Celebrity Cruises has made a major change to its Caribbean routes, removing Labadee, Haiti, from its schedule and canceling more than 10 planned stops. The decision comes as Haiti remains under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning from the U.S. State Department due to extreme safety risks, including kidnappings, violent crime, and political instability.
Labadee, a private beach resort leased by Royal Caribbean Group (Celebrity’s parent company), has long been a popular cruise stop. The peninsula offers white-sand beaches, water sports, and a secluded resort-like experience. However, Haiti’s ongoing crisis—marked by gang violence, shortages of food and medicine, and attacks on foreigners—forced Celebrity to act.
The U.S. government warns that kidnappers target both planned victims and random travelers, with ransom demands reaching thousands of dollars. Emergency services in Haiti are unreliable, and hospitals often lack supplies. Even U.S. Embassy staff in Haiti must follow strict curfews and avoid walking in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
While some travelers praised Labadee as a “safe, gated paradise” far from Haiti’s turmoil, others supported Celebrity’s move. Online comments show divided opinions, with some passengers calling it the prettiest stop on their trip while others believe avoiding risky destinations is the right choice.
Affected ships, like the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond, will now visit alternate ports such as Grand Turk or the Cayman Islands. The cruise line notified passengers, emphasizing its focus on delivering the best possible experience.
This isn’t Celebrity’s only recent shift. The company recently announced plans to enter the river cruise market by 2027, aiming to attract travelers seeking smaller, culture-focused trips.
With Haiti’s crisis unresolved, cruise lines face pressure to prioritize passenger safety over popular destinations. While Labadee’s resort is physically separated from Haiti’s worst dangers, the broader risks have made it a tough sell. For now, Celebrity joins a growing list of companies avoiding the region.
The debate continues among travelers—should cruise lines avoid unstable destinations entirely, or is Labadee safe enough to keep visiting? The decision ultimately reflects the industry’s challenge in balancing adventure with security.
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