Travel news update: September 25, 2026
Big news for cruise lovers and all-inclusive resort fans! Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals announced an agreement on September 23 for Royal Caribbean Group to acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately US$3 billion.
What is confirmed?
This is a signed agreement, rather than a completed purchase. The companies expect closing in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions. Existing reservations, loyalty programs and day-to-day cruise and resort operations continue as usual.
Read the announcements from Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts.
What have we learned since the announcement?
In a Travel Weekly interview with the companies’ leaders, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty described plans to connect the loyalty programs so travelers could be recognized across cruises and resorts. Specific reciprocal benefits, eligibility rules and a launch date have not been detailed in the announcements reviewed for this update. This is a future plan, not an active new status-match offer.
September 24 reporting from a Sandals advisor briefing also points to investment in existing properties, new resorts and eventual expansion beyond the Caribbean. No specific new destinations were named in that briefing.
Cristi’s take: the possibilities are exciting
I think this could be a great move! The idea of combining a cruise with a Sandals or Beaches stay already has my wheels turning. Cruise-plus-resort packages and new travel experiences are possibilities I would love to see—not newly announced offers you can book through this partnership today.
For now, choose your vacation based on the inclusions and benefits available at the time you book. What would you most love to see from this partnership: loyalty recognition, cruise-and-resort combinations, or more destinations?
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