In a major move, one popular Caribbean port visited by multiple cruise lines is set to be taken over by one of the biggest players in the entire industry. And at least right now, it’s not clear if many lines will have to adjust their itineraries and sail elsewhere in the future.
A few weeks ago, we covered the news that Royal Caribbean was building a new private destination dubbed Perfect Day Mexico.
A sister to Perfect Day CocoCay — the cruise line’s immensely popular private island in The Bahamas — Perfect Day Mexico looks to recreate a similar experience. Early renderings and press releases share that in addition to beach access, there will be things like waterslides, beach clubs, a large pool, and more. Still, the development is in the early stages of planning and not slated to open until 2027.
While Royal Caribbean shared the plans for the destination and said it would be in Mahahual (home to the popular Port of Costa Maya), it wasn’t revealed exactly where Perfect Day Mexico would be situated.
Now it’s looking more like the Port of Costa Maya itself and the surrounding area is going to turn into a Royal Caribbean property.
Royal Caribbean Plans $292 Million Purchase of Costa Maya Port and Surroundings
In the latest quarterly earnings call and report, the cruise company shared that it is paying nearly $300 million for the port.
In a question about the new destination during the earnings call, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty shared a new detail that’s sure to get the attention of cruise passengers.
“Well, I think just starting off on a cost standpoint, but we’re still in the design and planning process for Perfect Day in Mexico,” Liberty said. “Obviously, we have an incredible foundation of what our guests are looking for and their willingness to spend and experience with Perfect Day at CocoCay. We did acquire the port [of Costa Maya], which we’ll — you’ll see later in our filing today for $292 million.”
And that planned purchase was confirmed in the quarterly filing, which stated simply:
“In September 2024, we entered into agreements to acquire the Port of Costa Maya and adjacent land in Mahahual, Mexico for approximately $292 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.”
Will Other Cruise Lines Still Dock in Costa Maya?
Of course, it’s big news when any cruise line announces a new destination. But in this case, it seems that it could have a much bigger impact on the industry as a whole.
One benefit of a Perfect Day destination in Mexico is that it offers a new attraction for passengers sailing from Gulf of Mexico ports like New Orleans, Tampa, and Galveston. Galveston especially has grown in popularity as a departure port, with Royal Caribbean recently opening a new terminal there.
However, due to the distance across the Gulf, itineraries are limited on traditional cruises from these ports. Most routes sail with some combination of stops in Roatan, Belize, Cozumel, and Costa Maya.
What’s not clear, however, is if this move by Royal Caribbean to purchase the Port of Costa Maya will end access for other cruise lines. If so, that could be significant as it removes a potential stop for competitors.
In October 2024, Royal Caribbean had the most visits to Costa Maya, with 23 calls from multiple ships, according to CruiseMapper.com. It was far from the only line visiting Costa Maya, however. Carnival (14 stops), MSC (5 stops), NCL (2 stops), and Virgin Voyages (1 stop) also called on the port.
We’ve reached out to multiple cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, for details on what this purchase of Costa Maya means for future calls on the port. Cruzely has yet to hear back.
Looking at future schedules, we see no changes so far. For example, Carnival still offers cruises with Costa Maya listed as a stop well into 2027.
This is something that continues to bear watching, especially after the deal is complete and Royal Caribbean takes ownership of the port.
