Labadee??

[Love4Cruising]

Given the recent news, has Royal suspended travel to Haiti/Labadee again?? We are supposed to sail there next week and are wondering.

[smokeybandit]

No changes.

[Pattycruise]

Currently on Explorer.  We are completing our Transatlantic and the ship will go to Labadee on its next sailing.  There was a back to back cruises info meeting today with lots of people expressing their concern over Labadee, and the Brit’s were quite upset the ship was still going there because apparently their cruise insurance won’t cover their sailing because it goes to a level 4? Location.  Anyhow staff said they’d relay the concerns to corporate.  This was the reply handed out onboard today to the consecutive cruisers

[Love4Cruising]

Thank you for sharing this. Please let us know how your experience at Labadee goes. 

[CruiseGus]

I hope to folks at Corporate don't listen to the complainers.

I think Labadee is perfectly safe and want to enjoy my time there over Thanksgiving

[smokeybandit]

35 minutes ago, CruiseGus said:

I hope to folks at Corporate don't listen to the complainers.

 

That's the only reason they stopped going there the first time.

[DoomSlayer]

1 hour ago, smokeybandit said:

That's the only reason they stopped going there the first time.

I am sure insurance underwriters had some influence on this too.

[steverk]

3 hours ago, CruiseGus said:

I hope to folks at Corporate don't listen to the complainers.

 

3 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

That's the only reason they stopped going there the first time.

I think this is out of hand. 

Whether or not you agree that going to Labadee is a security risk that should not be taken, it is a reasonable position. 3 aircraft have been hit by gunfire in the last week.  These direct attacks on Americans are a significant and recent escalation. Many people, who are not comfortable with the situation, are booked on cruises that are past the final payment date. They have only 2 options.  Take an uncomfortable risk or cancel the cruise with no refund.  

A little understanding is in order before we label them as "complainers" and then continue to criticize them.

[smokeybandit]

2 minutes ago, steverk said:

3 aircraft have been hit by gunfire in the last week

A Southwest plane was hit by gunfire yesterday. In Dallas.

[steverk]

1 hour ago, smokeybandit said:

A Southwest plane was hit by gunfire yesterday. In Dallas.

So what's your point? Some nutcase in Dallas took a shot at a plane, so we should gladly sail or fly in to every war zone in the world?

My larger point is we should try and be understanding of those that feel differently than us.  Calling people who are troubled by developments in Haiti  complainers is to dismiss their legitimate concerns. 

 

[TXcruzer]

13 hours ago, steverk said:

So what's your point? Some nutcase in Dallas took a shot at a plane, so we should gladly sail or fly in to every war zone in the world?

My larger point is we should try and be understanding of those that feel differently than us.  Calling people who are troubled by developments in Haiti  complainers is to dismiss their legitimate concerns. 

 

The last 2 word of your statement summed it up.  

'Legitimate concern", most feel this is not

[Doug_Texas]

The RCL liability lawyers with input on liability and executives looking at profitability and schedule change challenges will make all decisions without regard to a million opinions on the topic.  I don’t think they will make changes to sailings at this point.

[Zambia-Zaire]

1 hour ago, TXcruzer said:

The last 2 word of your statement summed it up.  

'Legitimate concern", most feel this is not

Can you quantify this....you have taken a poll?

[steverk]

1 hour ago, TXcruzer said:

The last 2 word of your statement summed it up.  

'Legitimate concern", most feel this is not

Their travel insurance won't cover them.  Is that not legitimate?

[bobroo]

I think it’s funny Royal is using the ridiculous talking point that Port Au Prince is 128 miles away and that it’s some kind of impossible journey to Labadee.

It’s the same argument complaining passengers make about Chitzen Itza excursions.

 

[GatorCruiser]

@Pattycruise see you soon. Boarding today. I’ll buy you a drink in labadee for all the helpful info you’ve provided. 

[TXcruzer]

1 hour ago, steverk said:

Their travel insurance won't cover them.  Is that not legitimate?

One's travel insurance inadequacies is of no legitimate concern to Royal, no

[TXcruzer]

1 hour ago, Zambia-Zaire said:

Can you quantify this....you have taken a poll?

