What Travel Advisors Would Like to See at Royal Caribbean's New Private Destination Perfect Day Mexico

03.12.2024 - 21:21 / travelpulse.com / Royal Caribbean / Royal Caribbean International / Sarah Kuta

Since opening in May 2019, Perfect Day at CocoCay has become Royal Caribbean's top-rated destination around the world. The colorful island in The Bahamas is so popular that the company has decided to build a second private destination in Mexico. Slated to open in 2027, Perfect Day Mexico will be situated in Mahahual, a village on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.  

Since announcing Perfect Day Mexico in October, Royal Caribbean hasn’t revealed much about the new destination—only that travelers can expect an “all-new, thrilling waterpark; jaw-dropping pools and beaches, restaurants, bars and more spots for all taste buds; music and more.” 

The cruise line says it will share more details in the coming months. But, in the meantime, we asked travel advisors to imagine their ideal Perfect Day Mexico. Here’s what they hope to see at Royal Caribbean’s new private paradise.

Perfect Day Mexico will be located near the Costa Maya cruise port, which Royal Caribbean has reportedly purchased and plans to redevelop. Right now, the port can be challenging for cruise travelers.

“While I personally love the Riviera Maya and recommend visiting places like Mahahual Beach or Bacalar Lagoon, many passengers hesitate to disembark due to unfamiliarity with the area, the spread-out attractions or the overly commercialized port experience that lacks authentic Mexican culture,” says Jennifer Kellum, the owner and founder of Neverland & Main Travel.

Broadly speaking, Kellum is optimistic that Perfect Day Mexico will help make Costa Maya more appealing to passengers who might not otherwise get off the ship and explore. But she also hopes Royal Caribbean will use Perfect Day Mexico as an opportunity to introduce travelers to Mexico’s vibrant culture, history and traditions. She’d like to see Royal Caribbean’s signature brand of fun throughout the private destination, but also elements that pay “respectful homage to Mexican heritage,” she says.

Beyond that, she hopes Royal Caribbean will continue to encourage travelers to venture outside of Perfect Day Mexico.

“While it provides a convenient and exciting option, it doesn’t replace the opportunity for travelers to venture beyond the port with local tour operators for more intimate excursions,” she adds. 

Kayla Smith, a travel advisor with Sojourney Travel, echoed that sentiment, adding that many travelers she works with are looking for authentic experiences in every destination they visit—and cruises are no exception.

“The Riviera Maya region of Mexico has such a rich cultural background, and I feel like Royal Caribbean definitely has the opportunity to build on this heritage as they implement Perfect Day in the region,” says Smith.

In addition to water slides and activities