If you’ve been looking at Royal Caribbean itineraries that include Labadee, Haiti, there’s an important update.
Royal Caribbean has officially announced that it is extending the suspension of all visits to Labadee through June 2027. The decision was made out of an abundance of caution as Haiti continues to face ongoing political instability and security concerns. As always, the safety and well-being of guests and crew remain the cruise line’s top priority.
So, what does this mean if you already have a cruise booked?
First…don’t panic!
Your cruise is NOT being canceled.
Instead, Royal Caribbean is updating itineraries by replacing Labadee with another destination or, in some cases, adding an extra day at sea. Depending on your sailing, you may visit ports like Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau, or even Perfect Day at CocoCay.
What is Labadee?
If you’ve never been, Labadee isn’t your typical cruise port. It’s Royal Caribbean’s private destination on the northern coast of Haiti. The area is completely separate from the rest of the country and has long been known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, exciting excursions, and relaxing atmosphere.
One of the biggest attractions is the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the longest over-water zip line in the Caribbean. There’s also the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, an alpine-style coaster that winds down the mountainside with incredible ocean views.
We were actually lucky enough to visit Labadee in 2024, and I’m so thankful we did. We rode both the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line and the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, and they were easily two of the highlights of our cruise. They’re experiences I’ll never forget, which is why I completely understand why so many cruisers are disappointed to hear this news.
Why the Change?
Although Labadee itself has remained a secure, private destination, the ongoing unrest in Haiti has led Royal Caribbean to continue pausing visits out of an abundance of caution. While many guests have safely visited Labadee over the years, the cruise line has chosen to prioritize guest and crew safety until conditions improve.
Will This Affect Your Vacation?
Honestly? Not as much as you might think.
One of the things I love about cruising is that when circumstances change, the cruise lines do an incredible job of adjusting. Whether it’s another beautiful Caribbean island or an extra relaxing sea day, you’re still getting an amazing vacation.
As a travel advisor, I always remind my clients that cruise itineraries can change because of weather, operational needs, or safety concerns. It’s simply part of cruising.
That’s why I always recommend booking a cruise because you love the ship first and the ports second. The destinations are a wonderful bonus, but the ship is where you’ll spend most of your vacation. When you’re sailing on an incredible ship like Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, or any of Royal Caribbean’s amazing fleet, you’re going to have an unforgettable time no matter where you dock.
My Thoughts
While I’m sad that future cruisers won’t get to experience Labadee for a little while longer, I also appreciate that Royal Caribbean is making decisions with guest safety in mind.
If you already have a cruise booked that was scheduled to visit Labadee, keep an eye on your Royal Caribbean app and your email for itinerary updates. And if you’re wondering how these changes affect your sailing, don’t hesitate to reach out.
That’s what I’m here for.
Whether you’re planning your first cruise or your fifteenth, I’ll help you navigate itinerary changes, find the best options, and make sure your vacation is one you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
Happy cruising!
– Jackie Ackerman
Life’s A Trip 365
