Royal Caribbean’s Proactive Pivot: Labadee Out, New Adventures In

In light of ongoing disturbances in Haiti, Royal Caribbean International has preemptively suspended visits to its privately operated destination, Labadee, affecting a slew of its Eastern Caribbean cruises scheduled for the next month.

This decision underscores the company’s prioritization of passenger and crew safety amid the uncertain situation on the island.

The cruise line has commenced informing travelers on the affected routes that Labadee will no longer be part of their journey.

These adjustments are part of a broader safety strategy, implemented “in an abundance of caution,” and are not a direct response to specific threats in the area of Labadee itself.

To compensate for the omission of Labadee from its itineraries, Royal Caribbean is arranging alternative destinations.

For example, the Explorer of the Seas’ upcoming 5-night journey from Miami is set to make a detour to Grand Cayman, replacing the Labadee visit, with an added bonus of an extended stay in Falmouth, Jamaica.

Similarly, adjustments for the Independence of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas include new ports of call like Grand Turk and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, respectively.

For those voyages where finding a substitute port proves challenging, travelers will either be treated to additional sea days or extended time at already-included stops, such as the company’s Perfect Day at CocoCay island.

This approach aims to maintain the allure and enjoyment of the cruise experience in spite of the itinerary changes.

Royal Caribbean assures that guests who had prepaid for shore excursions in Labadee will receive full refunds credited to their onboard accounts, with any unused funds returned to the original payment method after the cruise.

The company continues to closely watch the situation in Haiti, hopeful to reinstate Labadee visits when it’s deemed safe. Royal Caribbean advises travelers with upcoming cruises to remain alert to any new itinerary updates and to be adaptable with their vacation plans.