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A popular cruise line has extended its suspension of visits to a private resort for another year, prompting some passengers to question whether the destination will ever reopen.
Royal Caribbean recently said it’s extending its pause on visits to Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027.
Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on Haiti’s northern coast, is popular for its white-sand beaches and the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, one of the world’s longest over-water ziplines.
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“As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told Digital.
“This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind. We have communicated these changes directly with guests.”
Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of visits to its private Labadee resort in Haiti through June 2027 because of ongoing safety concerns. (Ron Buskirk/ UCG /Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The extension comes as Haiti, which is under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the U.S. State Department, continues to grapple with widespread gang violence and political instability.
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The resort is roughly six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city.
Labadee is one of the few private cruise destinations in Haiti. It gives passengers an exclusive resort experience separate from much of the rest of the country.
“We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they feel informed and supported,” the Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson added.
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“We have identified positions across our fleets and destinations to place team members during this pause,” the company said.
Labadee sits on Haiti’s northern coast, about six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, the country’s second-largest city. (Ron Buskirk/ UCG /Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
For now, cruise passengers will not be able to experience the destination.
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Passengers on a Royal Caribbean forum said their Labadee stops were replaced with destinations including Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel and Nassau.
“I really wanted to visit Labadee,” one person wrote.
“Labadee was a big highlight for a lot of itineraries.”
“Oh darn … I’m booked to Labadee in April 2027,” another wrote.
Six months ago, when Royal Caribbean canceled other visits to Labadee, travelers discussed the change on Reddit.
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“Sad, not only for the people that work there but selfishly …. [it] is stunningly beautiful,” one Reddit user said.
“It’s unfortunate, because Labadee brings jobs and money to the Haitian citizens, who need both desperately,” a second said.
Online reactions ranged from disappointment to skepticism that Labadee will ever reopen in the near future. (Ron Buskirk/ UCG /Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“So sad. Always enjoyed going there,” a third Reddit user said.
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“Labadee is the most stunning place. I loved it there,” another chimed in.
“Labadee was a big highlight for a lot of itineraries. Curious what they’ll replace it with,” yet another Reddit user said.
Labadee has long been a popular stop for Royal Caribbean passengers seeking beaches, excursions and the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line zipline. (Ron Buskirk/UCG /Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
“Our connection to the Labadee community extends far beyond our operations there, and we remain proud of the long-standing investments we have made in the region,” the Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said.
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“We continue to support local communities through ongoing humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations,” the spokesperson added.
Jessica Mekles of Digital contributed reporting.
