Sunday, March 31, 2024

THE 25 BEST Cruises to Labadee 2024 with Prices Labadee Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

royal caribbean cruise to labadee

The ultimate rush on the island is the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the longest zip line over water. If you want to reserve a cabana at Barefoot Beach, contact your suite concierge. Your best bet is to email your suite concierge in the days before your cruise departs after you receive the welcome email from him/her. If you have a Grand Suite or better while on your ship, you absolutely want to plan your day around spending time at the suites-only area known as Barefoot Beach. Weather permitting, you will have the choice of a traditional zip line ride down, or a head first Furious Flyer zipline. The star attraction at Labadee is the Dragon's Breath zip line, which is a 2,800 foot zip line over the ocean that takes guests across the span of Labadee.

Royal Caribbean Haiti history

royal caribbean cruise to labadee

She's traveled extensively around the world, enjoys building unforgettable itineraries and loves introducing readers to lesser-known destinations. After lunch, check out Le Village, an authentic Haitian teaching village suffused with the island's rich history and colorful culture. The gorgeous, tranquil area is exclusive to Pinnacle members and guests staying in Grand Suites or above.

Haitian Village Sightseeing & Cultural Experiences

Prioritizing the safety of its guests and crew members is why Royal Caribbean made the decision, as it does in any part of the world which faces geopolitical issues. Dip your toes into the turquoise water as soon as you get off the ship at Dragon’s Beach.

Amazing experiences coming soon

Cabanas are thatched-roof huts with slatted wood walls, large enough to accommodate up to six people. Barefoot Beach is an area of Labadee exclusively available for suite passengers and Pinnacle-level Crown & Anchor Society members. There is a beautiful park right next to it, with flowers, plants, trees, hammocks, and wonderful views of Adrenaline Beach. Bring your GoPro with a strap as there is no professional photographer taking pictures of you.

Royal Caribbean suspends visits to Labadee, Haiti - Travel Weekly

Royal Caribbean suspends visits to Labadee, Haiti.

Posted: Fri, 15 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

On the same mountain as the zip line is the Dragon's Tail Roller Coaster, which is located 680 feet above sea level. This is an alpine coaster that uses gravity to bring you down the mountain and combines thrills with fantastic views. Most guests arriving at Labadee tend to go to Adrenaline Beach, because it is located closest to the dock and when walking off the dock, it is the first beach guests see. This beach is on the north side of Labadee and extends all the way down the north coast. This combination of proximity to the ship and things to do is the kind of mix that leads to it becoming crowded first and ends up being the most popular. Labadee stands as a Caribbean gem, offering an array of shore excursions for diverse interests.

Carnival Cracks Down on High Stakes Activity on Pool Deck

What started as a yearly vacation with family quickly turned into a passion for travel, cruising and adventure. She even studied abroad on Semester at Sea, sailing the world on a ship while taking courses for college and visiting 4 continents. Based on circulating communication shared online, Royal Caribbean has been replacing Labadee, Haiti with various Caribbean ports, including its alternative private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Other itineraries impacted have rerouted plans to visit Grand Cayman, Bimini, Grand Turk, and St. Maarten. In March, Royal Caribbean announced "in an abundance of caution" its cruise ships would halt visits while the cruise line monitors the safety of the situation. Before it became well known as a beach destination for cruisers, Labadee was stylized as “Labadie”.

Experience the Thrill of Labadee: Four Stunning White Sandy Beaches and Ideal Caribbean Swimming

There are five beaches at Labadee, so it is a good idea to figure out which one you want to visit before you step off the ship. These cabanas provide privacy, shade, personalized service and even transportation around Labadee. The Dragon’s Breath Zipline in Labadee stretches across the bay for 2,600 feet (almost half a mile!). When it was constructed it was the longest over-water zipline in the world. When it was constructed, it was the longest over-water zipline in the world.

Royal Caribbean suspends cruise visits to Haiti's Labadee amid gang violence - Reuters

Royal Caribbean suspends cruise visits to Haiti's Labadee amid gang violence.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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In response to ongoing tensions in Haiti, marked by armed attacks on citizens, Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of all visits to the private resort of Labadee through May 2024. The proactive measure was announced in a statement to cruise line passengers. There are many Haitians who work at the cruise port and some sell locally made products. You can’t use your cruise card for buying crafts and goods at these market places so have some cash on hand. For those looking to cool off, Adrenaline Beach features a swim-up bar that floats just off the shore in the Caribbean.

And don’t forget to pick up a special item for yourself to remind you of your cruise to Labadee. To score a bargain, consider buying multiple items from the same seller – they might just offer a discount. For the first time since the cruise industry shutdown of 2020, Royal Caribbean returned to its private destination in Haiti at Labadee. It appears that cruises through at least mid-April are impacted, although the situation continues to evolve. While Haiti has been under travel advisory warnings for years, Royal Caribbean’s private destination has always been secured given its distance from the country’s troubled capital of Port-au-Prince. Royal Caribbean has stopped all visits to its private destination of Labadee, Haiti due to violence and lawlessness in the country.

