Royal Caribbean’s Labadee – ultimate private island

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s cruise lines began looking for ways to create new itinerary alternatives for their guests. The concept of the “private out island” experience was born.  For Royal Caribbean International, this included the development of a relatively unknown, but pristine location called Labadee.

 Background of Labadee

 Located on the northern coast of Haiti, Labadee is actually a  1,300 foot peninsula that juts into the Northern Atlantic Ocean and is in Haiti’s Cap Haitian region. This remote area  has been  providing  a private island experience for Royal Caribbean guests for well over two decades, with beaches, water sports, and beach barbeques.

 The Labadee Experience

 Today the Labadee experience  includes seven distinct  “neighborhoods,” thanks to a $55 million investment made in 2009 by Royal Caribbean. Much larger than most private islands,  it also has a tram service for guests to use.  Another feature is the addition of the new pier  – guests don’t have to be tendered in. This 1,300 pier allows Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, the Oasis of the Seas  and Allure of the Seas(225,282 gross registered tons) to dock there as well.

The neighborhoods include  several distinct beach areas.   The newest beach, Adrenaline Beach, is also the site of Labadee’s newest attraction as well – Dragon’s Tail Coaster,  where guests can enjoy breathtaking views as they go up to Santa Maria’s lookout mountain, race through 360-degree turns, waves, and dips while also getting glimpses of the ocean. There is also the Dragon’s Breath zip-line, a cable slide that starts from a nearby hill and ends in the resort, providing spectacular views as well.

Another is Nellie’s Beach, which provides more of a tranquil side to this paradise. Columbus Cove  is a terrific kid-friendly spot (even for adults)  to go swimming or enjoy one of the many options available – a new water slide, climbing icebergs, trampolines, and the log roll.

Buccaneers’ Bay is where guests can reserve boat tours, excursions and watercraft. And Dragon’s Plaza is another area to enjoy the sand and beach as well as having a barbeque lunch at the Dragon’s Café.

Exclusive Beach Area

 The Barefoot Beach Club & Cabanas are exclusively for guests who stay in certain suite categories onboard their ships. Entrance to this private beach area is complimentary for these guests, and complimentary amenities include lounge chairs, floating mats, use of snorkeling equipment and an upgraded beach barbeque luncheon.  In addition, there are 20 cabanas available for daily rental.

Culture and shopping

 Labadee Town Square includes  the Artisan’s Village and  Market with more than 70 shops to choose from. Guests can find one-of-a-kind pieces of art or handicraft. These shops provide unique paintings,  wood carvings and sculptures. Guests can sample free rum, and  at the Artisan’s Showcase, they can also watch local artisans craft their creations and art work. The new outdoor Village Amphitheatre, also located in Labadee Town Square, features traditional folkloric singers and dancers.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited – a strong commitment to Haiti

 For over 30 years, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, parent company of Royal Caribbean International, has  had a strong commitment when it comes to Haiti’s economy as well as the people who reside there. It’s also been a much needed center of tourism especially in the aftermath of the  2010 earthquake that  devastated Haiti. Labadee is  separated by miles of jungle areas and mountains  from other communities as well Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital.  But after the 2010 earthquake, Royal Caribbean continued to call on Haiti and used their ships to also ferry in personnel and supplies. In addition, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited has donated over $2.5 million to the Haiti relief effort. Another positive impact? Over 500 local Haitians are either vendors or employees at Labadee, and commute there from some of the local villages.

I’ve been fortunate to go to Labadee  a few times myself  (my first was in  the late 1980’s.) It’s a wonderful combination of  pristine beaches, scenic mountains and lush terrain with cultural touches. And now with the development of these distinct neighborhoods as well as fun activities, it’s definitely a port to target in on when planning your next group cruise.