A Mexican court has ordered a temporary halt to construction work on Royal Caribbean’s proposed Perfect Day Mexico destination in Costa Maya, pending further environmental and land-use assessments.
According to Mexican newspaper La Jornada, the decision was issued by a Quintana Roo district court after an injunction request from environmental organisation Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS).
The ruling pauses development activity while authorities examine whether all legal and environmental requirements have been fully met.
The injunction does not cancel the project, but instead seeks to prevent any potentially irreversible environmental damage while outstanding concerns are reviewed. A court hearing scheduled in the coming days will determine whether the suspension remains in place for the duration of the environmental studies.
Environmental And Infrastructure Concerns Raised
DMAS has stressed that it is not opposed to the cruise line’s plans in principle, acknowledging that the project could deliver significant economic benefits to the region. However, the group argues that possible land-use irregularities must be addressed before construction continues.
“We are in favor of respecting the law, urban planning and the community’s right to a healthy environment,” the organisation said.
A key concern is the protection of mangrove ecosystems in the area, which play a crucial role in water filtration and coastal erosion prevention. Environmental advocates have warned that damage to these habitats could have long-term consequences for both the local environment and nearby communities.
The group has also raised questions about the capacity of the region’s sanitation infrastructure, which is already under strain. An influx of visitors on the scale proposed for Perfect Day Mexico could further burden wastewater and sewage systems, with potential impacts on surrounding towns.
Royal Caribbean has previously stated that there are no plans to build within designated mangrove conservation zones and has said the project would include restoration initiatives designed to enhance mangrove habitats rather than harm them.
Local Opposition Has Emerged Before
The court injunction is not the first obstacle faced by the Perfect Day Mexico project.
In August 2025, a Change.org petition was launched calling for greater protections for the nearby fishing village of Mahahual. That campaign cited similar environmental concerns, including mangrove preservation, pollution risks and pressure on local water supplies.
The petition has since attracted more than 357,000 signatures. Like the current legal challenge, it does not seek to block the development outright, but instead calls for stronger safeguards for local communities and greater public involvement in decision-making.
Royal Caribbean owns the land earmarked for the destination but must comply with Mexican environmental and planning laws before proceeding. The project, once approved, is set to become one of the cruise industry’s largest private destinations.
Plans include a sprawling waterpark capable of welcoming up to 20,000 guests per day, allowing multiple cruise ships to call at the site simultaneously.
The development would feature more than 30 waterslides, including the tallest waterslides in North and South America, alongside what is planned to be the world’s longest lazy river, complete with a high-energy “crazy” section.
“Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”
Additional plans include three swim-up bars, 10 swimming pools, the Splashaway Bay water play area for children, an adults-only retreat, multiple dining venues and a range of cabana options spread across more than 200 acres.
The destination represents an investment of more than $600 million, with completion currently projected for late 2027.
However, if the suspension is extended or further changes are required following environmental reviews, that timeline could be pushed back.
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