Popular cruise line extends suspension of private beach destination through 2027
Cruise passengers disembark from the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise ship on Royal Caribbean's private coastal peninsula of Labadee, Haiti. (Photo by: Ron Buskirk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of cruise visits to its private beach destination of Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, citing ongoing safety concerns amid the country's continuing gang violence and political instability.
What they're saying:
"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 Fox News 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."
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Dig deeper:
Labadee, located on Haiti's northern coast about six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, is known for its white-sand beaches and attractions including the Dragon's Breath Flight Line, one of the world's longest over-water ziplines. The destination has remained closed to Royal Caribbean ships as Haiti remains under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory from the U.S. State Department.
The company said it continues to support employees affected by the prolonged closure.
"We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they feel informed and supported," the spokesperson said.
"We have identified positions across our fleets and destinations to place team members during this pause."
Royal Caribbean also said it remains committed to the surrounding community despite the extended suspension.
"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 spokesperson said.
"We continue to support local communities through ongoing humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations."
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Why you should care:
The announcement sparked disappointment among some passengers whose itineraries had included Labadee before being changed to ports such as Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel and Nassau.
Local perspective:
"I really wanted to visit Labadee," one traveler wrote on a Royal Caribbean forum.
"Oh darn ... I'm booked to Labadee in April 2027," another passenger posted.
Travelers also shared their reactions on Reddit following earlier cancellations of Labadee visits.
"Sad, not only for the people that work there but selfishly …. [it] is stunningly beautiful," one Reddit user wrote.
"It's unfortunate, because Labadee brings jobs and money to the Haitian citizens, who need both desperately," another said.
"So sad. Always enjoyed going there," a third user wrote.
"Labadee is the most stunning place. I loved it there," another commenter said.
"Labadee was a big highlight for a lot of itineraries. Curious what they'll replace it with," another Reddit user added.
The Source: FOX News contributed to this report. Information in this story comes from statements provided by Royal Caribbean Group to Fox News Digital regarding the extension of its suspension of cruise visits to Labadee, Haiti. This story was reported from Los Angeles.