Royal Caribbean Group has extended its suspension of cruise ship visits to its private destination at Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, citing ongoing safety concerns as the country continues to face gang violence and political instability, as reported by The New York Post.
The company confirmed the decision in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying the extension is intended to protect both passengers and crew members while conditions in Haiti are continually evaluated.
"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 said.
"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."
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Labadee is located on Haiti's northern coast, approximately six miles northwest of Cap-Haïtien, the country's second-largest city.
The destination has long been a featured stop on Royal Caribbean itineraries and is known for its white-sand beaches and the Dragon's Breath Flight Line, one of the world's longest over-water zip lines.
Although the private resort is separated from much of the country, Royal Caribbean said the broader security situation remains a factor in its decision.
Haiti is currently under a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory issued by the U.S. State Department.
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The company also addressed the impact the suspension has had on employees who normally work at the destination.
"We remain committed to our Labadee team members and are working to ensure they feel informed and supported," the Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said.
"We have identified positions across our fleets and destinations to place team members during this pause."
Royal Caribbean said it also continues to support the surrounding community during the suspension.
"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 spokesperson said.
"We continue to support local communities through ongoing humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations," the spokesperson added.
Passengers whose itineraries previously included Labadee have seen the stop replaced with other Caribbean destinations.
According to discussions on Royal Caribbean forums, replacement ports have included Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Cozumel, and Nassau.
The extended suspension has prompted reactions from travelers who had planned to visit the destination.
"I really wanted to visit Labadee," one passenger wrote on a Royal Caribbean forum.
"Oh darn … I'm booked to Labadee in April 2027," another traveler commented.
Online discussions have also continued on Reddit, where travelers reflected on previous visits and the impact of the ongoing closure.
"Sad, not only for the people that work there but selfishly …. [it] is stunningly beautiful," one Reddit user wrote.
"It's unfortunate, because Labadee brings jobs and money to the Haitian citizens, who need both desperately," another commenter said.
"So sad. Always enjoyed going there," a third user wrote.
"Labadee is the most stunning place. I loved it there," another added.
"Labadee was a big highlight for a lot of itineraries. Curious what they'll replace it with," another traveler commented.
Royal Caribbean has not announced when it expects to resume sailings to Labadee beyond the current suspension through June 2027.
🚢 Big itinerary news for anyone sailing Royal Caribbean in early 2027. The cruise line just confirmed it is extending the suspension of all Labadee visits through June 2027, wiping out the 62 port calls that were scheduled for the first half of next year. Some of the biggest pic.twitter.com/L8kEn7a9Rr
— Cruise Tips And Tricks (@cruisetipntrick) July 16, 2026
The company said it will continue monitoring conditions in Haiti while maintaining support for employees and the surrounding community during the pause.
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