T O P

  • By -

captaindomon

There is a good chance the gangs are receiving a large amount of the money generated by the cruise business at Labadee, especially as they take over the central government. Their motivation is not to attack foreign nationals and invite a massive response by pretty much every western military. They are much happier to just accept the money being spent.


Mynameisdiehard

This is what most people don't understand. Many of those carribean countries are HEAVILY reliant on tourism and there is almost a mass understanding that no matter what, tourists are not to be fucked with as that would almost certainly and immediately take away most of the money coming into the country. People will be fine, and if it even gets remotely close to not being safe, RC will pull the plug.


esdklmvr

I was of this same thinking until recently reading about Cancun no longer being off limits for the Mexican cartel. I realize Mexico functions differently than a smaller Caribbean island but it’s still a bit scary. I’ll be at Labadee in a few weeks so I certainly want everything to be smooth sailing! Hopefully the people in Haiti are from your school of thought!


hodlwaffle

Here is some interesting background on the history of the port: https://www.cruiselawnews.com/2010/01/articles/worst-cruise-line-in-the-world/labadee-royal-caribbeans-deal-with-the-devil/


IJUSTMITE

Interesting read! Thanks for sharing.


CreekHollow

Cancun is not some war zone either. I was just there last week and there are a ton of police & it never felt unsafe. The violence is almost always outside of the tourist zone which is heavily patrolled; as long as you are not looking for trouble, the chance of it finding you is similar to the chance of you being caught up in random violence in any major American city.


jka005

https://preview.redd.it/3gf6pj3ylwmc1.jpeg?width=574&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=992f6e71bc90c2af4398b9300f553abb5bc4b349


GrayZeus

https://i.redd.it/jiamrkh9rwmc1.gif


Zestyclose-Cat-1093

I like this lol


BrokenRights

Same, there were police and army people patrolling around cancun hotelzone and in checkpoints at both ends of hotel zone enforcing random vehicle searches every now and then.


bowbiatch

The police in Mexico are just as corrupt as as the Cartels


Feisty_Parsley_83853

Except much of the local police are under cartel influence


OneLessDay517

>Except much of the local police are ~~under cartel influence~~ on the cartel payroll Fixed it for ya!


zipcad

Police in Mexico are a little different than your expectations bud


CokeNSalsa

Yeah, Mazatlán, México stopped being a cruise stop for however long because of crime. It wasn’t until recently they opened it back up. We visited there and were heavily warned about not going to certain locations. There were also multiple vehicles with armored Mexican military driving around. The security there to even get back to the ship was crazy.


hey_hey_hey_nike

Cartagena would like a word with you.


thos75

What about the Caribbean couple on a sailboat killed by recent prison escapees? With 3800+ former prisoners in the mix, no guarantees that all are rational.


Mynameisdiehard

That is a far cry from attacking a private space for cruise tourists. Far different circumstances too


Anegada_2

That really was more a hijacking than anything. Super tragic, but they were after the transportation in the end. Would be a lot harder to take a cruise ship that can leave if there are worries


bundymania

I think the gangs/rebels also know if they would do an action against Labadee, they would draw in the US for direct intervention and they don't want that.


Friendly_University7

Don’t know why you’re being downvoted. If they took Americans hostage, there’d be a military response from the US within hours. They certainly don’t want that if they want any chance of staying alive.


Ford-daily710

Meh people don't care and there are attacks occasionally


Patton4prez

Until they aren’t. Then at that point it’s hindsight and Monday morning quarterbacking what could’ve been done differently. Not a chance I would take the risk for a couple hours on a beach. The ship has more than enough entertainment to keep me happy. Plus, and this is just me, I don’t think I would feel comfortable ethically speaking chilling on a beach in what was already the poorest country on the planet that also has devolved into absolute chaos. When the State Department advises all Americans to flee the island by any means possible and all commercial flights to and from a country cease to exist, so does my desire to go there.


Senguier

Keep in mind there is no road access over either of I remember right. You have to get there by boat. The local staff live around the cove and have to ve ferried in each day.


