Labadee Merchants

[bruzin_for_a_cruizin]

Our first trip to Labadee, we mistakenly wandered through the market. Some guy grabbed my daughter -- she was only 7 or 8 at the time -- and proceeded to chat her up while wrapping some string around her wrist. When it was all tight, he demanded money. I told him we didn't bring cash off the ship; he tried to make a big deal about being unable to unknot the "bracelet" and we should go back and get him the cash we owed him.

 

I told him he had two choices: we were continuing on our way, he could unknot the string and try again on someone else, or he could let my daughter have the string we didn't ask for in the first place. It was amazing how quickly he was able to untie the knot.

 

Since that day, we don't walk through that area. It's easily enough avoided.

 

Complaints to RCCL won't do anything. I'm sure that market is part of their agreement with the Haitian government.

[gfountain1]

If you walk slowly with your fanny pack around your waist and that look of scared prey, they're going to hunt you. Just walk with confidence, be firm and don't linger unless you're looking to purchase. That has always worked for me.

[Eslader]

was just curious why Royal would not want to make the entire port as nice and relaxing as possible.

 

I bet it would have something to do with "Haiti is desperately poor and negotiated the rights to the vendor area as part of the agreement to let Royal set up camp there so that hopefully at least a few of their citizens can eat dinner."

 

I find it obnoxious too, but then I think about all that Haiti has faced and is still facing, from Columbus wiping out most of the population to the colonial destruction of all of its trees to the fairly recent earthquake that devastated the country, and somehow I can't find the capacity to be irritated at these people for trying to earn some money. I'd be doing the same thing if I weren't incredibly fortunate to be a financially-comfortable citizen of a staggeringly rich country.

[Charles4515]

we have learned over the years just to avoid the market. We go into the building by the buffet and walk around the vendors by the buffet once in a while, but we never go up to the market. Have not gone up there in years.

 

It used to be (like in the late 90's) that the market and the agressive venders could not be avoided. After many complaints Royal moved the vendors off the path so you have to actually go to them. Like you I just don't go. I only go to the Artisans Market where the vendors are not aggressive.

[renza]

I told the vendors before, if u just stop harassing people they would actually buy more. I can’t even step foot over there because it drives me nuts. Same thing in Jamaica, give me space and don’t think about touching my hair.

 

 

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[KBD1516]

It used to be (like in the late 90's) that the market and the agressive venders could not be avoided. After many complaints Royal moved the vendors off the path so you have to actually go to them. Like you I just don't go. I only go to the Artisans Market where the vendors are not aggressive.

 

 

 

It used to be much worse. Swearing and grabbing. So many complaints that Royal changed the rules so the vendors are restricted and cannot come out onto the road. I still hate walking that road but I stay to the middle of the road and do not make eye contact.

 

It is too bad that those vendors don’t understand just how Americans shop and that most of us hate so much aggression.

 

I love Labadee but I do not shop there at all

 

 

 

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[JTBCruiser]

Different strokes for different folks. I'm not bothered at all with them trying to make a living. I can say no politely and keep walking. I can just tune them out. DW is a rule follower and she gets anxious about this. I tell her to simply smile, say no thank you and keep walking with me. I actually enjoy haggling over price when I see something I want. To me it's part of the island experience.

[cruzeluver]

They don't bother me. We have been to Labadee many times and will be back in July. Its a cultural difference and I don't expect those whose culture differs from my own to change in order to suit me. Saying "no" is an option and works quite well.

[mikebz]

They are aggressive, but Cosumel was far worse, and don't even think about Jamaica. Wife refuses to go down the straw market, so she sticks to the building. I have found some unique items in the market, and I just chalk it up to the experience. I know it is all about just surviving, so I do my best to support them.

[Rala]

They don't bother me. We have been to Labadee many times and will be back in July. Its a cultural difference and I don't expect those whose culture differs from my own to change in order to suit me. Saying "no" is an option and works quite well.

 

I may be opening a can of worms here, but has anyone noticed that those posters who have "no problem" with the vendors are almost all male. I wouldn't be surprised either if they were all large "alpha" male types! As a female, I have tried the smile, politely say no thank you and walk on. It does not work for me. They follow me, sticking necklaces or what ever in my face..."what you want to pay lady, I make a good deal for you, and on and on. Also, I do not think it is a cultural thing, but rather a very rude, annoying and in my case unsuccessful "marketing" ploy. OK, off the soapbox! :D

[bouhunter]

Also, I do not think it is a cultural thing, but rather a very rude, annoying and in my case unsuccessful "marketing" ploy.

 

Agreed. I doubt vendors in Haitian cities act this way to the general public. Calling it "cultural" is not accurate, to put it nicely.

[cruisinforabruising]

My neighbors came with us last week to Labadee for the first time and I forgot to warn them. The vendors were very aggressive with them to the point where security had to say something. My fault for not warning them though. RC keeps the vendors separated so as far as not being able to enjoy a peaceful day at the beach I'm not sure how you weren't able to accomplish that.

