Should I go to Labadee Haiti After Earthquake?

My wife and I recently went to Labadee Haiti on a cruise aboard the Celebrity Solstice. This cruise is part of a winter conference that we do every year with our industry trade association, so it was scheduled prior to the devastating earthquake on January 12. If you are thinking about a cruise and wondering about the port of Labadee and particularly the shore excursion to Malfini Beach, this video will help you decide whether that is right for you. Although the controversy has died down, there was much debate right after the quake as to whether Royal Caribbean made the right decision to continue the stops at their private resort of Labadee. I was wondering how I would feel about going to Labadee so soon after the earthquake. What would it be like there? You will see my interview with Alain, our tour guide to Malfini Beach Labadee Haiti.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• labadee
• haiti
• malfini
• beach
• cruise
• ships
• go
• after
• earthquake

[RichardJCaudle]

Many thanks!

[RichardJCaudle]

Thanks for watching and posting a comment.

[gilgabe]

I totally agree with those who chose to go to Haiti. As a Haitian, I advise everyone to go on the Oasis Caribbean cruise, go see Labadie. Haiti has a lot to offer, a lot to see. Yes the earthquake destroyed most of Port-au-Prince, Leogane & Jacmel but these cities are in the south of Haiti. Yes Haiti has poverty but so are Jamaica and other Islands. People need to know that there are 9 millions Haitians in comparaison to few thousands in most small islands in the Caribbean. Haiti is a big Island

[RichardJCaudle]

Thanks for your comment! Haiti is a beautiful island with lots of potential for more tourism.

[RichardJCaudle]

mrf9991 - Thanks for commenting. I wondered how I would feel. Definitely a subdued feeling pulling into port, less celebration. But then, we as passengers saw the supplies being unloaded. We sensed how devastating it would be to the Haitians around Labadee if tourists were to avoid this port. I think Alain makes some good points. It was fun to spend money, give generous tips, talk to the Haitians, and feel we were making a difference; at least keeping their lives normal. So I did feel happy.

[RichardJCaudle]

Many thanks! It's a beautiful place and they really need the continuing economic support. Great zip line, which I didn't do this time. Just chilled on Malfini Beach... crystal clear water. We shopped, gave generous tips, that sort of thing.

[xpandergt]

Just got back from Labadee from the Enchantment of the Seas. I had a blast. Pumping tourist dollars into the Haitian economy is one of the best ways to help. Great video!

[wapminnin]

great interview

[saadique]

Excellent Video! Thank you so much for posting. Haiti needs all the assistance they can get right now and Royal Caribbean is doing an excellent job to keep that money flowing into their economy

[mrf9991]

For me would not feel happy while the others are suffering on the other side of Haiti.

[firnville]

Great video.