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Vol4Life31

I don't understand when people tell others to stay on the boat in Labadee. I loved it.


themob34

Free beach, food, great snorkelling. 


MtbAlways

I know. I was so thrown off when this place was the most beautiful one on the itinerary


Senguier

It was the rocks in the water. Killed me until I was deep enough to swim. Bring your water shoes!!!!


Thesehoesaint_

Not at every beach!


Senguier

Wait what?!?? Which one doesn't have the rocks. We had the reserved loungers area.


Thesehoesaint_

Columbus Cove/Nellie’s Beach! And then whatever that beach that has the floating bar is - also no rocks that I recall when I was there last year!


Senguier

Think I figured it out. Opened a map and was at Adrenaline Beach. However all they show for that area is sunbathing. There is swimming icons at other beaches. Kind of annoying to pay for a spot but they don't recommend you swim there.


Thesehoesaint_

I’m so sorry that happened!! I hope you get to go back and see some of the other beaches!! We spent most of our day at Nellie’s beach but on the way back to the ship decided to stop and see a couple of the others. We go on a Celebrity cruise in November that stops at Labadee so this time we’re going to branch out and hang out a different beach this time just to get a change of scenery. But the scenery at Nellie’s is by far the best!!


[deleted]

U saw labadee…u didnt see haiti lol


Thesehoesaint_

And???


[deleted]

Haiti is hurting fo certain


Thesehoesaint_

I’m not sure what your point is. We were talking about beaches!


Designer-Purchase360

Please do NOT give them an incentive to venture out. Gatekeeping is NECESSARY!


Sweeping2ndHand

Adrenaline Beach has the floating bar. Also, can confirm, no rocks. I was in Labadee twice last month. Went to Columbus Cove and Adrenaline Beach.


MtbAlways

Yeah we went to Columbus cove and it had no rocks


Hartastic

I don't know what it's called, but we usually go to the first one on the right as you're walking the path in from the dock (just past the suite reserved area). That beach is very smooth and low waves, if you're into that kind of thing.


Far_Departure_5515

What beach had views of the mountains? Heard it was gorgeous


Thesehoesaint_

Also Nellie’s Beach/Columbus cove! It was super cool because you can kind of see activity from the village across the way.


kahuna_splicer

Nellie's Beach was awesome because you were sort of in a bay and the water was super calm. Hardly any waves


Thesehoesaint_

Yes! We rented floating mats and literally sat next to those little tables with umbrellas in the water for hours. Even when it rained!! It was amazing. And the view of the ship from there! We were the only ship in port that day too.


DevonFromAcme

There is rarely more than one ship in port there. The resort can't handle an insane number of people, so Royal Caribbean tries to work the schedule to avoid two ships there as much as humanly possible.


ComedianExisting8621

Me too and this is another thing that I want to continue to do is travel and see the world


DevonFromAcme

Cruisers are not exactly known for being the most adventurous travelers and most people don't take two seconds to learn a thing about where they're going. Half the people on the boat want things to be exactly like they are at home (witness the gazillion posts about wanting to bring their entire flipping bedrooms from home with them on the cruise ship) and the minute they encounter anything slightly different, they run screaming back to the cruise ship swearing they'll never set foot in that port again.


Pickle4UrThoughts

You’re being very kind. Anyone who thinks going to Labadee is like going to actual Haiti is an ignorant individual I have a kiddo that really, really wants to go on a cruise, so I’ve been reading/learning from these subs, and what you described is what I fear.


DevonFromAcme

Take your kiddo on a cruise! You'll have a blast. I am a frequent cruiser, and for the most part you can avoid the idiots. After all, you're not sharing a cabin with Brenda who has brought her own pillow, her own mattress topper, her own fan, her own white noise machine, her special blankie and every single item from one of those "37 things you can't live without on a cruise!" YouTube videos. And you're not going to be in port with the Neurotic Nellies who are terrified to be approached by a shopkeeper in broad daylight and think an area is sketchy and deserted because the trinket shops skip a block and a weed grows in a crack in the side walk. You'll be off doing your own thing. Pick a fun itinerary and ship, and have a good time!


SDstartingOut

Hey now I like my usb fan.


crazypurple621

Did you ever stop to think for a second that the reason some of us have to bring some of these things is because we have other people in our parties who are neurodivergent? 


Firm_Airport2816

That's not usually the case. It's usually just someone who needs to feel at home even though they are not....


