Are you planning a cruise vacation to Haiti? Labadee is an exclusive port that offers visitors a unique and exciting experience. From tropical beaches with crystal-clear waters to thrilling activities such as zip-lining and rock climbing, this guide covers everything you need to know about the country’s cruise destination.
Let’s explore what Haiti has in store!
About the Port
Labadee is a remarkable destination for cruise passengers. Located in the north of Haiti, it is a private port leased by Royal Caribbean International. Besides accommodating cruises from Royal Caribbean, Labadee also occasionally welcomes ships from Celebrity Cruises, making it unique amongst other ports worldwide.
A beautiful beachfront with amazing views and rich flora and fauna offers an enhanced experience to its visitors apart from adventurous water activities that enthrall all age groups alike.
Along with providing ultimate fun on the blue waters, Labadee ensures its guests enjoy tasty bites at the numerous restaurants serving you delicious dishes throughout your stay while you embrace the precinct’s retail stores for getting souvenirs and mementos post your visit to this exotic place.
Cruise Terminal Information
Labadee is a private cruise port for the Royal Caribbean in Haiti. Its range of shore excursions and activities offers passengers a wide selection of excitement and relaxation.
Upon arriving, guests will find that the terminal contains everything they need to enjoy their time at the port. The cruise terminal has all the standard amenities seen at other ports, such as restrooms, bars, and shopping outlets selling souvenirs and duty-free products worldwide.
There are also kiosks where passengers can sign up to use complimentary beach chairs or umbrellas on Labadee’s white sandy beaches.
The major attraction in Labadee is Dragon’s Breath Zip-Line – one of only fourteen zip lines above water! Passengers brave enough to take on this exciting activity will fly over mountains surrounded by stunning scenery while safely strapped into their harnesses over 1,700 feet long (or 520 meters).
How to Get Around
While in Labadee, visitors will find it easy to get around and explore. Onsite transportation is available at the pier, including complimentary shuttle buses circulating throughout the resort area.
For those wanting a quicker journey, some trams run along designated routes for faster travel. Bikes are also available for rent or can be included with your cruise package if you book beforehand.
No public transport is available outside the resort, so passengers should arrange private taxis or use scheduled transfers from their cruise line for trips into other towns and villages surrounding Labadee.
Taxis do not accept credit cards, but most places have an ATM nearby to withdraw Haitian Gouds (HTG), which will be needed when paying fares by cash only.
Things to Do
Labadee, Haiti, offers tons of exciting things to do for cruise ship travelers. Labadee has everything from relaxing on beautiful beaches to being adventurous with thrilling water sports activities.
Amiga Island, located minutes from the Royal Caribbean Research and Adventure Park Center, is a must-visit. Visitors can swim in its turquoise waters or participate in snorkeling and other aquatic activities.
Cadras Beach is another great destination for a leisurely day of beach activities like volleyball or kayaking with friends and family around its white sand shores.
Experience an adrenaline rush by zip-lining down Dragon’s Tail Roller Coaster at speeds exceeding 50 km per hour! For those looking for more outdoor adventure activities, traverse along the 500ft long Dragon’s Breath Zipline on massive platforms suspended midair; treat yourself to excellent views of Labadee as you go along your journey!
Enjoy a relaxed day out in A Paradise Cove Escape, where guests have access to their private beach cove equipped with dedicated bar service and special entertainment, plus a Haitian Village Experience that allows them to explore local cuisine, shopping venues & galleries up close through interactive cultural experiences guided by knowledgeable staff members.
Beach Pass Information
If you are visiting Labadee, Haiti, on a cruise ship vacation, you’ll likely want to spend some time at the beach. To do so, a beach pass system will give guests access to different amenities and fun activities around the beaches, depending on which type of pass they purchase.
The Royal Beach offers three types of passes – Basic Pass, Plus Pass, and Ultimate Pass—the Basic Pass grants access to toilets, showers, and umbrellas. With the Plus Pass, sunshine seekers can enjoy a variety of water sports equipment – including kayaks, wave runners, windsurfers, etc., provided by Aquaparks at their locations along the coastline.
On top of all these features, the Ultimate Pass grants visitors two premium beverages daily plus ten tokens – redeemable for food in one Pax Et Chef Restaurant or drinks from designated bars throughout the Royal Beach area.
