Royal Caribbean has prolonged the suspension of its cruise ship visits to Labadee, its private beach resort in northern Haiti, through June 2027. The decision affects itineraries involving the destination located about six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city.
Safety Concerns and Travel Advisories
The cruise line cited concerns for the safety and well-being of guests and crew amid continued political instability and widespread gang violence in Haiti. The United States State Department currently maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, reflecting the ongoing security challenges that have impacted the feasibility of cruise operations at Labadee.
Labadee’s Features and Team Member Support
Labadee offers a private resort
experience distinct from the rest of Haiti, known for its white-sand beaches and the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, one of the world’s longest over-water ziplines. Royal Caribbean expressed commitment to Labadee’s local team members, stating it has secured positions for them across its fleets and other destinations to support them during the suspension period.
Impact on Passengers and Itineraries
Passengers will not be able to visit Labadee on Royal Caribbean cruises until at least July 2027. The cruise line has communicated the suspension directly with affected guests. Several travelers have reported that Labadee stops on itineraries have been replaced with alternative ports including Grand Cayman,
Grand Turk, Cozumel, and Nassau.
A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said, “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.” The spokesperson added, “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 company also emphasized its dedication to the Labadee community and ongoing humanitarian efforts in the region.
