Royal Caribbean Extends Suspension of Labadee Calls Through 2026: What’s Next for Travelers?

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) has announced the extended closure of its private resort in Labadee, Haiti, through at least April 2026. The decision comes in light of ongoing unrest in the country, with guest and crew safety being the primary concern for the cruise line.

Labadee, once a popular destination known for its beaches and water sports, will remain off the itineraries for more than a year. This extension affects nine of RCI’s ships, including the Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

In response to the closure, RCI is already modifying its cruise itineraries. For instance, sailings of Freedom of the Seas originally scheduled to visit Labadee will now stop at Grand Turk and Puerto Plata instead. Other alternative ports include Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Nassau, and the company’s private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay. If specific ports cannot be accessed, some sailings will simply add a day at sea.

Royal Caribbean has assured guests that any pre-booked shore excursions in Labadee will be automatically canceled with full refunds issued. They have also committed to providing equivalent tours at the new ports wherever feasible.

While most of the civil unrest is reported to be concentrated around Port-au-Prince, over 80 miles away from Labadee, the company emphasizes the necessity of caution in light of the current situation. The situation will be reevaluated in April 2026.

Despite Labadee’s ongoing suspension, Caribbean cruising remains vibrant, with bustling destinations like Grand Turk and Puerto Plata continuing to offer ample recreational activities and cultural experiences. RCI is optimistic that these alternate ports will serve as viable substitutes to maintain an enjoyable cruising experience for passengers.

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