Labadee, Haiti: Address, Phone Number, Labadee Reviews: 4/5
Labadee
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An area located in northern Haiti that is famous for its striking natural beauty and great beaches.
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2 within 3 miles
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3 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
2,251 reviews
Excellent
1,020
Very good
731
Average
317
Poor
101
Terrible
82
Jan O
The Villages, FL47 contributions
Friends
We were on the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas so we went to their private area of the island. If you plan on going to Labadee be prepared for all of the shopping vendors to approach you and try to coax you to come purchase their wares. In my opinion it’s quite sad and unfortunately you can’t buy something from everyone. However it is extremely beautiful. We walked along the beach picking up sea shells and watching the people on the zip line.
Written May 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bkey
5 contributions
Lots to do here, depends on how much you want to spend. The zip line is an expereince you will remember and I highly recommend it. This is the second time my family has visited here and we haven't even approached half of what to do. Safety is a huge concern for RCCL as it should be and I saw little if anything out of sorts in that department. The only thing I would tell you to remember is you are surrounded by an impoverished nation. The Haitian people we met were friendly but a bit pushy. Wasn't a bad as I thought it would be and it is after all a business. Spend some money with these folks but watch what you but if want anything authentic. Yes, China exports to Haiti as well.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rameyfamily
Laingsburg, MI460 contributions
Labadee is technically located on Haiti. It's an area that is fenced off for the exclusive use of Royal during cruise stops. Locals are hired to work on the activities, such as the zipline, and to help out with food and drink service. The ship pulls up right to the pier and you step off. It's a walk down the pier then you step onto Labadee. Free activities for cruisers include enjoying the beach and lunch. There are multiple beaches and several restaurants. Just like on the ship if you don't have the drink package you'll have to pay for soda and alcohol.
Pay activities include ziplining, jet skies and boat excursions. The beaches are nice but a little rough in areas. Water shoes are recommended. There are plenty of beach chairs and shade if you want it. Snorkeling from the beach isn't good so take a boat excursion if you want to snorkel.
I saw the other reviews about abused dogs. We saw three or four dogs when we were there. They all seemed to be in good health and even though many people tried to feed them, they didn't seem hungry. They were friendly and cute in the areas around the restaurants and beaches. I hope Royal investigates the accusations and bans anyone found to be abusing animals.
On this trip, we did not go to the artisans village which is basically booths set up by locals. In the past they have been very aggressive and if you visit one booth they insist you visit theirs too. All the items are very similar. It is easy to just avoid this entire area.
To help the locals, we instead participate in multiple activities and tip those who provide good service whether it's at the zipline or helping us locate beach chairs.
Overall, this is a nice relaxing stop if the weather cooperates. Take cash for tips if you want, avoid the artisans village if you don't want to be pressured by the locals, and be ready to get sand everywhere.
Pay activities include ziplining, jet skies and boat excursions. The beaches are nice but a little rough in areas. Water shoes are recommended. There are plenty of beach chairs and shade if you want it. Snorkeling from the beach isn't good so take a boat excursion if you want to snorkel.
I saw the other reviews about abused dogs. We saw three or four dogs when we were there. They all seemed to be in good health and even though many people tried to feed them, they didn't seem hungry. They were friendly and cute in the areas around the restaurants and beaches. I hope Royal investigates the accusations and bans anyone found to be abusing animals.
On this trip, we did not go to the artisans village which is basically booths set up by locals. In the past they have been very aggressive and if you visit one booth they insist you visit theirs too. All the items are very similar. It is easy to just avoid this entire area.
To help the locals, we instead participate in multiple activities and tip those who provide good service whether it's at the zipline or helping us locate beach chairs.
Overall, this is a nice relaxing stop if the weather cooperates. Take cash for tips if you want, avoid the artisans village if you don't want to be pressured by the locals, and be ready to get sand everywhere.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Evan G
4 contributions
Family
This port of call is horrible. The market is disgusting and the fact that RCL allows the vendors to basically accost and harass tourists with impunity is scornful.
