Royal Caribbean and Sandals Resorts partnership

Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to acquire a 50 percent equity stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately US$3 billion. The deal, which values the hospitality business at roughly US$6 billion including debt, is expected to close in early 2027, pending regulatory approvals.

The transaction will be structured as a joint venture with a shared board led by Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty and Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. The partnership aims to integrate land-based all-inclusive stays with Royal Caribbean’s cruise vacation platform, allowing the resort brands to leverage the cruise line’s international reach and marketing capabilities. This expansion diversifies Royal Caribbean’s portfolio beyond its existing cruise brands, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea.

Sandals intends to expand its footprint beyond the Caribbean and increase its workforce by 38 percent, adding roughly 7,000 jobs. While the CARICOM Private Sector Organization has called the deal a “landmark moment for regional enterprise,” market reaction has been mixed, with Royal Caribbean’s stock experiencing a decline as analysts evaluate the implications of the company entering the land-based resort sector. Existing resort operations, loyalty programs, and bookings are expected to continue without immediate changes to daily operations.