As political unrest mounts in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding areas, Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has postponed some shore excursions at its private destination.
The move ensures the safety of guests by preventing them from leaving its private resort in Labadee, 86 miles away from the conflict-ridden capital.
Port-au-Prince has been experiencing heightened violence since February 29. By March 3, the government declared a state of emergency while the US State Department issued a level 4 do not travel alert.
Despite the growing unrest, Royal Caribbean maintained that its cruise ships will continue calling on Labadee. Many pointed out that its 260-acre exclusive resort is isolated and distant enough to keep visiting passengers safe.
| “Out of respect to our local communities surrounding Labadee, Haiti, and to ensure our guest and crew safety, we’re temporarily adjusting our tour offerings. As a result, we’ve canceled your Labadee Guided Wave Jet Tour – Driver and issued a full refund to your original form of payment,” read an email sent to a guest. |
Read more about Royal Caribbean Suspends Calls to Private Destination in Haiti
Not all tours have been canceled
Royal Caribbean has yet to release a definitive list of which tours will go on as planned. Based on online reports, only shore excursions requiring guests to leave the resort have been axed.
These activities include snorkeling, sport fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, boat rides (including yacht cruises), and excursions to local areas.
Reservations for on-site guest amenities and activities like cabana rentals and the Dragon’s Breath Zipline are still being honored.
Though RCI hasn’t issued a statement regarding tour cancellations, there are constant developments in Port-au-Prince. According to the latest headlines, the country’s prime minister has agreed to step down and the nation is on the brink of a civil war.
If you have a cruise that will call on Haiti in the next few days, stay on top of the latest news and coordinate closely with your cruise line.
