by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Tue August 18, 2026
Royal Caribbean Group is continuing efforts to revive its plans for Perfect Day Mexico.
The company provided an update on the project during its recent second-quarter earnings call, during which chief executive officer Jason Liberty said Royal Caribbean continues to “maintain a constructive dialogue with community leaders and public officials as we work to develop a tourism destination that will create long-term opportunities for the region, for Mexico, and for our guests.”
Liberty said discussions involving the Mexican government, Royal Caribbean and local community members are ongoing, but he suggested the process may take longer than the company initially anticipated. The government’s engagement with community stakeholders, he said, “will take some time and is expected to affect our previously planned timeline.”
Royal Caribbean had envisioned Perfect Day Mexico as a sprawling vacation destination in Mahahual, near the port of Costa Maya. The concept was modeled in part on Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and was slated to feature a waterpark, nearly two miles of beaches and other attractions.
But the project hit a major roadblock in May, when the Mexican government prevented it from moving forward following opposition that included millions of digital petition signatures. Environmental concerns were a major focus of the pushback, particularly given Mahahual’s location along the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
During the earnings call, Liberty framed the Perfect Day Mexico project as part of Royal Caribbean’s broader effort to establish a lasting relationship with the community.
“We remain heavily engaged with key stakeholders to create sustainable tourism that includes lasting environmental, economic, and social benefits for the region, including investments in critical infrastructure to protect the local environment,” he said.
More broadly, Royal Caribbean appears to be emphasizing its efforts to engage with the community and address concerns about the project. The company has created a webpage dedicated to Mahahual that includes a section of frequently asked questions, such as “How does Royal Caribbean listen to the local community?” and "How is Royal Caribbean addressing environmental concerns in Mahahual?"
On the webpage, the company is also highlighting its community impact, including its investment in a new community center in Mahahual, which is expected to host workshops, sports activities and other community events. Royal Caribbean also pointed out its multi-year sargassum management program, as well as other environmental protection efforts. Another blurb emphasizes how the company supports Mahahual’s local economy.
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