When Royal Caribbean announced last week that they were buying a commonly visited cruise port and 200 acres of land around it, the entire cruise community was abuzz.
In case you missed it, the cruise line spent $600 million in order to transform Costa Maya into Perfect Day Mexico, scheduled for 2027.
Apparently, the success of Perfect Day at CocoCay and the need to move that same experience to other cruise ports was a priority for the expanding cruise line.
After visiting Costa Maya several times in the last few years, I’m aware that the Mexican cruise port is in need of some upgrades.
The port area itself does not offer access to the beach, the main pool gets very crowded when three ships are in port, and some of the amenities are well past their prime.
From the dolphin enclosure to the bird aviary with rope walkways over the port below, I’ve experienced about all there is to do in the central area.
But for those used to going outside the port to enjoy the Lost Mayan Kingdom waterpark and zip line course, those days are also coming to an end – at least that’s the assumption.
Royal Caribbean is buying up the land on which the Lost Mayan Kingdom currently resides.
And if you’ve seen the waterpark on Perfect Day or Icon of the Seas, you know the executives probably have some big plans for this area as well.
What About Other Cruise Lines?
Royal Caribbean has stated that other cruise lines, even competing companies, will still be allowed to visit the port.
In fact, it’s likely that the main port area will receive some much-needed upgrades and face-lifts after the company is done with the project.
Anne Kalosh with Seatrade recently stated that “ships from other cruise lines will continue to be welcomed at Costa Maya, and Royal Caribbean indicated the experience for all passengers will improve with its redevelopment.”
So, what will this look like?
Until we hear more from Royal Caribbean this is mostly speculation. But the cruise line’s own passengers will likely have exclusive access to Perfect Day Mexico, while a central port area will be accessible to other cruise lines.
The key advantage for Royal Caribbean is that every passenger on those other ships will be well aware of this “other area” of the port that they can’t access.
Perhaps it will be similar to the feeling Norwegian Cruise Line guests have when they see Perfect Day at Cococay from Great Stirrup Cay. After all, it’s less than 2 miles away.
By the way, Great Stirrup Cay was the OG of private islands, after opening in 1977. So, props to Norwegian for envisioning this whole concept.
While the area surrounding the pier of Costa Maya will get updates and probably be completely revamped, as a benefit to other cruise passengers, that allure of an exclusive resort just feet away will certainly draw some attention.
Read more: “Don’t swim here!”: Cruise Passenger Warns After Port Official Demands Ship Card in Costa Maya
Could Other Cruise Lines Find Alternatives?
While buying Costa Maya and the surrounding land was a genius move by Royal Caribbean, some speculate that this could motivate other cruise lines to find other ports to visit.
After all, who wants the competition tempting away their passengers?
Cozumel is already a very popular cruise port that is 100 miles north of Costa Maya, but it’s doubtful the multiple ports on this island can handle every other ship from its neighbor.
Cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises will have some decisions to make. Carnival is already creating their own private destination at Celebration Key, due to open next year on Grand Bahama.
This will be Carnival’s most ambitious private destination to date and an obvious sign that private islands –like them or not—are a clear part of the cruise industry’s future.
It remains to be seen how “in your face” the marketing for Perfect Day Mexico’s marketing will be at the port. But I would not be surprised to see some cruise lines find alternative destinations.
Other cruise lines could also begin to offer more unique shore excursions and experiences away from the port, partnering with local businesses and creating their own exclusive activities.
Bottom Line
How will cruise passengers feel about the “two-ports-in-one” experience? As we wait for details on Perfect Day Mexico, it’s important to remember that not every cruise passenger wants the “Perfect Day” experience.
While many restaurants and activities are included in the cruise fare, the extra costs and fees can add up. Crowds can be an issue as well, especially with more than one ship in port.
Private islands are designed for the vacationers at heart, and don’t offer the cultural experience of cruises with destination-focused itineraries.
That being said, Royal Caribbean fans who love the Perfect Day experience could not be more excited by this move by the cruise line. And for Galveston residents, a port in Mexico will mean that shorter sailings can visit the private destination as well.
