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Labadee will remain off cruise itineraries through June 2027 as the company extends its pause because of security concerns.
Safety and security concerns have once again delayed cruise ship passengers from visiting a popular port in the Caribbean.
Labadee is Royal Caribbean’s private port on the northern coast of Haiti, known for its coral reefs and a half-mile-long zipline over the ocean. Earlier this year, the cruise operator announced it would extend a cancellation of all stops at Labadee through 2026, returning to the port on January 14, 2027, but it will now be delaying stops through June 2027.
“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,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson shared with Travel + Leisure. “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.”
Labadee is home to a variety of activities to explore off of the ship. The port is also home to Buccaneer’s Bay, which has parasailing, jet skis, and speedboats, plus other activities such as a rollercoaster, basketball, and pickleball. Water enthusiasts can also splash at an on-site waterpark complete with a 300-foot-long waterslide, or relax in beach bungalows.
Royal Caribbean states in its terms and customer information sections that it can postpone or cancel any scheduled part of a sailing or a port of call. In many circumstances, the cruise line replaces the stop with another port.
The entire country of Haiti remains under a Level 4 - Do Not Travel advisory, which was last updated on July 10. The U.S. State Department warns against visiting Haiti due to crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. The agency also explains that it has prohibited government employees from bringing family members to the island, and U.S.-based airlines are prohibited from operating flights to or from Haiti’s main airport in Port-au-Prince (PAP). “Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince,” the agency states. “There has been an increase in gangs, organized crime, and terrorist activities.”
Whether traveling by cruise ship, airline, or driving to a foreign country, the State Department strongly encourages registering the trip with its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The free program can provide safety guidance, emergency evacuation notification, and help connect the traveler with the local embassy if needed.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
