SouthernWorldwide.com – Mexican officials have announced that they will reject Royal Caribbean’s proposal to construct a vast water park along the nation’s Caribbean coast, following weeks of strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups.
Critics of the cruise line’s ambitious project raised concerns that the development could jeopardize the region’s delicate ecosystem and disrupt the character of Mahahual, a small coastal community.
During a press conference on Tuesday, May 19, Alicia Bárcena, Mexico’s Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), addressed the controversial development.
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“I wish to inform you that Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day project will not be approved,” Bárcena stated. “The company is also seeking to withdraw the project, but we at SEMARNAT will not grant our approval.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed these sentiments during a press conference held on Monday morning. “We must not undertake any action that could negatively impact this area, which possesses a very significant ecological balance and is particularly vital for the coral reefs,” she remarked, as reported by Reuters.
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A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean expressed understanding for the local sentiment. “Mahahual is a special place that deserves care and protection. We continue to believe in Mexico and are optimistic about the potential to advance our investment responsibly.”
The spokesperson further indicated that the company intends to “re-engage stakeholders” as it works towards developing “essential environmental infrastructure, creating thousands of local jobs, and implementing community programs that support the people of Mexico.”
Royal Caribbean initially unveiled its Perfect Day Mexico concept in October 2024, as part of its expanding portfolio of cruise destinations. The project was originally slated for a 2027 opening.
The proposed site in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, was envisioned to include “an all-new thrilling water park; jaw-dropping pools and beaches, restaurants, bars, and more,” according to a company press release. The cruise line had promoted the development as a “sustainable destination.”
This decision comes in the wake of growing criticism from environmental advocates and residents regarding the potential ramifications of the project. A petition on Change.org, demanding the “immediate cancellation” of the development, garnered over 4.8 million signatures.
“Mahahual is not an amusement park. It is a fishing town inhabited by local communities who live facing the sea,” the petition emphatically stated.
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“This project directly threatens our rights to access and use the sea, the beaches, and the mangroves, our local identity, our way of life, our freedom to live here,” the petition continued.
The petition further characterized Mahahual as “one of the last free strongholds of the Mexican Caribbean, while Playa del Carmen and Tulum have already succumbed to the logic of profit.”
Reactions from Royal Caribbean fans on Reddit forums were varied.
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One commenter applauded the decision, stating, “Good for Mexico.”
Another user acknowledged the concerns, commenting, “I can see the concerns here, but no doubt some folks will be disappointed.”
CocoCay, located in the Bahamas, serves as a precedent for the proposed project in Mexico. CocoCay has proven to be a significant success for the company, attracting more than 2 million visitors annually, according to Cruise Industry News.
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Mahahual is renowned for its proximity to the Mesoamerican Reef, recognized as the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, as reported by Reuters. The coastal town has increasingly become a magnet for scuba divers and tourists eager to experience its marine ecosystems, coral formations, tropical fish, and diverse sea life.
