Royal Caribbean Extends Suspension of Visits to Labadee Amid Ongoing Security Concerns in Haiti

Published on May 20, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Royal Caribbean International has announced the extension of its suspension of visits to its private island destination, Labadee, located in Haiti, citing ongoing security concerns.

Following the initial suspension of calls in mid-April 2025, the cruise line has now cancelled all scheduled visits to Labadee through at least August 2025, affecting several major vessels including the Icon of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas.

This extension of cancellations underscores the persistent instability in Haiti, particularly in the northern Cap-Haïtien region where Labadee is situated, as the company prioritizes passenger safety in light of the escalating violence and security threats reported by various government and international agencies.

Background: Royal Caribbean’s Private Island in Haiti

Labadee is a privately operated resort leased exclusively by Royal Caribbean International since the 1980s. The port, located on Haiti’s northern coast near Cap-Haïtien, was developed into a secure, fenced-off tourist enclave featuring attractions such as beaches, a zip line, a roller coaster, and a marketplace known as the flea market. Significant investments and upgrades were made in 2009 to enhance the visitor experience and infrastructure.

The destination has historically been a key stop on Caribbean cruise itineraries, offering passengers a blend of resort-style amenities and cultural immersion within a controlled environment. Despite this, the broader security situation in Haiti has increasingly impacted cruise operations in recent years.

The Security Situation in Haiti: Government and International Reports

Haiti has faced a prolonged period of political unrest, gang violence, and economic challenges, leading to significant security concerns throughout the country.

The U.S. Department of State’s official travel advisory website consistently warns travelers to exercise increased caution or avoid travel to certain areas of Haiti due to crime, civil unrest, and kidnappings.

According to the latest travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State: “Violent crime, including armed robbery, assault, and kidnapping, is widespread, and gang violence has increased. Protests and demonstrations frequently disrupt daily life and transportation.”

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the International Crisis Group have also highlighted ongoing security issues in northern Haiti, where Cap-Haïtien and Labadee are located, emphasizing the impact on tourism and local economic stability.

Royal Caribbean’s Response and Itinerary Adjustments

In light of the volatile security environment, Royal Caribbean has opted to suspend all visits to Labadee through August 2025. The cruise line issued formal statements to affected guests, informing them of itinerary changes and reiterating its commitment to passenger safety.

“We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we’re swapping our visit to Labadee,” the company said.

Passengers affected by these changes are experiencing itinerary adjustments where visits to Labadee are replaced with either a day at sea or calls at alternative ports. Ports such as Nassau (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos), and Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas) are serving as substitute destinations, maintaining passengers’ opportunities for beach, shopping, and cultural excursions.

Royal Caribbean has assured customers that all prepaid shore excursions for Labadee will be fully refunded, and apologizes for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing the primacy of guest safety.

Impact on Cruise Schedules and Passenger Experience

This prolonged suspension affects several of Royal Caribbean’s key ships. The Icon of the Seas, which debuted in early 2024 as the largest cruise ship in the world, and other Oasis-class vessels like Oasis of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, traditionally featured Labadee as a highlight of their Caribbean itineraries.

While the absence of Labadee may disappoint some travelers familiar with the unique offerings of the private resort, the substitution with other well-regarded ports ensures the overall cruise experience remains robust.

Ports like Nassau and Grand Turk continue to invest in tourism infrastructure and provide a variety of experiences ranging from historic tours to water sports and local markets, supported by national tourism boards such as the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board.

Perfect Day at CocoCay remains a highly popular destination within Royal Caribbean’s portfolio, offering exclusive beaches, water parks, and adventure activities, all designed to deliver a safe and memorable shore experience within the company’s control.

Previous Suspension and Ongoing Monitoring

This is not the first instance Royal Caribbean has suspended visits to Labadee in recent years. The company initially halted calls for approximately seven months prior to resuming in October 2024, also due to concerns around the deteriorating security situation in Haiti.

Royal Caribbean maintains an active security monitoring process in coordination with government agencies, port authorities, and international security consultants to assess risks continuously.

According to official statements, the safety of passengers, crew, and local communities remains the top priority guiding these decisions.

Economic and Community Considerations

Labadee represents a significant economic relationship between Royal Caribbean and Haiti. The private island employs local residents and generates revenue for the region through tourism spending, port fees, and contracted services.

Haiti’s government, through the Ministry of Tourism, has expressed ongoing interest in stabilizing conditions to support tourism growth, which is vital for economic recovery and job creation. The suspension of cruise visits to Labadee poses challenges to this sector, highlighting the intersection of security and economic development.

Industry-Wide Implications and Safety Prioritization

Royal Caribbean’s decision reflects a broader cruise industry trend to adapt itineraries in response to evolving geopolitical and safety conditions. Other cruise lines have similarly altered Caribbean schedules due to security concerns, weather disruptions, or logistical constraints.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), representing the global cruise industry, emphasizes that safety protocols and risk assessments are embedded in operational planning, underscoring that passenger welfare is paramount. Cruise operators maintain close dialogue with governmental authorities, maritime security organizations, and port officials to respond proactively to emerging threats.

Conclusion

Royal Caribbean International’s extension of its suspension of visits to Labadee through August 2025 is a clear response to the ongoing security challenges facing Haiti, particularly in the northern Cap-Haïtien region. By prioritizing passenger safety and adjusting itineraries to include alternative ports and days at sea, Royal Caribbean aims to maintain high service standards amid difficult circumstances.

While this disruption affects a beloved private island destination, the company’s transparent communication and customer care measures, including refunds for shore excursions, reflect industry best practices in crisis management.

Travelers planning Caribbean cruises with Royal Caribbean are advised to stay informed through official channels such as Royal Caribbean’s website, the U.S. Department of State travel advisories, and local government tourism offices.

As Haiti continues to seek stability and renewed growth in its tourism sector, the resumption of cruise visits to Labadee remains contingent on improvements in security and safety conditions.