If your Royal Caribbean itinerary included Labadee, Haiti, there is an important update to know about. The cruise line has extended its pause on visits to its private beach destination there through April 2028, citing ongoing violence in Haiti and putting guest safety first.

This latest change affects 44 itineraries across nine ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Star of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas. It builds on an earlier decision that had already removed Labadee stops through July 2027. Royal Caribbean has operated Labadee since 1988, so this is a significant, long-term change rather than a short-term swap.

The good news is that affected sailings are not being cancelled — they are getting new places to explore instead. Depending on the sailing, Labadee is being replaced with stops such as Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos, Nassau in the Bahamas, Puerto Plata and Samana in the Dominican Republic, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico, George Town in Grand Cayman, or a relaxing sea day. Any shore excursions for Labadee that were pre-paid through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded.

If you are booked on one of these sailings, check your updated itinerary carefully, because port times and the order of stops have shifted on some voyages too. This is exactly the kind of change where having a travel advisor in your corner helps — we can walk through your new ports, rebook excursions, and make sure the revised plan still feels like the vacation you wanted.

Key takeaways

  • Royal Caribbean has cancelled Labadee visits through April 2028, extending a pause that previously ran through July 2027.
  • 44 itineraries across nine ships have been updated with substitute ports or sea days.
  • Replacement stops include Grand Turk, Nassau, Puerto Plata, Samana, San Juan, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman, depending on the sailing.
  • Pre-paid Labadee shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded.
  • Booked guests should review their revised itinerary, as port order and arrival times have also changed on some sailings.

Thinking about a Caribbean cruise and want help picking an itinerary you will love? Request a free quote from Isaiah Newport Travel and let us plan it with you.

Source: Royal Caribbean Blog