Royal Caribbean has axed its beloved Labadee port visits amid Haiti’s rampant violence and political instability, sending ripple effects across the cruising world.
At a Glance
- Royal Caribbean has suspended visits to its private destination in Labadee, Haiti, due to ongoing violence and political instability in the country.
- The decision to suspend visits was made out of an abundance of caution, prioritizing the safety and security of guests, crew, and communities.
- The cruise line had previously suspended Labadee visits last summer and extended the suspension fleetwide through September 2024.
- Safety concerns in Haiti are primarily centered around Port-au-Prince, but the entire country is under a Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory by the State Department.
Cruise Giant Pulls the Plug
Royal Caribbean suspended its Labadee port visits, aligning with the U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 travel advisory due to gang-related violence in Haiti. Labadee’s exclusion is no surprise when the State Department strongly advises against travel to Haiti because of crime, public disorder, and inadequate healthcare services. The cruise company is taking no chances, choosing to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew over the allure of its private paradise.
The violence around Port-au-Prince spreads fear across this Caribbean nation, transforming a once-popular destination into a symbol of caution. The U.S. Embassy in Haiti further complicates issues with warnings about possible violent protests, mostly due to dissatisfaction against the government. These warnings become impossible to ignore for responsible travel companies.
Suspension Amid Chaotic Conditions
The cruise line’s decision isn’t new; Labadee visits were paused last summer and continue through September 2024. Safety concerns primarily focus on Port-au-Prince; however, the entire country is deemed dangerous due to armed gang conflict. As gangs increasingly dominate the capital, it’s no wonder the Haitian transitional government is forced to approve a “war-time budget” to address the chaos.
Royal Caribbean spokesperson reiterated, “The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority. Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti.” As long as uncertainty persists, the risk to its passengers outweighs the island’s picture-postcard appeal.
“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority. Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution we have suspended all visits to Labadee fleetwide through September 2024.” – Royal Caribbean spokesperson.
Celebrity Cruises, a sister line to Royal Caribbean, also adjusted itineraries excluding Labadee well before the suspension due to other issues. Neither cruise line includes the beloved tourist locale in their current offerings. This highlights a larger trend of the industry pulling back as conditions worsen, disrupting vacation plans across the board.
The Uncertain Future of Labadee
Questions loom about when—or if—Labadee will regain its shining spot on Royal Caribbean’s itinerary. With the current chaotic backdrop, travelers opting for Royal Caribbean find alternative destinations to fill the gap left by Labadee’s absence. It’s a loss felt by guests and the cruise line alike, marking a pause in what was once the highlight of many Caribbean cruises. Until stability and safety return, Labadee remains sidelined, a disheartening but necessary move.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily paused our upcoming visits to Labadee” – Royal Caribbean spokesperson.
Amidst these choppy waters, it’s clear that Royal Caribbean stands firm in its priority to safeguard its clients, even at the cost of suspending its idyllic escape. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of traveling in today’s world—with destination dreams continually adapting alongside global realities.
