Royal Caribbean Extends Suspension of Haiti Port Calls Through 2026

In a major operational shift, Royal Caribbean International officially confirmed today that it is extending the suspension of all visits to its private port in Labadee, Haiti, through the end of 2026. This decision expands upon a previous temporary pause and is based on an "abundance of caution" regarding the persistent civil unrest and security risks in Haiti.

The U.S. State Department currently maintains a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for the country, and the cruise line has concluded that safe operations are not feasible for the foreseeable future.

The impact of this long-term cancellation is substantial, affecting dozens of itineraries across twelve of the line's major ships, including its newest flagship vessels. Thousands of passengers who had booked cruises featuring Labadee as a highlight are now being notified of itinerary changes. While Labadee has been a staple of the Caribbean cruise market for decades, the escalating safety concerns on the island have forced the company to prioritize the security of its guests and crew over traditional destination offerings.

To mitigate the loss, Royal Caribbean is working to replace the Labadee stops with visits to other private destinations and established ports. Common replacements include extra time at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas or stops in Grand Turk and the Virgin Islands.

However, on some specific routes where no substitute port is available, the day at Labadee is being replaced with an additional "Sea Day." This adjustment underscores a broader trend in 2026 where major travel operators are having to show extreme flexibility in response to geopolitical volatility.

For the local Haitian economy, the news is devastating, as the private port provided vital employment and revenue to the northern region of the country. Travel experts suggest that this extended withdrawal may signal a permanent shift in how cruise lines manage private enclaves in politically sensitive areas.

Travelers are being urged to review their upcoming cruise documents, as these changes are being applied to all bookings through the winter and summer seasons of 2026 to ensure itinerary stability.