Royal Caribbean Cancels Labadee, Haiti Through April 2028: 44 Sailings on Nine Ships Rerouted to Nassau, Cozumel, Grand Turk and Sea Days — What Booked Guests Need to Know

Royal Caribbean has extended its pause on visits to Labadee, its private beach destination in Haiti, through at least April 2028 — the third extension in under two years — and has started telling booked guests their itineraries are changing.

Travel advisors were notified on Friday, October 30, and the update affects 44 itineraries across nine ships. Royal Caribbean cancelled all Labadee visits for guests sailing through the first half of 2027 in July; this latest round pushes the cancellation another 10 months. Replacement ports vary by sailing and include Nassau, Cozumel, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Samaná and, on some cruises, extra days at sea.

The cruise line says guest and crew safety is its priority. Haiti remains under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory because of gang violence and political instability. Here is what changes, which ships are affected, and what guests should do.

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Published: November 2, 2026 — Monday
What’s new: Labadee visits cancelled through at least April 2028
Previous pause: Through June 2027 (announced July 2026)
Sailings affected: 44 itineraries
Ships affected: Adventure, Allure, Explorer, Freedom, Harmony, Independence, Serenade, Star and Symphony of the Seas
Last visit to Labadee: April 2025
Replacement ports: Vary by sailing — Nassau, Grand Turk, Cozumel, Amber Cove, Samaná and others, or a sea day
Shore excursions: Prepaid Labadee excursions booked through Royal Caribbean are refunded automatically
Fare compensation: None announced for this round
Official statement: Royal Caribbean has not published a public statement on the April 2028 date; guests are being told by email and through travel advisors

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🏝️ What Happened

Labadee, on Haiti’s north coast, has long been a staple of Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean itineraries. The company last called there in April 2025, after an earlier pause, and suspended visits again shortly afterward. In July 2026 it extended the cancellation through June 2027, and the October 30 notice extends it a further 10 months, to at least April 2028.

Royal Caribbean told media in July that the decision was made with the safety and well-being of guests and crew in mind. Haiti carries a Level 4 travel advisory from the US because of gang violence and political instability. The cruise line has not said when, or whether, it plans to return.

📅 How the Closure Has Been Extended

🚢 Ships Affected and Sample Replacements

Across the fleet, substitute ports reported so far include Grand Turk, Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Samaná, Puerto Plata, Amber Cove, San Juan, Ponce, George Town in Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. On some sailings, other ports are also reshuffled — one April 2028 notice mentions a Nassau departure time moved to 4:00pm and the order and timing of other stops adjusted — so don’t assume two sailings on the same ship will get the same replacement.

💶 What Guests Get — and Don’t

Cruise contracts generally allow itinerary changes. For a refund or credit, you would typically rely on the cruise line’s goodwill or your travel insurance’s terms.

✅ If You’re Booked on an Affected Sailing

• Check your email and the Royal Caribbean app for your exact new itinerary and any changed departure times
• Rebook shore excursions at the replacement port, and check which prepaid tours have been refunded
• Compare the new itinerary with the old one — in some cases a sea day replaces a port
• Decide whether the change matters to you. If Labadee was the main reason you booked, ask your advisor about your options before final payment dates
• Check your travel insurance, which may or may not cover itinerary changes
• Keep records of your original itinerary, the change notice and any excursion refunds
• For future bookings, don’t assume Labadee will return in 2028 — check the itinerary at the time you book

📅 What Happens Next

Royal Caribbean has now delayed a return to Labadee several times, and there is no announced reopening date. The company reviews conditions in Haiti regularly, and the pause could be extended again. We’ll update this article if Royal Caribbean publishes an official statement, offers compensation, or confirms more itinerary changes.

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🌐 Official Sources

• Royal Caribbean — itinerary updates and guest notices: royalcaribbean.com
• US Department of State — Haiti travel advisory: travel.state.gov
• Global Affairs Canada — Haiti advice: travel.gc.ca
• Reporting: Royal Caribbean Blog

Posted By : Vinay

As a lead contributor for Travel Tourister, Vinay is dedicated to serving our Tier 1 audience (US, UK, Canada, Australia). His mission is to deliver precise, fact-checked news and actionable, data-driven articles that empower readers to make informed decisions, minimize travel risks, and maximize their adventure without compromising safety or budget.