Royal Caribbean Commits to Sargassum Fight and Community Demands in Mahahual

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Royal Caribbean’s president in Mexico, Ary Adler Brotman, announced that the cruise line has started addressing demands from residents of Mahahual as part of its commitment following a major investment in the destination, which promises direct benefits for the community.

In addition to repairing streets in the neighborhood adjacent to the maritime terminal—a key demand since the company’s arrival—Royal Caribbean will now join ongoing efforts to combat sargassum. Brotman emphasized the importance of helping reduce the seaweed’s impact on beaches, especially with the Easter holiday season approaching.

“We are fulfilling our commitments,” Brotman said. “One of the main demands from Mahahual residents is protecting the coastline of the Maya Riviera. We will deploy new equipment, reinforce barriers, and work hand-in-hand with local businesses and municipal, state, and federal authorities to keep beaches clean. What has been agreed is the addition of new anchor points to strengthen the net system that helps prevent the macroalgae from reaching the shore.”

He explained that working groups were held where the cruise line reaffirmed its involvement, installing specialized seaweed collection equipment designed to effectively remove floating sargassum before it hits the coast. Royal Caribbean will also establish permanent beach-cleaning brigades to protect the local economy from the marine fern’s presence.

Brotman detailed that this is a sargassum management project employing more efficient mitigation strategies, with an expected immediate impact on coastal protection.

“It is a sargassum management program that will offer a long-term solution to automate the collection process,” he stated. “It uses a state-of-the-art, low-noise, low-impact system capable of harvesting seaweed from the water without collecting sand or other debris. This program aligns with Royal Caribbean’s SEA The Future initiative, which aims to provide the best vacation experiences responsibly by sustaining the planet, energizing communities, and accelerating innovation to ensure environmental preservation.”

Forecasts indicate one of the most active sargassum seasons for 2026, with peak arrivals expected from April to August. Brotman stressed the need for coordinated actions, which are already being planned and implemented.