Royal Caribbean International has taken action amidst the escalating turmoil in Haiti, opting to temporarily suspend all calls to Labadee, its private destination in the Caribbean nation.
The decision comes as a proactive measure to prioritize the safety and security of cruise passengers amid the ongoing unrest.
Informing affected customers
In response to the evolving situation, Royal Caribbean has initiated efforts to inform customers who have booked cruises with scheduled visits to Labadee about the suspension.
This move follows recent events, including the mass escape of nearly 5,000 inmates from national penitentiaries and the surge in violence across Haiti.
Aurora Yera-Rodriguez, Assistant Vice President of Royal Caribbean International, emphasized the decision’s cautionary nature, citing the necessity to monitor and assess the situation closely with their Global Security & Intelligence Team.
Impacted ship itineraries
The suspension has immediate implications for scheduled cruise itineraries. The last ship to dock at Labadee was the Freedom class vessel “Liberty of the Seas,” which made its port call on Wednesday.
However, subsequent voyages are set to be affected, with the Oasis of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, and Adventure of the Seas facing cancellations for their Labadee visits scheduled for Thursday and the upcoming weekend, respectively.
Adjustments and adaptations
Passengers aboard the impacted ships will now enjoy an extended day at sea, with additional activities, games, and shows incorporated into the daily program to enhance the onboard experience.
Monitoring the situation
Royal Caribbean reassures travelers that it remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation in Haiti.
The company pledges to continue assessing developments closely in collaboration with its security and intelligence experts.
