Royal Caribbean International has assumed administrative control of the Port of the Grand Costa Maya in Mahahual, Quintana Roo, paving the way for its next private destination, Perfect Day Mexico. The $600 million project, scheduled to debut in 2027, will transform more than 200 acres of coastline into a hub featuring the world's longest lazy river, an adults-only oasis, a premium beach club, and a lively party zone. Construction will proceed while the port remains open to all Cruise lines, ensuring uninterrupted calls.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Keeps Costa Maya open yet upgrades it into a marquee private destination.
- $292 million paid for port and 34 nearby parcels.
- 12 dining venues and 24 bars planned, plus adults-only pool.
- Linked to upcoming Maya Train route for easier overland access.
- Completion targeted for fall 2027; work begins immediately.
Snapshot
Perfect Day Mexico will merge a functioning public Cruise pier with a purpose-built beach resort, giving ships access to both curated experiences and local Mahahual culture. Spread across roughly 200 acres, the site's headline attractions include a waterpark with what Royal Caribbean bills as the world's longest lazy river, multiple thrill slides, and a swim-up bar complex. Guests seeking calm can book premium cabanas along a protected beach or slip into an adults-only lagoon. Twelve eateries-from taco stands to upscale grills-and two dozen bars will disperse crowds and keep foot traffic flowing. The port's four berths remain unchanged, allowing vessels of all brands to dock while the destination evolves.
Background
Mahahual began as a sleepy fishing outpost before Puerto Costa Maya opened in 2001 to relieve congestion in Cozumel. Royal Caribbean's interest deepened when its Holistica Destinations joint venture helped rebuild hurricane-damaged facilities in 2008, proving the site's resilience. In September 2024 the Cruise giant signed agreements to buy the port and surrounding land for about $292 million, citing room for a large-scale private destination. The purchase closed on July 11, 2025, granting the company administrative control while preserving open-port status. Adding Perfect Day Mexico follows the successful Perfect Day at CocoCay model, which boosted Caribbean yields after its 2019 debut.
Latest Developments
Royal Caribbean confirmed the takeover and construction timeline on July 11, emphasizing that normal Cruise traffic will continue throughout the two-year build. Estimated direct investment: $600 million, excluding the land purchase. The destination is slated for a fall 2027 grand opening.
Construction Timeline and Budget
Site preparation begins this quarter, focusing on utility upgrades and shoreline stabilization to withstand Caribbean storm surges. Vertical construction on the waterpark and beach club starts in early 2026, followed by theming work and landscaping in 2027. The line projects more than 3,000 local and regional jobs during peak build and 800 permanent resort positions thereafter.
Port Operations During Build
All four existing berths will stay active. Work zones sit north of the pier access road, separated by security fencing, so passengers can still disembark into Mahahual's village or book shore Tours. The port authority will adjust traffic flow on heavy equipment days, but Royal Caribbean says no call cancellations are expected.
Integration with the Maya Train
Perfect Day Mexico will feature a dedicated transfer hub to connect with the Maya Train tourist route now under construction. Once the 948-mile rail loop fully opens in 2027, cruisers will be able to reach archeological sites such as Chacchoben in under an hour, reducing reliance on motor-coach convoys. Royal Caribbean expects the rail link to extend average passenger spend and diversify excursion options beyond the private enclave.
Analysis
For Cruise guests, Costa Maya's hybrid model offers flexibility: stay in the controlled Perfect Day environment or walk straight into Mahahual for authentic eateries and beach clubs. Prices for cabanas and thrill-park passes will mirror CocoCay's tiered structure, meaning families should budget extra for signature experiences. The destination's wide berth count indicates Royal Caribbean plans to schedule multiple ships simultaneously, heightening occupancy but also ensuring high energy ashore. Advisors should flag the new Non-Resident Duty cruise tax-set to rise to $21 by 2027-which will stack onto resort fees; our briefing on the subject explains cost impacts in detail. Travelers focused on culture may prefer to combine a half-day in the private zone with Maya Train excursions, balancing resort convenience with regional immersion.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean's takeover secures Costa Maya's role as both a community port and a headline attraction, promising fresh thrills without shutting down local commerce. Advisors should monitor excursion inventory and price tiers as Perfect Day Mexico nears completion, guiding clients toward advance reservations for premium amenities. When the lazy river opens in 2027, Costa Maya will shift from a convenient stopover to a vacation highlight, making early itinerary selection crucial for anyone eager to experience Perfect Day Mexico.