Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts have entered a 50-50 partnership, with Royal Caribbean investing approximately US$3 billion for a 50 per cent stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts.
The agreement ends speculation that Royal Caribbean would take majority ownership of the Jamaica-born resort company.
Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said the partnership builds on the vision of his late father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, who founded Sandals more than four decades ago.
He said the investment will allow the company to expand more quickly while maintaining the values and identity behind the Sandals and Beaches brands.
Royal Caribbean Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty described the deal as an important step in expanding the company’s vacation offerings beyond cruising and into the all-inclusive resort market.
The companies said they will explore opportunities to expand distribution, strengthen guest engagement and create greater connections between their cruise and resort businesses.
The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Existing reservations, loyalty programmes and operations are expected to continue as normal.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Sandals, Royal Caribbean seal 50-50 deal.