Royal Caribbean Temporarily Suspends Labadee Port Calls Amid Haiti’s Escalating Crisis
Royal Caribbean International, a leading cruise line operator, has announced that it is temporarily suspending calls at its private port in Labadee, Haiti, due to the escalating crisis situation in the Caribbean country. The safety and well-being of its guests, crew members, and the communities it interacts with are Royal Caribbean’s top priorities.
In a statement released to the media, the company explained that its Global Security and Intel Team have been closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti. In an abundance of caution, Royal Caribbean has decided to make some adjustments to its sailings visiting Labadee while it continues to assess the situation. The company will keep its guests informed of any updates directly.
Labadee is a private port owned by Royal Caribbean Group, located on a peninsula in northern Haiti about 130 miles (210 kilometers) from Port-au-Prince. The site, which is accessible only to Royal Caribbean Group guests and employees, offers a day-use resort with five beaches, a zip line, and other recreational activities. The port is equipped with private security, ensuring the safety of its visitors.
Since the 1980s, Royal Caribbean has been operating in Labadee and has provided employment opportunities for local residents. However, due to recent developments in Haiti, the cruise line has temporarily suspended its port calls there.
Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city, has been grappling with violent gang activities since early March, and the country is currently in a political crisis. This uncertainty surrounding Haiti’s situation necessitated Royal Caribbean’s decision to adjust its itineraries.
Although the Labadee port is located away from the capital city, the safety and security of its guests remain a top priority for Royal Caribbean. The cruise line will continue to monitor the situation closely and reassess future port calls as needed, ensuring that its guests are kept informed throughout the process.
This decision is part of Royal Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its guests, crew members, and the communities it visits. The company will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure a safe return to normal operations when circumstances allow.