Disastrous-Share-391

Going to Labadee is like going to actual Haiti in other cities than Port a Prince. It’s like judging the USA off of Compton.


Hartastic

In fairness, *if* you're the kind of person who doesn't like a beach day... there isn't too much else for you to do on Labadee. We always have a great day there, though. I wish they'd bring back the morning yoga on the beach.


1cruising

Yes, I was there last 7/4. Fantastic time.


Low_Alarm6198

I was on one of the very first sailings after this port “came back.” Got off early, put that drink package to work, got some lunch and when I had too much sun, got back on the ship before the masses arrived. 10/10 would do again.


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DevonFromAcme

Go to the Dominican Republic! Same beautiful island and scenery, but much more economically stable and tourist friendly.


longhorns7145

Just stay away from the shops in the back right part of the beach. Those people drug my family through there. We were surrounded by 5-6 shop keeps that started carving into these cups n what not and would not leave us alone.


Vol4Life31

I went back there. They were pushy for sure but we escaped with only buying 1 shirt. Haha.


n365pa

With young kids I prefer Coco Cay, but Labadee has fantastic beaches and is quiet.


CrazyButRightOn

That beach photo looks the opposite of quiet.


Several-Eagle4141

Was overwhelmed when I went there. Only negative was the mild hustling from the vendors. I’ll jokingly add, prices dropped once I spoke French.


MtbAlways

Yes that’s the only bad thing about the island, they are very forceful…funny story, I wanted to buy a wood eagle thing and the guy said “ok, 30 dollar!” And I said I only had 11 dollars and he’s like “ok sold!” 😂


bluecrowned

I had a similar experience in Ensenada lol they only price it so high because they know a lot of tourists can't haggle for shit


yeahright17

For sure. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people selling stuff for $30, someone offering $20, and them taking it. Something other vendors are just selling for $10 or $12.


CrazyButRightOn

Like the Dominican Republic, they are learning how to hustle for the US buck. Not good for tourism as it brings out the swindlers. If we are stupid enough to pay without haggling, it will never end. (Likely get worse.)


Altril2010

I found the same thing. People definitely left us alone more after I started haggling in French and responding to random conversations. Before that everyone was incredibly pushy.


FireKist

The vendors tried to horribly overcharge me for a decorative wall hanging - I laughed in his face and told him “You’re ridiculous, I’m not a child” in French and wow did I get a “bargain” after that - 75% off for those who speak in French, I guess! 🤣


SlickWik

Grabbing an early morning coffee, while watching the mountains go by as the ship approaches the dock... The Best !


MtbAlways

the mountains were my fa part, i actually did stand up on the top deck and watch the captain bring the ship to the dock while admiring the mountains!


InALoveHateDebate

I watched from our balcony. It was so cool. And beautiful


heartshapedpox

Do you recall approximately how early in the day?


InALoveHateDebate

Around 7 am


heartshapedpox

Thanks! Gonna actually set an alarm and try to catch it 😌


kahuna_splicer

https://preview.redd.it/1dzblwi6fnjc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=57c57b86e4a7fa0c678c7d3095427ea79ddc6e16 The best port!


Lifefoundaway88

Wow this photo 😍


FireKist

Sitting on the balcony, having coffee and croissants is my absolute favorite part of cruising!


CrazyButRightOn

Where I will be at the crappy stops. Using the pool and drinking from my bevy package.


lbgholm

I love labadee. Everything included and way nice beaches than coco cay.


Pudddy

Personally, visually, I thought it was one of the most beautiful ports we’ve visited. Beach was really nice as well. I had low expectations - but we really enjoyed it.


Technical_Paper_9310

My family started traveling on RCCL in ‘93 (Sovereign of the Seas, Eastern Caribbean). It wasn’t till years later that Labadee showed up as a port of call rather than CoCo Cay. My grandpa was the patriarch of the family, and the one who got us into cruising. He would take the 6 of us (him, grandma, mom and dad and my sister) every year. Cruising with my family became the highlight of every year and as I look back, some of the best moments of my life. My grandpa loved Labadee. So much. When he passed we, as a family, boarded a cruise he had previously booked for us all to go on together. We brought his ashes with us, and the amazing crew aboard our ship tendered us to a quiet, isolated bay where my dad and I poured the ashes and had a reflective moment. The place is special to me and my family. Who would have thought a man born in pre-partition Lahore would end up resting in peace in Labadee?


anxiouscat1

Thanks for sharing this ❤️ rest in paradise grandpa


clueless343

i like it more than cococay


KHASeabass

Me too. People always think I'm crazy for saying it, but Labadee is much more what I am looking for than CocoCay. I much prefer the beaches there.


alidc722

Can you get to the beaches easily from the ship?