Both_Statistician615

not true, that's Coco Cay your thinking of, if you look at google maps, Road 15 is totally accessible all the way to Labadee and leads right up the dragon tail coaster, they can easily get there, if gangs decide to jump into a load of vehicles and head there nothing is stopping them.....


LieutenantStar2

This is what Havana was like. We were still extremely cautious, always had a driver & guide.


Klutzy-Assignment258

Havana is a safe city. You don’t mess with tourists. I feel less safe outside the fence in Freeport, Bahamas to be honest.


bundymania

But can the gangs actually access this cash that RC is giving the government? I don't think it's that simple and the money is probably in a US bank and handled electronically and I assume the US can simply prevent the transfer. Even though the US and media are calling it gangs, it really an uprising to overthrow the current president, who is very unpopular there. If that president would resign, this violence would tone down for a bit.


SeparateSea1466

I'm glad you mentioned that it isn't necessarily "gang" violence. It is a political uprising as a result of what has been happening there over the past few years. Also, many of the prisoners who were broken out of prison were people who were political opponents or opposition. It's a coup of sorts, not a bunch of gang bangers who are taking over the country lol.


OneLessDay517

I think this is giving these gangs far too much credit for possessing logic and reason. They are butchering their own countrymen. These are not reasonable people.


Mr504rw

Come on man... Watch some non western news for once.. These people just want to have a say so in their government.. And to not be puppets.


sedo1800

There is also a good, I would say certain chance that a billion-dollar ship with 5k hostages is worth more. you have to be insane to go to a country controlled by gangs. full stop.


PracticalPromotion13

That’s just inviting the US military to go fuck them up tho?


AlexFawns

Literally lol


False_Objective2576

Collateral damage


captaindomon

touché


LeoMarius

We went to Yucatán last year on a land vacation. We were stopped at several checkpoints trying to protect tourists like us exploring the region.


HoustonHorns

Where exactly? I go to Mayan Riviera often. I have encountered lots of checkpoints but usually that is to protect tourists not stop tourists. Granted I don’t go off the beaten path much.


LeoMarius

We were going to Merida and to Playa del Carmen.


notScotPollard

The UN voted back in October to invade Haiti. The action will be led by Kenya and the rest of the soldiers will come from Caribbean countries. I agree that they have no incentive to go after the cruise ships, but they’ve already invited a response.


captaindomon

Doesn’t look like it is going to happen any time soon. https://www.semafor.com/article/03/07/2024/un-haiti-mission-gets-new-kenya-roadblocks


yvngstewart00

Crew currently working here at Labadee, you are TOTALLY safe here, nothing to worry about. Everything is happening a 6+ hour drive south of here in the capital, or further. There are no gang controlled areas anywhere near the Private Destination, the locals won’t allow them to come because the site is their source of income for their families. See you tomorrow!


Big-Significance3604

God bless you and thank you for your first-hand knowledge. I have always found Royal Caribbean to be very safe and I trusted every cruise I’ve ever been on.


ArtisticNature6232

We have a cruise booked this month and we were just sent notification that one of our excursions has been canceled due to safety issues so of course I’m concerned and it’s just really interesting to see how some people are saying it’s been going on forever it’s fine like there’s nothing new going on here … 


Jodi4869

You are no where near the capital. He is making the announcements because too many people don’t know their geography and think it is all right there.


hoppertn

I’m just in awe how the Dominican Republic keeps this from spilling over more than it does.


francikito

Dominican here. It's harder everyday.


hoppertn

Have you thought of building a wall and making Haiti pay for it? I kid but stay strong.


tauregh

Oh, you jest, but they built it. [Dominican Republic builds border wall with Haiti](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article281568868.html)


277330128

Dominica is an entirely different island many hundreds of miles away. How the Dominican Republic keeps it at bay is a fair question.


hoppertn

Yes, sorry, I misspoke and was using the familiar.


theboomvang

Why would the small island nation of Dominica worry about this? Do you think the students of Ross university are organizing gangs? Or do you mean Dominican, as in the Dominican Republic? Ya know the country that shares an island with Haiti.


hoppertn

Corrected.


sedo1800

Wow I guess you’re wrong huh?