You won't find a massive zip-line (the world's largest over water) or alpine slide at any other private island. All excursions and activities on Labadee are booked directly through Royal Caribbean and your best bet is to reserve it prior to your cruise via the Cruise Planner. You can wait to book onboard your ship, but there is a risk of some options selling out (such as the Cabanas).

Whether you're pursuing adventure, relaxation or cultural exploration, Labadee promises an unforgettable experience. Embark on a Labadee adventure that aligns with your desires and create lasting memories in this tropical paradise. Labadee's sport fishing excursions give you the opportunity to test your luck in the rich Caribbean waters.

Each of these locations serves almost exactly the same items, namely BBQ, including chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, fresh fruit, corn on the cob and more. The offerings are virtually identical in terms of food selection, so it is just a matter of which location is more convenient for you to go to. It was named after the marquis de La Badie, a Frenchman who first settled the area in the 17th century.

And be sure to stop by the Floating Bar at Adrenaline Beach to sip on a signature Labadoozie frozen cocktail — your cruise to Labadee isn’t complete without one. Get tropical views and bragworthy photos at Columbus Cove, a lagoon-like bay tucked away from all the action. No additional cruise lines sail to Haiti and remain unaffected by the political tension.

royal caribbean cruise to labadee

If you want to enjoy the gorgeous views of Haiti’s mountainous coast, you need to book a shore excursion for an extra fee. Each is covered with fine, sugar-white sand and dotted with gently swaying palm trees. Rolling emerald mountains provide a truly wow-worthy backdrop from every angle, and the crystal-clear turquoise waters that kiss the shore are perfect for snorkeling. Since it's a private destination, the only other people you'll see are locals, staff and other Royal Caribbean guests, creating a tropical atmosphere free of crowds. Visitors to the local beach of Columbus Cove can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including loungers, rentable cabanas, and umbrellas. Royal Caribbean's Labadee is a 260-acre private beach resort carved out of Haiti's rolling, densely forested north coast.

The jet ski sign-up hut is located at Buccaneer’s Bay, right at the resort entrance. Jet Ski ride usually takes around 1.5 hours and is guided by an instructor. There is limited availability on these tours so I suggest you book it as soon as possible if you want to do the activity. Nellie’s beach boasts warm water and you’ll easily identify it by the overwater and waterfront cabanas scattered around. Nellie’s Beach has a lot of shaded areas and gets crowded fast, so go there earlier to choose your preferred spot. This is the first beach that you’ll see upon entering a resort on your left.

These excursions cater to their unique needs and preferences, ensuring a leisurely experience. You can pair tasty drinks with beautiful views of the sea and the Dragon's Breath Flight Line at the Dragon's Pub. It's located at Dragon's Breath Rock, near the tip of the Labadee peninsula. Grab a seat on the pub's stone terrace and take in the island's rocky, windswept coast while enjoying some snacks and your favorite libations. This area is so pretty, it's sometimes used for spa treatments and even weddings. Whether your ideal private island vacation getaway involves total relaxation, plenty of thrilling activities and excursions, or a balanced blend of both, Labadee, Haiti, will not disappoint.

THE 25 BEST Royal Caribbean Cruises to Labadee with Prices on Cruise Critic

royal caribbean cruise to labadee

You will need cash (US dollars) when shopping at the Artisan’s Market and the Artisan Village. It’s also useful for tipping local beach staff and watersports assistants who greatly appreciate the extra income. There are five bars dotted around the resort including Dragon’s Breath Pub near the pier, the Floating Bar and Schooner Bar on Adrenalin Beach, Nellie’s Tavern and Columbus Cove Barr. The Arawak Water Park at Columbus Cove offers the chance to hop on cooling icebergs, navigate obstacles, water trampolines, slides and more.

Dragon’s Tail Coaster

The comfortable, sectional-style furniture makes a great place to relax with friends or family. There are no ceiling fans, but you will enjoy a complimentary water bottle-stocked cooler, floating water mats, beach towels and the services of a cabana attendant for beverage orders. Adventure Ocean Oasis is located in the central part of the resort between Adrenaline Beach and Nellie’s Beach. This area is reserved for the youngest ones, and you can’t miss it as it’s on the main road where the tram stops! It has a water park and kids’ splash zone filled with toys, geysers, fountains, and a “wreck” of a pirate ship.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises to Labadee

Nellie’s Beach is very popular with families due to its sandy bottom and shallow waters. It is located on the opposite side of Adrenaline Beach, on the right side of the resort entrance. To reach it, you can either take a free tram (and get off at the first stop) or walk for less than 10 minutes. If you continue walking along this beach, you’ll reach an area with dozens of loungers and beach beds where you can swim. There is also a sheltered shallow area where the Floating bar is, one of the most popular bars in Labadee.

