For the primary time in seven months, Royal Caribbean reopened to its personal seashore vacation spot in Haiti, and the timing could not have been higher.
Labadee is the title of its personal seashore, which was closed since early March due to civil unrest in Haiti.
Learn extra: Information to exploring Labadee, Haiti
As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, it wreaked havoc with cruise ships plans. As Royal Caribbean scrambled to search out new locations to go to, a number of ships went to Labadee.
One ship was Utopia of the Seas, which made its first-ever go to to Labadee. The ship was initially scheduled to go to Nassau, Bahamas earlier than the itinerary replace. As an alternative an additional day was added and the ship sailed to Labadee.
What does Labadee feel and appear like after sitting empty for many of 2024? One Royal Caribbean Weblog reader, Alex, known as it, “higher than ever.”
Alex shared their ideas with us on what it was wish to re-visit Labadee.
Seeing Labadee once more
All of the options and facilities that had been there earlier than the shutdown are nonetheless there, and the staffing appeared to be at regular ranges.
It was comprehensible that many would-be company anticipated the worst and had been apprehensive about coming right here, however the folks we noticed visiting from our cruise ship appeared to adore it.
When the announcement was made on Wednesday at 2pm that we might go to Labadee as a substitute of Nassau, I used to be utterly shocked. The announcement was met with a roar of approval on the pool deck because the Plunge Celebration was simply starting.
My solely prior go to there was a horrible climate day in December 2023, and we felt like we didn’t actually get to expertise it correctly. So the chance to return, was welcome information.
On the identical time, I used to be involved that the port may not be completely prepared or the best way it was meant to be but. I assumed there might be staffing points, sure facilities may not be prepared, or that any injury or put on may not have been totally addressed but.
I used to be excited to go, however mentally ready for disappointment, even when just a bit.
Fortunately, my considerations had been unwarranted. Loads of workers, the whole lot working, loads of facilities, meals, drink, and many others. Dozens upon dozens of entertainers and performers had been out dancing and singing. I used to be additionally shocked by what number of photographers Royal Caribbean had out and about.
It was as if we had been at another seashore cease at a non-public vacation spot and the leisure was simply as seen because the final time we had been right here practically a 12 months in the past. Additionally, this cease by Utopia was simply second ship to port right here since Royal Caribbean made the choice to return.
Many company have been skeptical about returning right here given the U.S. State Division’s “Do Not Journey” standing listed for Haiti.
Whereas there was a lot dialogue and concern on-line given the political unrest that compelled the cruise line to cease visiting Labadee within the first place, cruisers can take consolation in understanding that the port is way faraway from the heartbreaking challenges seen on the southern facet of the nation, a few of which persist nonetheless to today.
Whereas Labadee shouldn’t be an island (it is a peninsula on the northern coast of the nation), you will need to keep in mind that the Labadee is privately operated and managed by Royal Caribbean, so it’s closely secured. Company will not be permitted to enterprise past the fencing that surrounds the property, and solely cruise passengers and staff are permitted inside.
For people who haven’t been, image a extra mountainous model of Coco Cay. It has loads of beachfront with the identical seats, umbrellas, and cabanas that you just see in Coco Cay. Nevertheless it additionally has mountain climbing trails and considerably extra memento procuring.
Your drink package deal works right here similar to Coco Cay, which is nice since there are a number of bars in Labadee and infrequently with stress-free, snug seating areas (strive their signature frozen drink, the “Labadoozie” and thank me later!). Be forewarned that there isn’t a WiFi protection across the island.
The meals choices are wonderful and free to all company, with quite a few scrumptious choices not discovered onboard (strive the Grandma Chocolate Sponge Cake and thank me a second time!)
There are additionally quite a few photographers all through Labadee and as you possibly can see on this publish, photo-friendly spots are plentiful.
Fact be informed, not solely is it snug, pleasant, and my spouse and I felt completely protected to be right here. In reality, we truly choose it over Coco Cay, if for no different motive than it’s a unique port that’s extra uncommon to go to.
Weekend cruises from Florida can’t make it to Labadee and again, which means discovering itineraries that cease listed here are much less frequent. We discover the service quick and pleasant, and high quality of the general product right here to be wonderful
We’re enthusiastic about future visits right here now that Royal Caribbean has made its return and anybody curious or must be simply as excited and prepared when their day comes.
Recommendation for anybody visiting Labadee quickly
In case you have a go to coming as much as Labadee, this is what I might suggest.
First, don’t be afraid. Each social media publish bout Labadee you’ll discover folks talking negatively and afraid of the unrest to the south affecting your security. I really feel that is utterly unfounded at this level.
Additionally, deal with it like a go to you’re planning for Coco Cay. What do you love to do on the island? Nearly the whole lot you are able to do there you may as well do in Labadee, so give it some thought for actions and tour functions. Cabanas, daybeds, water sports activities, all totally accessible. There are extra seashore chairs right here than folks on the ship, it appears like, so that you don’t even must rush out early to get a great one.
Bear in mind that lunch is barely served from 11:30am to 1:30pm, so be sure you plan accordingly.
Additionally carry money for the native distributors. Labadee has tons and plenty of have good souvenirs.
