Despite the glossy ads, Royal Caribbean beach resort’s impact statement is a work in progress

• There’s a glossy computer-generated video and a sales campaign to take bookings.
• But Royal Caribbean’s Lelepa Royal Beach Club in Vanuatu is still consulting locals for its environmental impact statement.
• And while they have the support of the Vanuatu government and everyone is keen on the economic benefits, there are a few with questions about what the future holds.

Royal Caribbean is still taking feedback from local groups on its plans for a Royal Beach Club on Lelepa, despite issuing a glossy video and taking bookings for the opening in October, 2027.

“Royal Caribbean is progressing all necessary permits in relation to the EIA (Environmental Impact Statement) to support and advance the Royal Beach Club Lelepa development,” a spokesperson told The Guardian.

The statement said it was working with government, chiefs, environmental organisations and local people to “ensure the natural environment is protected”. 

The Vanuatu government is behind the project. Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO, Adela Issachar Aru told Cruise Passenger: “Royal Caribbean’s decision to develop its private island experience on Lelepa in Vanuatu is a powerful endorsement of our country and what we offer the Pacific. 

“Vanuatu is home to some of the region’s most spectacular beaches and warm, welcoming communities and Lelepa Island embodies these qualities. We’re proud to see Vanuatu chosen as the setting for this landmark project and look forward to the opportunity it presents to showcase our 83 islands to an Australian audience.”

But building work is yet to start. And The Guardian this week claimed indigenous community leaders have raised concerns, pointing out perceived problems with the environmental impact reporting and calling the assessments “incomplete” and “misleading”.

What the locals say

While welcoming the beach club and the influx of tourists, a group claiming to be community leaders put together a letter which they sent to Royal Caribbean on February 26 questioning the assessments.

Royal Caribbean, still in the consultation stage, is studying the letter and will likely talk to those involved.

The group is not the only one raising concerns. During a recent talkback programme on Vanuatu’s Capitol FM107 Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Biosecurity (MALFB), Timothy Tumukon, explained that several national initiatives are underway, including the Lelepa Island project on Efate, linked to the Royal Caribbean cruise development.

According to DG Tumukon, the Prime Minister has briefed officials that Royal Caribbean has shared details on the type and volume of food supplies required once cruise operations begin.

“They have provided a list of food items and quantities they will need, including container loads of specific produce,” he said.

“This raises the question of how we will produce enough food to feed the tourists who are coming.” 

And he asked: “Do we have enough time to produce enough eggs, enough chicken, or enough pigs?” 

Royal Caribbean executives on Lelepa

Lelepa is a small island in Vanuatu, with a population of only about 500 people. Royal Caribbean’s resort could see up to 4800 visitors a time when Anthem of the Seas docks, and more than 100,000 visitors are set to visit the island over its inaugural 2027/28 season.

Compared to massive Royal Caribbean private developments in the Caribbean such as their PerfectDay at CocoCay destination, the proposed construction is modest, with the beach club set to contain 10 bars, a market, two eateries, nature trail, two private beach resorts and an adults-only area.

However, a man claiming to be Lelepa’s paramount chief and the highest-ranking customary leader on the island, Ruben Natamatewia III, told The Guardian: “There needs to be lots of consultation so every person here understands what they are doing and can approve the work to go ahead.”

Their letter is asking for a cultural heritage assessment, which would work to ensure that Royal Caribbean’s plans don’t affect any traditional sites, particularly mentioning a site called Fels Cave, which contains ancient rock art.

Natamatewia III said the project is “a good thing”, but “there needs to be more consultation with the communities.”

Royal Caribbean maintains that consultation is still ongoing and all concerns will beconsidered. The line has told the government all issues will be dealt with in accordance with local planning laws.

Royal Caribbean has been talking about its development at Lelepa since 2019, and the project was originally meant to be a PerfectDay private island experience, but was downgraded to a beach club. 

The line has been visiting Lelepa as part of shore excursions during cruises to other parts of Vanuatu, and has engaged in charitable partnerships with local schools and communities in Lelepa.

Development projects like this can often prove divisive for local communities, in fact, Royal Caribbean has another project planned at Costa Maya in Mexico, which has been experiencing protests from locals.

After locals blocked the cruise port entry on a day where three cruise ships were visiting Costa Maya last week, Royal Caribbean has jumped into action on a rehabilitation program of local roads and taken more meetings with the local community.