Caribbean & Atlantic
Haiti
Haiti occupies the mountainous western end of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its location, tropical climate and pristine beaches shaded by lush vegetation once made it a potential tourism hot spot just 25 years ago…
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At a glance
Cruiseable lists 1 port under Haiti, in the Caribbean & Atlantic region. No cruise currently on sale calls there.
Destination guide
Labadee, Haiti, travel guide: What to do & see
Haiti occupies the mountainous western end of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its location, tropical climate and pristine beaches shaded by lush vegetation once made it a potential tourism hot spot just 25 years ago, but decades of poverty, violence, dictatorships, instability and depleted natural resources have taken a toll. It’s now the poorest and most densely populated destination in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, the nation was hard hit by recent devastating tropical storms and the earthquake in 2010, leaving thousands homeless.
It’s unfortunate, since travelers could miss out on engaging with the welcoming Haitian people. Haiti travel offers a unique culture that shines in its religion, music and cuisine. Haiti saw the only successful slave revolution in colonial history and so it has wholly embraced its African roots. This has evolved into a complex and fascinating culture, with the practice of voodoo at its core, accented by a marriage of French and Creole cuisine and language and such music as kampa and zouk.
That said, the reality is that the vast majority of cruise passengers visiting Haiti hardly realize they're in Haiti. Labadee is the private port destination on the north coast of Haiti operated by Royal Caribbean, and visitors come for the sun, surf and beaches — traveling inland isn't practical on a day trip.
Read the full guide
Top things to see & do in Haiti
Labadee
Developed by Royal Caribbean Cruises, this resort in Northern Haiti has a private beach, water park, and other activities for families, you can spend a stress free day in Haiti. Enjoy jet skis, volleyball and kayaking while remaining safe in this port area.
Port-au-Prince
The capital Port-au-Prince is a natural harbor and bustling city, whose Iron Market is busy with bargainers, whether looking for voodoo artifacts or food such as fresh turtle. The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien offers a chronology of Haitian history, including the anchor of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus's flagship.
Citadelle Henri Christophe
Also known as the Citadelle Laferrière, this fortress is located high in the mountains of northern Haiti, overlooking the city of Milot. It was build around 1820 by newly independent Haitians to protect from the French. It is a Haitian national symbol, featured on currency and stamps throughout the country.
Best bets for dining
Haitian cuisine is Caribbean métissage, or a mix of French and African cuisines. It is highly spiced and, of course, features the local fruits and fish, along with other meats. Try kabrit (roast goat), the fried pork griot, the poulet creole (poultry with a Creole sauce) poulet creole and the du riz jonjon (rice with wild mushrooms).
Take precautions with the water, and make sure that all water you drink is either bottled or has been purified. Do not trust raw vegetables, and make sure that all that you consume have been peeled or disinfected. Make sure all meats are well-cooked.
Best time to go
It is best to avoid Haiti in hurricane season, which is between June and November.
Fun facts
- The name Haïti comes from the indigenous Taíno language. It is the French spelling for the original word Ayiti, which was the native name given to the entire island of Hispaniola to mean, "land of high mountains."
- The famous Santa Maria is moored on Haiti.
When you arrive
Docking information
At this time, Royal Caribbean moors to the pier in Labadee.
Getting around
If you are traveling away from Labadee, tap-taps are local buses used throughout Haiti to get around. They are usually modified vans with bright colors. Taxis typically are about 500 gourdes and should be used only during daylight. After dark, prices rise substantially, and you are at substantially greater risk for being mugged.
Need to know
Documents: All U.S. and Canadian citizens will need a passport.
Currency: The Haitian Gourde
Language: French or Haitian Creole. However, in most tourist areas, people also speak English.
Safety: The U.S. State Department urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when visiting mainland Haiti given Haiti’s weak emergency response infrastructure, though Labadee is considered a safe haven. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Haiti each year, but the poor state of Haiti’s emergency response network should be carefully considered when planning travel. See our safety tips for cruisers.
Your take
Have you been to Labadee? Please share a story, tip or a photo or two. What was the highlight for you?
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Photos of Haiti
Kids go slip sliding into the warm Caribbean waters of Labadee, Haiti, during an Allure of the Seas cruise. 
Take a jetski out for a spin when your Royal Caribbean sailing takes you to Labadee, its 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast. 
During your cruise to the Western Caribbean on Freedom of the Seas, you'll have a day for water activities or fun on one of the attractions at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast. 
Kids get into the splash action in Labadee, Haiti, during an Allure of the Seas cruise. 
Daughter and dad take a rollercoaster ride in Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach resort on Haiti's north coast. Cavort in the surf when your Royal Caribbean cruise takes you to Labadee, its 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast. 
Experience the thrill of a zipline along the water's edge in Labadee, Haiti, during an Allure of the Seas cruise. Water sports, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing are all part of the action at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on the north coast of Haiti. 
Water sports, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing are all part of the action at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on the north coast of Haiti. 
Navigator of the Seas in Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private resort on the north coast of Haiti. 
Watersports, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing are part of the action at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on Haiti's north coast. 
Getaways done right: A couple watches the water action from a cabana in Labadee, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach resort on the north shore of Haiti. 
An aerial view of Labadee, Haiti, Royal Caribbean's 260-acre private beach playground on Haiti's north coast. 
Navigator of the Seas in Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private resort on the north coast of Haiti. 
SeaDream I calls on Soufrierre, Haiti. 
Navigator of the Seas in Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private resort on the north coast of Haiti.
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Ports
Ports in Haiti
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Overheard
“There is still a lot of recovery work to be done in Haiti. Interested in lending a hand? Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and United Nations Volunteers are still leading trips for disaster relief.”
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