Costa Maya (Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Rating:
Costa Maya cruise port

Region
Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time
2024-10-30 09:35

min: 77 °F (24 °C) / max: 85 °F (30 °C) 82°F
28°C
Wind: 71°/ 3.7 m/s  Gust: 5.9 m/sWind: 71°/ 3.7 m/s  Gust: 5.9 m/sGentle breeze
3.7 m/s
Min / Max Temperature85 °F / 30 °C
77 °F / 25 °C
  Port Map

Port Costa Maya cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Costa Maya, Perfect Day Mexico, Royal Caribbean. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
1 October, 2024
Tuesday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica08:0018:00
1 October, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Dream13:0020:00
2 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Jubilee08:0017:00
2 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Celebration08:0017:00
2 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas11:0019:00
3 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineEnchantment Of The Seas07:0016:00
3 October, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore08:0018:00
3 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineHarmony Of The Seas08:0017:00
7 October, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas11:0019:00
7 October, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Valor13:0020:00
8 October, 2024
Tuesday
Virgin Voyages Cruises cruise lineValiant Lady09:0018:00
8 October, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineHarmony Of The Seas12:0019:00
9 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineGrandeur Of The Seas08:0017:00
9 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineSerenade Of The Seas08:0017:00
9 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Jubilee08:0017:00
10 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineEnchantment Of The Seas07:0016:00
11 October, 2024
Friday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineWonder Of The Seas07:0014:00
14 October, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineGrandeur Of The Seas08:0017:00
15 October, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineIcon Of The Seas08:0017:00
15 October, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Mardi Gras08:0017:00
15 October, 2024
Tuesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Dream13:0020:00
16 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Jubilee08:0017:00
16 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas11:0019:00
17 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineEnchantment Of The Seas07:0016:00
17 October, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore08:0018:00
21 October, 2024
Monday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas11:0019:00
21 October, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Valor13:0020:00
22 October, 2024
Tuesday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Getaway11:0019:00
23 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineSerenade Of The Seas08:0017:00
23 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineGrandeur Of The Seas08:0017:00
23 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineRadiance Of The Seas08:0017:00
23 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Jubilee08:0017:00
24 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineEnchantment Of The Seas07:0016:00
24 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineHarmony Of The Seas08:0017:00
25 October, 2024
Friday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineWonder Of The Seas07:0014:00
28 October, 2024
Monday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Magnifica08:0018:00
28 October, 2024
Monday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Breeze13:0020:00
29 October, 2024
Tuesday
Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineNorwegian Joy08:0017:00
29 October, 2024
Tuesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineIcon Of The Seas08:0017:00
30 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Jubilee08:0017:00
30 October, 2024
Wednesday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Celebration08:0017:00
30 October, 2024
Wednesday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineMariner Of The Seas11:0019:00
31 October, 2024
Thursday
Royal Caribbean Cruises cruise lineHarmony Of The Seas08:0017:00
31 October, 2024
Thursday
MSC Cruises Cruises cruise lineMSC Seashore08:0018:00
31 October, 2024
Thursday
Carnival Cruise Line Cruises cruise lineCarnival Spirit08:0016:00

Puerto Costa Maya is Caribbean Mexico's second-largest cruise port - after Cozumel. This is also one of the country's most popular tourist regions. Part of Mexico's Quintana Roo state, the Mahahual municipality is near the state's capital city Chetumal (located on the border with Belize) and at ~4 hours drive distance from Cancun (Yucatan Peninsula).

NEWS: In September 2027 will be inaugurated the exclusive for Royal Caribbean cruise ship tourists private resort Perfect Day Mexico (near Mahahual) representing a ~USD 600 million investment by RCG/Royal Caribbean Group. Initially, RCG considered building a new pier but eventually decided to purchase and use the cruise port's current infrastructure (the 4-berth Costa Maya Pier). Since 2021, Costa Maya Port is owned by a consortium and operated under a government concession until 2059.

