Port Costa Maya (Mahahual, Mexico) has come under the administration of Royal Caribbean Group, as the company prepares to build its private destination known as Perfect Day Mexico.
Royal Caribbean assumed operational control of the port on July 11, following its earlier acquisition of the facility and 34 surrounding properties for approximately US$292 million. The arrangements clear the path for a comprehensive US$600 million-plus development set to unfold over the next two years.
Construction work is scheduled to proceed without interruption to existing cruise operations; Port Costa Maya will remain open to all cruise lines even during and after the build period. While certain areas of the future destination will be reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises guests, docking privileges will continue to be made available to other lines.
The development will transform more than 200 acres of coastline into an immersive guest destination. Highlights of Perfect Day Mexico include a large-scale waterpark, the longest lazy river in the world, adults-only beach and pool areas, a premium beach club, numerous dining facilities, entertainment zones, and cultural nods to Mexico’s Caribbean heritage. The destination will also link to the Tren Maya tourist rail system, enhancing accessibility and connectivity to the region.
Royal Caribbean’s partnership with local environmental and community groups underscores its commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. Programs in support of coastal ecosystem restoration and local employment are part of the broader strategy for Mahahual’s revival.
Perfect Day Mexico is slated to open in late 2027. From a maritime viewpoint, this development represents a bold expansion of cruise-owned destination infrastructure—akin to the company’s earlier success with Perfect Day at CocoCay—and positions Mahahual as a future hub for Western Caribbean itineraries.
With Royal Caribbean at the helm, Costa Maya is transitioning from a shared regional port into a hybrid gateway: a working terminal for multiple cruise lines and a bespoke shore destination tailored to the company’s extensive guest network.