Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of cruise ship visits to its private destination of Labadee, Haiti, through June 2027, citing continued safety and security concerns in the country.
The decision reported by Cruise Industry News pushes the operational pause well beyond the company's previous schedule, which had already removed Labadee from itineraries through late 2026.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said the cruise line continues to closely monitor conditions in Haiti before considering a return.
"As we continue to evaluate conditions in Haiti and our ability to deliver the best vacations responsibly, we have decided to extend the suspension of ship calls to Labadee through June 2027."
The company said the decision was made with the safety and well-being of both guests and crew members in mind, adding that affected passengers are being notified directly about itinerary changes.
Labadee, located on Haiti's northern coast near Cap-Haïtien, has been a featured destination for Royal Caribbean since the 1980s. The private resort is known for its beaches, the Dragon's Breath Flight Line zipline, alpine coaster, water activities, and local artisan market. However, the destination has remained closed to cruise calls since 2025 as Haiti continues to face political instability and widespread gang violence. The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for the country.
Royal Caribbean also emphasized its ongoing commitment to employees and the local community during the extended closure.
The company said it has identified positions across its fleet and other destinations for Labadee team members affected by the suspension and continues to support nearby communities through humanitarian efforts, including monthly food donations.
The extension has disappointed many guests whose cruises originally included Labadee. According to passenger reports, affected itineraries are being revised with alternative ports such as Nassau, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Grand Turk.
Many travelers shared their reactions on cruise forums and Reddit, with several describing Labadee as one of their favorite Caribbean destinations. Others expressed concern about the economic impact the prolonged closure will have on local residents who depend on cruise tourism for jobs and income.
Royal Caribbean has not indicated when it expects to resume operations beyond June 2027, stating that future decisions will depend on conditions in Haiti and its ability to safely operate at the destination.
