The country of Haiti is enduring another wave of national crisis, but don’t expect your Royal Caribbean cruise to skip a port stop at its private destination there.
Labadee is the name of Royal Caribbean’s beach it has exclusive access to. Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, it isn’t a private island but rather a peninsula.
With the headlines of gang violence, Presidential crisis, and official travel warnings, many of our readers have inquired if their cruise will still happen as scheduled.
While Labadee is indeed in Haiti, it’s a private port only accessible to Royal Caribbean. In fact, the area of Labadee is secured and monitored to ensure the safety of cruise passengers and crew members.
There have been no announced cancellations of visits to Labadee, but cruises are understandably concerned.
Zentraveler wrote on the Royal Caribbean Blog message boards, “Do you think the news in Haiti will affect any upcoming sailing to Haiti?”
In a statement sent to media outlets, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said, “The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. Our global security teams are closely monitoring the situation in the area.”
“At all times, we remind guests to remain aware of their surroundings while ashore and follow all State Department guidelines. Should any changes be required, guests will be notified directly.”
Labadee is located on the northern coast of Haiti, whereas the majority of the violence is occurring further south in more populated areas
Most employees working in the restricted area of Labadee live in remote villages located nearby, and Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, is over 100 miles away. Government warnings about travel to Haiti always focus on the cities.
Labadee is monitored by guards, and a huge fence is blocking it from the public, although you may not see it on your visit.
In short, it’s walled off from the rest of the country and is in a remote area. It’s guarded by a private security force.
Despite all the unrest to the south, Labadee is unlikely to encounter issues there. It’s probable, you won’t even feel as though you’re in Haiti, as the area has been designed to cater to cruise passengers, rather than locals. Guests aren’t permitted to leave the area, either.
Royal Caribbean monitors the situation in Haiti closely, and have on occasion refused to port in Labadee if security was compromised. But there’s been no indication of a change to upcoming visits.
Unlike other ports, such as Cozumel or Nassau, you won’t be able to book a third-party excursion. Instead, all tours in Labadee have to be reserved directly through Royal Caribbean. Moreover, all food and supplies are brought ashore from the ship, rather than from elsewhere in Haiti.
It’s important to keep your guard up wherever you’re traveling, whether it’s Haiti, The Bahamas, or domestically
In late January, the U.S. Department of State issued a level 2 advisory warning in The Bahamas due to crime.
According to the warning, the majority of the crime in The Bahamas occurs in the capital of New Providence, which is home to the popular cruise port of Nassau. Royal Caribbean, however, neither canceled stops nor forbade passengers from exploring on their own.
Per the Department of State, “Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.”
While only a level 2, compared to Haiti’s level 4, this advisory goes to show that it’s important to research your destination prior to arrival, so you’re aware of the local security situation.
How to stay safe when going ashore
First, if Royal Caribbean truly deems the port of call too unsafe, they will cancel it. Safety is their number one priority, and they wouldn’t risk anyone’s well-being.
That being said, there are a few steps you can take while going ashore, especially if you aren’t going on a cruise line-sponsored excursion, to enhance your safety and peace of mind.
In addition to staying informed and vigilant, you’ll want to adopt a low profile. Additionally, if you happen to be the victim of a robbery or other crime, it’s advised not to physically resist.
Another important reminder is to closely monitor your drinks. If possible, try and observe the bartender preparing your drink. If anything seems off, do not hesitate to ask for a remake.
In Haiti, you have no choice but to book excursions through Royal Caribbean. This is a good practice in other ports, like Nassau, as they work with reputable local operators to ensure that safety is at the forefront of every tour.