haiti

Labadee, located on the northern coast of Haiti, is a private paradise exclusively for Royal Caribbean International’s passengers. While I don’t like Labadee as much as Royal Caribbean’s other private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, this beautiful destination still offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting activities. Is Labadee Open? Sadly, due to current security risks, Labadee is temporarily closed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew due to political unrest in the area, so be sure to consult the latest updates from Royal Caribbean before planning a cruise with Labadee on the itinerary. As Royal Caribbean keeps pushing back the opening date, cruises with Labadee as a port of call have been changed to other locations, such as Grand Turk and Nassau, and in some cases, calls to Labadee have been changed to a sea day. Is Labadee a Private Island? Royal Caribbean generally promotes Labadee as a private island, but it is actually a peninsula on Haiti’s northern coast. This marketing approach is simpler and aligns with other cruise line private islands—and besides, “private peninsula” doesn’t have the same ring to it. The private island label also denotes the exclusivity and controlled environment that cruisers expect from a “private island” experience. And if you want to get technical, Labadee technically is part of an island, as Haiti is part of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Regardless of its actual topographical designation, Labadee provides everything cruisers have come to expect from cruise line private islands, like Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, in that it provides an isolated, resort-style setup that is exclusively accessible to Royal Caribbean guests. Is Labadee a Tender Port? The private area of Labadee is a secluded area spanning 260 acres and is designed to provide a controlled and secure environment for cruise passengers. I like that Labadee isn’t a tender port, meaning that cruise passengers step right off the ship onto a pier. It’s a fairly short one, and cruisers can easily walk to the beach area from there. The beaches here are well-maintained, with clear waters perfect for swimming and relaxing. Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, it was drizzly and rainy, so I didn’t get to enjoy the traditional beach experience fully, but the scenery was lovely, and I appreciated the mountain and beach views. Related: Learn more about how to prepare for port days. Things to Do at Labadee Because Labadee is a private destination, no third-party excursion options exist. If you want to take an excursion, you must book it directly through Royal Caribbean. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at Labadee. Enjoy a Beach Day Relaxing on the beach is one of the free activities available at Labadee, with several beach areas accessible at no cost. Cruise guests can use loungers free of charge, and the island also provides umbrellas Fun-Filled Adventures at Labadee! However, for a more exclusive beach experience, guests can rent daybeds and cabanas at an additional fee. Beach strollers are also available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests seeking a more elevated beach day can opt for the premium areas, such as the private cabanas at Barefoot Beach, which are available to suite guests. Adventure Activities Labadee offers several adventure activities for thrill-seekers, including the Dragon’s Breath zip line, the longest overwater zip line in the world, and the Dragon’s Tail alpine coaster, which winds through the hills with stunning views of the island and ocean. These activities require an additional fee and have specific requirements, such as height and weight restrictions, and close-toed shoes must be worn for the zip line. Water Sports and Other Excursions Royal Caribbean provides various water sports and other excursion options at Labadee. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. Additionally, boat tours and the famous Arawak Aqua Park, an inflatable water park in the ocean, offer fun activities for families and adventurous travelers. As this is a private destination, all these activities must be booked through Royal Caribbean, and fees vary depending on the activity and season. Labadee’s unique combination of relaxing beach experiences and thrilling activities makes it a great stop for travelers seeking a free beach day as well as for those who are looking for a bit more adventure. Related: New to cruising? Check out my Comprehensive Cruise Guide. Wi-Fi at Labadee Interestingly, while Royal Caribbean offers Wi-Fi to cruisers who purchase the VOOM package on its other private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, this is not an option on Labadee.   Enjoying the mountain view of Labadee. Does the Drink Package Work at Labadee? Another thing that I love about Royal Caribbean’s approach to its private islands, compared to competing lines, is that they allow the use of its drink packages on these private islands, including Labadee, so cruisers can enjoy their favorite beverages without additional charges. The legal drinking age in Haiti is 18.  Sections of Labadee Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination on the northern coast of Haiti, is divided into several distinct areas, each offering unique experiences and amenities, which you can see on this Labadee map. Adrenaline Beach Adrenaline Beach is where you’ll find many of Labadee’s adventure experiences, including the aforementioned Dagon’s Breath Flight Line zip line. There are also opportunities for beach sports and water activities like jet skiing. Barefoot Beach Club Barefoot Beach Club is an exclusive area reserved for suite guests and Pinnacle-level members on the sailing. This tranquil section offers premium amenities, including more privacy, an upgraded buffet with gourmet food options, and dedicated service. It is ideal for those looking for a luxurious and serene beach experience. Access to this beach is complimentary for these guests, but for cruisers seeking even more privacy can rent a cabana at Barefoot Beach for an additional cost​, ranging from $295 to $495. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, so the cost of these varies based on demand and can even fluctuate on the same sailing