Latest news with #PerfectDayMexico
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are racing to grow their private islands and resorts. Here's how their new cruise destinations compare.
Large cruise lines are expanding their collections of private islands and resorts. Royal Caribbean has been a leader with its themepark-like island. Now, competitors like Carnival are coming. Here's how Carnival's Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico compare. Royal Caribbean might need to post a lookout from its theme park-like private island: Its biggest competitor is steaming straight ahead. Carnival is set to open a multi-complex resort, Celebration Key, in July on the Grand Bahama Island. And it'll be packed with amenities that so far have been decidedly Royal Caribbean's turf: water slides, swim-up bars, and pay-to-enter clubs. It's not alone: Almost every major cruise company is rushing to develop its collection of private destinations. Norwegian is building a pier and new resort-like amenities at its Caribbean island, Great Stirrup Cay. And MSC is building a second, smaller island next to its first, Ocean Cay. They all come on the heels of Royal Caribbean's wildly successful island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which arguably kickstarted the cruise-to-resort boom when it launched in 2019. Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into enhancing the island with features like a ticketed adult-only lounge. Emphasis on "ticketed" — it's a key reason cruise companies are expanding their resort portfolios. These in-house warm-weather retreats both maximize profits and reduce fuel expenditure due to their proximity to Florida's major look at how Royal Caribbean and Carnival are going head-to-head with their coming destinations. undefined Celebration Key and Perfect Day Mexico: sisters, not twins. Both cruise-owned resorts are intended to be complimentary to enter. But it's not all free: Guests will encounter add-on fees for different amenities. They'll also each have more than 30 food and beverage options scattered throughout different districts, designed for different travelers. At both resorts, five segments are fairly comparable: an arrivals area, a premium club, stretches of beaches, an adult-only lounge, and a laid-back family-friendly pool. Only Carnival's Celebration Key plans to have a shopping district. The open-air retail center, called Lokono Cove, is set to carry a variety of gift shop inventory made by local Bahamian artists. Royal Caribbean says Perfect Day Mexico will also sell locally made souvenirs, although it's unclear where these stores will be. Similarly, only Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico is expected to have a complete waterpark. Royal Caribbean is recreating Perfect Day at CocoCay's best amenity — its 14-slide waterpark, which can cost about $100 per person to enter — at Perfect Day Mexico. Plans for the new Loco Waterpark span over 30 rides, including a six-person raft slide and two 170-foot-tall, over two-minute-long racing slides. There will also be a kids' section and various pools for the youngest guests. Carnival's Celebration Key isn't expected to have a waterpark, although the company does say its family pool, Starfish Lagoon, will have a children's water play area and two 350-foot-long, 10-story-tall slides. Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's take on a kid-friendly resort pool. In addition to the water amenities, Carnival says Starfish Lagoon will have outdoor games and sports, a swim-up bar, hammocks, and both floating and on-land cabanas — all centered on a large pool. Royal Caribbean's family area, Splash Cove, should look drastically different — and lazier. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot pool and a water playground, Perfect Day Mexico's Splash Cove is said to have the cruise line's first lazy river, dotted with in-water bars, rentable cabanas, and a high-energy path with waves and rapids. Looking for an escape from the kids? Royal Caribbean promises El Hideaway — and Carnival promotes Calypso Lagoon. Calypso Lagoon shares Starfish Lagoon's large pool and sports amenities. To make it grown-up-friendly, its plans also include a bar with 50 swinging seats and an adult-only section marked by a DJ, plenty of lounge chairs, and, of course, rentable cabanas. Both Calypso and Starfish share a mile-long beach. Perfect Day Mexico's beach is set to be about twice as long. Unlike Calypso Lagoon, Perfect Day Mexico's adult-only El Hideaway would require a day pass (likely with a fee) to enter. Once inside, Royal Caribbean says guests will have amenities like a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a rentable 20-person cabana with a private pool and bar. If you want to spend big, pay for the premium beach clubs: Perfect Day Mexico's Costa and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove. Perfect Day Mexico's Costa Beach Club and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club are expected to operate as upscale waterfront lounges with high-end restaurants and infinity pools. Carnival's is meant to be adult-only. Both resorts could become the centerpiece of their cruise lines' itineraries. Carnival says it will continue expanding Celebration Key after its July debut, including building a $100 million pier extension to simultaneously accommodate four of its largest ships by 2026. Almost all of the company's vessels are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. By 2028, Carnival says the resort will be capable of welcoming 4 million travelers annually. Similarly, Cruise Critic reported that Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate up to 21,000 guests daily. And by 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean guests will sail to a Perfect Day resort: CocoCay, Mexico, or both. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Royal Caribbean and Carnival are racing to grow their private islands and resorts. Here's how their new cruise destinations compare.