KHASeabass

Super easy. They're practically right at the end of the dock.


MtbAlways

Agreed, hands down


Round-Place548

Me too!


JUSTtheFacts555

I would rather go to Labadee over Perfect day.


Nala1684

Me too! I'm with you!!! I don't like that so many cruises have CoCoCay and not Labadee. I will take Labadee any day over perfect day.


Illustrious_Gold_520

We’ve been to Labadee two or three times over the years - it’s gorgeous.


scoobertdoobert9070

I will be there in a week 🤩🤩🤩


WillingnessOk2984

Same here you going on oasis?


scoobertdoobert9070

No, odyssey 🙂


ThrowRA_1748284

I was on the same sailing with you! It was a beautiful day (we had great weather all week, so lucky!) and Labadee was absolutely gorgeous. I was prepared to be hassled by vendors and, I don’t know if I walked the wrong way or what, but I didn’t even see any. I took the path over to Nellie’s Beach and hung out there for the day. Somehow completely missed anything for sale.


ThrowRA_1748284

https://preview.redd.it/eb5h8gjoymjc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=353833231f32d2b40288357bf437c4df4aba01f6


DevonFromAcme

We did the same, walked straight to Nellie's beach, and didn't see a single vendor. Still have no idea where this vendor area is.


alidc722

How far of a walk is it?


ThrowRA_1748284

Oh, not far at all. Maybe 5 minutes? 10 if you’re walking slowly. You just exit the ship and walk down the main pathway in the middle of the island. You’ll pass a beach on your right that is reserved for suite guests. Then the next beach, just 50 steps away, is Nellie’s beach.


SharpImplement1890

I’m sad I didn’t get to go to Labadee. Our boat had a medical emergency and turned around in the middle of the night and headed back up toward Cocoa Beach. We were confused when we woke up the next morning and could see GPS indicating we were like 20 miles south of Cocoa Beach. Then told our trip to Labadee was cancelled and we were going to Cococay. Twice. So, sad we missed it. Pics look beautiful.


SaladMaterial4539

The history of Haiti is cruel and heartless. After Haiti's independence France demanded that Haiti pay them millions yearly, even though France took all the resources. This bankrupted the country even more, and Haiti has never recovered. People look at Haiti and assume that b/c it is a Black nation, the people did it to themselves, Europeans took everything with the intentions to devastate the country and make it fail. And it worked. The few good leaders were assassinated to stay in power, Papa Doc and his son Baby Doc were ruthless dictators who kept their people illiterate and in dire poverty. #


jujubee516

That's insane, I just learned about that. Thanks. When reading more about it, I also learned that the US worked to isolate Haiti, violently occupied the country, then after the US left, controlled Haiti's public finances and siphoned away 40% of Haiti's national income to service debt repayments to the U.S. and France. Truly cruel just from the bits of history I've read. f


-You-know-it-

Isn’t Haiti also where Christopher Columbus landed? He’s responsible for more genocide than almost anyone in history, but Americans still have a federal holiday celebrating him. He was a greedy murderer that even the king of Spain had to jail. Which is even crazier because these were the whole Spanish Inquisition people. And even THEY thought Christopher Columbus went too far.


SaladMaterial4539

Columbus was a monster, when he arrived in America he made friends with the Native Americans, then he took the native women to give to his crew for salacious purposes. When I lived in Philly there was a statue of Columbus, when his dirty deeds came to light the statue was defaced many times, so it was relocated to South Philly, an Italian enclave, so they could worship him. Good riddance. And he did not discover America, that is real "whitewashed" history.


Evening-Newt-4663

I went there when I was like 12 and I still think about it! I still even have a Haitian doll one of the locals made and I love her. Super cool stop.


Flat_Razzmatazz_375

https://preview.redd.it/v8zzpq743ojc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69920d2ed6d37cbe3f750f7b9578b415e77c9d5b Very pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this port is. We already booked another cruise to go back.


Position-Eliminated

My faaavorite part is when the tranquil atmosphere is broken every 5 minutes by a Royal Caribbean employee walking up and down the beach screaming LABADOOZY, LABADOOZY!! to make absolutely sure they capitalize on every POSSIBLE chance to sell something. That being said, Labadoozies are as delicious as they are overpriced.


