Any thoughts?

[hazelson]

As Haiti reels from the devastating earthquake, luxury cruise ships are creating controversy by dropping off vacationers at private beaches only 60 miles away from the carnage.

Florida's Royal Caribbean International. was docking the 3,100-passenger Navigator of the Seas on Monday so tourists can jet-ski, para-sail and picnic in the sand.

Another ship, the Independence of the Seas, anchored off on Haiti's north coast on Friday at the resort of Labadee, according to The Guardian. It's a tony, wooded resort peninsula with five pristine beaches that's leased from the government and protected by 12-foot fences and armed guards.

The ships have, and will, come loaded with relief supplies, says Royal Caribbean, which has luxury liners scheduled to dock Monday, Tuesday and Thursday bearing more than 100 pallets of supplies each.

"This is equivalent to over three semi-trucks-full two or three times a week," Royal Caribbean associate vice president John Weis wrote in a blog post to guests.

The vessels are also sending extra lounge chairs, bedding and mattresses to a a gymnasium in Cap Haitian that's being used as a makeshift hospital.

The decision to bring tourists to sunbathe in Haiti, despite the massive death and destruction, sparked considerable internal debate at Royal Caribbean.

"In the end, Labadee is critical to Haiti's recovery. Hundreds of people rely on Labadee for their livelihood," Weis told The Guardian. "In our conversations with the UN special envoy of the government of Haiti, Leslie Voltaire, he notes that Haiti will benefit from the revenues that are generated from each call ...

"We also have tremendous opportunities to use our ships as transport vessels for relief supplies and personnel to Haiti. Simply put, we cannot abandon Haiti now that they need us most."

But the choice has still raised ire among some of the passengers.

"I just can't see myself sunning on the beach, playing in the water, eating a barbecue, and enjoying a cocktail while (in Port-au-Prince) there are tens of thousands of dead people being piled up on the streets, with the survivors stunned and looking for food and water," one passenger wrote on a cruise Internet forum.

"It was hard enough to sit and eat a picnic lunch at Labadee before the quake, knowing how many Haitians were starving," said another. "I can't imagine having to choke down a burger there now"

[Longboysfan]

Good they are sending supplies and employing people to help get the country back together.

[coloradocruisers]

Sounds like the cruiseline is doing what they can to help, while still serving their customers. I can't see that it matters if I were choking down a burger 60 miles away on an unimpacted portion of the island, or on the next island over. Either way, the damage from the quake remains, and my actions are not making it any better or worse.

Just my opinion....

[RayColey]

RCI has the ships in service. They saw an opportunity to help out during the course of their business. I don't see how anyone can object while RCI is helping people. I'd like to see the checkbooks of those who object, just to see how much they contributed to disaster relief around the world over the past year....

[hazelson]

I thought the same Ray - did the lady who was "choking down her burger" in any way help the Hatiaans in Labadee.  When ever we have been to a poor country we have found ways to pay it forward - usually by tipping large - we have also dropped money in school and church boxes....they are everywhere.

On beaches people complain about all the people trying to sell their goods - when you think it's likely food money it seems like a good idea to buy a trinket or two.

When we were docked in Jamaica there was a marching band - not amazing music but lots of zeal  -  young band members were holding out a hat for donations and maybe one cruise ship passenger in 50 even stopped to listen - and even fewer put money in the hat.

While Samaratin's Purse and the Humane Society have always been our choices - everyone should find it in their hearts to help.

"There but for the grace ofGod go I."

[deb1220]

I agree with all of the above. Whenever we have been in a poor country....Honduras, Grenada, Jamaica.....we also have bought a little something there and like Jenn, tip a little extra. I applaud RCCL for doing their part while still doing business. How many of those critics have even done half as much as they have?

[hazelson]

This was on the news a while ago and most of the callers approved of ships going in.

[jacketwatch]

I read that RCI contributed one mill to the relief effort. Personally I am in favor ot the stop. It does infuse $$ into an economy so desperate for capital normally and especially now. BTW we do hear of the RCI stop but what about doings on the other half of Hispanolia? I mean we haven't heard that the DR has cancelled days off, holidays or other festivities. Life has to go on.

[LynnS13]

We will be sailing on RCI's Explorer of the Seas and going to Labadee, Haiti in two weeks. I had mixed feelings, however now I am totally ok abuot going. It is our way of helping. They get $6 for every person who gets off the ship there....no wonder they did not want the cruise lines to stay away!! This would have been ALOT of missing monies for them!! Plus the excursions, zip line, coaster, etc...would not have any paying customers...so it's a win-win to me... Lynn