All one needs do is read these boards, and additionally count the tens of thousands that disembark ships at this particular stop every single week.  It's patently obvious the majority do not feel there is any legitimate concern

[TXcruzer]

1 hour ago, bobroo said:

I think it’s funny Royal is using the ridiculous talking point that Port Au Prince is 128 miles away and that it’s some kind of impossible journey to Labadee.

It’s the same argument complaining passengers make about Chitzen Itza excursions.

 

SO, if there were riots going on in New York City, would you avoid attending an event in Pittsburgh PA?

[steverk]

1 hour ago, TXcruzer said:

One's travel insurance inadequacies is of no legitimate concern to Royal, no

It's a legitimate concern to the "complainers" is it not?

[TXcruzer]

36 minutes ago, steverk said:

It's a legitimate concern to the "complainers" is it not?

I guess its a legitimate complaint to take up with their insurers

[steverk]

This is going to be my last post on this thread.  

I can see that many people are willing to take the risks to go to Labadee. Fair enough. There are risks everywhere in life. We can't just sit around clutching our pearls all day.

However, early in this thread, there was a letter produced that showed a large number of people that have concerns. The concerns are spelled out, and it's fair that they aren't comfortable taking these risks.

A productive response would be to acknowledge those concerns and show they are not as serious or probable as the people believe. There are a few attempts at this, and I applaud those that tried.

However, I'm surprised by how many people are so intent on getting back to Labadee that they are willing to dismiss those concerns and risks out of hand as illegitimate and then insult the people by calling them "complainers." If this describes you, then you should be ashamed!

[smokeybandit]

There are several ports some passengers don't feel comfortable with. Labadee, Jamaica, Nassau, Cozumel, and many more. No big deal, people assess their own risk and comfort levels.

 

But continuing to sail to any port shows RC has done its homework and has the backing of its insurers, investors and even the majority of passengers.

[michael bradley]

I have visited Labadee many times on RCL.  I have also previously lived in Port au Prince and La Gonave.  Booked on RCL for Jan and March for Labadee.  I plan on purchasing HERO insurance.  HERO provides intervention, extraction, medical care and evacuation as an addition to my regular international insurance.  Well work the very minimum fees.

[tonyfsu21]

On 11/16/2024 at 4:43 PM, steverk said:

 

I think this is out of hand. 

Whether or not you agree that going to Labadee is a security risk that should not be taken, it is a reasonable position. 3 aircraft have been hit by gunfire in the last week.  These direct attacks on Americans are a significant and recent escalation. Many people, who are not comfortable with the situation, are booked on cruises that are past the final payment date. They have only 2 options.  Take an uncomfortable risk or cancel the cruise with no refund.  

A little understanding is in order before we label them as "complainers" and then continue to criticize them.

Option 3: Stay on the ship in Labadee.

[Pattycruise]

15 hours ago, GatorCruiser said:

@Pattycruise see you soon. Boarding today. I’ll buy you a drink in labadee for all the helpful info you’ve provided. 

That’s sweet . Sadly I was not scheduled for the B2B. I made a friend onboard who shared the letter with me.    I heard there’s a huge amount of OBC  -non refundable.  If you want it as cash just download it to a slot machine by doing a room charge and cash it . Enjoy your cruise!

[Zacharius]

On 11/17/2024 at 8:33 AM, bobroo said:

I think it’s funny Royal is using the ridiculous talking point that Port Au Prince is 128 miles away and that it’s some kind of impossible journey to Labadee.

It’s the same argument complaining passengers make about Chitzen Itza excursions.

 

I've done this drive. It's...rough, and I'm saying that as someone who has plenty of experience driving through third world countries like Somalia, like Niger. Even before current times, it's a rough journey and (like the letter mentions) it's a long 128 miles. Really long.

Now, when there's a will there's a way, and it is still possible for the "bad guys" to make it from Port-au-Prince to Labadee if they deemed it worthwhile. And I've never had any doubt that Labadee security could be overwhelmed if the desire was there. Now, at this point, I wouldn't hesitate to go to Labadee...but I understand people who do. To each their own. 

