Royal Caribbean Extends Haiti Cruise Stop Suspension Through 2027 Amid Safety Concerns

Royal Caribbean Group has extended its suspension of visits to Labadee, its private destination in Haiti, through June 2027. The decision comes as the U.S. State Department maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti due to widespread gang violence and political instability.

"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 spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group told Fox News Digital. "This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind."

Labadee, located on Haiti's northern coast about six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, is a popular stop for Royal Caribbean cruises, known for its beaches and the Dragon's Breath Flight Line zipline. It operates as a private resort, offering an experience separate from much of the country.

The cruise line is working to support its Labadee team members during the suspension, identifying positions for them across its fleets and destinations. "We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they feel informed and supported," the spokesperson added. Royal Caribbean also stated that its connection to the Labadee community extends beyond its operations and that it continues to support local communities through humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations.

Passengers whose itineraries included Labadee have had their stops replaced with other destinations such as Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel, and Nassau. The extended suspension has led to discussions among cruise passengers on forums and social media, with some expressing disappointment about missing the destination and concern for the local economy and workers.

Prior to this latest extension, Royal Caribbean had previously canceled visits to Labadee. The U.S. State Department's advisory highlights the ongoing security challenges in Haiti, prompting cruise lines and other entities to reassess their operations in the country.