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Royal Caribbean announces $600 million Perfect Day Mexico Mahahual port project

Mahahual, Q.R. — Royal Caribbean has announced a mega-investment project for the cruise port of Mahahual in Costa Maya. The company says they have big “beach day” plans for the area after the recent success of their Perfect Day CocoCay project.

Royal Caribbean will spend $600 million USD on its Perfect Day Mexico, which will open sometime in 2027 at the port of Costa Maya. The project is considered an ambitious cruise day project to improve the Mexico travel experience for its passengers.

Royal Caribbean announces $600 million Perfect Day Mexico Mahahual port project
Perfect Day Mexico to open in the Port of Mahahual in 2027 by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

“Perfect Day at CocoCay has been a game-changer for both our guests and our business. With travelers prioritizing unique experiences and destinations being a highly influential factor in their travel decisions, we are excited to expand our Perfect Day Collection with Perfect Day Mexico to exceptionally serve those looking to explore the Western Caribbean,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

A beach area of seaside Mahahual 2024.

The project will include “locally inspired elements in design, flavors and ambiance and include an all-new thrilling waterpark, jaw-dropping pools and beaches, restaurants, bars, music and more for all tastes.” The announcement was made by Royal Caribbean who have reported signing an agreement to acquire the Port of Costa Maya.

The private cruise passengers-only area will have a beachside pool.

Royal Caribbean’s Senior Vice President and Chief Product Innovation Officer, Jay Schneider, said their research shows customers want a place that feels like it’s part of Mexico.

“There will be new experiences inside of that. Some, to be honest, we’re literally still exploring,” Mr. Schneider said while discussing what cruisers can expect. He clarified that while the waterslide at the Port of Mahahual has been acquired, Royal Caribbean will be building their own waterpark.

A render of the new Royal Caribbean waterslide at the Port of Mahahual

He said his team is “obsessing right now” over what cruise ship passengers would want in a day in Mexico.

According to a company statement, they have also purchased adjacent land lots over the past year. According to the cruise line, the project will encompass 90 hectares (about 220 acres) noting that not all the land is developable.

Fishing boats off the beach of Mahahual 2024.

Royal Caribbean has been working with the Government of Mexico for the past nine months leading up to Wednesday’s announcement. According to Royal Caribbean, they are paying special attention to preserve environmental protected areas such as nearby mangroves. Approximately half of the land is in development under the current plan, while the rest is for conservation.

A render of Chill Island, a private area for Royal Caribbean cruise ship passengers at the Port of Mahahual.

The company says the Port of Costa Maya can currently accommodate up to four ships. “While other cruise lines will still be able to dock there, there are days where four Royal Caribbean ships could conceivably be there at once,” they said.

During construction of Perfect Day Mexico, the port will remain open to other cruise lines. It will also remain open to other lines after Perfect Day Mexico opens, however, according to the company, only Royal Caribbean passengers will have access to Perfect Day Mexico, something that is included in the cost of their trip.

Passengers from other cruise lines arriving in Mahahual will be able to participate in shore excursions.

On Wednesday, Governor Mara Lezama participated in the public announcement of the Royal Caribbean investment.

The announcement was made Wednesday October 9, 2024.

“We are excited to announce this new investment in the state, which follows other recent investments made by the consortium, such as the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel.

“The new push for the development of the Mahahual cruise port is a project that will not only transform this beautiful Caribbean destination, but also reaffirms our commitment to sustainability and community well-being,” said Governor Mara Lezama.

The cruise line says additional details regarding Perfect Day Mexico will be available sometime in the Spring of 2025.

Royal Caribbeans says other cruise lines will still be able to dock at the Port of Mahahual.

Mr. Schneider says plans for the project are still being finalized, and design work is still in the “preliminary” phase. This is the second major project announced by Royal Caribbean for Quintana Roo. In March, the company announced a $75 million USD beach club project on the island of Cozumel.