Due to the turmoil in the Caribbean, the Royal Caribbean cruise line has made temporary adjustments to its sailings to a popular destination in the region. Specifically, Royal Caribbean will not be sailing to the peninsula of Labadee on Haiti’s north coast in May. This decision comes as Haiti continues to be destabilized by vicious gangs, leading to safety concerns for both residents and tourists in the area. The travel pause to Labadee began in March as airports closed and flights were canceled, demonstrating the severity of the situation in the country.
As the situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, Royal Caribbean’s Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving events in the country. The safety and security of guests, crew, and the communities they visit are a top priority for the cruise line. Multiple ships and itineraries, including the Allure of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, are facing disruption in May due to the decision to not sail to Labadee. Royal Caribbean has promised to continue monitoring and reassessing calls as needed, while communicating updates directly with guests.
The US State Department has issued warnings for Americans against traveling to parts of Haiti, such as the capital, Port-au-Prince, due to issues such as kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, and poor healthcare. These warnings have been in place since July 2023, indicating the ongoing challenges in the country. In response to the dangers present for Americans in Haiti, private operations led by former New York Giant Jack Brewer have been launched to help safely evacuate those in need. This further highlights the severity of the situation and the need for assistance for those impacted by the violence.
The situation in Haiti has been described as dire, with reports of Port-au-Prince being like a battlefield due to the actions of notorious gang leaders. In addition to setting homes on fire, gangs have stormed a prison and facilitated the escape of around 4,000 prisoners. This has escalated the unrest in the country and raised concerns about the safety of the population. Millions in Haiti are facing hunger, as many ports and supply routes are blocked by the violence, leading to a humanitarian crisis. More than 360,000 people have been displaced by the violence, according to the United Nations, underscoring the urgent need for assistance and stability in the region.
The ongoing instability in Haiti has prompted the Royal Caribbean cruise line to continue its pause on sailings to Labadee and to closely monitor the situation for future updates. The safety and security of passengers, crew, and local communities remain a top priority for the cruise line, and adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure the well-being of all involved. The challenges in Haiti have also led to warnings from the US State Department for Americans to avoid certain areas in the country, while private operations are being conducted to assist those in need. As the situation in Haiti evolves, it is essential for organizations and governments to work together to address the root causes of the unrest and support those affected by the violence.
