Royal Caribbean Affirms Perfect Day Project in Mahahual Remains on Track Despite Legal Hurdles

Chetumal, Mexico — Royal Caribbean representatives confirmed during a virtual press conference that their Perfect Day project in Mahahual remains on schedule for a September 2027 opening, despite legal challenges that have temporarily suspended construction.

The cruise line executives stated that demolition work on existing structures at the project site was conducted with proper permits from government authorities. They emphasized that the demolished structure was an abandoned water park that posed contamination risks and safety hazards to both local residents and potential tourists.

Ari Adler, Royal Caribbean’s representative for Mexico, clarified that while the company supports public consultation, that responsibility falls to SEMARNAT (Mexico’s environmental protection agency) during the Environmental Impact Assessment (MIA) process. “The group is the most interested in having a public consultation,” Adler said, “but that is SEMARNAT’s authority during the MIA evaluation under their own timelines and formats.”

Royal Caribbean acknowledged that legal injunctions and the federal court-ordered suspension present operational challenges but expressed confidence in Mexico’s legal system. “We are very serious about our commitments regarding timing, quality, and standards,” company representatives stated. “We are doing everything necessary to resolve the legal situation, which is definitely an obstacle, but we are certain that with Mexico’s legal system we will overcome this suspension and continue advancing to meet that date and commitment we have with the Mahahual community and with Mexico.”

The company revealed it has already invested approximately $1 billion in land acquisition and port infrastructure for the project, with additional investments pending necessary approvals. They confirmed that actual construction of Perfect Day has not yet begun, as the MIA remains under evaluation.

Local and federal authorities in Othón P. Blanco municipality have initiated a process to reverse the judicial suspension following complaints about modifications to Mahahual’s Urban Development Program (PDU). Royal Caribbean appears as an interested third party in these proceedings, noting that the PDU modifications were made by municipal authorities following regulations that didn’t require public consultation.