Caribbean cruise ship travellers may have to change their plans.
Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean has recently changed its itinerary to remove the stop at Labadee. Labadee is a Royal Caribbean private beach resort on Haiti’s northern coast. Labadee, located about six hours from Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, is a private Royal Caribbean beach resort.
Labadee, a popular port of call on Royal Caribbean cruises, offers the opportunity to enjoy the pristine beaches in Haiti as well as more adventurous activities such a zip-lining over the sea. According to T+L contributor Rondel Holder. “Amenities like rollercoasters, waterslides and a trampoline water make this beach one of the most popular in the Caribbean with families.”
Due to the increasing gang violence in Haiti and the political instability, the company has temporarily halted excursions and removed the port. Out of a sense of caution, we’ve temporarily paused all upcoming trips to Labadee. Royal Caribbean has already contacted guests directly, according to a shared statement. Travel + Leisure.
Last summer, the company suspended all stops in Labadee, citing “safety, security, and community concerns.”
There is no word on when or if Labadee might be offered again as a Royal Caribbean Destination.
Haiti is rated as Level 4 by the US Department of State’s travel advisory Due to crime, civil unrest and limited health care, The U.S. government advises that travelers avoid the country.
What are the U.S. Department of State’s advisories?
Level 1 (Use normal precautions)
Level 2: Exercise increased caution
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Level 4 (Do No Travel)
The U.S. government has limited resources to assist U.S. Citizens in Haiti. The U.S. Travel advisory notes that local police and first responders are often unable to respond to serious crimes or emergencies.
On April 16, the U.S. embassy in Haiti issued an alert regarding security for Port-au-Prince due to “widespread and violent protests between police, demonstrators, and criminal groups.”
