Royal Caribbean is continuing to pause its visits to one of its private destinations.
Increasing concerns in Haiti as forced the cruise line to halt visits to Labadee in the north part of the country. Haiti has had the highest level of travel advisory for well over a year, which is “Level 4: Do Not Travel." issued by the U.S. State Department.
Royal Caribbean began re-routing its cruise ships away from Haiti last week.
Labadee is a private beach stop exclusive to Royal Caribbean ships, and it's not in a city. The beach is located in a remote area of the country that is inaccessible except by cruise ship. There is a large wall with private security.
Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean has cancelled another visit to the area.
Icon of the Seas to skip Labadee
Guests booked on the May 3rd sailing of Icon of the Seas received an update their ship will not visit Labadee.
"We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and out of an abundance of caution, we’re swapping out our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day," is what the email read.
Any booked shore excursions in Labadee will be refunded.
It appears a replacement port of call for Labadee could not be found, and it will have a sea day instead. Other ships that skipped Labadee have been re-routed to places like Falmouth, Jamaica or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credit as a gesture of goodwill since this sailing will have just two port stops.
"While we know it’s not the original itinerary we planned, we’re excited for our journey together! As a token of our appreciation for your understanding, you’ll receive credit to spend onboard per stateroom"
- $75 USD for Interior and Ocean View
- $100 USD for Balcony
- $150 USD for Suites
- Plus, an additional $25 USD for each third or more guest to spend onboard
Other ships that skipped Labadee in the last week or so did not get onboard credit offered, but they did get to visit a replacement port of call.
Royal Caribbean also padded the ship's time in Ponce, Puerto Rico to add more time for guests to enjoy time in that port.
Unclear how long the pause will last
No one knows quite how long Royal Caribbean’s Labadee pause will continue.
Royal Caribbean had previously stopped visits to Labadee between March and October 2024 when the situation in the country initially deteriorated. But they later resumed visits when it was clear there was no impact to the security of Labadee.
Unlike last year, Royal Caribbean is not sharing any kind of timeline of when they might consider resuming visits.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson has gone on record last week to say simply, "Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily paused our upcoming visits to Labadee. We have already communicated with guests directly."
What's happening in Haiti to cause the change?
Haiti's government is actively fighting back a surge in well-coordinated gang violence that's threatening the country's capital.
Haiti’s transitional government recently declared a nationwide state of emergency in response to the violence.
On April 16, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert for Port-au-Prince over "widespread protests with potential for violence between police, protestors, and criminal gangs."
Upset cruisers
The cancelled visit by Icon of the Seas exemplifies how some cruisers are upset at the change in plans.
Totally disappointed Royal Caribbean International for adding a sea day in replacement to Labadee instead of another port," wrote Jamie Nguyen on Facebook.
"I book this reservation based on the destination and now I’m quite disappointed for the amount I paid and the lack of destination I will be visiting," the person added in their comment complaining about the cancellation.
"I feel this is total rip off!"
On the Royal Caribbean message boards, TZsavonH described the change as "disgusting" and cancelled the cruise booking despite being well past the final payment date.
"I think it's disgusting... especially when you've spent thousands on excursions and cabanas. "
While the fact Icon is only visiting two ports, the ship is also a floating destination in and of itself, which other cruise fans pointed to as a positive point with the situation.
"The Icon is a destination. Stay on the ship and enjoy," is what one person wrote on Facebook.
Jolene Palmore added, "Would much rather be at sea. The ship is the destination!"
