Haiti???

amyj23 · December 11, 2007

We've only been on one cruise, a 5-day cruise that just went to Key West and Nassau. Well now we're starting to plan our 2nd cruise, and we're going to do a 7 day. One of the itineraries that we're looking at includes Labadee, Haiti. I was a little caught off guard when I saw Haiti. When I think of Haiti, I think of refugees... How long have cruises been going to Haiti? I was reading my AAA book about the Caribbean, and they didn't even cover Haiti, even though they covered the Dominican Republic. The only thing I could find in the book about Haiti was that Hepatitis B is common there and you should definitely be vaccinated for it before visiting there. Can anyone shed some light on this destination and the concerns that I listed above. I'm seriously considering eliminating the cruise that includes Haiti...

cruisetarp · December 11, 2007

Amyj - welcome to Cruise Crazies. I'm sure you will be able to find all kinds of information here to help you get ready for your cruise.

Labadee is a private beach area owned by Royal Caribbean. It is a beautiful spot for a great beach day. It is all fenced in and the only locals are the shop keepers who sell their wares on the beach (they are very very pushy so avoid that buildings which hold their booths.) The beach areas are beautiful though - I understand they have installed a zip line there and you can also rent ski-mobiles or just enjoy the beach. They serve a BBQ lunch on the Island and have several bars and music playing. A very festive day and the tenders run back and forth to the ship all day so you can come and go as you please.

RNSANE · December 11, 2007

I know that Haiti's Barbancourt rum is one of the best in the world, replete with gold medals and awards. The country itself is a mess, economically poor, half the country, almost, is illiterate, and its citizens have been terribly mistreated by those in rule throughout the centuries. I do hear that Labadie is beautiful.

sailingrose · December 11, 2007

My favorite of RCI's 2 islands. Not just for the beach but for the wild life and the mountains. Beautiful.

TheSkipper · December 11, 2007

As others have said, do not be concerned. You will simply be at a beautiful beach resort area.

Haiti and the other side of the same island, Dominican Republic are poorest of all the islands at which cruise ships call. :sad2:

JoeyandDavid · December 13, 2007

Haiti and the other side of the same island, Dominican Republic are poorest of all the islands at which cruise ships call.

maybe after a few years of cruise trade it could get better?

RNSANE · December 14, 2007

I know we definitely help the economy of so many of these ports that we visit.

jakoury · December 19, 2007

I was there last March and even though it rained pretty hard most of the day, I had a great time. The rain was nice and warm as well as the ocean water. After a nice swim I just kicked back on a lounge chair and drifted off to sleep in the rain. The wife was not very pleased with the rain and went back to the boat pretty quick. I headed back in after a few hours of napping and watching a water spout a few miles off shore for a while. The staff was very nice on shore, and was given discount prices at the bar because the rain kept most people on the ship. I'll definately be going back.

bermuda4me · February 27, 2008

My cousin and I along with 2 friends, cruised to Haiti (Port Au Prince) in 1974. At that time the ships regularly went to the island. We could hardly wait to get back on the ship and when we did all we did was cry because of the conditions. The ships can sail there until hell freezes over, but as long as the government is the way it is the island will be in distress. At least some of the people are earning something when they are employed on Labadee. They are a gracious, friendly people and they are deserving so much better than the way of life they have been forced to endure.