Before the recent turmoil engulfed Haiti, we were fortunate enough to visit Labadee, Haiti, a slice of paradise on the island. This experience was unforgettable, marked by warm encounters with the locals, an immersion into the rich tapestry of Haitian history, and explorations of the enchanting nearby islands. Royal Caribbean's privately owned slice of Haiti offered a sense of security and delight, making our visit truly memorable.
However, the serenity of this destination has been overshadowed by concerning developments. Royal Caribbean International, in response to escalating gang violence in Haiti, has made the difficult decision to halt all voyages to Labadee for the upcoming week, as disclosed in their latest announcement. The decision, effective immediately, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew amidst the unsettling situation unfolding in Haiti.
The cruise line, through an official statement on their website, has informed that all planned stops at Labadee have been paused until March 22, 2024. Guests affected by this change have been notified directly about the adjustments to their itineraries. This precautionary measure reflects the growing concern over the recent surge in gang-related violence that has gripped the nation, casting a shadow over its otherwise vibrant culture and welcoming people.
Royal Caribbean is closely monitoring the evolving situation with the assistance of their Global Security & Intelligence team. They are committed to keeping their passengers informed, promising to communicate any further changes to itineraries for cruises scheduled between March 23 - 31 well in advance. We reached out to Royal Caribbean for an update.
Michael Bayley, the CEO of Royal Caribbean, emphasized the company's proactive stance in a Facebook post, stating that the suspension of trips to Labadee will be assessed on a rolling basis. The cruise line pledges to provide guests with at least three days' notice prior to any changes affecting their planned voyages, as they continue to evaluate the safety conditions in Haiti.
Amidst these developments, the U.S. Department of State has issued a level four travel advisory for Haiti, advising against all travel to the country. This stern warning highlights the risks posed by kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and an inadequate healthcare infrastructure, underscoring the gravity of the situation at hand.