Royal Caribbean ‘disappointed’ as Perfect Day Mexico blocked by government

Royal Caribbean’s planned private destination, Perfect Day Mexico, has been rejected by Mexican environmental authorities.

The 200-acre resort in Mahahual, on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, was scheduled to open in autumn 2027.

However, Alicia Bárcena, head of Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday (May 19) the project will not receive environmental approval following extensive pushback from local residents and environmental groups.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed these concerns during a press briefing on Monday (May 18), stating: “We must not do anything that affects that area, which has a very important ecological balance, and is particularly important for reefs.”

The project’s proximity to the Mesoamerican Reef – the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere – and protected mangrove forests had sparked public opposition, including a Change.org petition that secured nearly five million signatures.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said the cruise line was “disappointed" by the decision but “respects the role of Mexico’s environmental authorities”.

The spokesperson added: “Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico, and are optimistic in the potential to advance our investment responsibly.

“Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs and community programs that support the people of Mexico.”

During a first-quarter earnings call earlier this month, Royal Caribbean international president Michael Bayley had stated the project was “generally on track” and would be “incredibly significant” for narrowing the yield gap on Western Caribbean itineraries.

Bayley added: “Perfect Day Mexico combined with the Royal Beach Club in Cozumel will be the centrepiece along with our Icon Class ships.

“The combination of the hardware, the brand and the destination, we believe is going to be a massive accelerator for overall financial performance for the business.”