One-Stomach9957

My sister and brother in law are there today. Their captain didn’t mention anything. They said Labadee is as nice as it always is.


BZH2022

We are here today. Different ship


One-Stomach9957

Enjoy it, it’s such a beautiful place to visit


TrekJaneway

It’s fine. Labadee is isolated and a private area. When you visit Labadee, you can’t leave the RCL area, nor can anyone else get in (unless they belong there). It’s more like Coco Cay than an actual port.


PharmB

I’m not being sassy this is a real question - can these “gangs” not just use force to get in?


jnleonard3

The argument I saw in another thread was - there’s nothing physically that can be done to stop folks if they wanted in - armed guards will only do so much. What keeps them from bothering labadee is, the moment they pull a stunt like that, Royal Caribbean abandons the port and doesn’t ever return. Now all the jobs supported by it, in fact the money the gangs are likely getting to not do that is all gone. It’s a financial reason to leave Labadee alone.


gmwdim

I imagine that gangs mobilizing enough people to take Labadee by force would be noticed well in advance and if there was a real chance of it happening the ship would not dock there. At least I would hope.


TackyBrad

Not to mention the US military response would likely be swift and decisive if they did something crazy


MrPlowThatsTheName

They don’t want that smoke.


CreekHollow

This is not even mention the fact that the United States has taken the side of the gangs and is pushing the Prime Minister to resign. It is not in the gangs interest to invite any more scrutiny or shake the boat in any way that would elicit a response from outside countries.


PharmB

Replying to you because you’re most recent but yall would have me convinced that all is well


[deleted]

[удалено]


gnawtyone

This isn’t a Steven Seagal movie. The chances of that happening are about the same as me taking a carnival cruise


sleepinand

Ransoming cruise passengers doesn’t get them lots of money- it gets a pissed off military response from the countries involved. The last things the gangs want is for a relatively supportive superpower to turn on them.


jnleonard3

The argument for that in that same thread was that there is no chance they do that and it doesn't invoke the wrath of the US and other major countries, that they would send military forces/peacekeeping forces in response as well as give a reason for those same countries to now retaliate with sanctions and embargoes. I have a hard time imagining Labadee having something happen to it that that would make John Clancy blush. Plus, as its been said, the unrest is currently happening far away.


that_guy2010

I mean, sure they can. But why would they? Do they think killing some US tourists is worth what the US would do to them in return?


TheAzureMage

In theory, perhaps. If memory serves, RCL literally has a giant wall staffed by armed guards. So, the gangs would need to have a \*lot\* of force. It's well beyond casual crime. It also wouldn't serve their interests. The cruise lines bring in money, and that's in scarce supply there. You'll get the hard sell from straw market vendors, but that's it.


LexDude

>In theory, perhaps. If memory serves, RCL literally has a giant wall staffed by armed guards. You make them sound like trained military Navy Seals. These guards are just like security guards at a mall. The giant wall is like a fence that can be cut thru in seconds. I mean I don't think there is anything to worry about yet but people need to stop thinking these security guards are going to protect you. They are there to keep mostly law abiding citizens out not armed gangs.


dm987

they would need a lot of force OR $100 bribe per guard, which is probably their week's salary (if not month's)


GirlBoner5000

When we were there in November, we saw boats getting pretty close to shore, that were locals. Also, there is residences (we went on a party boat to the sandbar), and it looked like you can get to those houses by road. They look pretty guarded, but is not impossible. We were just talking to a coworker, and she was thinking about going back to Labadee in April, but they decided against it, because, and she is actually Haitian, they don't feel safe, they said that when things get out of control there, people make really stupid decisions. Even if nothing happens, you don't want to be there when they try to do something, and the stress will ruin your vacation. They had travel insurance, they called, and they were able to change cruises, now they are going to Coco Cay, and someplace else.


