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Are you looking to learn more about beautiful Labadee, Haiti?  As many of you know, this past May 2018, Nancy and I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful port.  We cruised on the amazing Royal Caribbean Harmony Of The Seas Cruise Ship.  Read more below.

Prior to our trip, we booked a zip lining excursion, which was called the Dragon’s Breath.  We were quite anxious and very excited to try this zip line. This zip line was on a platform approximately 500 feet above Adrenaline Beach.  Here, we zip lined at a high speed approximately 2600 feet down, while enjoying a beautiful view of our Royal Caribbean Ship and the ocean.  What a travel experience!!

Beautiful Labadee, Haiti

So where is Labadee, Haiti located? Labadee (French: Labadie) is a port located on the northern coast of Haiti within the arrondissement of Cap-Haïtien in the Norddepartment. It is a private resort leased to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., for the exclusive use of passengers of its three cruise lines: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises, until 2050.  Royal Caribbean has contributed the largest proportion of tourist revenue to Haiti since 1986, employing 300 locals, allowing another 200 to sell their wares on the premises for a fee and paying the Haitian government $12 USD per tourist.  (Wikipedia)

The port is completely tourist-oriented, and is guarded by a private security force. The site is fenced off from the surrounding area, and passengers are not allowed to leave the property. Food available to tourists is brought from the cruise ships. A controlled group of Haitian merchants are given sole rights to sell their merchandise and establish their businesses in the port area. Although sometimes described as an island in advertisements, it is actually a peninsula contiguous with the island of Hispaniola. The cruise ship moors to the pier at Labadee capable of servicing the Oasis class ships, which was completed in late 2009.  (Wikipedia)

Amazing Royal Caribbean Oasis Class Ships

Oasis class ships can transport up to 6,000 passengers.  If 4,000 passengers get off the ship, that is $48,000 that Royal Caribbean pays the Haitian government.  In addition, if three ships pull into port a week, that is an excellent income which Royal Caribbean is paying Haiti.  I am proud to be supporting a country that has had some bad luck (earthquakes).  Most importantly, while I enjoy a holiday with my family!

Attractions include a Haitian flea market, beaches, water sports, a water-oriented playground, an alpine coaster, and the largest zip-line over water. (Wikipedia).

After enjoying the Dragon’s Breath zip line, which was nothing less than spectacular and exhilarating, we enjoyed sunning and swimming time at beautiful Barefoot Beach.

The Lovely Haitian Marketplace

Later, I decided to explore the Haitian Marketplace.  The Haitian Marketplace consisted of many small shops with many miscellaneous items for sale.

I observed the Haitian people selling a large number of items including clothing, hats, carvings, paintings, homemade wrist bands, alcohol, and much more. While shopping, the Haitian people were polite and easy to communicate with.

In addition, the Haitian people were very honest.  I mistakenly left my sunglasses in one shop and the owner immediately returned the sunglasses to me outside his shop.  Truly, I enjoyed the art of negotiating sales for a bargain price.  Through negotiations, I was able to purchase a couple shirts at a good price!  A successful day in the marketplace makes for a great day!

When leaving the marketplace, I observed a Haitian Security Officer walking by nearby.  Upon greeting the Officer, he cordially thanked me for shopping in the marketplace.  Reminding me, there are good people around the world!

After leaving the marketplace, I returned to the beach.  I had time for a quick swim and then a short walk back to the ship.  Certainly, our day in Labadee was one to remember!  We had a wonderful day and the day went by way too quickly. Nancy and I are hoping to return again in April 2019.

We Loved Gorgeous Haiti

In conclusion, we definitely recommend a visit to beautiful Labadee, Haiti!   Above all, our overall experience was great!  Royal Caribbean has done a masterful job with their private port of Labadee, Haiti!  We are truly thrilled to add beautiful Labadee to our travel resume!

Happy Travels!!