The port of Labadee is a private resort located along the northern coast of Haiti – exclusively for Royal Caribbean cruise guests. Surrounded by mountains and exotic foliage, this “private island” is actually a peninsula that provides a secure, tropical beach experience for cruise groups.

Labadee is the perfect destination for your private “beach olympics” or other company-sponsored team teambuilding event during your meeting at sea.

In 2009, Royal Caribbean invested $55 million to enhance the Labadee experience, including upgraded port facilities to welcome their largest cruise ships: Oasis of the Seas and new Allure of the Seas. Labadee now boasts more amenities, including seven distinct Caribbean neighborhoods for your attendees to explore:

1. Buccaneer’s Bay

Reserve your watercraft, boat tours and excursions here. Your choices include a Wave Jet tour, parasailing, snorkeling, or a Haitian cultural tour.

2. Dragon’s Plaza

Soak up the sun and listen to the sounds of the ocean. Be sure to take a walk to Dragon’s Head and have a BBQ lunch at the Dragon’s Cafe.

3. Labadee Town Square

Discover rich Haitian culture. Go shopping at the Artisan market or enjoy a festive island show. This is the perfect place for your attendees to meet up.

4. Adrenaline Beach

Not only is this beach brand new, it’s also home to Labadee’s newest attraction -the Dragon’s Tail Coaster. Your more adventuresome attendees will love this pure adrenaline rush ride down the mountain. And don’t miss the Dragon’s Breath zip line, a long (and fast!) cable slide starting from high atop a nearby hill and ending in the resort. Don’t worry – riders are tr ained first on a small line.

5. Columbus Cove

If you’re planning a family program, this is a great kid-friendly spot to go swimming and spend a few hours floating on a beach mat. Climbing icebergs, the log roll, trampolines and a new water slide will be also be great fun for the young at heart.

6. Nellie’s Beach

Nellie’s Beach is a tranquil slice of paradise – attendees can take a leisurely kayak trip along the coast and nearby village, or just float on a beach mat.

7. Barefoot Beach Club

This upscale beach club – exclusively for your VIP’s booked in suites – offers enhanced dining and private cabanas for sunning along the water’s edge and within the hillside areas.

Addressing Safety and Security Concerns:

After last year’s earthquake that ravaged Haiti, some planners might have lingering concerns about visiting the island. Rest assured that Labadee is a secluded, private resort on the island’s northern shore that did not suffer any significant damage from the earthquake. Given the resort’s remote location and private security force, Labadee continues to remain a peaceful tropical paradise.

 

Committed to Haiti – RCCL and Labadee

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited (RCCL) has maintained a strong commitment to Haiti’s economy and its people for over 30 years. After the devastating earthquake in January 2010, Royal Caribbean decided to continue calling on Labadee and donate all revenue from the port to the Haiti relief efforts. The corporation also donated $1 million to fund relief efforts in Haiti, and used their cruise ships to ferry supplies and personnel.

Your organization can feel good about visiting beautiful Labadee, because you’ll also be helping the people of Haiti. To date, Royal Caribbean’s monetary contribution to the Haiti relief effort is at least $2.5 million, which includes money raised from the donated Labadee calls, onboard guest donations and matching funds. The cruise company’s operations at Labadee impact over 500 local Haitians who are either employees or vendors at Labadee commuting from nearby villages.

Visiting Labadee

Currently, eight Royal Caribbean ships call on Labadee during five to seven-night Caribbean cruises: Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and Enchantment of the Seas.

To find out more about the ships visiting Labadee and to access planner guides, click on Royal Caribbean ships.

Filed under: Cruise News, Destination Focus, Miscellaneous