Royal Caribbean Scraps Mexico Water Park After Environmental Backlash

Royal Caribbean Withdraws Mexico Water Park Project

Cruise company Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) decided to withdraw a large water park project it planned on Mexico's Caribbean coast following Mexican authorities' rejection of the project, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday.

Why Was the Project Rejected?

The 'Perfect Day' project, rejected last Tuesday, faced strong public backlash over its environmental impact on Mahahual, a pristine area about 70 km from the Belize border. Mexico's environmental watchdog SEMARNAT deemed the project too invasive for the area, which is near a massive coral reef and protected mangrove forests.

Project Details

Slated to open in 2027, the park was advertised as the 'biggest, baddest, boldest destination,' with beach clubs, pools, bars, and over 30 waterslides. Sheinbaum said three permits tied to the park, including one for a pier, had been denied.

Local Environmental Group's Response

Local environmental group Salvemos Mahaual stated it would continue to oppose any Royal Caribbean development projects in the area. The group noted that by withdrawing voluntarily, the company avoids a formal refusal, allowing it to modify the project and try again in the future.

Royal Caribbean is also planning to open a separate beach club in Cozumel this year. The company expressed optimism about investing in Mexico and plans to discuss other proposals with stakeholders.