In a significant operational shift, Royal Caribbean International has announced the extension of its suspension of port calls at Labadee, Haiti, through December 2026. The decision marks a substantial extension from the previously announced April 2026 timeline, effectively keeping the cruise line’s vessels away from its private Haitian destination for nearly two full years.
The corporate parent, Royal Caribbean Group, characterized the move as ‘an abundance of caution’ in response to persistent security challenges in Haiti. The Caribbean nation currently carries a U.S. State Department Level 4 travel advisory—the most severe warning—due to widespread kidnappings, criminal activity, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive enclave on Haiti’s northern coast, has remained absent from scheduled itineraries since April 2025. The premium resort facility features five private beaches, an 800-meter zipline, water slides, jet ski rentals, and private cabanas, all protected by a dedicated security team. Despite these contained amenities, the company has prioritized passenger and crew safety amid Haiti’s deteriorating security situation.
To mitigate the operational impact, Royal Caribbean has provided travel partners with alternative port options including Nassau in the Bahamas, Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Cozumel, Mexico. The extended suspension represents one of the most significant operational adjustments in contemporary cruise tourism, reflecting the industry’s responsiveness to global security advisories and regional instability.