Royal Caribbean takes 50% stake in Sandals for $3bn

23rd Sep 2026 12:10

(Sharecast News) - Royal Caribbean has agreed to take a 50% stake in Sandals Resorts International for $3bn, marking one of the cruise operator's biggest moves into land‑based tourism as it looks to broaden its holiday offering.

The deal places Sandals at a roughly $6bn enterprise value, CNBC cited unnamed people familiar with the matter, and creates a new joint venture spanning cruises, private islands and all‑inclusive resorts.

Royal Caribbean said the partnership will combine its global cruise network with Sandals' portfolio of 20 luxury resorts across Jamaica, the Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and other Caribbean destinations.

The company said the investment gives it access to a much larger slice of the $2trln global vacation market, allowing it to target travellers who prefer land‑based stays alongside cruise itineraries.

Sandals' executive chairman Adam Stewart will retain a leadership role in the joint venture, helping guide long‑term strategy and expansion across the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean chief executive Jason Liberty said the deal strengthens "one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world" and deepens customer engagement across both brands.

The acquisition is expected to complete in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. It follows years of speculation over a potential sale of Sandals, with Royal Caribbean now positioned to integrate resort stays directly into its itineraries.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com