Royal Caribbean is set to develop a new Western Caribbean port resort on Mexico’s Costa Maya, slated to open in 2027. It is the second Mexican destination to be revealed by the group within a year, following the announcement of Royal Beach Club Cozumel, an island resort in the same state of Quintana Roo.
Perfect Day brand is “a gamechanger”
Chosen for its “natural beauty, warm culture, and prime location”, the former fishing village of Mahahual, is already being touted as a potential “hero port” among the cruise line’s Western Caribbean itineraries, according to chief marketing officer Kara Wallace, as reported in USA Today Travel. It will welcome sailings “from certainly Galveston … from the Gulf and throughout Florida, as well,” she said.
The company is looking to tap into the popularity of its Perfect Day brand. Its Bahamian Perfect Day at CocoCay has become “the number one highest-rated destination” of Royal Carribean’s 250 ports of call, Wallace said and has been described by Jason Liberty, group president and CEO as “a game changer for both our guests and our business.”
Trend for unique experiences with local twists
Along with the Perfect Day booking numbers, broader consumer travel trends too are driving the group’s interpretation of what voyagers want, with an emphasis throughout press communications on “experiences” and “local” connections. In the words of Liberty: “With travelers prioritizing unique experiences and destinations driving their booking decisions, we’re excited to expand our Perfect Day Collection by creating Perfect Day Mexico to super serve guests who want to explore the Western Caribbean.”
Part of that “super service” entails “reimagining the ultimate vacation experience for guests of all ages” Liberty explained. Attractions will include an all-new water park, pools and beaches, as well as restaurants and bars, in what the company promises will be “unparalleled lineup of experiences,” with “locally inspired twists across the design, flavors and spirit.”
Sustainability and prosperity
Quintana State Governor Mara Lezama welcomed the development, which ties in with a renewed focus on tourism-driven prosperity in Mexico. Commending “the beauties that southern Quintana Roo has to offer, but most importantly, the kindness of our people,” she added: “We are very excited that Royal Caribbean has decided to invest in Mahahual, a land of opportunity and hard-working people,” she said. “Under the framework of the Well-Being and Development Accord and the new era of tourism, my administration is looking forward to working very closely with the company to ensure a sustainable destination that brings shared prosperity to the region.”