Large cruise lines are expanding their collections of private islands and resorts. Royal Caribbean has been a leader with its themepark-like island. Now, competitors like Carnival are coming. Here's how Carnival's Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico compare. Royal Caribbean might need to post a lookout from its theme park-like private island: Its biggest competitor is steaming straight ahead. Carnival is set to open a multi-complex resort, Celebration Key, in July on the Grand Bahama Island. And it'll be packed with amenities that so far have been decidedly Royal Caribbean's turf: water slides, swim-up bars, and pay-to-enter clubs. It's not alone: Almost every major cruise company is rushing to develop its collection of private destinations. Norwegian is building a pier and new resort-like amenities at its Caribbean island, Great Stirrup Cay. And MSC is building a second, smaller island next to its first, Ocean Cay. They all come on the heels of Royal Caribbean's wildly successful island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, which arguably kickstarted the cruise-to-resort boom when it launched in 2019. Royal Caribbean has invested $350 million into enhancing the island with features like a ticketed adult-only lounge. Emphasis on "ticketed" — it's a key reason cruise companies are expanding their resort portfolios. These in-house warm-weather retreats both maximize profits and reduce fuel expenditure due to their proximity to Florida's major ports. Let's look at how Royal Caribbean and Carnival are going head-to-head with their coming destinations. Carnival and Royal Caribbean each have at least one destination scheduled to debut in 2025. In addition to its private island, Royal Caribbean is building two pay-to-enter "Royal Beach Clubs" on Paradise Island, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. They're set to open in 2025 and 2026. There's also another beach destination on Lelepa, Vanuatu, that's set to open in 2027, and a second Perfect Day that's set for 2027, too. CocoCay, which is the model for these planned Royal destinations, operates less like an untouched island and more like a Caribbean resort with pay-to-enter clubs, waterslides, and upscale lounges. None of Carnival's private ports, including its RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay island, are as flashy or theme park-like as its competitor — that is, until Celebration Key is set to open in July. Celebration Key and Perfect Day Mexico: sisters, not twins. Both cruise-owned resorts are intended to be complimentary to enter. But it's not all free: Guests will encounter add-on fees for different amenities. They'll also each have more than 30 food and beverage options scattered throughout different districts, designed for different travelers. At both resorts, five segments are fairly comparable: an arrivals area, a premium club, stretches of beaches, an adult-only lounge, and a laid-back family-friendly pool. Only Carnival's Celebration Key plans to have a shopping district. The open-air retail center, called Lokono Cove, is set to carry a variety of gift shop inventory made by local Bahamian artists. Royal Caribbean says Perfect Day Mexico will also sell locally made souvenirs, although it's unclear where these stores will be. Similarly, only Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico is expected to have a complete waterpark. Royal Caribbean is recreating Perfect Day at CocoCay's best amenity — its 14-slide waterpark, which can cost about $100 per person to enter — at Perfect Day Mexico. Plans for the new Loco Waterpark span over 30 rides, including a six-person raft slide and two 170-foot-tall, over two-minute-long racing slides. There will also be a kids' section and various pools for the youngest guests. Carnival's Celebration Key isn't expected to have a waterpark, although the company does say its family pool, Starfish Lagoon, will have a children's water play area and two 350-foot-long, 10-story-tall slides. Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's take on a kid-friendly resort pool. In addition to the water amenities, Carnival says Starfish Lagoon will have outdoor games and sports, a swim-up bar, hammocks, and both floating and on-land cabanas — all centered on a large pool. Royal Caribbean's family area, Splash Cove, should look drastically different — and lazier. In addition to a 100,000-square-foot pool and a water playground, Perfect Day Mexico's Splash Cove is said to have the cruise line's first lazy river, dotted with in-water bars, rentable cabanas, and a high-energy path with waves and rapids. Looking for an escape from the kids? Royal Caribbean promises El Hideaway — and Carnival promotes Calypso