Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Mexico on Indefinite Hold

Royal Caribbean won’t be breaking any records with its planned second Perfect Day experience – Perfect Day Mexico. The private destination, which was set to debut next year with the tallest water slide in North and South America, as well as longest lazy river in the world, is on indefinite hold after the Mexican government said it would not be approved.

As reported by Reuters, Mexican authorities rejected the plan due to environmental concerns.

“It’s not going to be approved,” Mexico’s Environment Minister Alicia Barcena said during a press conference.

Work on the project had previously been suspended following legal challenges from local environmental groups and amid accusations that it lacked the necessary authorization. However, as recently as last month’s Seatrade Global Cruise conference a Royal Caribbean spokesperson had told TMR that construction had resumed.

“We are disappointed by SEMARNAT’s [Mexico’s Environmental Ministry] decision and respect the role of Mexico’s environmental authorities,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said in a statement. “Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico and are optimistic in the potential to advance our investment responsibly.”

Though Royal Caribbean said it will honor the decision, the company is not yet ready to give up on its plans.

“Over the coming weeks, we will re-engage stakeholders to move forward in a way that delivers shared prosperity through the development of essential environmental infrastructure, the creation of thousands of local jobs, and community programs that support the people of Mexico.”

Royal Caribbean first announced Perfect Day Mexico in October 2024. It later bought the Port of Costa Maya in July 2025 with plans to build the destination there.