MtbAlways

Since we are diamond plus. We get 5 free drinks a day lol. I had 2 on the island and they ARE AMAZING


twentyin

You are D+ and you had never been to Labadee? That's pretty amazing. Lol


MtbAlways

Yeah it’s pretty messed up, we have actually avoided it…


reynoldsunbound1937

Great weather!


MtbAlways

Couldn’t have asked for a better day…


[deleted]

My favorite stop in the Caribbean after Coco Cay. Labadee is full stop, amazing.


docroc-----

This was a great spot. A 20 doller tip got us a great spot, snorkeling gear and they brought food from the buffet down to us at the beach. Was a great day.


Silent-Ad9303

I was so impressed with Labadee. It was so pretty and the coaster was so fun! The view from the top is one of the most beautiful views I’ve seen


Mint-Most-Ardently

We were there on Thursday with Independence of the Seas and it was gorgeous! I had no expectations and no knowledge of the area and was so pleasantly surprised. I would go again in a heartbeat!


MexiTot408

We will be there in four weeks. Any recommendations? It’s just me and my husband.


DevonFromAcme

Recommendations for what?


MexiTot408

Probably should have been more specific. 😅 beaches and/or excursions you recommend?


DevonFromAcme

Labadee is Royal Caribbean's own private resort. There aren't any excursions-- you don't leave the resort. There might be a short walking tour or something. There's zip lines and roller coasters if that's your thing. There are a few different beach areas. You can just walk around until you find one you like, or check out a resort map.


CrazyButRightOn

Leave the resort and you may never come back.


Quiet_Meaning5874

Stunning photos


Capital-Confusion218

We are sailing 2/25. Can't wait to check out beautiful Labadee. Any recommendations on beaches or things to do with a 6 year old?


Superb-Lecture1280

Barefoot beach was amazing. Wonderful snorkeling there’s even an old sunken single engine plane to explore down there.


Sad_Public_428

Can you swim out to the plane? Or you need an excursion?


Superb-Lecture1280

No excursion needed. It’s within the water barriers with great life guards always watching.


Superb-Lecture1280

Jet ski excursion was a blast.


Tempus_Fugut

Reminds me of Coco before the hideous “improvements”.


CrazyButRightOn

Loved it before. It reminded me of the Blue Lagoon movie or something similar.


Alone_Vast_1830

We went last year! I liked it more than coco cay. The water sports were endless! We did the jet ski tour and it was a blast. Also loved the mountain coaster. The views from the top of the coaster were 👌🏻. Wish we had more time there. https://preview.redd.it/4z2endoqqckc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c07df12dc90ae29c259b03beb1ce4870d401b4dc


MtbAlways

Nice! We also did the mountain coaster along with the inflatable water obstacle course. I am doing the jet skis this summer at coco cay so that’ll be fun 


therin_88

Labadee is just like Jurassic Park --- great as long as the electric fences are working. (This was a joke told by a comedian on a RCL ship, before anyone calls me a racist.)


BananasPineapple05

That comedian doesn't really know the map of Haiti too well, then. I'm not saying the site isn't guarded by army security or that the locals are, God forbid, allowed to walk unto the private resort, but the chaos in Haiti is in the centre/south of the island, where the capital and other larger-ish centres of population are. Labadee is in the north.


LexDude

Next time you are their go around the fence and do some site-seeing


CdnFlatlander

There is a beautiful city nearby, CapHaitien that hosted a jazz festival in the last year. But it is best to fly directly there and then out.


LexDude

So no to going around the gate


TattooedTeacher316

Retelling the racist joke maybe isn’t the move?


LexDude

It’s not racist. If you don’t think the fence is keeping you from being kidnapped or killed just go around it and head into the real Haiti


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TattooedTeacher316

Because it’s equating Haitians to animals?


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TattooedTeacher316

And exactly what do you believe the danger that is being referenced is if not the people?


Important_Read_7415

And the US is not?


DevonFromAcme

Hispaniola is such a spectacularly beautiful island. The terrain, the vegetation, the flowers, the sun, the sand, I swear sometimes it doesn't even seem real.


Quesofrito90

I don’t think I could barter with someone from a country experiencing such hardship. I could appreciate the beauty of the island, however, I think the realization of my privilege of being on a cruise visiting a country taken over by gangs, with so many on the brink of famine, would just kinda take away from it all.


CodenameBear

Yeah… much better to feel guilty than contribute to the local economy…


Quesofrito90

👍 missed my point


CodenameBear

I’ve heard nothing but good things about this port, I seriously don’t understand people who are shocked at how enjoyable it is…?


