Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of all ship calls to Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, the cruise line announced. Labadee, located on Haiti’s northern coast, serves as Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination roughly six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, the country’s second-largest city.
Safety concerns underlie suspension extension
The decision to prolong the suspension stems from ongoing safety and security issues in Haiti, including widespread gang violence and political instability. The US State Department maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Haiti, citing these concerns. Royal Caribbean emphasized that the safety and well-being of guests and crew members remain the primary factors in
the extended pause.
Passenger itinerary changes and communication
Passengers booked on cruises with scheduled stops at Labadee will experience cancellations of those port visits through mid-2027. In response, Royal Caribbean has replaced Labadee with alternative destinations such as Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel, and Nassau. The cruise line has communicated these adjustments directly to affected guests.
Support for employees and local community efforts
Royal Caribbean confirmed it is providing ongoing support to its Labadee team members by offering information and facilitating alternative placement opportunities across its fleet and other destinations during the suspension. The company also maintains ongoing humanitarian aid in Haiti, including monthly food donations to local communities.
Labadee’s significance as a private cruise destination
Labadee is one
of the few private cruise destinations in Haiti, offering exclusive resort experiences separated from the broader country. It encompasses white-sand beaches and features the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, one of the longest over-water ziplines worldwide. The suspension impacts numerous Royal Caribbean itineraries where Labadee serves as a key port of call.
“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,” said a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson. “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 added that the company remains committed to its Labadee team and community, highlighting both employee support and humanitarian engagement.