CHASE ADVENTURE IN PARADISE

These are all offered by the cruise line, so you can’t book any activity or excursion with an independent tour operator. You’ll need cash only for Artisan’s Market (flea market) if you want to buy things from local people. Head to Dragon's Rock Café, Labadee Café and Columbus Café for flavor-filled lunch buffets that offer all kinds of global dishes and easy-to-eat snacks. Every bite is complementary for cruise guests, so you can try a little bit of everything if you're in the mood for a round-the-world feast. Or drop by Nellie's Tavern for tasty fare and all your favorite beach-day brews and tropical cocktails in between dips in the calm, shallow waters of Nellie's Beach. Some of these excursions include beach scapes, visits to nearby Haitian villages, zip-lining, snorkeling cruises, sport fishing, yacht sailing, aqua waterpark, kayaking, jet skiing, and more.

royal caribbean cruise to labadee

Royal Caribbean cancels Labadee, Haiti port stops out of 'abundance of caution' - Fox Business

Royal Caribbean cancels Labadee, Haiti port stops out of 'abundance of caution'.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

All excursions in Labadee must be booked directly with Royal Caribbean since the port of call is a private destination. At the time, guests onboard Adventure of of the Seas’ March 14 sailing were re-routed from Labadee to Grand Turk, which is located in Turks and Caicos. The port island is used mostly by Carnival Cruise Line, meaning Royal Caribbean ships do not often stop here. One of the main attractions of Labadee is its range of activities and excursions.

The resort is exclusively designed for cruise ship guests and everything is perfectly organized. The roads and paths are paved and well-marked and there are signs all over the place. Labadee (Haiti) port consists of two docks that can accommodate 2 cruise ships simultaneously (1 berth can accommodate the Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ships). Normally there is only one cruise vessel at a time in port, but sometimes there are two depending on the ship’s size.

Food and Drink in Labadee

Bars are another area in which the islands compare -- you'll find plenty (at least five apiece) across CocoCay and Labadee. All bars on both islands sell the usual variety of mixed and frozen drinks, as well as beer. Most dining options and all drinks on both private islands are covered by Royal Caribbean's food and beverages packages that you've booked on your ship. I mentioned above that the food, beaches, and sunbeds are complimentary in Labadee for all cruise ship passengers.

Up the Adventure with Thrilling Rides and Slides

Beach lounging is also a popular activity at Labadee, and visitors can relax on the beautiful white sand beaches that line the peninsula. The resort features four beaches—Adrenaline Beach, Columbus Cove, Nellie’s Beach, and Barefoot Beach—each offering its own character and distinct experience. But the experience at both Royal Caribbean private islands couldn't be more different. From high-octane slides to tranquil beaches and thrilling zip lines, there's a lot to see and do at both. How can you tell the difference between the islands when you're trying to choose the best itinerary for your vacation?

Arawak Aqua Park

In between soaking up the sun and chasing thrills, you’ll want to take a break to refuel. That’s where Dragon’s Café, Labadee Café and Columbus Café come in, serving up a lunch buffet packed with delicious bites – all complimentary. And be sure to visit the Floating Bar at Adrenaline Beach to sip on a signature Labadoozie frozen cocktail – your cruise to Labadee isn’t complete without one. Get your adrenaline fix on Dragon’s Breath Flight Line℠ – a half-mile-long zip line ride over the ocean where you can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

CocoCay is found in the Bahamas' Berry Islands between Freeport and Nassau while Labadee is part of Haiti, located in the Eastern Caribbean. Labadee is also nearly twice the size of CocoCay, featuring five beaches to CocoCay's three (though not all can be used for swimming). Labadee coaster is another must-do activity in Labadee, as it goes through the lush forest and offers unmatched views of Labadee (Haiti) once you are at the top. Dragon’s Tail Coaster sign-up hut is at the end of Adrenaline beach, near Café Labadee and the Floating bar.

Take to the trails to learn more about the traditions, nature and folklore of this Caribbean country. A Haitian historian will tell the tales of several prominent events that impacted both the land and its people in the last 500 years. Take a catamaran through Haiti’s reef systems to a sandbar and experience the unique sensation of standing in the open waters of the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy breathtaking views as you fly down feet first on Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water—more than 2,600 feet long—at high speeds. Either way, you’ll end your thrilling ride at Dragon’s Breath Rock, a unique rock formation where air and water forced through the cracks in its surface make a dragon-like “hissing” sound.

You can sign up for this activity onboard but you can also do it at the resort because there’s always space. I went on a roller coaster a couple of times and truly enjoyed it, even though I am afraid of heights. Labadee is relatively small and easy to get around, as it’s less than 1 km long (0.5 miles) and half a kilometer wide (0.25 miles). It covers an area of 260 acres, and it takes around minutes walk to get from the entrance to the resort to its end.

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