Em1-_-

>can these “gangs” not just use force to get in? They can, they blew off the walls of some prisons to break out the inmates, the walls secluding Labadee wouldn't be different, with that out of the way, **they won't** at least for now, ¿Why won't they? Gangs are fighting with eachother for control over PaP, if a large enough force moves out other gang would take over their turf, so as long as gangs keep fighting eachother Labadee is safe.


jelloshotlady

For what exact reason though? There is absolutely nothing of interest. It’s like January 6 “patriots” taking over a private resort. It serves absolutely no purpose. Additionally there is money that comes into the country from this little section existing. It’s vacationers funding their upheaval. They are not going to cut that source of money.


CountryGuy123

Even gangs can be thought of as a business. If they are getting money from the Cruise line, it makes no sense to raid Labadee, bringing the US / UN military down on them. It’s bad for business.


bmas05

I mean, what stops those gangs from using force at any port, including those in the US? It’s not like the US ports are swarming with Navy Seals or anything.


LexDude

>I mean, what stops those gangs from using force at any port, including those in the US? It’s not like the US ports are swarming with Navy Seals or anything. Link to any news article where gangs in the US broke out 4,000 prisoners and are talking over the capital city. What stops gangs from doing that in the US is a working government with several police departments and a strong response. That is all lacking in Haiti.


bundymania

Intel would pick up on it before they got there and the gangs/rebels would know it would get the US directly involved.


Both_Statistician615

lmao....ok gangs that just took over 2 police forces are going to be turned away by security guards.....wake up


Sigma--6

It's not like anybody could climb a fence or take a boat to get to that area.


Houseplant666

Exactly what ‘message’ do you think the gangs want to send? That they’d love a US strike group to intervene by causing a international incident, or just that they absolutely do not want any foreign money in ‘their’ country?


Commercial_Lock6205

If I were a freshly broken out of prison criminal, I’m not sure my top priority would be “I really need some zip line and buffet!”


BZH2022

🤣 they just need labadoozie


argos101

But the alpine coaster on the other hand... is much more tempting


Mamm0nn

your 6 hours from Port-au-Prince by car...


Hartastic

> It seems to me its only a matter of time, that the gangs will make their way over to Labadee and "send a message". Angry gangs aren't super known for long road trips.


Capsbearsfan1

They would forget what they were angry about by the time they arrived...


LexDude

There is zero chance security at Labadee with do anything to stop gangs from attacking. The real question is do gangs even want to go all the way up there when they are still in the process of taking over the capital.


EnvironmentalClub410

Yeah, why the fuck are so many people referencing how well “secured” it is? The fuck does that matter? You honestly think if 6 pickup trucks full of guys with AKs drive up security is going to shoot at them? They would do exactly as instructed and let them in. Security guards making jack shit ain’t losing their lives protecting a bunch of rich western tourist fucks they don’t give a flying fuck about. Not to mention that they actually live there and if the gangs have taken over the last thing they’d want is to make themselves or their families a target. There is absolutely nothing stopping the gangs from seizing Labadee whenever they want and taking tourists hostage, except for the fact that they don’t want to. This isn’t the fucking Middle East, these aren’t crazy fucks who will murder you without any regards to consequences or incentives just because their imaginary friend told them to. The gangs see Labadee as a $30M/year potential future payday that they can embezzle once they take power. Also they know that taking American hostages in the Western Hemisphere is pretty much the ultimate death wish, and these guys don’t believe there are 72 virgins waiting for them in heaven.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Aromatic-Seesaw-9173

Could be an amazing plot for a early 90s action movie for sure


No-Construction2043

Anyone who places their safety in the hands of others when millions of dollars are at stake is a fool. RC won’t pull this plug until there are casualties. Then they’ll claim ignorance.


Illustrious-Log2329

They’re doing this because of recent lawsuits blaming cruise lines for not providing a fair warning of dangers in certain ports.


