Cruise giants cancel Haiti: safety over luxury!

Cruise giants cancel Haiti: safety over luxury!

Royal Caribbean Cruises has decided to cancel planned visits to Haiti until spring 2026. This decision was made out of “utmost caution” to ensure the safety of passengers. The background is the alarming security situation in the country, which has worsened in recent months. The private port of Labadee on the north coast of Haiti, which is frequently visited by cruise tourists, is now affected by this regulation for the time being. Loud Focus This is in response to a comprehensive travel warning from the US State Department, which placed Haiti in the highest “travel prohibited” category on July 15th.

The US State Department's warning refers to the dangers of kidnapping, crime and terrorist activity, as well as civil unrest and limited health care. The German authorities are also alarmed: This Foreign Office warns German citizens urgently against traveling to Haiti and recommends leaving the country safely. The security situation has not improved since the declaration of the state of emergency and the night curfew in spring 2024.

Current security situation in Haiti

The ongoing battles between the national police and criminal gangs are having serious consequences for the population. There were numerous deaths and injuries, especially in suburbs of Port-au-Prince that were once believed to be safe. The situation is further exacerbated by attacks on police stations and the storming of prisons. Barricades and gang-controlled checkpoints are common throughout the country.

Foreigners are considered preferred victims of robberies, which further increases the high risk of kidnapping for travelers. The German Embassy in Port-au-Prince is closed and there is limited consular assistance available from Santo Domingo. According to the Foreign Office, travelers who still want to travel to Haiti should put themselves on the crisis preparedness list and take all safety precautions seriously.

Impact on the cruise industry

Despite the difficulties in Haiti, the outlook for the cruise industry remains optimistic. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 19 million Americans plan to take a cruise in 2023. 2025 is expected to be another record year for the industry, particularly in the Caribbean, Alaska and Europe. 72 percent of passengers prefer Caribbean destinations for their vacation. However, with the exception of Haiti, which is no longer included in the timetable, these destinations remain unaffected.

Royal Caribbean Cruises' decision underscores the need to focus on traveler safety and shows how geopolitical situations can impact the tourism industry.