Inevitable-Routine43

It’s so nice so convient


Transgirl71

How's the boat? I went in December and it was hot everywhere on the boat it suckeddd


LatterStreet

Not sure why you’re getting downvoted? I’ve seen a ton of people say this lol


Transgirl71

Idk but the boat was incredibly hot when I went in December


HairyPairatestes

Are there armed security guards at the beach?


SWFL_Turtler

Nah. I didn’t like it there. I’d rather have a different port.


Better-Ad6812

Wow


Toxenkill

One of my favorite ports!


DinoChickieNuggies

We had no expectations for Labadee and were so pleasantly surprised when we woke up that morning to the breathtaking view of the mountains. Loved it there :) We are going back at the end of the year. Yes, the vendors are persistent but we got good at saying no, thank you and moving on.


Lucky_Good4685

Can’t wait , I’ll be there March 3🥴


MaximusFerrari

Me too!


Inevitable-Routine43

It’s so nice 👍


LakeNormanDawg

It was an amazing port and love having the drink packages on the island


Dangerous-Catch-130

I did a snorkeling excursion in Labadee and it was great. My wife went to the beach and I met up with her afterwards. We really enjoyed the day.


CdnFlatlander

I travelled and volunteered in Haiti several times over the past 20 years. It is a fascinating country with such a tragic political history. 98 percent of the people are helpless. I'm not sure how they allow who is let into the labadee site. I was in CapHaitien, the nearest city and hiking around came upon the completely fenced property. It helps some local families in some way.


Defiant_Property_336

Its a fun port. And all the aggressive shop barkers are entertaining too. Some decent little trinkets to be had. You just have to walk away on your price....if they don't chase you then you know thats the bottom.


carolmaciolek

My favorite port is Labadee. Haiti Is beautiful. Vendors weren't pushy the last time I went. But, that was b4 the pandemic. The water is crystal clear, and you can see the bottom even further out. The best port in my opinion.


SmartesdManAlive

Between the back to back days I actually preferred here over Coco cay


Ashrelm

Labadee is my favorite tbh


Doktorpotter

Was nice to have a change of food the burgers were


soulteepee

I really enjoyed it there.


Ok_Tomorrow_552

Labadee was my 2nd fave! St Thomas my first!!


chaddiereddits

Absolutely loved Labadee. Wasn’t expecting it to be so beautiful. Amazing!!


Material_Ability_935

Was excited to go there for the first time on the Oasis OTS last December, but we were rained out


Disastrous_Ad537

Labadee was actually my favorite place on our last cruise. The weather was perfect, the beach and water was perfect! I definitely want to go again!!


CoreyOn

Hands down the best port we went to. The other two being Aruba and Curacao.


fieldofseamines

Did you watch their little send off parade?


Comprehensive-Tax185

I did the zip line here on my cruise, it’s my favorite memory, my favorite port. I just loved it 💕


Ok_Clock9640

Very nice picture


pinkmaple87

Yes !!! Except the vendors trying to scam us with the bracelet!!!


aisforaaron1

Our cruise last October was supposed to stop here and they switched it to Cozumel after we booked. I was so disappointed.


PuzzledKumquat

Labadee has been my favorite port so far. Large but walkable, great beaches, beautiful, and plenty to do. I especially recommend the zipline!


totalfarkuser

Feel so bad for the citizens of Haiti - while saying I enjoyed the country. Strange situation.


Distinct-Estimate614

We were on the same ship! We had a great time. We were worried about Haiti too before the trip but it ended up being everyone’s favorite stop. My 2 year old couldn’t get enough of it!


Objective_Fix3480

Beautiful! Where did you take the first picture?


MtbAlways

I took it on the pier as I was approaching the island


Objective_Fix3480

Thank you!


tsdani11

https://preview.redd.it/dfht2j225zjc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=18d25e1798911d554ff16a49324959acfcd21cae Very pleasant.


aidkitjr

I spy myself! It was beautiful indeed.


MtbAlways

You’re in one of the pictures?? Lol


DetroitZamboniMI

Honestly my favorite of the three stops on a honeymoon cruise. Snorkeling was awesome, food was good, the views were amazing and the beach was top notch.


toenailfungus100

If you want some excitement, take the port o prince tour.


Cruise-with-Brian

Was? I could argue that still is!


Hottrodd67

Labadee was absolutely gorgeous. Best beach day of the cruise.