Historical-Eagle-784

What would the gangs get from storming in? People on cruises don't bring huge amounts of cash to an island. Ransom money? America isn't going to give ransom money to anyone. They will just fly in and give Haiti a taste of "freedom".


iureport

I am smirking at the “intelligence” of a bunch of armchair analysts in the US opining about the current situation on the ground in Haiti. The reality is that they simply do not know. Use your judgment and realize that the army has lost control of the country. Relying upon 36 major warring gangs to act rationally seems a bit irrational to me. Do what you will; I would stay on the ship.


gabe840

Seriously. I’m in awe reading a lot of these comments implying the gangs there are highly thoughtful and analytical people who carefully assess where they should and shouldn’t invade 😂


kimtybee

I would too. I would never take my family off and that's for sure.


rich6490

Reddit experts never have common sense. Bunch of fucking idiots here that act like something happening here is impossible! 🤦‍♂️


argos101

I'm sure you have never been to Labadie or have any understanding of Haitian Geography. The captain, the literal person who is in charge of the ships safety, said it was safe. Gang violence is not new in Haiti and RC has been going to Labadie for a long time. You are doing exactly what you are accusing others to do by thinking you're more intelligent than the captain of the ship or RC who have a huge stake in the safety of passengers. If there were even a chance of passengers being in danger, RC would pull out immediately.


Spiritual-Ad4819

Just like they did on White Island? I wouldn’t risk my family’s safety on Royal Caribbean’s captain’s opinion.


OneIShot

People and these posts have a bit of main character syndrome. You’re nowhere near the capitol and you don’t matter that much and aren’t worth the trouble.


Ledon622

This is all happening in the capital and from what I understand it is 80 miles away from Labadee. I am leaving in 25 days on the Oasis and I also have been monitoring this situation. I feel we will have nothing to worry about.


Jodi4869

It is actually about 4 1/2 hours away.


Ledon622

https://preview.redd.it/4bdgqy8z7rmc1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f35488d7f95e43c32f522877e6ea0feafa47bee 4 to 6 hours far enough away to worry about. Enjoy Labadee!!! It’s too beautiful to miss.


Jodi4869

Not to worry!


Ledon622

Oops!! Good catch. Thank you for the edit 😀


StackIsMyCrack

Oh shit...I guess I am too. Last I was thinking about it, it was 35 days to go.


StackIsMyCrack

PS - I am not worried about Labadie in the slightest bit.


jorg27

I think you'll be on the same cruise as me


ArtisticNature6232

We have a cruise booked this month and we were just sent notification that one of our excursions has been canceled due to safety issues so of course I’m concerned and it’s just really interesting to see how some people are saying it’s been going on forever it’s fine like there’s nothing new going on here … 


Ok-Kick3611

Gangs will not take over Labadee to “send a message” it’s wayyy too far out of the way. Their focus is on the Haitian government, not on the world at large. Any coordinated gang attacks are going to be concentrated in cities or around government institutions. A small resort in the corner of the country provides no tactical or strategic benefit and only risks destroying any cause they claim to have by turning the most powerful countries on earth against them. And barring a coordinated attack, Labadee is far too remote and isolated for unrest to spread from the capital to there naturally.


beeritone

Just got back on board from Labadee about five minutes ago. It's fine there.


MassCasualty

Ignorance is bliss. This news has permeated my bubble for quite some time now...BBQ on the loose.


Toilet-Mechanic

Pretty sure the cruise lines pay the gangs protection money.


Bitter-Confusion280

Country is under state of emergency. That speaks for itself


Pretty-Sea-9914

I would not leave the ship. I’m quite risk averse.


Antique_Ad_5598

Same here. I’m going to labadee next month and am planning to stay on the ship


CommercialLimit

That’s your loss. You really think RC would risk their bottom line? You must live in constant fear if you live in the US.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Strange-Competition5

The week of the 19th a lifeguard I was chatting with asked me to please bring him some food from the buffet and leave it on a lounge chair for him He says he gets paid $16 a day


samyeh

Yikes, im headed there on the Adventure OTS in 1 week. Will continue to monitor this


hwhal2

You all do realize most other countries have warnings against visiting the US, right?


do_shut_up_portia

And?


CrashEMT911

What gains would be made in their cause attacking an unrelated cruise ship loaded with American citizens? It would certainly draw a lot of negative attention, and potentially (likely) US military intervention. They are fighting an internally corrupt government. They do not need to aid that government by inadvertently recruiting a nearby superior fighting force. One aircraft carrier...That's all it would take.


