Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of visits to Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, citing ongoing safety concerns for passengers and crew. The decision comes as Haiti grapples with widespread gang violence and political instability, which has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for the nation.
Labadee, located on Haiti's northern coast, is a private resort popular among Royal Caribbean guests for its beaches and the Dragon's Breath Flight Line zipline. The cruise line stated that the extension was made with the safety and well-being of its guests and crew members in mind.
"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 Group spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The company has communicated these changes directly to affected guests.
This marks another year-long extension for the popular cruise destination, which has been off-limits to passengers since before the initial cancellations. Passengers scheduled for stops at Labadee have reported their itineraries being rerouted to destinations such as Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel, and Nassau.
Online forums and social media reflect disappointment among travelers who had planned to visit Labadee. Many passengers expressed sadness over the extended closure, not only for their own travel plans but also for the potential impact on the local Haitian communities that rely on the cruise tourism for jobs and economic support.
Royal Caribbean stated its commitment to its Labadee team members, noting that positions have been identified across its fleets and destinations to support them during the pause. The company also highlighted its continued support for local communities through ongoing humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations.
Labadee has long been a significant private destination for cruise lines operating in the Caribbean, offering an exclusive resort experience separate from the broader conditions in Haiti. The extended suspension underscores the persistent security challenges facing the island nation.