[smokeybandit]

On 11/17/2024 at 7:33 AM, bobroo said:

I think it’s funny Royal is using the ridiculous talking point that Port Au Prince is 128 miles away and that it’s some kind of impossible journey to Labadee.

It’s the same argument complaining passengers make about Chitzen Itza excursions.

 

128 miles in Haiti is a nearly impossible journey, especially if you're a convoy of armed gangs whose motivations aren't simply to get strong Western governments on their tail.

[Zambia-Zaire]

2 hours ago, Zacharius said:

I've done this drive. It's...rough, and I'm saying that as someone who has plenty of experience driving through third world countries like Somalia, like Niger. Even before current times, it's a rough journey and (like the letter mentions) it's a long 128 miles. Really long.

I take it, you're saying you drove from PaP to Lab, which yes, the last dozen or so miles are unpaved apparently.

 

[Not Addressing This Directly At Zach... just making a point.] Which the narrative being conveyed misleadingly, if that's a word, imo, is treachery, in my book. Now, I don't think these rebels, will expose themselves, from the comfort of their own security; however, I wouldn't just take for granted, their capabilities, should they feel, it's a must, to bring more attention to the island. Movement thru the majority of a paved road, only to journey a dozen or so miles, on an unpaved road, not tracking thru a dense jungle, is very misleading.

[Atlantix2000]

On 11/16/2024 at 1:09 AM, Pattycruise said:

Currently on Explorer.  We are completing our Transatlantic and the ship will go to Labadee on its next sailing.  There was a back to back cruises info meeting today with lots of people expressing their concern over Labadee, and the Brit’s were quite upset the ship was still going there because apparently their cruise insurance won’t cover their sailing because it goes to a level 4? Location.  Anyhow staff said they’d relay the concerns to corporate.  This was the reply handed out onboard today to the consecutive cruisers

I don't understand the reported British concern here.  Haiti has had a level 4 travel advisory for a LONG time.  It's not a new development.  They would have booked the cruise knowing their insurance wouldn't cover this visit.  The recent shootings at planes didn't change this.

[Zacharius]

3 hours ago, Zambia-Zaire said:

I take it, you're saying you drove from PaP to Lab, which yes, the last dozen or so miles are unpaved apparently.

 

[Not Addressing This Directly At Zach... just making a point.] Which the narrative being conveyed misleadingly, if that's a word, imo, is treachery, in my book. Now, I don't think these rebels, will expose themselves, from the comfort of their own security; however, I wouldn't just take for granted, their capabilities, should they feel, it's a must, to bring more attention to the island. Movement thru the majority of a paved road, only to journey a dozen or so miles, on an unpaved road, not tracking thru a dense jungle, is very misleading.

I've driven the RN3 from PaP to Cap-Haitien. There's certainly unpaved portions even on the RN3, and the paved portions are still...not great. And getting worse each day, because there's pretty much no maintenance work done on the roads of Haiti from my experience. 

[tonyfsu21]

On 11/17/2024 at 9:33 AM, bobroo said:

I think it’s funny Royal is using the ridiculous talking point that Port Au Prince is 128 miles away and that it’s some kind of impossible journey to Labadee.

It’s the same argument complaining passengers make about Chitzen Itza excursions.

 

128 miles in Haiti might as well be 1000 miles, especially for a bunch of gangs not looking to be disbanded by international forces. There is no upside to this that will end up working in their favor. These gangs have plenty of crap to blow up in PAP and the international community barely takes note. It would be foolish to leave the city and create an exposure being hung up on those dumpy roads trying to shoot at a bunch of tourists. 

[Mike.s]

14 hours ago, Atlantix2000 said:

I don't understand the reported British concern here.  Haiti has had a level 4 travel advisory for a LONG time.  It's not a new development.  They would have booked the cruise knowing their insurance wouldn't cover this visit.  The recent shootings at planes didn't change this.

