Shipping schedules at Labadee are suspended due to unrest in Haiti.
- Michael Bayley confirms suspension of ship stops at Royal Caribbean’s Labadee.
- Haiti’s state of emergency sees Haiti tours replaced by alternatives such as the Bahamas.
- The Foreign Office issues travel warnings amidst volatile security conditions.
- Curfew imposed in Haiti further restricts travel and consular services are affected.
The suspension of ship visits to Labadee exemplifies the impact of Haiti’s political instability on tourism. Amidst the country’s unrest, Royal Caribbean has paused its calls to this private resort, ensuring passenger safety remains their priority. The company’s president, Michael Bayley, has communicated that ship stops at Labadee will be suspended, at least for the next week, citing the ongoing state of emergency in Haiti due to recent mass prison escapes and security challenges.
‘We will continue the suspension on a rolling basis with three days advance notice to passengers,’ Bayley mentioned, assuring that the company will diligently monitor and evaluate the evolving situation in Haiti. This strategic decision reflects the cruise line’s adaptive measures in response to volatile environments, prioritising both passenger safety and operational integrity.
Due to the current circumstances, itineraries originally including Labadee have been amended. Passengers are being redirected to destinations like Turks and Caicos or the Bahamas, or are being offered an additional day at sea. This adjustment ensures that passenger experiences remain uninterrupted despite the geopolitical tensions affecting Haiti.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued stern travel advisories, strongly discouraging all travel to Haiti. The advisory emphasises the volatile security setting, compounded by the absence of British consular officials in Haiti. In lieu of local consular services, British nationals are directed to seek assistance from diplomatic missions in the Dominican Republic.
Moreover, the state-imposed curfew in Haiti, stretching from 7pm to 5am, underscores the challenging conditions on ground. This development further limits the scope for travel, adding to the already complex scenario for international visitors.
Royal Caribbean’s decision underscores the unpredictable nature of global travel amid political instability.
