A Mexican judged has ordered a temporary suspension of work on Royal Caribbean’s proposed Perfect Day Mexico development in Costa Maya, pending further environmental assessments.

According to La Jornada, the suspension comes from a Quintana Roo district court following an injunction request from the organization Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS).

The environmental group is not inherently against the project, which is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the region, but argues that there may be land-use irregularities that need to be resolved before the development moves forward.

“We are in favor of respecting the law, urban planning and the community’s right to a healthy environment,” the group clarified.

Specifically, protection of the mangrove ecosystem is of concern as it is critical for water filtration and erosion protection.

Also of concern is how the project may strain the already burdened sanitation infrastructure in the region, which would directly impact the surrounding communities.

In the next few days, a hearing will determine whether the suspension of work must remain in effect while the environmental studies are conducted and any issues are resolved.

To be clear, this injunction does not cancel the project completely, but is simply a means to ensure proper environmental considerations are made before potentially irreversible damage could be done.

Royal Caribbean has noted that there are no plans to develop the specific mangrove conservation area, and that restoration efforts would improve the mangrove habitat even further.

Not the First Challenge

This latest injunction is not the first challenge to the Perfect Day Mexico project. In August 2025, a Change.org petition was started to protect the small fishing village of Mahahual. That petition also cites environmental concerns, including mangrove protection, pollution, and the local water supply.

To date, the petition has garnered more than 357,000 signatures.

Like the current injunction, however, the petition is not entirely against the project, but simply wants to make sure local cultures and resources are protected and that residents have significant input on developments in their area.

Plans for Perfect Day Mexico

While Royal Caribbean officially owns the land for the development, the cruise line must abide by Mexican laws to develop the property into a new destination.

The plans for Perfect Day Mexico include a massive waterpark able to welcome up to 20,000 guests daily, meaning multiple ships could visit simultaneously.

“Perfect Day Mexico is bigger and bolder than anything we have done to date,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean. “This destination will be the ultimate vacation for families, and we cannot wait to welcome adventurers from around the world to Mexico for an experience only Royal Caribbean can provide.”

More than 30 waterslides will be featured at the park, including the tallest waterslides found anywhere in North and South America. Guests interested in a more relaxing aquatic experience can enjoy the world’s longest lazy river, with an optional “crazy” side for a bit of splashtastic fun.

Three swim-up bars, a total of 10 pools, the Splashaway Bay water play complex for youngsters, a variety of cabana options, an adults-only hideaway, multiple dining venues, and much more are all planned for the destination across more than 200 acres.

In total, Perfect Day Mexico is expected to be a more than $600 million investment with projected completion in late 2027. Should the current injunction be extended, however, it is possible that date may change as plans are adapted as necessary.

Why a Mexican Judge Just Hit Pause on Royal Caribbean’s New Mega Destination