Lagoon. Calypso Lagoon shares Starfish Lagoon's large pool and sports amenities. To make it grown-up-friendly, its plans also include a bar with 50 swinging seats and an adult-only section marked by a DJ, plenty of lounge chairs, and, of course, rentable cabanas. Both Calypso and Starfish share a mile-long beach. Perfect Day Mexico's beach is set to be about twice as long. Unlike Calypso Lagoon, Perfect Day Mexico's adult-only El Hideaway would require a day pass (likely with a fee) to enter. Once inside, Royal Caribbean says guests will have amenities like a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a rentable 20-person cabana with a private pool and bar. If you want to spend big, pay for the premium beach clubs: Perfect Day Mexico's Costa and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove. Perfect Day Mexico's Costa Beach Club and Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club are expected to operate as upscale waterfront lounges with high-end restaurants and infinity pools. Carnival's is meant to be adult-only. Both resorts could become the centerpiece of their cruise lines' itineraries. Carnival says it will continue expanding Celebration Key after its July debut, including building a $100 million pier extension to simultaneously accommodate four of its largest ships by 2026. Almost all of the company's vessels are currently scheduled to visit Celebration Key. By 2028, Carnival says the resort will be capable of welcoming 4 million travelers annually. Similarly, Cruise Critic reported that Perfect Day Mexico will be able to accommodate up to 21,000 guests daily. And by 2027, 90% of Royal Caribbean's Caribbean guests will sail to a Perfect Day resort: CocoCay, Mexico, or both.
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean cruiser warns of big mistake that cancels cruises
It's easy to make a few mistakes when planning a cruise, especially your first one. But costly errors that first-time cruisers often make like not booking cruise extras in advance or failing to budget for gratuities or other onboard expenses aren't the most significant ones you could make. Related: Carnival Cruise Line warns passengers about crappy mistake The biggest cruise mistakes you can make are serious slip-ups that can get your cruise canceled. One of these mistakes is a major oversight that can easily happen to anyone, like one first-time cruiser who frantically turned to the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit for advice after making it. After planning an upcoming anniversary celebration cruise a year in advance, the first-time cruiser missed the final payment deadline for their cruise. For most Royal Caribbean cruises, passengers must make the final payment of their balance at least 70 days prior to the sailing date. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. "I forgot to pay my final balance on my Royal Caribbean [cruise]," Norie08 wrote in the Reddit community. "Finally, I remembered it... but now I have received notice of cancellation of my cruise. Can I still beg them I'm going to pay? I keep calling them, but nobody answers. I'm so sad!" Luckily, the cruise community responded with some promising information. "I worked for Royal. They will reinstate within 49 hours. Keep calling. We had people working around the clock. You have to wait your turn for you mess up though," barefootincozumel replied. Later, Norie08 reported back that they did, in fact, get their reservation reinstated once they reached the cruise line and made the payment. However, they lost some of their cruise perks because of their mistake. Related: Cruisers share opinions on Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico Other cruisers shared similar experiences, and some even reported having to pay more or book a different stateroom category. In some cases, a canceled reservation can't be reinstated, which means you lose your deposit and have to rebook, often at a higher cruise fare. "I did the exact same thing and just called them and had them uncancel it. I ended up paying more but I see it as a natural consequence of my own forgetfulness," Mathematician_Soggy explained. Your forgetfulness may also mean dealing with the hassle of rebooking any cruise extras you added, too. "Same thing happened to me and it took 2 hours on phone to fix it. I was sick to my stomach. Remember that everything you added (drink package, specialty dining, excursions) have to be rebooked too," jayaybee21 pointed out. