Labadee Haiti Cruise Port

Labadee sits on the northern coast of Haiti within the arrondissement of Cap-Haïtien. Though sometimes described as an island, it is actually a peninsula contiguous with Hispaniola. It is an exclusive privately-owned Caribbean resort destination, leased until 2050 to Royal Caribbean Group. Only ships from Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises can dock and disembark passengers.

Labadee occupies a unique niche on the cruise calendar. The resort is entirely tourism-oriented and guarded by a private security force, and cruisers are not allowed to leave the property as the site is fenced off from the surrounding area. Local Haitian merchants are given sole rights to sell merchandise and establish businesses in the resort. Rather than stepping into the wider country, cruisers receive a curated beach day with specific focal points.

The landscape blends mountain and sea. The zip line Dragon's Breath Flight Line starts from a mountain-top launch platform and allows speeds up to 50 mph (80 kph), making it the longest overwater zip line in the world. Nature trails are common activities, along with parasailing, jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, alpine coaster riding, and DreamWorks Safari. Columbus Cove Beach is the least crowded, and tourists often use a complimentary ferry ride to reach it due to the walking distance from the docking pier.

For those seeking calm, renting private cabanas or beach bungalows is popular, offering privacy and available to book before or during the voyage. Beach beds and loungers are also available to rent. Food and drink are complimentary from the ship or purchased onboard. The location is named after Marquis de La Badie, a Frenchman who first settled the area in the 17th century, though the cruise company spells it Labadee to make it easier for American English-speakers to pronounce.

Labadee suits anyone wanting a structured beach day with built-in activities and no need to venture beyond the resort perimeter, and it sits among the most-logged ports on The Cruise Globe.