Royal Caribbean’s new Perfect Day island in Mexico is a game-changer

The holiday line known for its megaships is thinking big on its exclusive shore experiences too.

As Royal Caribbean prepares to unveil its newest megaship, Star of the Seas, in a few weeks, the cruise company is also sailing towards its boldest project yet on land.

The game-changing Perfect Day Mexico, a private Caribbean destination featuring the tallest water slides in the Americas, is set to debut in 2027 – the same year the cruise industry’s first private island in the southern hemisphere will welcome visitors.

These ambitious announcements were unveiled in New York City, where Royal Caribbean Group executives introduced media to the “Ultimate Destination” line-up, which they say will transform cruising holiday experiences across four new locations.

Lelepa, a Vanuatu island in the South Pacific, is scheduled to open in early 2027. This first-of-its-kind private island cruise destination will offer a locally inspired island experience complete with serene beaches, nature trails, numerous water activities and dining options, bringing exclusive cruise destinations much closer to home for Aussie travellers.

“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,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

Lelepa, a Vanuatu island in the South Pacific, is scheduled to open in early 2027. Picture: Supplied/Render.

And Royal Caribbean has some big ideas as to where you can spend those holidays.

Perfect Day Mexico, set to debut in 2027 on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, will span more than 81ha across seven “neighbourhoods”. The star of the show is Loco Waterpark, which will feature Jaguar’s Peak – the tallest water slide in North and South America at more than 51m, serving up a thrilling two-minute, 15-second ride from top to bottom.

Other record-breakers include the world’s longest lazy river – an hour-long float with optional adrenaline sections featuring jet streams and waves (get a lid for your drink) – plus Royal Caribbean’s largest-ever Splashaway Bay, offering water slides, cabanas and other amenities for families with little ones.

The star of the show is Loco Waterpark, which will feature the tallest water slide in North and South America. Picture: Supplied/Render.

Perfect Day Mexico offers more than 3km of beaches, 10 pools, 12 regionally inspired dining options, and 24 (yes, 24) bars, including six of the swim-up variety. Live music and dancing are always on the menu at Fiesta Plaza, where you can relax in the shade of the world’s largest sombrero atop the Tipsy Sombrero bar.

Can’t wait that long? Not to worry. Royal Caribbean’s newest Icon class ship, Star of the Seas, will be ready to take you for a Perfect Day at CocoCay from the end of August. And the Royal Beach Club Collection launches with Paradise Island in the Bahamas in December, followed by Cozumel, Mexico next year, each delivering their own all-inclusive beach experiences.

Perfect Day Mexico itineraries become available to book later this year, with the destination opening in the Australian spring of 2027 via western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, New Orleans and Florida.

The writer was a guest of Royal Caribbean.

Originally published as Royal Caribbean’s new Perfect Day island in Mexico is a game-changer