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Royal Caribbean Cruises has canceled all scheduled visits to its private port in Labadee, Haiti, due to rising safety concerns. The decision, effective through April 2026, comes after the U.S. Department of State issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti on July 15, 2025, citing risks such as kidnappings, crime, and civil unrest. The advisory warned that kidnappers demand large ransoms, putting tourists at serious risk.
ARoyal Caribbean spokesperson stated, "Out of an abundance of caution, we have paused our upcoming visits through April 2026." The cruise line has communicated directly with guests affected by the cancellations, offering full refunds or alternative itineraries.
The canceled visits have been replaced with sea days or stops at other destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Falmouth, Jamaica. The cruise line has emphasized that passenger safety is their top priority.
The suspension of visits to Labadee is expected to have a significant economic impact on Haiti's tourism sector. Travel and Tour World highlights that Labadee has been a crucial economic driver for the local economy, and the halt in cruise arrivals will affect local vendors and businesses.
Royal Caribbean's decision underscores the importance of safety in travel planning, as the company continues to monitor the situation in Haiti. The cruise line remains committed to resuming visits only when conditions improve.