Royal Caribbean’s Mahahual Project Sparks Debate

Mahahual, Mexico — In recent months, various demonstrations have shown the public's discontent with Royal Caribbean and its project in Mahahual. The company is now preparing for a meeting to discuss the possibility of proceeding with its planned constructions.

According to confirmed information, Royal Caribbean is expected to submit an Environmental Impact Statement (Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental or MIA) before the end of October. The document will be reviewed by the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), which will analyze the possibility of carrying out the proposed work in Mahahual, despite meetings having been held with local communities.

Royal Caribbean also affirmed its intentions to contribute to the community where the project will be located, assuring that it will make various investments to improve the site. The company stated the following: "to correct the erroneous information circulating about plans to build a second dock, named 'Perfect,' which will not be the case."

In addition to the mentioned commitments, Royal Caribbean assured that a new commercial space will be developed, along with 45 spaces for local vendors. The company also discussed habitat protection, stating they will include up to 45 hectares of mangroves within the Mahahual area.

Why is this Royal Caribbean Project So Controversial?

When the Royal Caribbean project in Mahahual was announced in 2024, it quickly raised alarm among residents. The reasons behind this were that the intended construction zone corresponds to a mangrove area, with residents asserting the project could affect them. This involves using approximately 90 hectares of land in Mahahual for the construction of Royal Caribbean's "Perfect Day."

It is also believed that this will distort the identity of Mahahual, in addition to affecting the mangroves due to the construction Royal Caribbean intends to carry out.

The Residents Who Rose Up Against the Cruise Lines

Because of all the aforementioned issues, the residents of "Las Casitas" held a demonstration, rising up against the cruise lines. Adding to the controversies surrounding Royal Caribbean, local settlers affirmed that there is a backlog in various basic services in the area.