Port Costa Maya (locode MXCOM) is also the closest tourist destination to the lesser-known Mayan ruins in Mexico's Yucatan state (including Kohunlich and Chacchoben). In 2017 was discovered Ichkabal (the largest Mayan archaeological site) and since 2019 it is added to Costa Maya's Shore Excursion program for cruise companies-organized land tours.

The region is generally undeveloped but has been rapidly growing after the construction of a large pier with capacity to accommodate the world's biggest passenger liners. Other port upgrades included new shops and attractions. The new pier and port expansion project was completed for season 2017-2018, and fully operational for season 2018-2019. The result was increased passenger traffic growth from 900,000 to over 1 million.

The Port's daily cruise ship passenger capacity is 15000 to 18000.

In 2017 was opened the largest Mayan archaeological site Xcabal, located at ~1-hour bus ride from the cruise port. Until 2019, the site was open exclusively to cruise line-organized excursions.

Costa Maya cruise port features a modern shopping mall, central plaza and saltwater pools. There are also several shops selling discount-priced brand jewelry, beachwear, Mexican silver and handicrafts, hand-made souvenirs. It is generally open to cruise ship passengers only. Costa Maya counts with many experiences offered via Port Pass - an access pass to all in-port activities. Port Pass includes Kakaw (where visitors are guided through time to figure out how to prevent cacao beans from extinction and preserve chocolate); Aviary (hanging on top of the port, which is also home to dozens of Mexico's most colorful bird species) and Tequila museum (where tourists are hosted by two Mexican characters guiding them into in the tequila-making process, followed by all kinds of tequila tasting). One of the Port's newest additions is the Rockpool where tourists can relax, swim, drink and enjoy the view of the docked ships.

In 2017, the Port handled around 1 million cruise ship passengers. In season 2018, their number reached 1,3 million. The number of expected in 2019 passengers is ~1,5 million. To increase its capacity, the port extended berths 3 and 4, allowing them to handle RCI's Oasis-Class ships (225,000 GT tons, LOA length 362 m / 1188 ft, max capacity 6780 passengers plus 2400 crew). This port expansion project resulted in increased berthing capacity - now can dock 4 (3x large + 1x smaller) vessels simultaneously. Berth 4's inauguration was on March 12, 2019.

Costa Maya's largest liners in 2018 were Symphony OTS (RCI-Royal Caribbean) on November 20th (7-day from Miami / Nov 17-24) and MSC Seaside (MSC) on January 11th (7-day from Miami / Jan 6-13). The Port's current "day passenger" record is 14,000, while its max daily capacity is 15,000.

In 2018-2019, to the list of Costa Maya shore excursions were added tours to Bacalar Fort, Seven Color Lagoon, Aqua Rocket (speedboat tour), Dune Buggy, ATV Off-Road Adventure. At Maya Adventure Park were added a monster truck circuit and "animal encounter" experience. In 2019 was inaugurated the "Journeys to the Mayan Legends" attraction - river ride within the Lost Mayan Kingdom jungle. Additionally, the Maya Adventure Park offers 12 waterslides (all descending from its centrally-located pyramid) and several zip-lines and obstacle-bridge circuits. As shore excursion options are also listed various beachside clubs (featuring Beach Escape, La Bamba, Lagoon Club Uchbenkah) and 3 different snorkeling tours.

 

In December 2020, Quintana Roo media reported that a new (USD 10 pp) tourist tax on foreigners goes into effect on April 1, 2021. Details on how it will be collected or will it be applied also to cruise ship tourists were not revealed.

From Costa Maya can be accessed two small villages (Xcalak and Mahahual) and the road extends south to the southern border of Sian Kaan (north) approx 100 km (62 mi).

Mahahual is just 3 km/2 mi away and the berthed in Costa Maya cruise liners are easily seen from there. Mahahual was a small fishing village (with population around 800) before the docking jetty was constructed at Puerto Costa Maya (just up the Mahahual Beach) with capacity to serve large-sized passenger liners. Every day, cruise ships berth in Costa Maya and most of their tourists are bussed to Mahahual to enjoy cheap drinks, hand-made gift shopping, quad biking, watersports activities (swimming, jet ski rides, scuba diving and snorkeling). By the New Mahahual (cruise port development) project are planned the construction of new (second cruise dock) approx 12 km/7,5 mi to the south (along the coastal road). This could result in up to 4 vessels docking simultaneously each day.