I have traveled all throughout the world, including countries in Africa where state department advisories recommend against travel and so I don’t mean to sound dramatic when I say nothing compares to horrid experience of this market. Part of the problem is that RCL pitches this Island as a contained adventure park. While it is contained, you will experience horrid conditions inside the market. The vendors won’t be afraid to go after your children for cash, or even ask them to go get food. One even threatened my son when he said no. I would not mind this market if RCL was up front with the conditions of the island (as I would then just avoid the market with my family) but sadly RCL does not care. I highly recommend staying on the ship, the positive reviews here are either fake or from people that did not walk around the island.
I have traveled all throughout the world, including countries in Africa where state department advisories recommend against travel and so I don’t mean to sound dramatic when I say nothing compares to horrid experience of this market. Part of the problem is that RCL pitches this Island as a contained adventure park. While it is contained, you will experience horrid conditions inside the market. The vendors won’t be afraid to go after your children for cash, or even ask them to go get food. One even threatened my son when he said no. I would not mind this market if RCL was up front with the conditions of the island (as I would then just avoid the market with my family) but sadly RCL does not care. I highly recommend staying on the ship, the positive reviews here are either fake or from people that did not walk around the island.
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katy E
1 contribution
Friends
I would never recommend going to this island. We witnessed locals abusing stray dogs on royal Caribbean’s property. Devastated us. Also the locals selling their merchandise are unbelievably aggressive and you can buy the same things for cheaper in the royal store. The worst place I have ever been to
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
polonium11
Olathe, KS5 contributions
Couples
First stop on our RCCL vacation. The port is clean and the zipline through the bay is the biggest attraction. We were scheduled to do this in the morning and after being told we were lucky to come early as the weather would deteriorate through the day, we got to the top and they canceled our excursion due to rain/wind. That was fine as the unexpected can happen, but by the time we got back to the beach the rain and wind had mostly stopped. For what it’s worth, the staff that run the zipline are professional and courteous.
With a full day to us we walked around and explored. Like many others have noted, there are extremely aggressive sellers at some of these shops. As it was early we got picked out by them and directed uphill not sure what to expect (dumb by us). They gave us “free” gifts and then ask what else you like in their shop. They will quickly start carving personalized names/messages on their wood products to obligate you to buy. It’s sneaky and not warranted for a location like this. We went on our cruise to relax, not to feel to feel pressured. I have no idea why Royal Caribbean would allow this type of behavior to exist on their private port but either way we won’t be visiting again.
With a full day to us we walked around and explored. Like many others have noted, there are extremely aggressive sellers at some of these shops. As it was early we got picked out by them and directed uphill not sure what to expect (dumb by us). They gave us “free” gifts and then ask what else you like in their shop. They will quickly start carving personalized names/messages on their wood products to obligate you to buy. It’s sneaky and not warranted for a location like this. We went on our cruise to relax, not to feel to feel pressured. I have no idea why Royal Caribbean would allow this type of behavior to exist on their private port but either way we won’t be visiting again.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kswett
Flint, MI681 contributions
Couples
This was probably my favorite part of our cruise, the beaches were breathtaking. If you do NOT want to be bothered don’t walk through the market...at all, they will swarm you. Columbus cove was kind of busy but it’s the best for swimming and relaxing. Trams run the whole visit, but it really doesn’t take very long to walk the entire island. Zip lines, roller coaster (small), water slide and jet skis all available for a price. Many different beaches to explore, and food stops. If you get a chance walk up to the dragons breath lookout, super cool.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alatraka
6 contributions
