trade-off.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa vs Royal Beach Club Santorini
Royal Beach Club Santorini is a paid shore excursion that packages a black-sand beach club with Santorini sightseeing.
Lelepa is different. It is an included island destination on South Pacific sailings.
| Feature | Lelepa | Santorini |
|---|---|---|
| Access model | Included with cruise fare | Paid shore excursion |
| Main experience | Beach and nature day | Sightseeing plus beach club |
| Transportation | Tender to island included | Tender and bus route included with the excursion. |
| Best for | South Pacific beach relaxation | Easier Santorini logistics |
| Beach type | Vanuatu tropical beach | Volcanic black-sand beach |
Santorini solves a hard logistics port. Lelepa creates an easy beach port. Those are different value propositions.
Royal Beach Club Lelepa vs Royal Beach Club Paradise Island
Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is also a beach club, but it works very differently.
Paradise Island is a paid day pass in Nassau. Lelepa is included with the cruise fare.
| Feature | Lelepa | Paradise Island |
|---|---|---|
| Admission | Included | Paid day pass |
| Destination | Vanuatu island destination | Nassau beach club |
| Base value | Strong without extras | Depends heavily on pass price |
| Main appeal | South Pacific scenery and included beach day | Easy all-inclusive-style Nassau plan |
| Best for | Australia and South Pacific cruises | Bahamas cruises with Nassau stops |
Paradise Island makes Nassau easier. Lelepa gives South Pacific itineraries a Royal-controlled beach highlight. That included access is the key difference.
What to Pack for Royal Beach Club Lelepa
Pack for snorkeling, beach time, walking, heat, and a natural island environment.
You do not need to bring everything from your cabin. You do need the right small items.
I would bring:
- SeaPass card
- Photo ID if instructed
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable sandals or water shoes
- Lightweight cover-up
- Small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- Reef-safe insect repellent
- Any medication you need ashore
- Snorkel mask if future rules allow and fit matters
- Compact beach bag
- Credit card or payment method for extras if instructed
The two most underrated items are proper footwear and insect repellent.
Footwear matters for tendering, hot sand, and the Nature Trail. Insect repellent matters because this is a lush South Pacific island, not a paved resort complex.
FAQs About Royal Beach Club Lelepa
What is Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
Royal Beach Club Lelepa is Royal Caribbean’s upcoming exclusive South Pacific destination on Lelepa Island in Vanuatu, scheduled for sailings beginning in October 2027.
Is Royal Beach Club Lelepa included with the cruise fare?
Yes, Royal Caribbean says entry to the Royal Beach Club Lelepa is included with your cruise fare on sailings that call there.
When does Royal Beach Club Lelepa open?
Royal Caribbean says sailings departing at the end of October 2027 will be the first to visit Royal Beach Club Lelepa.
Do ships dock at Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
No, guests should expect tender transportation from ship to island. Tender transportation is listed as included.
What is included at Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
Current included items include entry, tender transportation, loungers, umbrellas, towel refresh, two eateries, restrooms, beach games, two beaches, Adults Cove, and the Nature Trail.
Are there pools at Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
Pools are not part of the currently published official included feature list. Plan for a beach-and-nature day unless Royal Caribbean adds pool details later.
Is there an adults-only area?
Yes, Adults Cove is planned as a quieter, adults-only area for guests who want more relaxation and less family beach energy.
Is Royal Beach Club Lelepa good for families?
Yes. East Beach is described as family-friendly, and the included food, loungers, umbrellas, towels, restrooms, and beach games should make the day easier for families.
Will drink packages work at Royal Beach Club Lelepa?
Final drink-package rules have not been clearly published yet. Do not assume onboard beverage packages apply ashore until Royal Caribbean releases final terms for Lelepa.
Will there be shore excursions at Lelepa?
Royal Caribbean’s destination page indicates shore excursions are coming soon. Final options should appear closer to opening in eligible Cruise Planners.
Is Royal Beach Club Lelepa the same as Perfect Day at Lelepa?
Royal Caribbean originally discussed the Vanuatu project under the Perfect Day at Lelepa concept, but the current branding is Royal Beach Club Lelepa.
Should I book a cruise just for Lelepa?
Book the cruise if the ship, itinerary, price, dates, and ports all work for you. Lelepa is exciting, but a new destination should be treated as part of the value, not the only reason to book.
Jim’s Take
Royal Beach Club Lelepa is one of the more interesting Royal Caribbean destination projects because it does not look like a simple copy of CocoCay or the paid Royal Beach Club model.
The included entry is the most important part. If Royal delivers the beaches, food, loungers, umbrellas, Adults Cove, games, nature trail, and tender logistics well, Lelepa could become a major reason to choose a South Pacific Royal Caribbean sailing from Australia.
My view is that Lelepa should be judged by how well it fits Vanuatu, not by how much it resembles a Bahamas private island.
I do not need it to have a giant pool or water park to be successful. In fact, overbuilding would be the risk. The destination should feel natural, scenic, comfortable, and respectful of the island around it.
If it were me, I would plan a simple day: tender over early, pick the beach based on mood, use Adults Cove if traveling without kids, walk the Nature Trail before the heat peaks, eat the included lunch, and avoid paying for extras unless they genuinely make the day better.
I would also keep an eye on the local and environmental side of the project. Cruisers can enjoy beautiful destinations while still caring whether the people who live there feel heard and whether the natural setting is protected.
That is the balance Lelepa has to get right.
Final Recommendation
Royal Beach Club Lelepa has the potential to be a standout Royal Caribbean destination because it brings an included private-destination-style beach day to the South Pacific.
It is best for cruisers who want easy Vanuatu scenery, beaches, food, loungers, adults-only relaxation, light activity, and a nature-focused day without paying a separate admission fee. It is less ideal for travelers expecting CocoCay-style pools, slides, waterparks, or a deep independent Vanuatu experience.
Best overall strategy: treat Lelepa as an included South Pacific beach-and-nature day first, then add extras only when they clearly improve your experience.
Book a cruise that works even beyond Lelepa. Watch for final drink-package rules, shore excursions, accessibility details, and any feature changes before sailing. Pack for tendering, sun, sand, and the Nature Trail. Choose East Beach for family ease, West Beach for more active energy, and Adults Cove for quiet.
That is how Royal Beach Club Lelepa makes the most sense… not as a South Pacific CocoCay clone, but as Royal Caribbean’s chance to create a beautiful, easier, more relaxed Vanuatu beach day that still feels like it belongs where it is.