Since the construction of Puerto Costa Maya, Mahahual has been rapidly growing in population (around 3000) and in capacity to receive over 15,000 tourists in a day. The town is just at ~5-min drive distance from the cruise port. Shuttle bus service and taxis go to the Mahahual boardwalk, with fares (cruise port to Mahahual Town) at ~USD 5 per person.

In August 2007, Hurricane Dean heavily damaged Mahahual's cruise dock and destroyed much of the village. Cruise liners returned to Costa Maya in late-October 2008.

 

Since 2010, Mahahual has quickly developed as a cruise tourism destination featuring palapas (open-sided dwellings with thatched roofs made of palm leaves), soft sand beaches (best-known/largest is Mahahual Beach), a near-shore coral reef (Banco Chinchorro), numerous seaside restaurants, bars, hotels, gift shops.

The Malecon esplanade is a pedestrian seaside promenade lined with numerous restaurants and shops. Mahahual has ATM machines, HSBC bank office, Pemex gas station. Approx 4 km / 2,5 mi from Mahahual (along the coastal road to the south) are located small beachfront hotels, rental houses and restaurants. Most of the electricity is renewable (generated by solar panels and windmills). Roof-captured rainwater is collected and used for bathing and WCs.

During the post-COVID season 2022, Port Costa Maya recorded a total of 363 cruise ship calls, following only Cozumel (864 calls).

In 2023, Quintana Roo State received 1618 cruise ship calls (of which 462 were in Mahahual/Costa Maya) bringing in 2+ million cruise tourists. The state also recorded an 18% increase in cruise passenger numbers (6+ million compared to the 5 million received in 2019).

Perfect Day Mexico (Royal Caribbean Resort)

In October 2024, Royal Caribbean International/RCI announced the Perfect Day Mexico project representing the development of a new Caribbean "private island" destination similar to Royal Beach Club Cozumel (2026), CocoCay Bahamas and Labadee Haiti.

 

The exclusive for RCI guests resort is currently scheduled for inauguration in September 2027. Perfect Day Mexico's max daily passenger capacity will be 21000. The new resort would support ~2000 jobs. The resort will provide direct access to a train station of the intercity railway Tren Maya (length 1554 km/966 mi) traversing the entire Yucatan Peninsula.

According to the announcement, Royal Caribbean signed an agreement to acquire Port Costa Maya and ~0,9 km2 (~90 hectares/~220 acres) of adjacent lands which roughly doubles CocoCay's size. From all this land, around half (100 hectares) will be developed into a cruise tourism resort while the rest is for conservation.

As of now, the Costa Maya cruise port has berthing capacity for four large ships simultaneously. The agreement includes that other cruise lines will still use the Port but there will be days where only Royal Caribbean ships will be allowed to use the Port.

The Perfect Day Mexico property will be exclusive to only Royal Caribbean cruise tourists, while other companies' guests will proceed to a bus transportation center from where to travel to Mahahual or embark on Costa Maya shore excursions.

Signature attractions at Perfect Day Mexico include a huge waterpark (on the site of the current Mayan Water Complex), resort-style swimming pools (including a huge freshwater pool and an infinity pool), multiple beaches (most being complimentary/included in the cruise fare, some at extra cost, with upgraded amenities), an adults-only zone, numerous dining and beverage venues (restaurants, bars, lounges, shops), traditional Mexican cuisine and entertainment (live music).

The Lost Mayan Kingdom Adventure Park (purchased by Royal Caribbean in 2024) will be integrated into the resort.

Like CocoCay, Perfect Day Mexico will offer the popular helium balloon ride "Up, Up and Away" - an activity at extra cost providing views of the surrounding area approx 450 ft/140 m above the ground.