Accessing these passes could not be simpler; each guest receives a $35 credit per person from your travel company when receiving their tickets upon embarkation, or they can buy it directly before your tour date if available online through various websites.
Local Cuisine & Best Places to Eat
Labadee, Haiti, is the perfect place to experience some of the best local Caribbean cuisine. This port town is particularly known for its delicious BBQ food, with a culinary scene centered around comforting barbeque foods and Haitian classics.
Cruise ship travelers have no shortage of amazing eateries just steps away from the terminal, giving them an excitingly unique culinary experience. Visitors can sample traditional Haitian cuisine while exploring a variety of mouth-watering dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Shopping Opportunities
The port features three main shopping venues: Dragon’s Plaza, Solé Terrace, and Bounty Beach.
Here, visitors can find various items to take home from their trip, including handmade crafts and products crafted by local artisans. Dragon’s Plaza offers souvenirs that capture the unique culture of Labadee, while Solé Terrace specializes in handcrafted jewelry and accessories.
Bounty Beach cruisers will find beachwear such as swimsuits, t-shirts, and sunglasses, perfect for days spent on the sun-soaked shoreline.
Local Currency
The official currency in Haiti’s cruise port is the Gourde (HTG). The Gourde is divided into 100 centimes and comes in notes of HTG500, 250, 100, and 50, among other denominations. Additionally, there is an equivalence of five Haitian Gourdes to one Haitian dollar (H$).
Furthermore, it should be noted that U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Labadee, where the cruise port lies, for convenience purposes during your visit.
Safety Tips
Cruise ship travelers visiting Labadee, Haiti, should take important safety precautions, as political unrest in the country is common. Visitors to Labadee are advised to avoid wearing flashy clothing and jewelry and to keep cameras and phones hidden from the public.
Securing valuables in lockers when participating in activities like the Dragon’s Breath Zipline is recommended so that you don’t become a target for theft. The Department of State of the United States advises travelers to avoid demonstrations or crowded areas that can be hotspots for violence-related incidents.
Best Time to Visit
For cruise ship passengers interested in visiting Haiti, the best time of year to travel is between December and March—in other words, during the dry season. This coincides with the main Caribbean cruise season and ensures minimal precipitation while allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures that this region is known for.
Also, peak periods between April-May and October-November may bring increased rainfall due to various weather systems moving through the area.
Popular Cruise Lines that Visit Haiti Cruise Port
The Haiti Cruise Port is a popular destination for many cruise lines, with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara being the most popular. Royal Caribbean’s private island of Labadee, Haiti, offers stunningly beautiful beachfront resorts with crystal clear waters and various activities to appease any level traveler, such as white sand beaches, cabanas, and shopping experiences.
Azamara cruises make occasional visits to the port. Celebrity Cruises also stops at this incredible port city, bringing luxury experiences, including deluxe dining options that offer wonderful cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs and multiple onboard entertainment options.
FAQs
Find quick answers to the most common questions about Haiti cruise port, such as safety and popular cruise lines. Read on to know more!
Is it safe to get off the cruise ship in Haiti?
Cruise travelers to Haiti can rest assured that the port of Labadee, owned by Royal Caribbean, is considered safe for visitors and has lower reported crime rates.
Where do cruise ships stop in Haiti?
Cruise ships typically stop in the port of Labadee, Haiti. Located along the northern coast of Haiti, this exclusive resort is owned by Royal Caribbean and can only be accessed if you book a cruise with them.
Booking Information
Labadee, Haiti, is your perfect destination if you’re looking for a private beach getaway with exclusive access. The only way to visit this Caribbean paradise is by booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise Lines, or Azamara Club Cruises.
Booking a trip is easy – simply use any online travel agency or the official website of one of the above cruise companies. When selecting your preferred packages, remember that it may include special amenities & activities like Fast Track Passes to enjoy all-day-long festivities and other additional perks throughout the voyage.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Located in the north of Haiti, Labadee is a unique and beautiful private resort port that offers visitors a range of activities in its stunning paradise-like surroundings. From adventurous zip-lining and rock climbing to snorkeling and jet skiing in crystal clear Caribbean waters, this exciting port destination caters to all types of travelers.
Book your cruise route with a call at this exquisite Caribbean hub!
