Private islands have become a major part of Royal Caribbean’s strategy. The company has invested more than $250 million in its flagship destination island Perfect Day at CocoCay, while it has also been building private island-style beach clubs in Nassau and Cozumel.
Perfect Day at CocoCay has always been the cruise line's most popular port, and that makes sense because it offers guests a day at the beach where they can choose their own adventure. You can opt for a classic beach experience, enjoy a free barbecue and tacos, or choose to visit the paid water park or ride the ziplines.
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Visitors can pay extra for the exclusive Beach Club, or the adults-only Hideaway Beach, or opt for only the included activities, which include a giant pool and multiple beaches.
Royal Caribbean also has a private island in Labadee, Haiti. The company has not visited that island (which is actually a private section of an island) due to political instability in the country and a warning from the U.S. State Department against travel there.
“Please do not travel to Haiti due to kidnappings, crime, civil unrest, and poor healthcare infrastructure. On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible using commercial or other available private transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges,” the federal agency shared.
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Image source: Daniel Kline/Come Cruise With Me
Royal Caribbean is planning a return to Labadee
Royal Caribbean stopped calling at Labadee in March because of the image of stopping in a country about which the State Department had issued such a dire warning. In reality, Labadee is a gated private destination that is many hours from any population center.
The cancellation of Labadee as a destination was at least partly due to an image issue, but the situation has improved somewhat and some airlines have resumed flights to and from Haiti. That has prompted Royal Caribbean to email some passengers to let them know it plans to return to its private island in Labadee.
“Labadee is one of our fans’ favourite private destinations and we are ready and excited to return to Labadee in October 2024. “It's time, and we know that you have the same hope as we do for a successful return to Labadee.” CruiseHive shared.
That report followed several people sharing the same news in various Royal Caribbean facebook groups.
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Labadee has been listed on Royal Caribbean's website since October and the cruise line has confirmed its plans.
“Airports are open and all airlines have now returned. With the positive presence of peacekeepers and relief efforts for Haitian residents, we hope to see tourism fully return soon,” the cruise line shared.
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