Costa Maya cruise terminal

Puerto Costa Maya is the first Western Caribbean port that was purposefully built for cruise ships exclusively. The passenger terminal complex was designed to resemble a Mayan city - thus truly exhibiting the authentic Mexican culture and history. Port's main entrance resembles a Mayan city facade and as tourists explore its infrastructure they kinda travel through time into a traditional Mexican folkloric town.

The cruise port's operator is the Cancun-based company ITM Group MX (also managing the new Taino Bay Cruise Terminal in Puerto Plata, Dominicana).

Costa Maya port's current capacity is 4 berths (4 ships may dock simultaneously), with pierside water depth allowing docking of world's largest passenger liners (RCI's Oasis-Class). If more than 4 vessels visit at once, the other will be anchored and their passengers transported/ferried to the pier via tender boats.

Majahual is located approx 5-min away. Limited taxis are parked at the village's exit. Taxi fare from Port Majahual is around US$5 PP. Banks and post offices are not available in port. There are pay phones in the shopping complex.

The following map of Costa Maya cruise port shows all facilities in the terminal area. The built by the pier cruise tourist village has several complimentary swimming pools (including 1 huge, filled with saltwater and featuring a swim-up bar), authentic Mexican restaurants and bars, restaurant grill, shops (including a convenience store and Market Place selling Mexican crafts), Jade Maya Museum, taxi ranks, transportation to Mahahual Town, bike rentals, even a Mayan Pyramid replica and its own beach (with hammocks, showers, volleyball pool). Additionally, Costa Maya offers a Mayan-inspired spa experience, a hanging Aviary, a tequila museum, a chocolate museum, "El Callejon del Sapo" (translates to Toad’s Alley for an exquisite culinary experience and Mexican folklore). The following map of Costa Maya cruise port shows all facilities in the terminal area.

Next map shows Costa Maya port's facilities, all tourist attractions and shopping options.

Most of the shops are open when ships are in port.

On the above map are shown the following shops:

  • (1) Diamonds International (Caribbean's largest selection of diamonds and diamond jewelry)
  • (2) Tanzanite International (thousands of loose and set pieces in all sizes, shapes and colors)
  • (3) Diamonds International (discount jewelry)
  • (4) Carpet Emporium (over 10,000 certified handmade carpets, including from Turkey, Persia, India, China; free DHL shipping worldwide, tax and duty-free)
  • (5) Diamonds International (luxury watches and designer jewelry, including the brands Caribbean Topaz, Chameleon, Chopard, Wyle, TAG Heuer, John Hardy, Korite, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, Concord, Corum, Cyma, Dior, Ebel, ESQ Swiss, IWC, Longines, Maurice Lacroix, Movado, Philip Stein, Piaget, Edward Mirell, Judith Ripka, Yvel)
  • (6) Havana Club (premium cigars, including Monte Cristo, Cohiba, Romeo & Julieta, Partagas, the shop has a walk-in humidor)
  • (7a, 7b) Tequileria International (over 200 Tequila brands, including Agave, Mescal, Anejo, Blanco, Kahlua)
  • (8) Del Sol (world's largest color -changing retailer, custom-Made T-Shirts themed on the Mayan Ruins in Chichenitza)
  • (9) Silver Factory (unique silver and gold jewelry designs at low prices, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, also sells
  • (10) Taxco (silver factory, unique silver jewelry designs, semiprecious stones (amethyst, onyx, quartz, topaz, zircon, Swarovski crystals) at factory prices
  • (A) Bbandito's (Lobster Shack) is a beach restaurant with live entertainment (menu includes lobster burritos and fresh fish specialties)
  • (B) Mamasita's (Restaurant & Bar) - offers fresh fish tacos, poolside Bar Service and Happy Hour prices between 3-4 pm).

~10-min by taxi from Port Costa May (in Mahahual) is the Jaime’s at the Blue Reef Hotel offering to cruise ship tourists all-inclusive day passes (limited to just 28x daily). The hotel's admission fee includes Wi-Fi, unlimited food and beverages (including alcoholic), rooftop pool (adults-only), protected beach area (with padded sun loungers and shaded seating/palapas), water toys (kayaks, floats, paddle boards).

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