Mexico's Environment Ministry formally blocked Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico project on May 19, 2026, with Environment Minister Alicia Barcena telling reporters the $600 million development "is not going to be approved" due to risks to mangroves and the Mesoamerican Reef near Mahahual, Quintana Roo. According to Reuters, Barcena made the announcement one day after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns over the sprawling site, which would be able to accommodate as many as 21,000 guests per day. Royal Caribbean said it was disappointed but respected Mexico's environmental authorities.
A Change.org petition against the proposed 200-plus-acre private resort surpassed 5 million signatures as of June 15, 2026, weeks after Mexico halted the cruise line's plans. The campaign has drawn support well beyond traditional environmental groups. Fans of K-pop group BTS and singer Taylor Swift have launched social media campaigns, circulating petitions and slogans such as "Mahahual needs us."
President Sheinbaum has indicated that Mexican officials are evaluating the possibility of granting the Mahahual area an additional protection category, potentially allowing ecotourism only under certain conditions. Royal Caribbean remains in discussions with Mexican officials regarding potential relocation options elsewhere in the country. The cruise line has not publicly commented on the possibility of relocating the project.