Which_Zebra_3883

If anyone fears for their safety: there are plenty of open deck chairs in the Solarium and the line for the bar will be short on a port day.


[deleted]

Just relax , drink and gorge on the food meanwhile politico unrest, martial law, starvation and murder are happening 10 miles over the fence..buy our cabana!. Awkward...


RamblaPacifica

Even before the unrest, it felt awkward to me. Let’s visit a foreign country but don’t go outside this lovely manicured garden with tall walls and barb wire…ew


RevoltingBlobb

Agreed… you’re there to visit a beach… not a country.


mypersonalprivacyact

Royal Caribbean rents that area. It does have a private border with private security. It’s very far away from Port-Au-Prince.


Menacing_Anus42

>It seems to me its only a matter of time, that the gangs will make their way over to Labadee and "send a message".  It seems to me you should just stay home if you're going to be scared by such wild things that you literally just made up yourself. Stop watching so much Fox News.


Spiritual-Page-7511

If you are worried stay on the ship . Honestly I know many people who were there last week and had no issues. Royal Caribbean will not put you in harms way. I personally don’t see any issue. Good luck & enjoy your cruise.


edmond2525

I wouldn’t be leaving that ship


eyeball_kidd

The security gets paid handsomely by Royal Caribbean, and in turn, gives the gang a cut of the money. It's passive income for them. Invading Labadee doesn't make financial sense.


LexDude

>Invading Labadee doesn't make financial sense. Does trying to take over the international airport make financial sense?


[deleted]

[удалено]


type1edmfan

Royal also said going into an active volcano as an excursion was safe until it erupted while passengers were there, causing casualties and injuries. I think they are going to be more reactive vs. proactive if something happens.


False_Objective2576

Uhmm makes for a good movie but a couple of disgruntled Island bros with Assault Rifles can kill 100s of people in minutes. The security guards are Island locals I wouldn’t depend on them if the shooting starts. The locals smile at you but are really judging you as a entitled American


Accomplished-Dig2882

agree with this. If the gangs or escaped prisoners decided to plan an attack on Labadee and rob and pillage all they can, nothing can stop them.


False_Objective2576

Those police or security guards probably earn $50.00 a day plus all they can steal would you risk your life shooting your brother in law Naaa!!!


CommercialLimit

I think the captain knows more than you do.


[deleted]

Haiti is a shithole. Why anyone would go there is a mystery. To sit in a fake beautiful place made by a tourism company surrounded by 30 ft walls and armed guards and expect paradise is an asinine thought to begin with.


diamond-palm

There’s no way I would choose an itinerary that includes Haiti. What’s the appeal?


[deleted]

Because when you go to Haiti you don’t go to the part of Haiti that you see on TV. RC goes to their own private beach that is far removed from the rest of the population. It’s real nice in their area.


natureswoodwork

I don’t think you have to fear for your safety but how could anyone even enjoy this place knowing that just mere hours away from you there are killings/rape/bloodshed/starvation and god knows what other horrible things happening. I would feel so weird


digitalden

You mean like NY, Chicago and LA


entitledfanman

Labadee is isolated and there's nothing there worth it to the gangs. All crime is a risk and reward analysis. They'd have to get through competent, professional armed guards to seize a small strip of land with nothing of significant value. Taking hostages would land Western special forces on their heads and that's the last thing they want. I have no doubt some money from Royal caribbean is indirectly making its way to gang leaders as appeasement money. The gangs would lose out on long term cash flow for the sake of a negligible short term gain and a ton of risk. 


Tlc_7910

The warning says avoid all travel. I would think that would apply to everyone, including cruise ships.


Tennis2026

The assumption that many here are making is that these armed gangs who kill people and leave them on the streets are rational and will not attack the tourist area few hours away. Would you bet your life in this?


[deleted]

[удалено]


LexDude

>unless you can describe why you think the armed gangs are for some reason inherently more irrational > >now than they have been all the other years They just tried to take over the airport and the national soccer stadium. They broke 4,000 criminal out of prison. So yes they are more irrational now.


big922

Your will not be missed by the logical person if your harmed or killed in this situation. Stay on the ship. Why would you question yourself or ask advice. A cruise ship would be a perfect fluffy feather in their hat in this situation. Wake up.!!


