By SOPHIE GABLE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
Published: | Updated:
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184 View commentsThe Royal Caribbean has abruptly halted cruises to its private beach in Labadee, Haiti, as tensions escalate in-land.
The cruise line has suspended trips in light of the US Department of State's high-level alert which warned travelers about the area on the island of Hispaniola.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean confirmed to DailyMail.com that visits to Labadee were temporarily paused out of an 'abundance of caution' and guests were informed.
The department issued a travel advisory in September but recently raised the alert to a Level 4.
The warning cited an increase incrimeand the State of Emergency in Haiti since March of last year.
Cases of robbery, carjacking, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom have been on the rise, forcing Royal Caribbean to take action.
The airport in Port-au-Prince is also a hotspot for armed robberies, with perpetrators often targeting lone travelers and women.
The US government has limited ability to help citizens who come into trouble abroad, especially in countries like Haiti, where resources to help victims are limited.
The Royal Caribbean has abruptly halted stops to Labadee, Haiti, as the US State Department warns of increased violence in the area
A travel warning listed Haiti as a Level 4 advisory, citing armed violence, political unrest, and a lack of resources for tourists
As a result of the Level 4 advisory, four ships, including Voyager of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas, were rerouted away from Haiti, as first reported by Cruise Radio.
Voyager was rerouted to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, instead of Labadee, while Oasis was diverted to Nassau, Bahamas.
Adventure will now dock in Puerto Plata's Taino Bay instead of Haiti on Sunday. Odyssey also dropped its stop in Labadee.
Passengers who have already paid for excursions in Labadee will receive onboard credit refunds.
Royal Caribbean halted trips to Labadee last year, suspending travel from May to September.
Haiti has been plagued with political unrest, poverty, and devastation from natural disasters for decades.
Four cruises were diverted to other locations, including the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, instead of Labadee
In 2021, President JovenelMoïse was assassinated, which enabled infighting and armed militias to violently siege the capital.
Haiti hasn't held elections in recent years and has struggled to combat the rising poverty and crime in the country.
Armed gangs have taken control of a majority of Port-au-Prince, and on Wednesday, the US Embassy issued a security alert over widespread protests and the potential of heightened violence in the capital city.
Royal Caribbean didn't announce if or when they will resume travel to their Labadee private beach.
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