Royal Caribbean extends suspension on visits to Labadee, Haiti through 2027 as safety concerns linger

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By Andrea Margolis, Fox News

Published July 17, 2026

A popular cruise line has extended its suspension of visits to a private resort for another year, prompting some passengers to question whether the destination will ever reopen.

Royal Caribbean recently said it’s extending its pause on visits to Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027.

Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination on Haiti’s northern coast, is popular for its white-sand beaches and the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, one of the world’s longest over-water ziplines.

“As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

“This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our guests and crew members in mind. We have communicated these changes directly with guests.”

The extension comes as Haiti, which is under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the US State Department, continues to grapple with widespread gang violence and political instability.

The resort is roughly six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s second-largest city.

Labadee is one of the few private cruise destinations in Haiti. It gives passengers an exclusive resort experience separate from much of the rest of the country.

“We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they feel informed and supported,” the Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson added.

The word "LABADEE" spelled out in colorful letters on a sunny day with a cruise ship in the background.
Labadee is known for its white-sand beaches and one of the world’s longest over-water ziplines.Foto-Jagla.de – stock.adobe.com

“We have identified positions across our fleets and destinations to place team members during this pause,” the company said.

For now, cruise passengers will not be able to experience the destination.

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean forum said their Labadee stops were replaced with destinations including Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel and Nassau.

A man in a military-style uniform and tactical vest holds a rifle while standing in front of a stone wall in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
An armed official wearing a tactical vest monitors the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, July 15, 2026.Anadolu via Getty Images

“I really wanted to visit Labadee,” one person wrote.

“Oh darn … I’m booked to Labadee in April 2027,” another wrote. 

Six months ago, when Royal Caribbean canceled other visits to Labadee, travelers discussed the change on Reddit.

“Sad, not only for the people that work there but selfishly …. [it] is stunningly beautiful,” one Reddit user said.

Royal Caribbean cruise ship anchored off Labadee Beach, Haiti, with passengers in the water.
A Royal Caribbean ship is anchored off Labadee Beach, near Cap Haitian, Haiti.AP

“It’s unfortunate, because Labadee brings jobs and money to the Haitian citizens, who need both desperately,” a second said.

“So sad. Always enjoyed going there,” a third Reddit user said.

“Labadee is the most stunning place. I loved it there,” another chimed in.302

What do you think? Post a comment.

“Labadee was a big highlight for a lot of itineraries. Curious what they’ll replace it with,” yet another Reddit user said.

“Our connection to the Labadee community extends far beyond our operations there, and we remain proud of the long-standing investments we have made in the region,” the Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said.

“We continue to support local communities through ongoing humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations,” the spokesperson added.

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