Published on September 20, 2025
Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of sailings to Labadee, Haiti, through April 2026, following continued safety concerns in the region. Initially halting visits in April 2025, the cruise line decided to further delay trips due to ongoing political instability and significant risks associated with crime and unrest in Haiti. Labadee, located on the northern coast of Haiti, is one of the cruise line’s private resort destinations and has historically been a highlight of its Western Caribbean itineraries. However, given the recent escalation in safety concerns, the cruise line is prioritizing passenger well-being by suspending all visits to the location until further notice.

Political Instability and Security Risks in Haiti

Haiti has been grappling with significant civil unrest, compounded by rising violence and criminal activities, making it increasingly difficult for authorities to maintain order. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Haiti, citing widespread violent crime, including kidnappings for ransom, armed robberies, and assaults. This advisory reflects the heightened risks that U.S. citizens face when traveling to the country, and it underlines the limitations of local law enforcement and security forces.

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While Labadee itself operates as a private enclave separate from the rest of the country’s infrastructure, it remains subject to the broader security situation in Haiti. Royal Caribbean, with passenger safety at the forefront, made the decision to halt future visits until it can assess the region’s security improvements. The suspension, originally announced in April 2025, has been extended into 2026, leaving passengers uncertain about the resumption of trips to the popular destination.

Labadee’s Role in Royal Caribbean’s Western Caribbean Itineraries

Labadee has long been a prominent destination for Royal Caribbean’s cruise passengers, known for its stunning beaches, water sports activities, and the iconic zip lines that overlook the crystal-clear waters. As a private resort, it is designed to provide guests with a safe and controlled environment where they can experience Haiti’s natural beauty without the risks associated with traveling into the rest of the country. The destination has been particularly popular with families and adventure enthusiasts.

Despite the political turbulence in Haiti, Royal Caribbean’s investment in Labadee has made it a key component of its Western Caribbean itineraries. Cruise passengers often view the stop as an opportunity to explore a unique, off-the-beaten-path location, combining relaxation with thrilling outdoor activities. However, with the safety concerns currently overshadowing the destination, the cruise line has opted to suspend all visits to Labadee until the region stabilizes.

Implications for Haitian Tourism and Local Economy

The extension of Royal Caribbean’s suspension is expected to have a significant impact on Haiti’s tourism industry, particularly in Labadee. Cruise tourism is an important part of the country’s economy, and Labadee has long been a cornerstone of the sector. While the private nature of the destination means that it has been somewhat isolated from the broader economic activities in Haiti, the suspension of Royal Caribbean visits may lead to lost revenue for local businesses, including tour operators, vendors, and service providers who rely on cruise passengers.

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In addition to the economic impact, this move by Royal Caribbean underscores the challenges Haiti faces in restoring its tourism industry, which has long struggled with political instability and security issues. With major cruise lines halting visits and many international tourists hesitant to travel to the country, the future of Haiti’s tourism sector remains uncertain.

What This Means for Future Cruise Plans

Royal Caribbean’s decision is a clear message about the current state of affairs in Haiti and its potential to affect future tourism and travel trends in the region. As for passengers who had previously booked trips to Labadee, the cruise line is offering alternative destinations and excursions that maintain the adventurous and exotic nature of its itineraries while keeping passenger safety at the forefront.
For those looking to explore other Western Caribbean destinations, Royal Caribbean offers various ports of call, including popular destinations like Cozumel in Mexico, Falmouth in Jamaica, and Nassau in the Bahamas. These locations continue to attract tourists due to their well-established tourism infrastructure and relatively stable security situations.

A Shift in Caribbean Cruise Travel

The situation in Haiti also highlights a larger trend in the cruise industry’s approach to destination selection. Cruise lines, which heavily rely on passenger safety and satisfaction, are increasingly cautious about the destinations they include on their itineraries. As safety concerns continue to rise across various regions, cruise lines may adjust their routes, opting for destinations that offer a higher level of security and comfort for their passengers.
This shift may lead to a greater focus on well-established Caribbean destinations with robust tourism infrastructure and stable political environments. As the demand for safe travel experiences grows, cruise lines will likely continue to adapt their offerings to meet passenger expectations, ensuring that their itineraries remain both exciting and secure.

A Glimmer of Hope for Haiti’s Tourism Recovery

While the suspension of Royal Caribbean’s visits to Labadee is a setback for Haiti’s tourism industry, it is not necessarily the end. As political conditions in the country improve, there could be an eventual resumption of cruises to Labadee and a renewed focus on rebuilding Haiti’s tourism infrastructure. For now, however, cruise passengers will need to look to other destinations in the Western Caribbean for their travel needs, with Haiti’s shores remaining off-limits for the foreseeable future.

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Tags: cruise suspensions, haiti tourism, Labadee, royal caribbean

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