Royal Caribbean Cancels Labadee Cruises: What Travelers Need to Know

Keywords: labadee, royal caribbean, cruise, travel agent, Amy’s Turnkey Travel

In April 2025, Royal Caribbean announced the suspension of its cruise stops at Labadee, Haiti, due to escalating safety concerns in the region. This decision has prompted itinerary changes, redirecting travelers to alternative Caribbean destinations. For those affected, understanding the implications and exploring new opportunities is essential.

Understanding the Labadee Cancellation

Labadee, a private resort leased by Royal Caribbean on Haiti’s northern coast, has long been a favored stop for cruise passengers. However, recent unrest in Haiti has raised safety concerns, leading to the temporary halt of visits to Labadee. According to Royal Caribbean, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily paused our upcoming visits to Labadee.”

This isn’t the first time the cruise line has taken such measures. In 2024, similar cancellations occurred due to regional instability. Royal Caribbean has emphasized that passenger safety is its top priority, making itinerary adjustments as necessary in response to evolving conditions.

Alternative Destinations: New Adventures Await

While losing Labadee may be disappointing for some, the substitute ports are nothing short of spectacular. Royal Caribbean has introduced three amazing alternative ports of call: Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), and Nassau (Bahamas).

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata combines history, natural beauty, and adventure. Here are a few top attractions:

Pink Street (La Paseo de la Donna Blanca): A beautiful pink street tribute to a cancer patient.
Umbrella Street: The typical tourist umbrella street. Great for photo ops!
Damajagua Waterfalls: Hike, climb, and slide through 27 natural waterfalls—a true adrenaline rush.
Historic City Center: Explore colonial architecture, local markets, and vibrant street art.
Amber Cove: Enjoy a relaxing day at the port’s pool, zipline, and shopping center.

If your cruise is rerouted here, don’t miss our video port guide on free things to do in Puerto Plata—available on Amy’s Turnkey Travel on YouTube.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

This unique island is a mix of Dutch and French culture, with stunning views and top-notch beaches:

Maho Beach: Watch planes land right overhead as you sunbathe or sip a cold drink.
Great Bay Beach: Ideal for families, offering calm waters, beach bars, and chair rentals (often bundled with drinks and Wi-Fi).
Island Tours: Discover the island’s inland beauty, French cuisine, and scenic lookouts.

We’ve covered the best ways to explore Maho Beach and Great Bay Beach affordably—don’t miss those videos on our channel!

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is a vibrant, well-developed cruise destination packed with attractions:

Swimming with the Pigs- An awesome and unique experience
Atlantis Resort: Great for a day pass—enjoy water slides, aquariums, and private beaches.
Queen’s Staircase & Fort Fincastle: Dive into Nassau’s colonial history and panoramic views.
Rum Distilleries & Local Cuisine: Sip handcrafted rums and taste local Bahamian dishes.
Royal Beach Club (Coming Soon): Royal Caribbean’s new exclusive beach experience, still in development.

Each of these ports offers a wide range of unforgettable excursions and free things to do if you’re on a budget.

Why Royal Caribbean Made the Change

The security situation in Haiti has been unstable for several years. While Labadee itself is a private area, recent unrest in surrounding regions led Royal Caribbean to cancel all stops there temporarily. This is not the first time—similar action was taken for six months in 2024.

While Royal Caribbean has not issued a detailed statement, it’s reasonable to conclude that guest and crew safety remains their priority. In times of uncertainty, Royal Caribbean has consistently demonstrated that they choose people over profits—redirecting cruises to safe and equally exciting destinations.

The cruise line also remains open to returning to Labadee in the future once safety and political stability improve. If you’ve been looking forward to Labadee, there’s still hope for future sailings.

How a Travel Agent Can Help

If your cruise was affected by this change or you’re unsure about what to do with the new ports, now is the perfect time to reach out to a travel agent—like us at Amy’s Turnkey Travel.

Travel agents can:

Help you rebook shore excursions suited to your new itinerary
Advise on what to do at each port and where to find local deals
Access exclusive cruise promotions and rebooking options
Give personal recommendations based on your travel style

Instead of scrambling to do last-minute research, let a professional guide your plans so you can still have a stress-free, unforgettable cruise experience.

Tips for Navigating the Change

Here are a few things you can do to make the most of these unexpected itinerary changes:

Stay Updated: Check emails and the Royal Caribbean app for the latest changes and port info.
Watch Port Guide Videos: Get to know the new destinations quickly through our YouTube channel.
Adjust Your Excursions: Cancel or rebook excursions based on the new ports—Royal Caribbean makes this easy via their website or app.
Pack Accordingly: Research the weather and activities in your new destinations—gear up appropriately.

Even a last-minute change can become the best part of your vacation if you embrace the adventure with the right mindset and resources!

Final Thoughts

Although it’s disappointing to see Labadee removed from cruise itineraries for now, Royal Caribbean’s decision highlights their ongoing commitment to guest safety. Fortunately, Puerto Plata, Philipsburg, and Nassau offer an incredible mix of beaches, history, and adventure to keep your vacation exciting and memorable.

Use this as an opportunity to explore somewhere new—you might even find a new favorite port!

Need help navigating your cruise plans? Want expert tips on excursions or what to do in your new destinations? Let a trusted travel agent help.

Check out more tips, port guides, and cruise reviews on our YouTube channel: Amy’s Turnkey Travel.

Book your next dream vacation today at Amy’s Turnkey Travel.

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