A citizen petition against Royal Caribbean’s planned Perfect Day México project in Mahahual has crossed a major public threshold. The campaign, addressed to President Claudia Sheinbaum, now has more than 2 million signatures on Change.org. The petition places the cruise project back in the center of a debate over development, environmental review, and the future of cruise tourism on the Costa Maya.
Petition against Perfect Day México
A Change.org petition opposing Royal Caribbean’s planned Perfect Day México project in Mahahual has surpassed 2 million signatures.
The campaign is titled “Salvemos Mahahual — Detengamos el proyecto destructivo de Royal Caribbean.” It is addressed to President Claudia Sheinbaum and asks federal authorities to halt the project planned for the southern coast of Quintana Roo.
The petition has grown while the project remains under review by federal environmental authorities. The dispute centers on whether a cruise-focused development should move forward in Mahahual, where cruise tourism is already a major part of the local economy.
What Royal Caribbean has proposed
Royal Caribbean has promoted Perfect Day México as a private destination planned to open in fall 2027. The company says the site would include waterslides, pools, beaches, dining areas, and bars for cruise passengers.
The project is planned for Mahahual, in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco, Quintana Roo. It is part of Royal Caribbean’s “Perfect Day” model, which is based on cruise passengers spending the day at company-managed destination sites.
That model is part of the local dispute. Supporters point to investment and tourism activity. Opponents say the project could increase pressure on Mahahual’s coast, public services, and natural areas.
Environmental review remains unresolved
The project has not cleared all federal environmental reviews. Mexico’s Environment Ministry has said Perfect Day México does not have environmental authorization for development, construction, or operation.
The review includes the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, known in Mexico as an MIA. Federal authorities said they are examining the proposed infrastructure, mitigation measures, and possible effects on coastal and marine ecosystems.
Opponents have raised concerns about mangroves, reefs, water use, sewage, coastal access, and cruise passenger volume. Greenpeace has called for the project to be rejected, saying Mahahual’s natural areas would face added pressure.
The project has also faced enforcement action. Federal environmental authorities previously ordered a temporary closure due to work at the site, citing activities conducted without federal environmental authorization.
Mahahual debate reaches beyond one project
The petition’s 2 million signatures have drawn increased attention to the Mahahual project. The case is now part of a broader debate over how Mexico reviews large tourism projects on sensitive coastlines.
For now, Perfect Day México remains planned by Royal Caribbean, opposed by the petition campaign, and under federal environmental review.