The Brits concern has nothing to do with the level 4 travel advisory, it's to do with the UK Government's advice against all travel to Haiti, this means UK travel insurance would be invalid. Not all cruises currently calling at Labadee were scheduled to call there, the cruise may of been booked before the UK advice was to avoid travel.

[tonyfsu21]

11 hours ago, Zacharius said:

I've driven the RN3 from PaP to Cap-Haitien. There's certainly unpaved portions even on the RN3, and the paved portions are still...not great. And getting worse each day, because there's pretty much no maintenance work done on the roads of Haiti from my experience.

No maintenance work is the understatement of the year. Picture the washed out roads in Asheville and then add a few machine gun toting rogue gangs and some unchecked fault line fractures in the dirt (notice I didn’t say pavement?). It’s a real third world mess that is fortunately encapsulated in that dump PAP. 

[bobroo]

4 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said:

128 miles in Haiti might as well be 1000 miles, especially for a bunch of gangs not looking to be disbanded by international forces. There is no upside to this that will end up working in their favor. These gangs have plenty of crap to blow up in PAP and the international community barely takes note. It would be foolish to leave the city and create an exposure being hung up on those dumpy roads trying to shoot at a bunch of tourists. 

I disagree.

The gangs could really become empowered in Port Au Prince if they extorted money from Royal Caribbean and I think Royal Caribbean's Destination: Labadee is a sitting duck with no means what-so-ever of protecting itself. There is no justice system to turn to if any of these gangs were to occupy Labadee and simply say "You don't own this, we do. Ya' wanna park a ship here, we want a suitcase of cash".

You can tell me all you how bad the roads are but enduring poor roads will be no problem for the suitcase full of cash.....or they will just ride some stolen jet skis. And hey! If I was a Haitian gang warlord and disliked bumpy roads and sea swell, I would chop down the the zip lines and reroute them the opposite direction 'cause I'm lazy like that.

 

 

 

 

[GatorCruiser]

[tonyfsu21]

8 hours ago, bobroo said:

I disagree.

The gangs could really become empowered in Port Au Prince if they extorted money from Royal Caribbean and I think Royal Caribbean's Destination: Labadee is a sitting duck with no means what-so-ever of protecting itself. There is no justice system to turn to if any of these gangs were to occupy Labadee and simply say "You don't own this, we do. Ya' wanna park a ship here, we want a suitcase of cash".

You can tell me all you how bad the roads are but enduring poor roads will be no problem for the suitcase full of cash.....or they will just ride some stolen jet skis. And hey! If I was a Haitian gang warlord and disliked bumpy roads and sea swell, I would chop down the the zip lines and reroute them the opposite direction 'cause I'm lazy like that.

 

 

 

 

Ok, I give up. Now that the Haitian gangs have acquired jet skis with rocket propelled grenades it seems senseless to go on a cruise that stops in Labadee and ruin my life. I am also going to avoid the cartel ravaged island of Cozumel. It sounds like a good time to build a dooms day bunker in the backyard because soon the Haitian gangs will go international and they may hunt us down in Port Everglades.  

[Zacharius]

14 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said:

Ok, I give up. Now that the Haitian gangs have acquired jet skis with rocket propelled grenades

Haiti has turned in to a Steven Seagal movie

[Cakemeister]

On 11/20/2024 at 8:06 AM, Zacharius said:

Haiti has turned in to a Steven Seagal movie

I was thinking Kevin Costner / Dennis Hopper

[GatorCruiser]

Hello friends. Here to happily report wife and I survived labadee today. We are on Explorer. Didn’t  see any waterworld smokers or gunships. The only threat to our security was the strength of the Labadoozies of which I consumed many. We had never been to labadee before and quite frankly weren’t all the excited about it as we’ve been to coco many times.  Boy did I misjudge labadee. Caveat here, all we really saw was barefoot beach. But between the cancellations due to this being a shortened cruise and British travel insurance concerns we dang near had the run of the place to ourselves. There could not have been more than 30 people there. What a quiet and peaceful oasis of  incredible Beauty. Nothing but the sound of lapping waves and the kind staff bringing cocktails every 30mins at most. So in summary, it’s safe and fantastic. Staff and crew are amazing as always.