Royal Caribbean Presses Ahead With Mahahual Plans Despite Permit Denial

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Royal Caribbean says it is still committed to developing its Perfect Day beach resort in Mahahual, even after Mexico’s environmental regulator rejected the project over concerns about damage to nearby coral reefs and mangroves.

The cruise company’s representative in Mexico, Ari Adler Brotman, said it has agreed to modify the original proposal and is reviewing alternatives in hopes of winning approval from the federal Environment Department (Semarnat). He stressed that the company is not considering moving the investment elsewhere in Mexico or to Belize, which has offered to host the project.

“Our commitment to Mexico and Quintana Roo is still in force,” Adler said. “We are evaluating the situation with the authorities. Mexico is very important to us, and we are looking at how we can proceed with modifications to the proposal.”

Adler declined to say whether the Perfect Day development would remain at its intended location or when the company might present a revised plan. He said Royal Caribbean is taking part in ongoing dialogue with business leaders and community representatives in Mahahual.

“We don’t want to give timelines because we don’t know exactly when we’ll have something more concrete,” he said. “As soon as we know something, we’ll announce it. For now, we’re working and exploring other options.”

The project, initially valued at more than $1.5 billion, had been expected to create jobs and business opportunities for residents and suppliers along the Costa Maya, leading local business groups to defend it. Its future remains uncertain following the government’s rejection and opposition from environmental organizations.