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. In the Reddit thread, a few passengers also shared tips to help cruisers avoid missing the final cruise payment deadline. Most cruise lines offer some sort of flexible payment option that allows you to schedule payments in installments to pay for your cruise over time. For Royal Caribbean cruises specifically, some passengers have discovered that using this tool even to schedule one small payment will make sure that your final payment is automatically drafted on the due date. "Pro tip: schedule payments. Just schedule a payment of like $1 or whatever and the payment scheduler will automatically put the remaining balance as a payment on the last day, then you won't have to worry if you forget," insidmal explained. Related: Royal Caribbean cruisers share surprising way to improve cruises Other passengers pointed out how using a good travel agent to book your cruise can provide extra peace of mind as your final payment deadline nears. "This is a tough lesson to learn. I highly suggest using a really good travel agent for future sailings. A good travel agent is paid directly by the cruise line and often will save you money on your sailing by getting you both group rates and additional onboard credit. My agent emails, calls, and texts prior to final payment date to ensure everything is settled up," GermantownTiger wrote. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cruisers share opinions on Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day Mexico
Building upon the success of its private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean has big plans for its next Perfect Day destination in Mexico. Billed as a 'game-changing destination for thrill and chill,' Perfect Day Mexico is a more than 200-acre destination adjacent to Mexico's Costa Maya cruise port in Mahahual, Quintana Roo. It's slated to open in fall huge new cruise destination will feature seven locally inspired neighborhoods that promise never-before-seen thrills and record-breaking experiences like the tallest waterslides in the Americas and the first sombrero slide. Perfect Day Mexico will also debut the world's longest lazy river — an hour-long float with float-up bars and an optional crazy section with rapids. Although many "loyal to Royal' cruisers are stoked about Perfect Day Mexico and all the thrills and chills it will offer, others worry about what this and the growing focus on resort-like port experiences means for the future of cruising. Reddit discussions show that some Royal Caribbean passengers are concerned that the cruise line is leaning too much into manufactured travel experiences in cruise ports and away from authentic destinations.'This might be an unpopular opinion but I'm not a fan of the private islands. I'd rather take a cruise to a port with access to cool excursions or the ability to wander off on your own for the day. Going to a private island is too much of a manufactured experience, and if I wanted that, I would just stay at an all-inclusive resort,' Fatty_Boombalattie wrote in a thread discussing Perfect Day Mexico in the Royal Caribbean community on Reddit. A number of cruisers agreed with the sentiment. Others noted that it's a valid opinion, even though it's not the popular one among Royal Caribbean cruisers. 'It's unpopular, but it's a 100% valid way to feel. The original purpose of cruising was to experience new places,' brokentr0jan pointed out. 'With that being said, I think Royal is catering to people who want these all-inclusive feeling beach resort experiences and obviously it is working because it has been incredibly popular.'Perfect Day Mexico isn't the only resort-like experience Royal Caribbean has in the works, either. The cruise line is also adding exclusive beach clubs in The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as an exclusive island cruise destination in the South Pacific — Lelepa in Vanuatu. 'Honestly, this is the opposite of what I want to see. They are moving towards having every stop be a company-owned spot just like CocoCay,' Joe4mofo added in the thread. 'If this is the direction things are headed, I will end up passing on cruising when it gets there in the future.'To be fair, Royal Caribbean doesn't plan to completely transform these beach destinations entirely into Royal Caribbean-branded resorts and waterparks. Much like Labadee, its exclusive destination on Haiti's lush northern coast, Lelepa will offer a locally inspired experience highlighting the natural beauty of the destination with beaches, nature trails, and water activities. 'Why does Lelepa look the best? Probably because it looks more authentic, relaxed and less of a theme park! Take me there please,' ArissP added in the Reddit Perfect Day Mexico is heavy on attractions like CocoCay, Royal Caribbean is partnering with the local community to infuse authenticity into the destination and celebrate Mexican culture throughout. The brightly colored Costa Maya getaway spot will offer regionally inspired dining, showcase local artisans, and employ local workers. Royal Caribbean is collaborating with Mexico's state of Quintana Roo to develop the destination sustainably and is investing in local infrastructure projects as well. The Costa Maya cruise port will remain open — and open to all cruise lines — during all phases of the Perfect Day project and beyond. Royal Caribbean is building a new cruise port welcome center to familiarize passengers from all cruise lines with landmark attractions in the Mahahual area and provide transportation throughout the region. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean unveils its biggest and boldest innovation yet
