Our Day at Labadee

[snowcat]

We visited Labadee on Celebrity's Zenith on April 13. It was our first visit there and we loved it! The tendering process was quick and flawless. The water was clear and warm and it was very clean. There were 5 different beach areas on the penninsula, 4 on the leeward side and one on the windward side (bigger waves). In our daily information on the ship it said that the chairs were complimentary and not to pay to use them, but the "beach guides" were quick to grab chairs to carry for you and clearly expected a tip...not really a problem, just not what we were expecting. Snorkel gear was available for rent, but the snorkeling just was not very good....we saw a few fish. The beach areas were absolutely lovely....we found a couple nice shady spots throughout the day and listened to the musicians playing island music. There is also a water park area with trampolines etc. but only one or two children were using it the day we were there (we were the only ship). Parasailing and jet skis were also available (we didn't try either one). There was plenty of shade available....lots of trees. There were also dancers at a pavilion near the lunch area. We did walk through the Haitian flea market area near the BBQ lunch area, too, but vendors were way too aggressive for our taste. There was another building called the Artisan Market that was hassle-free shopping. The weather was perfect....hot with a light breeze...the day we were there and we thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful day! I'd be glad to answer questions.

[bamntem]

When you visited Labadee did you have to pay to go on the private beach? Is the beach visit a part of Celebrity's itinerary? How clear was the water? How clean was the beach? Were there many tourists there or just people from your ship? Thanks

[Rosieo]

When we went a few years ago we were the only ship there and there weren't any other tourists there. It was my understanding it was for RCCL only, however there may be a different area for other cruises and tourists. Very clean, both the water and beach. We really liked it.

[snowcat]

There was no payment for the beach.....it is all private, just like the cruise line's private island like Half Moon Cay for HAL and Princess Cays. It was part of the Celebrity Zenith's itinerary (Zenith is now on the Bermuda route though....our was her last Caribbean cruise of the season.) It was extremely clean on the beach and the water was very clear! And warm! And that beautiful blue-green color! The only tourists there were from our ship, and there were some Haitian people who came to sell wares at the market or play music, etc.