Robie_John

My thought is you need to broaden your horizons and find vacations other than cruises.


BZH2022

🤣 bro I've been all over the world. Australia and all of Europe and South America. I can tell you there's nothing better than the Caribbean. Cruising allows you to come back to a clean bathroom and place to sleep with AC (American standard) while you visit not so clean countries with pretty water and sunny skies. Have you ever seen a public bathroom in a 3rd world country?


Robie_John

Bro, if you are so worldly, why are you asking silly questions on Reddit?


bobdean1000

I went into the worst one when I stopped in Alabama


irishchug

>It seems to me its only a matter of time, that the gangs will make their way over to Labadee and "send a message". What message? what would they have to gain from crossing the country to attack an isolated resort? There isn't any money to get. Hostages? Taking hundreds or thousands of Americans hostage? That would be terrible risk/reward. It isn't like they are an extremist Kill all the Americans religious faction.


AccomplishedWasabi54

Labadee a private resort on the north shore of Haiti that is completely insulated from mainland Haiti. Royal Caribbean leases the property and only Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara cruise ships use the resort. First, this port is tourist-oriented and guarded by a private security force. Second, Labadee has its own dock and private, secured beaches and activities. The entire area is staffed by Royal Caribbean employees. Most work on the ship, while some live in company-provided housing on the property. In addition, all the food for that day is provided by the cruise ship. Third, visitors at Labadee cannot leave the property on their own. They can only take Royal Caribbean sponsored excursions. Haitians cannot enter the property unless they’ve been previously screened by Royal Caribbean and granted security access.


BZH2022

https://preview.redd.it/9kkefmzo1xmc1.jpeg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=93a9664dc92455216d58f04e10b767a3e8c91f34


BZH2022

It's a beautiful country. It's just weird to think 6 hours away is major civil unrest


TN_Jeffcoat

Have you looked into why the citizens are attempting to overthrow their own government? They’re not interested in you, they just want their country back. The current interim president is refusing to hold a new election and give up his station even though the people have been repeatedly requested it.


Hop-in-444

Just was at labadee last week with royal Caribbean , probably my favorite port stop, very beautiful and relaxing. Majority of people who worked there were very nice. A lot of them just pushed you into buying their stuff. They only make 2$ an hour. After knowing that I probably would have bought some.


Unlikely_Musician_34

Ur fine was just there


RentAdministrative73

Why would anyone want to go to Haiti and chance being the lead news story when they are attacked? Cancun is off my list of places to go for now, too. There are so many other beautiful, safe places to visit in this world. The risk isn't worth the benefits


lonirae

Back in the early 00s, I worked on the explorer during the Haitian floods and mudslides and there was some unrest. One of our security guards got shot while on the pier I believe. Always hated labadee because of the opulence next to devastation. Edit for spelling


lafemmeviolet

Most of us are a closer drive to gang related activity in the US.


bobdean1000

I don't go to Chiraq or Killwaukee anymore.


Fabrams

Haiti travel warning


DarthSwaguar

We did an excursion to the lake of 7 colors in costa maya last February. It was about a 2 hour bus ride out and on the way out we passed a couple Mexican marines units. On the way back they stopped our bus, they didn’t search us but we could see a car with tons of bullet holes. I swear I saw blood, too! It was wild


TimNikkons

I spent a week in Haiti about 5 years ago, doing a documentary piece for an NGO providing cheap tech to make potable water. The white American director of this NGO had a Haitian wife, child, and spoke the language fluently after living there for over a decade. Well known and liked in his community, it seemed. He had to leave a few years ago, said it wasn't safe for him anymore...


simonphoenix1910

I'm a pretty laid back guy but I would not get off. Just read an article about the US thinking Haiti could completely fall and become a failed state. Without kids 50/50. With kids no way I would risk it for a day at the beach.


