Tag Archives: Haiti

Royal Caribbean International Cancels More Calls at Labadee

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Independence of the Seas in Labadee photo credit Spacejunkie2 Flickr

Royal Caribbean International is canceling additional visits to Labadee, its private destination in Haiti.

In different statements, the company has confirmed that its ships will no longer be visiting the port of call over the next few weeks.

After suspending visits to Labadee earlier this month, the company has decided to evaluate the situation in Haiti on a continuous basis, said Royal Caribbean International’s President and CEO Michael Bayley.

“We’ll continue to suspension on a rolling basis with three days advance notification for our guests sailing on itineraries impact and changed as we monitor and evaluate the situation in Haiti,” he explained in a social media post.

Newly affected sailings include Independence of the Seas’ March 21 departure. Instead of going to Labadee, the four-night cruise will now visit Grand Turk on March 23.

The April 6 sailing of the Symphony of the Seas has also been impacted and will now include a visit to Falmouth, Jamaica on April 12.

For its April 7 departure, the Oasis of the Seas will now be visiting St. Maarten instead of Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti.

Other vessels affected by the cancellations include the Adventure of the Seas, the Mariner of the Seas, the Explorer of the Seas, the Grandeur of the Seas and the Odyssey of the Seas.

Serving as a private destination for Royal Caribbean International ships since the 1980s, Labadee is located in Haiti’s Cap-Haïtien region.

After receiving significant upgrades in 2009, the fenced-off resort offers various features, including a flea market, a roller coaster, and a zip-line.

In addition to several beaches, Labadee also has a two-berth pier capable of receiving some of the world’s largest cruise ships.

In addition to Royal Caribbean, the destination is also scheduled to host ships from Celebrity Cruises during the 2024-25 winter season.

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas Turns 20 Years Old

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The Navigator of the Seas completed its 20th year in service this month. Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager Class, the 132,000-ton vessel departed on its maiden voyage on December 14, 2002.

At the time as the world’s largest cruise ship, the Navigator debuted in the Caribbean, offering week-long cruises departing from Miami.

Sailing to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the itineraries featured visits to popular destinations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The program also included regular calls to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in Haiti.

After losing the title of the world’s biggest ship to the Queen Mary 2 in 2004, the Navigator continued to sail year-round cruises in the Caribbean through 2007 – when it debuted in Europe.

For its first season in the Old World, the ship offered a series of Northern and Western Europe itineraries departing from Southampton, England. After sailing in additional destinations over the years, the Navigator of the Seas marked the return of Royal Caribbean International to regular operations on the West Coast in 2021.

For the first time in the region, the 3,100-guest ship started a year-round program of cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California sailing from the World Cruise Center in Los Angeles.

The deployment features a variety of short three-, four- and five-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, in addition to week-long itineraries to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and more.

Last drydocked in mid-2021, the Navigator underwent a large modernization in 2019. Part of the Royal Amplified program, the $115-million refit added new attractions to the ship, including a resort-style Caribbean pool deck, the three-level signature bar The Lime & Coconut and the first blow-dry bar at sea To Dry For.

One of the vessel’s most iconic features, the Royal Promenade was also reimagined with the creation of new restaurants, retail and nightlife.

The Ultimate In A Private Destination

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The Ultimate In A Private Destination

PHOTO: Zip-lining is just one of the great things to do in Labadee. (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Ensconced on Haiti’s northern coast is Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s beach resort, where passengers can experience the ultimate in a private destination life.

Regardless of whether you are in search of rest and relaxation or a thrill-a-minute vacation experience, Labadee has it all thanks to its location nestled between forest-covered mountains and a tranquil bay.

Ride the Dragon. Take an exhilarating ride down the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest over-water zip-line, which sends you soaring 500 feet over Labadee’s beaches. Can’t get enough thrills? Head over to the 300-foot long Dragon’s Splash Waterslide, which sends daredevils through 10 twists and turns before splashing down in Columbus Cove. Still want more? Then climb aboard the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, which will send you rushing at speeds up to 30 miles per hour over some of the best beaches Labadee has to offer.

Be a beach bum. This private bit of paradise has four main beaches. If you wish to enjoy a more upscale experience, head for Nellie’s Beach. There, you can relax under the shade of a luxury rental cabana or on one of two floating beach mats included in the price of your rental. Also included is a buffet lunch at the Columbus Cove Cafe, Dragon’s Cafe or Cafe Labadee; a water cooler with six bottles of water; beach towels; and the service of a cabana attendant. If you’re looking to keep it low-key, fear not, there are plenty of other beaches where you can flop down in the sand and enjoy the warm sun to your heart’s content. There is also an array of open-air restaurants, offering everything from casual dining options such as burgers and barbecue to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Ride the waves. There are lots of ways to hit the water on Labadee. For starters, take a kayaking tour of the Bay of Labadee while also learning a bit about Haiti and its history and culture. Want something zippier? Then the Wave Jet personal watercraft might be just what the doctor ordered. Trained instructors will teach you everything you need to know before setting off on this unique tour. Other options include a parasail ride high above the peninsula or for something a little tamer, a visit to the Arawak Aqua Park, where adults and children alike can bounce, splash and float their way through the day.

Shop till you drop. You’ll love this inviting beach resort so much that you’ll want to take a little something home with you to remind you of your trip so remember to bring along some extra cash. Visitors can shop for pieces made by local artists, as well as locally-made crafts and other mementos.