Royal Caribbean Cancels Labadee Stopovers Amid Escalating Instability in Haiti

Royal Caribbean International has once again suspended cruise ship visits to its private beach destination of Labadee, Haiti, citing safety concerns amid rising unrest. The decision, made "out of an abundance of caution," comes just months after the line resumed port calls to the northern Haiti site following a seven-month hiatus due to political instability.

Labadee, located over 100 miles from Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, had been welcoming cruise guests since October. However, the deteriorating security situation in the country has prompted renewed concern. On April 21, the United Nations’ special representative to Haiti addressed the UN Security Council, warning that growing gang violence is pushing the nation into a critical state and called for increased international assistance.

The U.S. State Department has also issued multiple security alerts for Haiti, most recently on April 16, advising of ongoing demonstrations and violence around the capital region.

Guests affected by the itinerary changes have been notified directly by Royal Caribbean, according to a report. The cruise line did not immediately provide a public statement in response to inquiries. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean’s sister brand, had already removed Labadee from its cruise routes in recent weeks.

Labadee is a popular stop for travelers seeking beach excursions and private resort experiences, and its removal may affect several Caribbean itineraries in the coming weeks.