Royal Caribbean Extends Suspension of Labadee Port Calls Amid Security Concerns

Introduction
As of May 2025, Royal Caribbean International has extended its suspension of port calls to Labadee, Haiti, through the summer season due to ongoing security concerns linked to escalating violence and political instability in the region. Although Labadee is located over 100 miles from Port-au-Prince, the cruise line has prioritized passenger and crew safety by removing the destination from multiple itineraries. In response, Royal Caribbean is offering alternative ports such as CocoCay, Grand Cayman, and Nassau, while some ships have been scheduled for extended stays at other destinations. The U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti underscores the risks associated with travel to the country, reinforcing the cruise line’s cautious approach.

Details of the Itinerary Changes

Reason for Suspension:

• The suspension of Labadee port calls is attributed to persistent security concerns, including escalating violence and political instability in Haiti.
• Despite Labadee’s distance from Port-au-Prince (over 100 miles), Royal Caribbean has adopted a precautionary stance to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
• The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti, citing risks of kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Affected Itineraries:

• The July 20, 2025, sailing of *Oasis of the Seas* replaced Labadee with Nassau, Bahamas, on its 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary departing from Fort Lauderdale.
• *Adventure of the Seas*, homeported in Port Canaveral, and *Liberty of the Seas*, sailing from New Jersey, have also removed Labadee from their routes.
• Even RCI’s flagship *Icon of the Seas* has omitted Labadee from its recent itinerary.

Alternative Ports and Adjustments:

• Royal Caribbean is offering alternative ports where feasible, including CocoCay, Grand Cayman, and Nassau.
• In some cases, schedules have been modified to include extended port stays; for example, *Oasis of the Seas* has planned a longer visit to Falmouth, Jamaica.

Guest Communication:

• Royal Caribbean has directly communicated these changes to affected guests, emphasizing that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.
• Prepaid shore excursions booked for Labadee are being refunded as onboard credits.

Response and Impact

Passenger Experience:

• While the removal of Labadee may disappoint some travelers, the introduction of alternative ports and extended stays aims to enhance the overall cruise experience.
• Royal Caribbean’s proactive communication and refund policy demonstrate its commitment to maintaining guest satisfaction despite the changes.

Industry Implications:

• This decision highlights the challenges cruise lines face when operating in regions affected by political and social instability.
• Industry experts emphasize the importance of flexible itinerary planning and clear communication with passengers to manage expectations effectively.

Broader Reactions:

• The U.S. Department of State’s Level 4 advisory reinforces the risks associated with travel to Haiti, validating Royal Caribbean’s cautious approach.
• Other cruise lines operating in the Caribbean may reconsider their itineraries in light of Haiti’s deteriorating security situation.

Key Takeaways:

• Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of Labadee port calls through the summer of 2025 due to security concerns in Haiti, including violence and political instability.
• Multiple vessels, including *Oasis of the Seas*, *Adventure of the Seas*, and *Icon of the Seas*, have removed Labadee from their itineraries.
• Alternative ports such as CocoCay, Grand Cayman, and Nassau are being offered, with some ships scheduling extended stays at destinations like Falmouth, Jamaica.
• Royal Caribbean has communicated these changes to guests and is refunding prepaid shore excursions as onboard credits.
• The suspension will remain in effect until conditions in Haiti improve, with no specific timeline announced for resuming visits to Labadee.