Royal Caribbean has announced the cancellation of all scheduled 2026 stops at its private cruise destination Labadee, Haiti, in response to ongoing security issues and violent unrest. The decision covers the remainder of the year through December 2026.
2026 Itinerary Changes and Port Substitutions
The cancellations affect dozens of voyages across 12 Royal Caribbean ships. In most cases, Royal Caribbean has replaced Labadee with alternative ports such as Nassau in the Bahamas, Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos, Cozumel in Mexico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some itineraries have added a sea day where suitable port alternatives were unavailable.
Security Risks and U.S. Advisories
Haiti
has been under a state of emergency since March 2024, marked by violent gang control over large parts of Port-au-Prince. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory for Haiti, citing security concerns. Although Labadee is several hours away from the capital and situated on Haiti’s northern coast as a private facility, Royal Caribbean initially paused visits in 2024 and spring 2025 due to expanding gang violence and prevailing safety risks. The U.S. Coast Guard has also issued cautions urging mariners and passengers to exercise vigilance when navigating Haitian ports.
Spectrum of the Seas Abrupt Sailing Cancellation
In addition to itinerary changes related
to Labadee, Royal Caribbean abruptly canceled a 4-night sailing of the Spectrum of the Seas, affecting thousands of passengers. The cruise line diverted the voyage without prior notice, marking a significant disruption for travelers on that itinerary.
Passenger Impact and Official Communications
Passengers booked on affected 2026 cruises including Labadee are required to adjust their plans due to the cancellations and substituted ports or sea days. Travel agent partner Postcard Travel was notified alongside other agencies. Royal Caribbean communicated to agents, stating, “We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we’re cancelling our visits to Labadee
through December of 2026.”
Labadee’s Status in the Caribbean Cruise Market
Labadee has been a favored Caribbean port due to its natural beauty and exclusivity as a private destination for Royal Caribbean ships. However, ongoing security challenges in Haiti have repeatedly jeopardized cruise operations there. Despite previous pauses, the cruise line resumed visits before deciding on this extended cancellation for 2026. Nassau’s Royal Beach Club and other alternative ports have become preferred stops to maintain itinerary appeal amid the suspensions.
