Royal Caribbean suspends visits to Labadee, Haiti, through April 2026 amid safety concerns
The cruise line cited an 'abundance of caution' after the U.S. State Department issued a 'Do Not Travel' advisory citing kidnappings, crime and civil unrest.
Royal Caribbean Cruises has canceled scheduled stops at Labadee, Haiti, through April 2026, the company said, citing safety concerns and a decision made "out of an abundance of caution." A company spokesperson said the line is notifying affected passengers directly.
Labadee, a privately operated port on Haiti’s northern coast used by Royal Caribbean for shore excursions and beach access, was removed from the cruise line’s upcoming itineraries after the U.S. Department of State moved Haiti to a "Do Not Travel" designation on July 15. The advisory cites kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited health care as reasons for the warning.
The State Department said American citizens have been targeted by kidnappers in Haiti, who have demanded ransoms; in some cases victims’ families have paid "tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars," the advisory stated. Royal Caribbean, which promotes Labadee on its website for its beaches, reefs and coastal scenery, listed 41 itineraries that include the private port prior to the suspension.
Company officials did not immediately provide a public timetable for resuming visits beyond the pause through April 2026. The spokesperson reiterated that guests with reservations affected by itinerary changes are being contacted directly.
The suspension comes as the cruise industry anticipates strong consumer demand. AAA's recent Cruise Travel Forecast projected that about 19 million Americans plan to take cruises this year, and the forecast said 72% of passengers will head to Caribbean destinations. Industry observers have said the Caribbean, along with Alaska and Europe, remains a top draw for travelers.
Stewart Chiron, a Miami-based cruise industry analyst who operates under the moniker "The Cruise Guy," told media outlets that 2025 is forecast as another record year for cruise travel, noting sustained demand for Caribbean sailings.
Royal Caribbean's decision follows broader security concerns in Haiti, where escalating violence and governance challenges have prompted international agencies to reassess travel and operational risks. The State Department advisory emphasizes that kidnapping, criminal activity and civil unrest pose heightened risks for travelers, and that health-care services and emergency response capacity are limited in many areas.
Royal Caribbean has not said whether it will reroute affected voyages to alternative ports or modify shore excursion offerings on impacted sailings. The company has in the past substituted ports of call when safety or logistics required changes to published itineraries.
The pause at Labadee underscores the tension between rising cruise demand and evolving security conditions in parts of the Caribbean. As cruise lines adjust routes, travelers and tour operators will monitor official government advisories and company notices for updates on ports of call and safety guidance.
Passengers with bookings that included Labadee were advised to check communications from Royal Caribbean and consult the State Department's travel advisories for the latest information. The company and U.S. government officials did not immediately provide further details on contingency plans or relief for affected customers.