NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS, Aug. 29, 2024 – Royal Caribbean International has signed on Bahamian-owned SEV Consulting Group, the leading Bahamian-based environmental consulting firm, as part of its commitment to provide local independent environmental monitoring during construction and operation of Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, The Bahamas. In partnership with the vacation company, SEV is ensuring the 17-acre beachfront experience – opening in late 2025 – comes to life in line with Royal Caribbean’s environmental commitments as well as Bahamian and international laws and standards.
“Protecting and preserving the natural resources of Paradise Island is a key part of how the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas will shine at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Nature painted a perfect canvas on the island; that canvas changed with time after it was abandoned over many years by previous homeowners. While there is some work to be done and a process to go through that beauty will be restored,” said Philip Simon Jr., president and general manager, Royal Beach Club and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas. “Many structures and invasive species were left behind, and with SEV Consulting Group’s partnership to see through the demolition, construction and operation, the western end of Paradise Island will be a welcome crown in the heart of the harbour once again.”
SEV, which has been involved in several projects throughout The Bahamas since 2007, is currently monitoring the demolition and the government-required removal of more than 1,600 non-native plants and trees in order to restore the native habitat. Leading up to the 2025 opening, SEV and Royal Caribbean will continue their oversight into the reconstruction phase of the project, which will focus on small-scale buildings, pools, lounge areas, limited back-of-house operations facilities and docks.
The firm will also ensure compliance of Royal Caribbean’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the beach club. These documents are mandatory for all industrial, commercial and residential developments throughout The Bahamas to help identify potential negative impacts on the environment and outline measures to eliminate or minimize those impacts, ensuring compliance with The Bahamas’ Environmental Planning and Protection Act (No. 40 of 2019).
“We are pleased to work on this project to protect and promote the island’s natural beauty,” said Stacey Moultrie, Vice President of Environmental Policy and Planning, SEV Consulting Group. “Our job as the environmental monitors is to ensure that the teams for construction and operations implement the measures outlined in the Environmental Management Plan and follow the environmental laws of The Bahamas. This includes protecting marine turtle nesting sites and removing invasive species.”
SEV is currently making regular visits, monitoring the site and conducting inspections with Royal Caribbean, during which the construction team can direct corrective actions and pause work if necessary. The information gathered is submitted as monthly reports to The Bahamas’ Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP). During construction, Royal Caribbean will have SEV monitors on-site fulltime.
SEV is working hand-in-hand with Stacy Lubin, a longstanding environmental conservation expert in The Bahamas and now Royal Caribbean’s director of environment and sustainability for Royal Caribbean International Bahamas. Lubin is also closely collaborating with DEPP to ensure all environmental practices align with the Royal Beach Club environmental plan and Royal Caribbean’s six key commitments: zero waste-to-landfill, renewable energy, no dredging and no overwater cabanas, wastewater treatment, protecting and enhancing the surrounding habitats; and environmental monitoring. This plan was designed to ensure the protection and restoration of native habits, along with the safe removal of non-native and invasive plant species.
Royal Caribbean International’s commitment to local hiring, environmental preservation and sustainable development ensures that Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be a top destination experience that protects and promotes the island’s natural environment and supports the local economy. The first of the Royal Beach Club Collection is taking shape in the coming months, and at the heart of the experience will be The Bahamas. From the location – one of the island’s most idyllic beaches – to the Bahamian food, culture and staff, to a unique public-private partnership in which Bahamians will own up to 49% equity, the all-new beach club combines the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas with signature Royal Caribbean touches across the experience, service and design. What’s in store ranges from pools with swim-up bars to two beaches, private cabanas and island-style spots for casual and local bites.
*NOTE TO EDITOR:
More on Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, including images and video, is available on www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/RoyalBeachClubPI.
About Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International, part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has delivered memorable vacations for more than 50 years. The cruise line’s game-changing ships and private destinations revolutionize vacations with innovations and an all-encompassing combination of experiences, from thrills to dining and entertainment, for every type of family and vacationer. Voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 21 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards, Royal Caribbean makes memories with adventurers across more than 300 destinations in 80 countries on all seven continents, including the line’s top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visiting www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to book, vacationers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com, call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN or contact their travel advisor.
###