Royal Caribbean Suspends Labadee Calls, Unveils Replacement Caribbean Ports

Lead: Royal Caribbean announced today it is canceling all scheduled calls to its private Labadee resort in Haiti through May 2026, rerouting vessels to alternate Caribbean destinations to ensure passenger safety.

Nut Graf: The cruise line’s decision follows escalating political unrest and security concerns in Haiti, prompting the operator to adjust itineraries on several major ships. Passengers will now visit ports such as Grand Turk, Falmouth, and Perfect Day at CocoCay in lieu of Labadee, maintaining the quality and variety of their Caribbean itineraries.

Key Itinerary Changes

  • Labadee visits suspended until May 2026 due to instability in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.
  • Affected ships include Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and five additional vessels.
  • Replacement calls announced: Grand Turk, Puerto Plata, Falmouth, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Passenger Accommodations

Alternate port excursions will be automatically credited to guests’ SeaPass accounts. Where port substitutions are impractical, Royal Caribbean will add an extra day at sea to affected sailings to preserve overall journey length and onboard experience.

Company Statement and Context

Royal Caribbean emphasized its “unwavering focus on guest safety and security” in today’s announcement. Industry peers including Carnival and MSC have similarly modified Caribbean itineraries in recent months as Haiti continues to experience political volatility and sporadic violence.

Broader Impact on Caribbean Cruising

Cruise analysts note that Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s privately leased beachfront reserve, has been a marquee stop for thrill-seekers and families alike. Its suspension may affect demand patterns, but the addition of diverse alternative ports aims to deliver comparable enrichment and leisure options.

Passengers booked on affected sailings will receive updated itineraries and excursion credits via email and the Royal Caribbean app. Further itinerary revisions may be issued as regional conditions evolve.