Caution is in order due to surging unrest in Haiti, so Royal Caribbean Group has suspended cruise visits to its private resort, Labadee. It’s on a peninsula of Haiti that the company has leased from the government of Haiti since 1985.
The suspension follows escalating gang violence and uncertainty about the government after the resignation of Haiti’s president. “The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority,” Royal Caribbean told CNN. “Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly.”
Labadee is located a six-hour drive from Port au Prince, where most of the violence is happening. The resort port which is accessible only to Royal Caribbean guests and employees has private security, includes five beaches, a zip line and other recreation facilities.
Until things become more stable, Royal Caribbean plans to replace Labadee on cruise itineraries with stops in, Jamaica, the Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas. Explorer of the Seas and Grandeur of the Seas are replacing Labadee with a stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
