Royal Caribbean Denies Unauthorized Mahahual Work

Cancún — Royal Caribbean has issued a denial that it is conducting any unauthorized construction or demolition at the site of its planned "Perfect Day México" project in Mahahual. The cruise line stated it is in the process of submitting a Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental (MIA), an environmental impact assessment, through official government channels before any work can begin.

In a project update video, the company clarified its current status. "We have been working hard to understand the needs of employees, suppliers, and community members. We are also in the process of presenting the MIA through the government's official channels," the company stated.

The announcement explicitly addressed concerns about ongoing activity at the site. "We clarify that we have not begun construction, demolition, or any other activity on the site," the company said. It further committed to a process of community engagement, noting, "Once we submit the MIA, we will hold community meetings to provide details of the MIA and listen to any feedback they may have."

Royal Caribbean also outlined several environmental initiatives it claims are part of the project plan. The company highlighted efforts to restore and preserve 45 hectares of mangroves, protect the Mesoamerican Reef, invest in solutions to minimize sargassum seaweed, and restore the coastline from existing pollution.

The statement also detailed planned infrastructure, saying, "A new world-class solid waste and wastewater system will be built for the project and the community, which will protect and enhance the local ecosystem; a water production system will be installed to ensure we are not depleting all local resources."

The clarification from Royal Caribbean comes after environmentalists began collecting signatures to stop the project, which they believe will damage mangrove areas, disrupt sea turtle nesting, and generate pollution in the reef zone. This opposition began approximately nine months after Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama and Royal Caribbean first announced the "Perfect Day" project for the Mahahual area.