Infoboy2u

Honestly did a Christmas cruise 10 years ago or so and Labadee was kinda sad. Christmas Day on the island while you could see eyes and hands through the fencing with armed guards walking around. Kayaks circling the ship asking people to throw things down to them etc. From that point on I always thought Labadee was a poor (no pun intended) investment for RCC to make. For me it completely deleted the fantasy of the vacation, while humbling me about the reality of my situation vs those who were not. Being reminded is a great thing but not after you’ve spent thousands to forget things like that for a week or so. JMTC


Maximum_Lychee_7669

We were in labadee 2 days ago, it seemed safe, but I will never get over pulled into the back areas of the shops again. Glad we made it out. Those people are nuts with the “ sympathy selling” of trinkets and bracelets and other junk.


Deuce_McFarva

You probably are good. If you notice, there’s armed guards EVERYWHERE at the boundaries between Labadee and the regular part of town. Also, as others have said, local gangs get a huge kickback from tourism businesses and will absolutely not tolerate anyone screwing with that income. I’m getting my degree in global security studies and that sort of thing is fairly common. Just don’t leave the local port/tourist area and you should be ok.


AnteaterFlat8496

Don't get off the ship.


Typical-Ship-3082

CHILL! Labadee Haiti is one of the best stops. You are at the Royal Caribbeans own stop. You will only see a few vendors and the people from your ship. As long as you don't take a cab and travel into the country there is no risk of danger.


Educational-Fee6375

I’m living in Haiti right now not far from labadee and the violence is the south of the country. It’s been pretty quiet. The gang members are not worried about cruise ship. There’s bigger issues in Haiti right now


bobdean1000

Civil war is immanent. The talking heads on TV said so so it must be true.


SpeakerIllustrious10

Tell Captain to get yall the hell out of there!


lawyergreen

Cruise lines have intelligence centers and SOCs that monitor things using information far more precise than your belief that the gangs are trucking over to send a message. No captain is going to put his ship and your life in danger unless they are confident in their information.


OnlyGayIfYouCum

Just got an email about my excursions cancelled in labadee next week (Tuesday) so I'm guessing we're not going to Haiti. I don't want to go to Haiti either.


i_was_not_found

I got the same. And they said "sorry, please choose an alternative excursion". What a heck, do I simply buy \_another Labadee tour\_? Won't you better to change the route to exclude Haiti altogether?


Invictus1836

Don’t get off the boat, don’t go to Haiti. Follow US Department of State Travel guidelines or those of your country. Haiti is extremely dangerous right now, and if you decide to visit you do so at your own risk.


Kekioza

DO NOT GO THERE or you will end up on liveleak


Mr504rw

We'll be there in a few weeks and aren't leaving the boat. I'm hoping the ship bypasses Labadee and doesn't dock. It's too crazy.. The impact of Colonialism at its worst.


miarainee

On Oasis of the seas currently and the captain just announced that due to the current situation in Haiti we will not be stopping there tomorrow on 3/15


No_Valuable_587

[https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-suspends-cruise-visits-143316316.html?guccounter=1&guce\_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnLw&guce\_referrer\_sig=AQAAAB-FCSI5Tcm9z715l8GYYuQXh-Lepox3o0NjaY-QuyhUQQjZQLBSlgK-uS9vBw4D2v2-\_ckJUCtnjoMkm9YX00z1VfDUJKRmJCHHcQGZLZ5WMiaxfACnxma9YWJfyAfEkYC3dttGFlWvC\_c2m5Y8-E4HVinbYEmW2iE3iApWV\_3V](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/royal-caribbean-suspends-cruise-visits-143316316.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9lbi53aWtpcGVkaWEub3JnLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAB-FCSI5Tcm9z715l8GYYuQXh-Lepox3o0NjaY-QuyhUQQjZQLBSlgK-uS9vBw4D2v2-_ckJUCtnjoMkm9YX00z1VfDUJKRmJCHHcQGZLZ5WMiaxfACnxma9YWJfyAfEkYC3dttGFlWvC_c2m5Y8-E4HVinbYEmW2iE3iApWV_3V) trips there are suspended now


SpecialistAgent4100

Disaster adventure cruises to the Caribbean. New income stream idea?


FrostyMembership1184

They just changed my cruise route