This Favorite Royal Caribbean Beach Stop Is Off the Map Until 2027

Royal Caribbean has officially extended its suspension of calls to Labadee, Haiti through at least the end of December 2026, marking another significant blow to the future of the cruise line’s long-running private destination.

The decision comes amid escalating gang violence, political instability, and ongoing security concerns across Haiti, which has been under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the U.S. State Department since 2024.

In recent months, the U.S. Coast Guard has also expressed concerns about port safety in Haiti, advising heightened caution for mariners and passengers navigating the region.

Royal Caribbean confirmed the suspension in statements to multiple outlets, noting the move was made “out of an abundance of caution” as the situation in and around Port-au-Prince continues to deteriorate.

What the Change Means for Cruisers

The year-long suspension impacts more than a dozen ships and over 65 itineraries that originally featured Labadee as a marquee port stop in 2026. Guests booked on affected sailings have begun receiving updated itineraries outlining replacement ports or additional sea days.

Depending on the ship and sailing date, Labadee is being swapped for ports such as:

• Nassau, Bahamas
• Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
• Grand Cayman
• Costa Maya, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Falmouth, Jamaica
• Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Not every vessel can be accommodated elsewhere. Some itineraries — particularly those on larger ships like the Icon-class — will now feature bonus sea days instead.

Guests who pre-purchased Labadee shore excursions through the cruise line will receive automatic cancellations and refunds.

Why Royal Caribbean Pulled the Plug

Labadee has been largely off Royal Caribbean itineraries since 2024, following a wave of gang activity that led to widespread government collapse and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Attempts to resume limited visits in early 2025 were short-lived.

While the worst violence is centered around Port-au-Prince, roughly 85 miles from Labadee, authorities warn that criminal activity has expanded well beyond the capital, making the risk too unpredictable to manage for cruise guests and crew.

The State Department’s current advisory states: “Do not travel to Haiti for any reason,” citing kidnappings, firearm-related crime, carjackings, and a lack of emergency support infrastructure.

The Long-Term Question: Is Labadee’s Future in Jeopardy?

The uncertainty around Haiti’s political and security situation has sparked debate about whether Royal Caribbean may eventually abandon its Labadee development entirely. The cruise line is currently investing in new private destinations such as:

• The recently opened Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau
• The upcoming Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya

While Royal Caribbean has not suggested Labadee will be permanently shuttered, it has acknowledged the operational and financial impact of the prolonged closure. During a 2025 earnings call, executives described the pause as a minor “headwind” that dented revenue and limited itinerary flexibility.

For now, Labadee continues to serve a limited humanitarian role. Royal Caribbean ships have been quietly delivering supplies to support crew members based in Haiti, though passengers are not permitted to disembark.

When Could Cruises Return?

There’s no firm timeline — and most analysts agree that the broader crisis in Haiti is unlikely to resolve quickly. International organizations, including the United Nations, are working on support and intervention efforts, but previous missions have struggled to restore stability.

Until Haiti becomes safe and navigable again, Royal Caribbean appears content to look elsewhere in the Caribbean for its private-destination offerings.

Bottom Line

Royal Caribbean guests won’t be checking Labadee off their port list anytime soon. With the suspension now stretching through 2026 and security conditions showing little sign of improvement, Haiti may remain off cruise maps for years — even as the cruise line doubles down on newer, safer, and easier-to-operate destinations across the region.