Another Ideal Day! Royal Caribbean plans to create an incredible beach escape in Mexico

It's confirmed: Another Ideal Day is on its way.

Cruise giant Royal Caribbean announced on Wednesday that it will construct a vast private beach retreat in Mexico, reminiscent of Perfect Day at CocoCay, its acclaimed private island in the Bahamas.

Named "Perfect Day Mexico," the resort will cover approximately 200 acres right at the docking area of Costa Maya, Mexico, according to Kara Wallace, Royal Caribbean's chief marketing officer, in an exclusive interview with TPG.

In a conversation with TPG prior to the announcement, Wallace revealed that the new Perfect Day is set to launch in 2027, probably "in the latter part" of the year. It will be available solely to guests arriving on Royal Caribbean vessels, she noted.

Wallace stated that Perfect Day at CocoCay is "the most successful port of call we visit," highlighting guest satisfaction ratings that are greater than any other port worldwide. "We drew inspiration from that to broaden our offerings to Mexico."

Similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Perfect Day Mexico will offer both exhilarating attractions and serene spaces for relaxation — referred to as "thrill and chill" by Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean provided limited information about what vacationers can expect at Perfect Day Mexico, noting it will feature a water park, pools and beaches, dining options, bars, and music. However, Wallace hinted that the venue would impress guests similarly to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

"We are recognized for our groundbreaking thrill and chill experiences, ensuring our guests, regardless of their preferences, enjoy what they desire in a perfect day," Wallace remarked. "And that holds significance ... for everyone."

In recent years, Royal Caribbean Group has invested hundreds of millions into revitalizing and expanding Perfect Day at CocoCay, including the introduction of a major new adults-only area called "Hideaway Beach" this year.

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Royal Caribbean, along with Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

The transformation of Perfect Day at CocoCay (formerly known simply as CocoCay with much less infrastructure until a few years ago) has also featured the largest water park in the Bahamas or Caribbean and the biggest freshwater pool in the region.

These enhancements have made Perfect Day at CocoCay a colossal beach and amusement destination for cruisers, unparalleled anywhere else globally. With the addition of Hideaway Beach this year, it can accommodate approximately 13,000 guests at once, and it's projected to attract about 3 million visitors this year — setting a new record.

Wallace informed TPG that Royal Caribbean will utilize the existing docks at the Costa Maya port when its ships arrive at Perfect Day Mexico.

Passengers arriving at the destination will have the choice to remain within the Perfect Day Mexico area or embark on off-site shore excursions throughout the region, she noted — a significant difference from the experience at Perfect Day at CocoCay. At that island, entirely managed by Royal Caribbean, guests do not leave the resort's boundaries.

As part of the new initiative, Royal Caribbean plans to construct a transportation hub for local shore tours, Wallace indicated.

Wallace also assured that the new Perfect Day would incorporate the local culture, vibrancy, cuisine, landscapes, and people into the overall experience within the compound.

While the land being developed for the Perfect Day Mexico project spans about 200 acres, approximately 100 acres will be preserved as natural habitat, Wallace added.

In a statement, the governor of Quintana Roo, the Mexican state where the development will take place, commended Royal Caribbean's plans for development.

"We are thrilled that Royal Caribbean has chosen to invest in Mahahual, a place of opportunity and diligent people," stated the governor, Mara Lezama, referring to the village in the area. "My administration looks forward to collaborating closely with the company to create a sustainable destination that ensures shared prosperity for the region and includes our local communities in this historic investment."

Royal Caribbean has suggested plans for a new Perfect Day development for several years, and fans have been eagerly anticipating an official announcement.

This development is just one of several projects Royal Caribbean Group is planning at beach destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean, aimed at providing more locations for its customers to explore.

Additional projects include Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, a private beach destination set to open in the Bahamas in 2025, and Royal Beach Club Cozumel, a newly announced beach retreat expected to launch in Cozumel, Mexico, in 2026.

Wallace mentioned that Perfect Day Mexico would be included in itineraries for cruises heading to the Western Caribbean from home ports in the Gulf of Mexico, including those along Florida's west coast and in Texas.

Wallace stated that further information regarding Perfect Day Mexico would be revealed in the spring.