In 2026, Royal Caribbean (RCL) will open an exclusive private beach on Santorini, the magnificent Greek island. This development will give cruise passengers privileged access. The initiative raises concerns about the potential transformation of Santorini into a tourist « Disneyland. » The company insists it wants to preserve the destination’s balance.
The demographic challenge is critical: Santorini has only 15,000 inhabitants, while RCL ships can accommodate up to 5,000 passengers each, and other cruise lines also call at the island.
Despite the existence of a Greek opposition movement against the privatization of beaches, the agreement with Royal Caribbean is already finalized.
In terms of volume, RCL transported more than 250,000 tourists to the island the previous year.
For 2026, the company plans 97 calls at Santorini, using two of its brands: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.
Santorini is just the beginning: RCL is planning similar developments in Haiti, Chile, Mexico, and Vanuatu, with eight other projects currently in development.