EDIT May 20, 2026: Royal Caribbean has confirmed that its private destination project near Mahahual, Mexico has been halted following a ruling by Mexico’s Environmental Agency SEMARNAT (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Humanos). The agency formally rejected the cruise line’s plans, citing risks to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System and local coastal ecosystems. Press Release Reuters

In October of 2024, Royal Caribbean announced it would be building another Perfect Day resort – a highly anticipated exclusive destination on Costa Maya, Mexico,

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But there was a problem….the deal to purchase the Port of Mahahual and the surrounding land needed to be completed. 

Finally, the deal has closed after months of waiting – which means construction crews can start work!.  

Included in $292 million USD purchase is the cruise port and 34 of the surrounding properties. This will be turned into Perfect Day Mexico over the next two years and open in the fall of 2027.

Local news outlet Riviera Maya News reported that the announcement of the deal’s closing was made on July 11, 2025, by Jay Schnaider, the Director of Product Innovation for Royal Caribbean. 

“We are now administrators of the port and have begun working on the development of Perfect Day Mahahual,” the company representative stated.

This means that Royal Caribbean can officially assume operations because both the legal and the financial transaction has been completed. 

The Port of Costa Maya and the Port of Mahahual are basically the same place. Mahahual is the name of the small fishing village near the port, while Costa Maya (or Puerto Costa Maya) is the cruise port’s official name. 

It was confirmed that the cruise port, which receives hundreds of cruise ship calls every year, will remain open during construction.  Costa Maya will also continue to accept other mainstream brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and MSC Cruises that sail to the popular spot on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula after Perfect Day Mexico opens,

But of course, only Royal Caribbean passengers (and guests of sister-brand Celebrity Cruises) will have access to Perfect Day Mexico.

What to Expect at Perfect Day Mexico

Perfect Day Mexico will span more than 200 acres on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, making it considerably larger than the original Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas, which is 125 acres. Perfect Day Mexico will raise the bar on vacations with record-breaking experiences, industry firsts and twists on Royal Caribbean favorites when it all comes to life in Fall 2027. There will be something for adventurers of all ages across seven neighborhoods. 

The new resort will be big enough to accommodate approximately 20,000 guests daily. In comparison, CocoCay can handle around 13,000 guests per day

Highlights include:  

• Loco Waterpark – Thrill-seekers can conquer more than 30 adrenaline-pumping waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslide tower – and waterslides – across North and South America. The more than 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak features two dueling slides, taking riders through more than two minutes of pure thrill and the longest coaster waterslide in the world. Vacationers can scale new heights across the tower’s 10 slides, and they can even do so together on the tallest family raft slide, designed for four to six riders at once. There are more thrills across the waterpark with hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and the world’s first sombrero slide, modeled after Mexico’s iconic sombrero. Plus, adventure pools, a wave pool and slides designed for younger kids ensure there’s something for everyone.

• Splash Cove – The central neighborhood for guests of all ages to go all-in will introduce the longest lazy river in the world – with a crazy side. Along the hour-long float are multiple entry and exit points and plenty of ways to stay hydrated with float-up bars and a cupholder in every tube. And for those who dare, an optional crazy section of the river features unexpected twists and turns with waves, rapids and spins. In the center of it all is a seemingly never-ending 100,000 square foot pool – just one of Perfect Day Mexico’s more than 10 expansive pools that together span the size of four football fields. The little ones have their own adventures at Royal Caribbean’s largest Splashaway Bay with waterslides sized just for them. The first-ever Splashaway Cabanas right nearby make it the perfect home base for families.
• El Hideaway – At this adults-only neighborhood, day pass holders 18 years and older can party all day long with a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar and in-pool DJ. Those looking to celebrate big can max out the party vibes at the new Ultimate Party Cabana for 20 guests, with its own pool and bar. For unmatched chill, El Hideaway sets the scene with live music, toes-in-the-sand bars and cabanas.
• Costa Beach Club – Guests looking to upgrade their beach day to the next level of exclusivity can enjoy the white sand beaches, heated infinity pool and premium dining of Costa Beach Club. And for the ultimate retreat, adventurers can spend the day in a private cabana with a personal cabana attendant, thoughtful amenities and a dedicated pool.
• Chill Beach North and South – Vacationers looking to kick back can enjoy the natural beauty of Mexico along nearly 2 miles of white sand beaches at Chill Beach, spanning north and south from the pier. Guests can enjoy complimentary loungers, umbrellas and towels at all beaches and pools at Perfect Day Mexico.
• Fiesta Plaza – Where all the festivities begin: a vibrant arrival area transports vacationers straight to the heart of Mexico with live music and dance. Plus, the world’s largest sombrero sits atop the Tipsy Sombrero bar, welcoming guests with margaritas, cervezas and more.

Along with all the fun are 12 regionally inspired dining options, from sit-down spots to grab-and-go eateries, with nearly all food spots complimentary to guests. Plus, there are endless reasons to toast “¡Salud!” at 24 bars, including six swim-up bars. Mariachi performances, art installations, and local artisans for souvenir shopping further bring the Mexican culture to life.  

By 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean vacationers will be able to experience a Perfect Day across Perfect Day at CocoCay and Perfect Day Mexico. Vacationers sailing from U.S. Gulf ports are in for the ultimate vacation days starting in 2027 with itineraries that visit both Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico.

Prices will be released soon – stay tuned!

Final Thoughts:

This is just the beginning for the expansion in exclusive Royal Beach Destinations. Royal Caribbean is planning to open more resorts in Labadee, Haiti and Lelepa, Vanuatu — the first private cruise destination in the southern hemisphere. Which one will you visit first?

Be sure to check out the new Beach Club in Nassau, Bahamas – The Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island

*A special thank you to Royal Caribbean for the photos.

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