Royal Caribbean Cruises has prolonged its pause on ship calls to Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, citing ongoing safety concerns. Labadee, a private beach resort located about six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien on Haiti’s northern coast, is operated exclusively by Royal Caribbean and is known for its white-sand beaches and the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, one of the world’s longest over-water ziplines.
Safety Concerns and Travel Advisory in Haiti
The decision to extend the suspension aligns with current conditions in Haiti, where widespread gang violence and political instability persist. The U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, underscoring the risks involved.
Royal Caribbean’s priority remains the safety and well-being of its guests and crew members amid these challenges.
Impact on Cruise Itineraries and Passenger Communication
Royal Caribbean has replaced Labadee stops on its itineraries with alternative ports, including Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel, and Nassau. The cruise line has directly informed affected passengers of the change. This suspension impacts all Royal Caribbean voyages that previously included Labadee as a destination through the extended period.
Support for Labadee Team Members and Community
The company has arranged for Labadee-based employees to be reassigned to positions across Royal Caribbean’s fleets and other destinations during the suspension. A spokesperson confirmed ongoing efforts to keep these team members informed and
supported. Royal Caribbean also sustains its connection with the Labadee community through humanitarian initiatives, including monthly food donations.
According to a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson, “As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027. This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind. We have communicated these changes directly with guests.” The spokesperson also stated, “We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they
feel informed and supported. We have identified positions across our fleets and destinations to place team members during this pause. Our connection to the Labadee community extends far beyond our operations there, and we remain proud of the long-standing investments we have made in the region. We continue to support local communities through ongoing humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations.”
Labadee is among the few private cruise destinations in Haiti, offering an exclusive resort experience separate from the rest of the country. Its suspension removes a key highlight from many Royal Caribbean itineraries, affecting passengers’ access to this unique stop.
