For the primary time in seven months, Royal Caribbean reopened to its personal seaside vacation spot in Haiti, and the timing could not have been higher.
Labadee is the identify of its personal seaside, 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 seek out new locations to go to, a couple 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 a substitute 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 individuals we noticed visiting from our cruise ship appeared to adore it.
When the announcement was made on Wednesday at 2pm that we’d go to Labadee as an alternative of Nassau, I used to be fully stunned. The announcement was met with a roar of approval on the pool deck because the Plunge Social gathering was simply starting.
My solely prior go to there was a horrible climate day in December 2023, and we felt like we didn’t really get to expertise it correctly. So the chance to return, was welcome information.
On the similar time, I used to be involved that the port may not be completely prepared or the way in which it was meant to be but. I assumed there could possibly be staffing points, sure facilities may not be prepared, or that any harm or put on may not have been absolutely 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, every thing working, loads of facilities, meals, drink, and so forth. Dozens upon dozens of entertainers and performers had been out dancing and singing. I used to be additionally stunned by what number of photographers Royal Caribbean had out and about.
It was as if we had been at every other seaside cease at a non-public vacation spot and the leisure was simply as seen because the final time we had been right here almost 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 pressured the cruise line to cease visiting Labadee within the first place, cruisers can take consolation in realizing 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 this present day.
Whereas Labadee shouldn’t be an island (it is a peninsula on the northern coast of the nation), it is very important do not forget that the Labadee is privately operated and managed by Royal Caribbean, so it’s closely secured. Friends usually are not 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. But it surely additionally has mountaineering trails and considerably extra memento buying.
Your drink package deal works right here identical to Coco Cay, which is nice since there are a number of bars in Labadee and infrequently with enjoyable, snug seating areas (attempt their signature frozen drink, the “Labadoozie” and thank me later!). Be forewarned that there isn’t any WiFi protection across the island.
The meals choices are wonderful and free to all company, with quite a few scrumptious choices not discovered onboard (attempt 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 put up, photo-friendly spots are plentiful.
Reality be informed, not solely is it snug, pleasant, and my spouse and I felt completely secure to be right here. In truth, we truly want it over Coco Cay, if for no different motive than it’s a special 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 ought to be simply as excited and prepared when their day comes.
Recommendation for anybody visiting Labadee quickly
You probably have a go to coming as much as Labadee, here is what I’d suggest.
First, don’t be afraid. Each social media put up bout Labadee you’ll discover individuals talking negatively and afraid of the unrest to the south affecting your security. I really feel that is fully 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? Just about every thing you are able to do there you too can do in Labadee, so give it some thought for actions and tour functions. Cabanas, daybeds, water sports activities, all absolutely accessible. There are extra seaside chairs right here than individuals on the ship, it appears like, so that you don’t even must rush out early to get a very good one.
Remember that lunch is barely served from 11:30am to 1:30pm, so make sure you plan accordingly.
Additionally deliver money for the native distributors. Labadee has tons and lots of have good souvenirs.