Overview: An oasis of pleasure in a troubled land, Labadee is a cordoned
off peninsula on the north coast of Haiti, owned and operated by a
cruise line (Royal Caribbean) with the aim of providing a safe and
secure base for passengers to disembark and be tendered ashore to
enjoy the tropical delights of the island of Hispaniola. The
Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti share the island.
Labadee is situated in Haiti, a country that is rife with civil
unrest, crime and corruption, and although it has plenty to offer
tourists, has become something of a pariah on the international
travel scene in recent years. The cruise company has picked a
beautiful spot as a private holiday playground for those enjoying
its Caribbean cruises, and improved upon it. Labadee has five
white, powdery beaches, all lapped by crystal clear waters with
offshore coral reefs, a water park, restaurants, bars, shops and
markets. Labadee resort is more than just an extension of the ship
and a place to tread on dry land, though, for visitors can take a
number of excursions to experience the local culture and get a
taste of the island's rich history.
Shopping: Labadee is a wonderful place to browse for souvenirs and gifts
to take home from your cruise. The Haitian flea market contains
shops and stalls offering local arts and crafts, coffee and cognac.
Alongside an informal local artisan's market has grown up, the
colourful merchandise consisting of everything imaginable from
baskets and beads to carvings and clothing. Bartering is expected,
and adds to the fun, the norm being to start negotiating at around
half the asking price.
Restaurants: Cruise ship passengers are served barbeque lunches at three
different beachside open-air venues. There are several bars
operating to slake the thirsts of sunbathers, and vendors wander
along the beach offering refreshments.
Nightlife: Since most of the visitors come ashore just for the day from
cruise ships, there is no nightlife in Labadee.
Activities: There is plenty of fun to be had in Labadee besides just
enjoying the beaches. The child-oriented water park is a hit with
families, while the more daring can rent a jet ski or indulge in a
variety of watersports like parasailing or a banana boat ride.
Several excursions can be arranged, including a narrated coastal
tour, a kayaking trip to a nearby Haitian fishing village, or a
snorkelling expedition to Amiga Island.
Negatives: Some visitors find it disturbing to realize that Labadee is
fenced off from the 'real Haiti', in a compound surrounded by armed
guards. The fence is unobtrusive; those who take a closer look
might find it is upsetting to see the exceedingly poor local people
begging for handouts as they peer through into the tourist's
paradise. Essentially a visit to Labadee is not a visit to Haiti,
but simply a relaxing day on the beach for cruise passengers
heading to Miami.
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