I fell in love with Perfect Day at CocoCay seconds after stepping ashore in January 2023. Since then, I've returned 8 times, exploring the new adults-only beach, waterpark, upscale beach club, and complimentary beaches.
I didn't think Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day experience could get better — until they revealed details about their upcoming Perfect Day Mexico project set to welcome passengers in 2027.
Perfect Day Mexico promises to elevate the private destination experience with the same blend of thrill and chill that has made CocoCay a sought-after and unforgettable port of call.
"We're committed to pushing the boundaries of what a modern-day vacation can be – delivering innovative experiences that create unforgettable memories for our guests and value for the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, President and C.E.O., Royal Caribbean Group.
"As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings at sea and on land, our ambition is to offer our guests a diverse range of experiences that grow with them, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
Here are 6 reasons I'm excited about Perfect Day Mexico — and why I think it will be Royal Caribbean’s best destination yet.
Read more: Royal Caribbean reveals massive plans for Perfect Day Mexico
Guests will be greeted by the world's largest sombrero
Setting the tone for a great day in Mexico is the world's largest sombrero, a structure standing more than 65 feet high.
It's more than just a decorative photo op, as it houses the Tipsy Sombrero bar — perfect for guests to kickstart their day ashore with a Margarita cocktail or beer. However, you won't want to stay too long, as there are 23 other bars at Perfect Day Mexico.
To combat concerns that the sombrero structure may be offensive to Mexican culture, Royal Caribbean conducted extensive guest research among Americans and Mexicans to ensure it's culturally appropriate. It will be designed by a Mexican architect.
Read more: What Is Free at Perfect Day at CocoCay?
There will be new methods of transportation
While the large sombrero is the centerpiece of the arrival area, there will also be a winding river with custom-built trajineras to travel around the island in style.
The new boats allow guests another way to get from Point A to Point B instead of relying on basic trams.
Chill Beach will be almost two miles long
With nearly two miles of white sand beaches, Chill Beach at Perfect Day Mexico is designed for guests looking to unwind in a more laid-back setting.
The best part? Guests can enjoy complimentary umbrellas, loungers, and towels. In essence, you don't have to spend anything extra to enjoy Mexico's beautiful waters.
However, those who want to splurge can elevate their beach day with a snazzy cabana, including one with a small plunge pool attached to it.
Read more: Crazy lazy river, water launch slides, beach clubs: How you’re going to change how to pick a cruise
There will be an upscale beach club and an adults-only area
Fans of Coco Beach Club will appreciate the upscale Costa Beach Club at Perfect Day Mexico. Adorned with white sand beaches, a heated infinity pool with swim-up bar, and a dedicated restaurant, the refined beach club is the perfect retreat for relaxation.
Prices aren't known yet, but the Coco Beach Club can cost upwards of $200 per person. For instance, on an upcoming cruise aboard Utopia of the Seas, the Coco Beach Club costs $204 per person. However, the most expensive admission — at $2,520 — is for the overwater cabana, which includes day passes to the beach club for 8 people.
The Costa Beach Club will also feature private cabanas with their own pool.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean is building its biggest adult-only zone yet at eight acres. The inland area — rather than a beachfront retreat — will feature a massive party pool measuring 50,000ft², swim-up bars, DJ entertainment, and the world's largest bottle of tequila.
There will be "chill" zones for those who want a serene, adults-only afternoon. However, the center will be livelier than ever.
Perfect Day Mexico will be home to the world's longest lazy river
The lazy river is a new concept for Royal Caribbean, as it's noticeably absent from Perfect Day at CocoCay. True to their brand, they're not adding a basic river — they're going all out.
The lazy river at Perfect Day Mexico will be between a 45 and 60 minute journey; however, guests can stop along the way at three bars. You don't have to leave the river for a cool drink, either. These bars, known as "Tubes and Tequila," will have spaces for you to clip your tube to the bar for a safe and refreshing break.
Perfect Day Mexico will also be home to the largest Splashaway Bay aquapark for kids, as well as a large 100,000 square foot pool – just one of the resort's expansive pools that together span the size of four football fields.
Read more: Royal Caribbean is building the longest lazy river in the world
While everything within Splash Cove is complimentary, including the lazy river and Splashaway Bay, they're also planning on building a huge waterpark with the tallest slides in North and South America.
With over 30 slides, the Loco Waterpark will be the ultimate adrenaline zone at Perfect Day Mexico. From the world's first sombrero slide to hydrolaunch slides that shoot riders into the air and wave pools, it’s designed for every thrill level.
Major highlights include the 170-foot-tall Jaguar’s Peak duelling slides that last for two minutes, as well as a raft slide designed for four to six people at a time.
Read more: Royal Caribbean is leaning into a popular water slide trend
There will be 12 regionally inspired dining options throughout the private resort
El Loco Fresh doesn't come close to authentic Mexican food. Those visiting Perfect Day Mexico can look forward to a dozen regionally inspired dining options ashore, most of which are included.
There will be sit-down restaurants and quick service eateries, so you can pick the spot that fits your mood, whether you want a fast bite or a lengthy meal.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