Royal Caribbean has big plans for the next three years. Not only will the cruise line continue to expand its fleet with four more ships on order, it will triple the size of its portfolio of exclusive destination experiences by fall the next three years, Royal Caribbean will add four more exclusive destination experiences to complement its private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Labadee, its exclusive destination on Haiti's northern coast. Headlining the bold expansion is Perfect Day Mexico, a huge new destination slated to open in fall 2027 that will offer exciting new vacation experiences like the tallest waterslides across North and South America, the world's longest lazy river, and more.A more than 200-acre destination on Mexico's Caribbean coast, Perfect Day Mexico will feature seven locally inspired neighborhoods boasting record-breaking experiences, industry firsts, and twists on Royal Caribbean favorites. Highlights of Perfect Day Mexico include: Loco Waterpark — an action-packed attraction featuring more than 30 thrilling waterslides across five slide towers, including the tallest waterslide tower and waterslides across North and South America. The waterslide lineup will even include the world's first sombrero slide. Splash Cove — a central neighborhood that will introduce the longest lazy river in the world — with a crazy side. An optional crazy section of the river will offer unexpected twists and turns with waves, rapids, and spins. El Hideaway — an adults-only neighborhood where day pass holders 18 years and older can enjoy a zero-entry pool, swim-up bar, and in-pool DJ. Costa Beach Club — a white-sand retreat where cruisers can upgrade their beach day to the next level of exclusivity with a heated infinity pool, premium dining, and more. Chill Beach North and South — nearly two miles of white sand beaches perfect for relaxation. Fiesta Plaza – a vibrant arrival area designed to transport vacationers straight to the heart of Mexico with live music and dance. The world's largest sombrero will sit atop the plaza's Tipsy Sombrero Day Mexico will offer 12 regionally inspired dining options and 24 bars, including six swim-up bars. Mexican culture will be celebrated throughout the destination with Mariachi performances, art installations, and souvenir shops highlighting local artisans. Beginning in fall 2027, Royal Caribbean will bring vacationers to Perfect Day Mexico on Western Caribbean cruise itineraries sailing from Galveston, New Orleans, and all Florida home Caribbean's growing destination lineup will also include new Royal Beach Clubs designed to deliver the ultimate beach day experience. In December 2025, the cruise line will open the first of the new beach club collection in The Bahamas near Nassau. Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will combine the popular beaches of Paradise Island with Royal Caribbean's signature experiences. With the purchase of an all-inclusive day pass, vacationers can enjoy unlimited dining, drinks and amenities, from the world's largest swim-up bar to three island-style eateries, Bahamian art installations, and live 2026, Royal Caribbean will add Royal Beach Club Cozumel to its beach club offerings. Along with Cozumel's beaches, beach club visitors will be able to enjoy pools with swim-up bars, cabanas, snorkeling, kayaking, and more. Designed to reflect the spirit of Mexico, the beach club will feature local touches as well as a street market and hands-on experiences like tequila tastings and cooking classes. In early 2027, Royal Caribbean will add Lelepa to its Royal exclusive destinations, which already includes popular Labadee, Haiti. A Vanuatuan island in the South Pacific Archipelago east of Australia, Lelepa will become the first exclusive island cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere. It will offer a locally inspired experience for cruise passengers in Australia and beyond, complete with beaches, nature trails, water activities, and dining. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
