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Royal Caribbean Adjusts Itineraries Amid Haiti’s Instability

Travelers planning a Caribbean cruise might find themselves needing to adjust their itineraries due to significant changes made by Royal Caribbean.

The cruise line has recently announced the suspension of port calls at Labadee, a private beach resort owned by Royal Caribbean located on the northern coast of Haiti, approximately six hours from Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital.

Labadee has long been a favorite stop for cruise visitors, offering access to stunning beaches and various recreational activities, including thrilling options like zip lining across the ocean. As noted by T+L contributor Rondel Holder, Labadee is prized for its family-friendly features, including a rollercoaster, water slides, and a water trampoline, making it a sought-after destination for family vacations in the Caribbean.

However, escalating gang violence and ongoing political instability in Haiti have prompted Royal Caribbean to act. The company cited “an abundance of caution” in its decision to temporarily suspend trips to Labadee. In a statement shared with Travel + Leisure, Royal Caribbean noted, “We have already communicated with guests directly” regarding these changes.

This is not the first time the cruise line has taken such measures; it also halted stops in Labadee last summer, emphasizing the importance of the safety and security of its guests, crew, and local communities.

Currently, it remains uncertain when or if Labadee will return as a planned destination for Royal Caribbean cruises in the future.

The U.S. Department of State has categorized Haiti as a Level 4 country on its travel advisory scale, primarily due to risks associated with kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare services. Such a rating strongly discourages American citizens from traveling to the country.

Understanding U.S. Travel Advisory Levels:
Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions)
Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution)
Level 3 (Reconsider Travel)
Level 4 (Do Not Travel)

The advisory further highlights the limitations of U.S. governmental assistance in Haiti, stating, “The U.S. government is very limited in its ability to help U.S. citizens in Haiti. Local police and other first responders often lack the resources to respond to emergencies or serious crime.”

On April 16, a security alert was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, specifically for Port-au-Prince, cautioning about “widespread protests with potential for violence between police, protestors, and criminal gangs.”

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www.travelandleisure.com