Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Sidesteps Haiti, Cites Increasing Safety Issues

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has canceled visits to Labadee, Haiti, for the summer and early fall seasons. The decision comes after the U.S. State Department issued a severe travel warning. This affects multiple ships including Adventure of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Revises Destinations

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is making changes to its itinerary. Due to safety concerns, the cruise line will no longer stop at Labadee, Haiti. This decision affects trips planned for the summer and early fall. 

Royal Caribbean had already stopped visits to this private resort through the end of May. Now, this break is extended. Instead of stopping in Haiti, these cruises will visit other places or spend a day at sea.

The cruise line's decision follows a warning from the U.S. State Department. According to AL.com, the government advises against traveling to Haiti because of very high levels of kidnapping, crime, and unrest. The healthcare system there is also not well-equipped. 

Haiti is currently at a Level Four travel advisory. This is the same serious warning level given to countries like Russia and Syria.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line cares about the safety of its guests and crew. This is why they decided to avoid stops in Haiti. The ships affected by this change include Adventure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

Labadee is on the northern coast of Haiti. Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. However, the Dominican Republic only has a Level Two travel advisory. Visitors there are simply told to be more careful.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will keep monitoring the situation. They hope to ensure all destinations on their cruises are safe for everyone.

Related Article: Royal Caribbean Cruises Plans To Offer Land Tours For Its Clients

Young Man Jumps Overboard

A tragic event occurred on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship when 20-year-old Levion Parker jumped from the 11th deck during a trip. The incident happened just hours before the ship, Liberty of the Seas, was set to return to Fort Lauderdale from a four-day Caribbean cruise.

Levion, who was from North Port, Florida, jumped after a heated argument with his father. 

According to the Daily Mail, this took place early in the morning around 3:30 am, following some time in a hot tub on the deck. Witnesses say he shouted, "I'll fix this right now," before leaping. It is unclear how Levion was under the influence, as the drinking age on the ship is 21.

The U.S. Coast Guard ended their search without finding him. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line stated that they are deeply saddened by the incident and are cooperating with authorities. 

The event has raised concerns about safety and regulations on cruise ships. The incident and its aftermath were felt by all passengers, marking a somber end to their journey.

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