Royal Caribbean returns to Labadee, its private beach in Haiti

After a six-month pause, Royal Caribbean has resumed visits to Labadee, Haiti, where the company operates a private beach.

In March, the cruise line cancelled visits to Labadee due to Haiti’s deteriorating security situation.

Local violence escalated in February when the country’s criminal gangs, which already controlled large parts of the economy and most of the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince, launched a series of attacks on police stations, prisons and other government buildings

Haiti has long been subject to travel advisories, although this has traditionally not had an impact on cruises. Labadee sits on the northern coast of Haiti, some 130 miles north of Port-au-Prince, which was gripped by a wave of gang-related incidents.

As a private destination, Labadee is only accessible to cruise ship passengers. The 260-acre beach location is fenced in and monitored by private security.

Still, out of "an abundance of caution," Royal Caribbean closed the port of call to prioritize the safety of its guests and crew members.

Adventure of the Seas returns

It appears the situation has changed as Royal Caribbean has put Labadee back on the schedule.

Cruise ships began sailing to the destination on October 8, with Adventure of the Seas being the first.

Other Royal Caribbean ships set to visit Labadee soon include Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

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