The Tribune

Royal Caribbean yesterday said the operations chief at its main Bahamian private island will move to  Nassau and become general manager at its Paradise Island-based Royal Beach Club.

Troy Smith, a long-time Royal Caribbean employee who currently serves as director of island operations at Perfect Day at CocoCay, will head operations at the cruise line’s first-ever beach club experience. The Royal Beach Club is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed by December 2025.

“I’m delighted Troy is bringing his two decades of expertise, operating and creating incredible guest experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay, to the management team at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island,” said Philip Simon, president of Royal Caribbean (Bahamas).

“As a Bahamian myself, it’s incredibly fulfilling to watch the Beach Club take shape guided by our growing Bahamian management team and propelled by local Bahamian businesses that are working hard to bring to life a project that will directly benefit our community.”

As general manager, Mr Smith will be responsible for overall operations, delivering top-class experiences to millions of guests each year, promoting operational excellence and safety, and overseeing a workforce of more than 500 staff members.

“I am truly honoured to take on the role of general manager at the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. As a Bahamian, it is incredibly rewarding to lead a project that celebrates our culture and provides opportunities for our local community,” said Mr Smith. “I look forward to working with our talented team to create an unforgettable experience for our guests, and to showcase the beauty and spirit of The Bahamas.”

Mr Smith is an experienced maritime and hospitality operations executive with a background in port logistics, island resort management and government relations. He has spent more than two decades in ship operations, procurement, security and guest experiences, and has overseen large-scale projects including the development and operation of Perfect Day at Coco Cay. 

Mr Smith began his career at Royal Caribbean as assistant site manager at Coco Cay in 2007, moving on to become site manager and, most recently, director of island operations, where he leads seven divisions including inventory management, general operations, lifeguard services, shore excursions, entertainment and guest experience.

He manages relationships with government agencies, local vendors and third-party partners to ensure smooth operations and compliance. Mr Smith also played a key role in maintaining operational continuity during the construction of Perfect Day at Coco Cay, and oversees vendor management, procurement and budgetary controls to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.