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Royal Caribbean port cancellations – Royal Caribbean Announces Widespread Port Cancellations
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In an unexpected move affecting thousands of passengers, Royal Caribbean has canceled all upcoming visits to Labadee, Haiti through October 2025, citing growing safety concerns. This decision follows the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, warning against travel to Haiti due to increasing gang violence and civil unrest.
The announcement marks another wave of Royal Caribbean port cancellations, which have become more frequent in recent months.
23 Cruises Affected Across Five Ships
The cancellations impact 23 cruise itineraries scheduled across five of the cruise line’s major vessels:
- Adventure of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
While some of the affected cruises will substitute Labadee with alternative ports like Nassau, Bahamas or Grand Turk, others will feature an additional day at sea without a replacement stop.
Passengers React to Itinerary Changes
Many travelers received the unwelcome news via email in late July. While it’s not a full cruise cancellation, passengers expressed disappointment, especially those who had selected their voyages specifically to visit Labadee—a private beach resort destination exclusive to Royal Caribbean.
Cruisers took to forums and social media to share their frustrations. For some, missing a highlight port diminishes the entire experience.
Why Is Royal Caribbean Canceling Labadee?
Royal Caribbean initially suspended visits to Labadee in spring 2025 but has now extended the policy through October. The move comes amid worsening conditions in Haiti, with violent unrest creating unsafe travel conditions in and around the port area.
In a July 31 update on Cruise News Today, industry expert Doug Parker explained that Royal Caribbean port cancellations like this are part of a broader safety-first strategy, even if they disappoint guests in the short term.
Port Protests and Industry Scrutiny Continue
Beyond the Caribbean, cruise lines are facing challenges elsewhere. In Amsterdam, environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion blocked the Celebrity Eclipse from docking by using small boats and inflatable unicorns, delaying the vessel and sparking five arrests.
These actions reflect increasing global scrutiny over the cruise industry’s environmental impact, with some cities moving to limit or relocate cruise terminals away from urban centers.
Cruise Lines Grappling with Legal and Financial Pressures
Meanwhile, Carnival Corporation recently lost an appeal over the Ruby Princess COVID-19 outbreak, with an Australian court upholding findings of negligence. The company may now face substantial financial payouts to passengers, adding pressure to an already turbulent year for the cruise sector.
Royal Caribbean Port Cancellations: What Passengers Should Know
- Labadee, Haiti visits are suspended through October 2025
- 23 itineraries impacted across 5 major ships
- Some cruises are being rerouted; others will add sea days
- No compensation is currently being offered beyond itinerary adjustment
- The cruise line is monitoring conditions for possible future resumption of Labadee stops
Looking Ahead
While the future of Royal Caribbean’s Labadee port visits remains uncertain, safety remains a top priority. Passengers booked for late 2025 cruises are advised to monitor updates from the cruise line and the U.S. State Department.
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