Royal Caribbean Announces Private Island in the South Pacific

(2.50 p.m. AEST) – Royal Caribbean has announced the location of the line’s newest private island destination – 'Perfect Day at Lelepa', in Vanuatu. Set to open in 2022, Perfect Day at Lelepa will be the Southern Hemisphere’s first private island destination for cruise visitors.

The announcement of the new project was made by Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley.

Salwai and Bayley said the destination will be created in partnership with the community of Vanuatu to showcase the natural beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities.

Perfect Day at Lelepa will also be built with sustainability features designed to safeguard the island’s ecosystems and will be the first carbon neutral private cruise island in the world, with standards for carbon neutrality audited and certified by an independent third-party expert.

“We believe our destinations should be sustainably designed,” Bayley said. “That idea goes beyond simply protecting the ecological features of Lelepa and includes showing respect for the people and traditions that make this a special place.”

Vanuatu Prime Minister Salwai said, “Vanuatu is a true paradise for both our people and the visitors we welcome to our shores each year. Today marks a major step forward in our island nation’s close relationship with Royal Caribbean and one that will support sustainable growth for future generations. The Ni-Vanuatu people look forward to welcoming Royal Caribbean guests from around the world to enjoy extraordinary adventures and relaxation during their Perfect Day at Lelepa.”

Bayley said, “Anyone who has encountered the tremendous natural beauty of Lelepa can understand why it is the perfect setting for ‘Perfect Day.’ Our guests who travel to the South Pacific are seeking authentic adventures and genuine relaxation, and they will find both here.”

Perfect Day at Lelepa will have a different look and feel from Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (pictured above). Bailey went on to say that guests around the world all have different definitions for their perfect day — and all of them are right. He is confident the designers of the first Perfect Day in the South Pacific will create an experience that suits the destination.

Cox Architecture, a sustainable, design-focused contemporary architectural firm based in Australia, will serve as the lead architect on the Perfect Day at Lelepa project which is scheduled to open in three year's time.