Royal Caribbean hit a major obstacle in its expansion of destination-based cruise experiences after Mexican officials confirmed that the planned Perfect Day Mexico development in Mahahual will not move forward due to environmental concerns.
According to multiple reports, Mexico’s Environment Minister Alicia Barcena said the proposed $600 million project “is not going to be approved,” following comments from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressing concerns over the scale and environmental impact of the development.
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The project was expected to become a major addition to Royal Caribbean’s growing portfolio of branded experiences, following the success of Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.
Planned for more than 200 acres along Mexico’s Caribbean coastline, Perfect Day Mexico was scheduled to debut in fall 2027 and accommodate up to 21,000 cruise guests per day. Royal Caribbean had positioned the destination as a next-generation private cruise experience for Western Caribbean itineraries, sailing from Galveston, New Orleans and Florida homeports.
Project plans included a large-scale waterpark, multiple entertainment districts and expansive pool complexes designed to compete with the increasingly popular private island and destination model reshaping the cruise sector.
Among the proposed features was Loco Waterpark, which would have included more than 30 waterslides spread across five slide towers. Splash Cove, envisioned as the development’s central family zone, was set to feature what Royal Caribbean described as the world’s longest lazy river, complete with float-up bars, rapids, wave sections and multiple access points.
According to reports, Royal Caribbean expressed regret over the outcome but affirmed its respect for Mexico’s environmental authorities.