Horrible experience. The natives of Labadee are hidden behind a fence to allow some working class vocationers to have some cheap fun at Labadee! It is racism at its best. I wonder if such measures would be taken if Labadee was in Norway or Italy. I doubt it greatly. Do not participate in such an apartheid organization. It is wrong. And asides from this immorality it is disgusting . Very cheap activity.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1eyeguy
Malibu, CA45 contributions
While on our Royal Caribbean cruise one of the stops was at the beach called Labadee owned by Royal Caribbean. Its a short walk from where you get off the ship or you can take the tram which makes several stops. There are lots of chairs to use on the beach. A local beach guy will set the chairs up for you and expects a tip for doing so. The beach is clean and the water comfortable. The buffet lunch on the beach is free and is pretty good! Should you wish the do the zip line, ride the coaster, swim out to the floating bar or use a wave rider there is a fee. I think it should be free since its part of the cruise. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed the day.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
teacher1949
Acworth, GA65 contributions
This was one of the ports we visited on our RCCL cruise and we enjoyed our stay on the developed historic island. Even though there were many (5000+) on our ship, we never felt crowded on the island, even through the serving of lunch. The grand-kids enjoyed the all day slide, and playing in the sea. We enjoyed just spending a “quiet day on the beach” while cruising and everything (except the slide), was included.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
susan b
Chattanooga, TN35 contributions
Trying to decide which Nellies Beach cabana to rent for our group. We are a group, with two 90+ year old seniors, so mobility is an issue.
Would the Beach Cabana or the Over the Water Cabana be better? They will both want to get in the water, but will probably spend most of time in the cabana.
Thanks.
Racine5
Racine, WI37 contributions
Is there a place to lock up our belongings while we are doing activities? We don’t want to have to go back on the ship to get our beach stuff when we are done.
Lords122
Mexico City, Mexico300 contributions
Yes, there are lockers for an additional fee, I used them when I did the zip line
I don´t remember the cost but it was not expensive
Deborah Crocco-Smith
Andover, MA17 contributions
I'd like to ask if you booked a cabana. We are looking at the 45.00 cabanas and they are supposed to be for 2people. Can we share this with our 12 year old daughter or do you think there will be a problem with that?
Sid J
97 contributions
It should not be a problem
Sofia S
Portugal9 contributions
Hello, I will be going to this resort in January, I would just like to confirm if there is no way of leaving the resort. I want to go visit the Citadelle (8th wonder of the world) and RC doesn't do a tour there. Makes no sense to me. Any way can anyone confirm, if they know a way how to go out and in the resort. Thank you
Elrod_10
Dover, DE82 contributions
It is 35 km (1.5 hours) from Labadee. Labadee beach is cut off from easy access to the major highway RD15 that starts the route to the Citadelle. Something to consider: If the route to/from Citadelle was in demand and could be reliably traveled to permit enough time to spend at the site and return to the ship before it sets sail, the cruise company would be offering tours (example: they offer tours to ancient sites in Mexico that are hours from the ship). So, while it is tempting, a trip to the Citadelle just won't work from Labadee.
Colette T
Hyde Park, IL12 contributions
Other than the beach and zip lining, what is there to do?
jw6969
Old Windsor, UK2,135 contributions
The lunch was excellent - plenty of lobster! Some locals offer goods for sale (although nothing that took our fancy). A few bars. It is huge - so just a wander around will take time. We spent 5 hours on shore and enjoyed it (much better than the Disney Island 'Castaway Key'). If you are doing the zipwire - a word of warning, it takes ages. Our kids did it and we waited at the bottom for, maybe, an hour and a half. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Labadee
- We recommend booking Labadee tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Labadee tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Labadee:
- (0.02 mi) Kay Francklin Inn
- (0.02 mi) Ekolojik Resort
- (0.29 mi) Norm's Place
- (2.79 mi) Habitation des Lauriers
- (1.42 mi) Cormier Plage Resort
- Restaurants near Labadee:
- (0.02 mi) Kay Franklin Inn.
- (3.46 mi) Lakay
- (3.40 mi) Cap Deli
- (2.92 mi) Sublime Bar Restaurant
- (3.47 mi) Auberge du Picolet Restaurant