Royal Caribbean Group has taken the significant decision to extend its suspension of all cruise ship visits to its private Haitian destination, Labadee, for the entirety of 2026. The move, prompted by ongoing extreme violence and security instability in the country, prolongs a pause that has been in effect since March 2024.
Safety First: The Decision to Extend the Pause
The cruise giant confirmed the extension to USA Today, stating it was acting "out of an abundance of caution." Labadee, a resort peninsula on Haiti's northern coast used exclusively by Royal Caribbean Group brands including Celebrity Cruises and Azamara, was initially removed from itineraries through May 2026. This new announcement pushes that halt through to December 2026.
The last Royal Caribbean ship called at the port in early 2025, following the initial suspension in spring 2024. That decision coincided with Haiti declaring a state of emergency amid escalating gang warfare, which triggered the U.S. State Department's Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory – its most severe warning.
A Nation in Crisis: The Context Behind the Warning
The U.S. advisory leaves no room for ambiguity, stating firearms crimes like robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom are common. It bluntly advises: "Do not travel to Haiti for any reason." The guidance for any travellers who find themselves in the country is stark, urging them to avoid crowds, plan secure logistics in advance, and have independent evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
The current wave of instability has its roots in the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. This power vacuum allowed armed gangs to seize control of large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and expand their influence nationwide. The resulting humanitarian crisis is severe, marked by widespread violence, hunger, and mass displacement.
International Response and the Future of Travel
International efforts to stabilise the situation have seen limited success. A United Nations-approved gang suppression force was authorised in October 2025, but a previous underfunded mission in 2024 had little impact. In December, the UN launched its 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti, a $880 million strategy aiming to provide lifesaving aid to 4.2 million people grappling with violence, food shortages, and collapsed essential services.
For now, the tourism outlook remains bleak. Royal Caribbean is not alone in its avoidance; no other major cruise lines are currently sailing to Haiti. The extension of the Labadee suspension through 2026 signals a prolonged period of isolation for the country's tourism sector, with passenger safety remaining the paramount and non-negotiable concern for travel operators.
