Royal Caribbean International has confirmed that the halt of cruise visits to Labadee, the line’s private peninsula in Haiti, has been pushed back, with operations now planned to resume no earlier than May 2026. The original cutoff of November 2025 has been extended to address persisting safety worries affecting the area.
Guests with bookings to the private island were notified about the extension via email, and the cruise line has assured customers that they will be fully refunded for any pre-booked shore excursions that had been planned for the Labadee stop. In some cases, cruises that were originally scheduled to visit Labadee may now feature an extra sea day or alternative port calls, including stops in Nassau, Grand Turk, or Cozumel.
The decision to further extend the suspension of Labadee calls comes in light of the ongoing situation in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti. The U.S. State Department issued a revised travel advisory in July 2025, maintaining its Do Not Travel warning for Haiti, which has been in place continuously since July 2023. The warning, which highlights concerns over the safety of tourists and travellers, has contributed to Royal Caribbean’s cautious approach, prioritising the safety of its guests and crew.
Royal Caribbean had initially planned to reinstate Labadee port calls after November 2025, but the evolving situation in Haiti has led the company to take the precautionary measure of suspending calls until April 2026. The line emphasised that its decision aligns with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of those on board its vessels, particularly when visiting regions with heightened risks.
For travellers impacted by the cancellation of Labadee calls, Royal Caribbean is providing alternative solutions. Depending on the affected itineraries, guests may be offered additional days at sea or stops at nearby destinations like Nassau, Grand Turk, or Cozumel.
Guests who had shore excursions planned for Labadee will receive full refunds. This includes any excursions, whether for island tours, water activities, or cultural experiences, that had been previously booked through the cruise line.
While this change may alter the plans for some passengers, the alternative destinations provide travellers with the opportunity to explore other well-known Caribbean destinations known for their beaches, water sports, and local attractions. For many, this may offer a chance to explore new parts of the Caribbean they may not have considered initially.
In a statement, Royal Caribbean affirmed its commitment to guest safety and its ongoing dedication to providing exceptional vacation experiences. The cruise line noted that while the suspension of Labadee is disappointing for many travellers who have enjoyed visiting the private island, the decision was made after carefully monitoring the situation and with the well-being of its guests at the forefront.
Labadee, located on the northern coast of Haiti, has been a signature port of call for Royal Caribbean, known for its exotic beach experiences, water sports, and local crafts. The private island has been a highlight of many Caribbean itineraries. However, the continued political instability and security challenges in Haiti have made it difficult to proceed with plans to visit the island.
While the current suspension extends through April 2026, Royal Caribbean has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation in Haiti and will update passengers accordingly. As conditions improve, the cruise line may reassess the feasibility of resuming regular calls to Labadee after May 2026.
For now, passengers who were looking forward to visiting Labadee will have to explore other options for their Caribbean voyages. In the meantime, Royal Caribbean continues to focus on delivering memorable experiences at its other tropical destinations, where guests can enjoy a range of activities, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring vibrant local cultures.
The extension of Royal Caribbean’s Labadee suspension until May 2026 underscores the cruise line’s commitment to guest safety and the ever-changing nature of travel conditions in regions affected by political unrest. While some travellers may be disappointed by the change in itinerary, the alternative destinations ensure that Royal Caribbean passengers can still enjoy a fulfilling Caribbean cruise experience. As the situation in Haiti evolves, the cruise line will continue to monitor the region and make decisions in the best interest of its guests.
For cruise planners, this recent announcement highlights the value of keeping the options open and checking the fine print of any pre-booked voyages. Frequent communication with the travel advisor and the cruise line is still the most effective way to head off surprises or gain the latest recommendations about upcoming sailings.
