Royal Caribbean cancels cruises to Haiti amid ongoing turmoil there

Turmoil in the Caribbean has prompted the Royal Caribbean cruise line to “temporarily make adjustments to sailings” to a popular destination in the area.As Haiti continues to be destabilized by vicious gangs, Royal Caribbean will not sail to the peninsula of Labadee on the country’s north coast in May, The Independent reports.Royal Caribbean’s travel pause to Labadee began in mid-March, as airports closed and flights were canceled.At the time, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his planned resignation amid the upheaval.Royal Caribbean’s “Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti,” a spokesperson for the cruise line told The Independent.“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority,” the rep added.Ships and itineraries facing disruption in May include Allure of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, per The Independent.

“We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly,” Royal Caribbean said in its statement.The US State Department began warning Americans not to travel to parts of Haiti, like the capital, Port-au-Prince, in July 2023 because of kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, and poor healthcare.Earlier this month, private operations were launched by former New York Giant Jack Brewer to get Americans in Haiti out safely.As the situation worsens, Port-au-Prince has been described as a “battlefield,” where notorious gang leaders are deliberately burning down homes.Gangs have also stormed a prison and helped about 4,000 prisoners escape.Millions are struggling with hunger as many ports and supply routes are cut off while more than 360,000 people have been displaced by the violence, according to the United Nations....