 

This is one of the reasons I hate going to Jamaica on cruises. The ladies in the Spa on the ship are also very pushy but like I tell my wife it's part of their job to sell. I agree with what another poster had put up. I am much more likely to buy from a less aggressive sales person than somebody that is pushy and up in my face.

[cruzeluver]

I may be opening a can of worms here, but has anyone noticed that those posters who have "no problem" with the vendors are almost all male. I wouldn't be surprised either if they were all large "alpha" male types! As a female, I have tried the smile, politely say no thank you and walk on. It does not work for me. They follow me, sticking necklaces or what ever in my face..."what you want to pay lady, I make a good deal for you, and on and on. Also, I do not think it is a cultural thing, but rather a very rude, annoying and in my case unsuccessful "marketing" ploy. OK, off the soapbox!

Thanks for the chuckle. I am a male, but hardly what I would call "alpha". My 70 year old mother has not had any issues on Labadee, nor in Cozumel ("almost free today" is used in our house as a reference to the vendors in Cozumel who we find perfectly delightful). I maintain that it is a cultural difference. What some of my fellow citizens from the US like to describe as "rude" is quite the norm in a good chunk of the world.

Perhaps some should stick to cruise line "private islands" lest they be "forced" to come in contact with any locals.

[brillohead]

I may be opening a can of worms here, but has anyone noticed that those posters who have "no problem" with the vendors are almost all male. I wouldn't be surprised either if they were all large "alpha" male types! As a female, I have tried the smile, politely say no thank you and walk on. It does not work for me. They follow me, sticking necklaces or what ever in my face..."what you want to pay lady, I make a good deal for you, and on and on. Also, I do not think it is a cultural thing, but rather a very rude, annoying and in my case unsuccessful "marketing" ploy. OK, off the soapbox! :D

 

I'm female, and I have no problem saying no.

 

I've also gone outside of the fenced area in Falmouth -- same thing, just say no.

 

Same for the gauntlet of merchants between Dunn's Falls and the tour bus. Just say no.

 

Same for my skinny teenaged son in Labadee (totally not "alpha male" in appearance). Just say no.

 

I've gone to Labadee several times without ever once coming in contact with the vendors. If you don't go up to them, you don't have to deal with them. I've been to every beach available on Labadee, too, so you CAN enjoy a lazy beach day without interacting with them.

[John&LaLa]

I've been to Labadee more times than I can count and have never seen any market. I guess we're lucky

 

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[setsail]

I've been to Labadee more times than I can count and have never seen any market. I guess we're lucky

 

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You have missed a lot of great Bogo sales then. Pcm's get an extra % off by showing their seapass card.

[FOXTROT]

Yes RCL owns & controls that area. They also have a clinic that RCL pays for & staffs. They spend a lot of money to help the locals. But, several years ago the area got ugly. RCL quit going there as it was not safe for the guests. Since that time they have built that nice area & have allowed more vendors in. It is easy area to avoid & usually a smile & a no thank you work. They don't realize that type of aggressive selling turns most people off.

Edited May 25, 2018 by FOXTROT
misspelling

[CruisingNole]

I guess my expectation for Labadee was going to be a relaxing day at the beach with no "Hard Sells"

 

The land is owned by a corporation. Of course there will be "hard sells."

[CruisingNole]

I've been to Jamaica and other such areas with "pushy" vendors and I just ignore them and keep walking. They take the hint.

 

I'm not going to judge you, but I will say that if you're the type that wears a fanny pack, carries walkie-talkies and walks through those areas with the look of a deer in headlights, you'll be seen as easy prey. I've never understood why some go for the "tacky tourist" look, but for many reasons other than what I've cited, I'd avoid it.

[mechcc]

Aggressive sales people have taken foot everywhere and not just in poor countries. We were in Las Vegas last month and went through the shopping mall at the Venetian, the aggressive sales people made those in Labadee look like kittens, I actually had to yell at one vendor to leave me alone after he grabbed my arm. Another time I was alone walking from the area of the casino to the front desk, which is where the high end stores are located and was harassed by a salesman coming out of the store. Again a simple "no thank you" was met with a loud "I'm doing you a favor and it's a special price for you" as I kept walking. Point is - at Labadee and many places in the Caribbean you can avoid the aggressive sales people and understand the poverty behind it.

[CruisingNole]

Point is - at Labadee and many places in the Caribbean you can avoid the aggressive sales people and understand the poverty behind it.

 

Similar to the tourist areas of America. Just ask all the folks in Orlando working to make tourists' Disney vacations "magical" for $10 an hour.

[mpdog42]

I bet it would have something to do with "Haiti is desperately poor and negotiated the rights to the vendor area as part of the agreement to let Royal set up camp there so that hopefully at least a few of their citizens can eat dinner."

 

I find it obnoxious too, but then I think about all that Haiti has faced and is still facing, from Columbus wiping out most of the population to the colonial destruction of all of its trees to the fairly recent earthquake that devastated the country, and somehow I can't find the capacity to be irritated at these people for trying to earn some money. I'd be doing the same thing if I weren't incredibly fortunate to be a financially-comfortable citizen of a staggeringly rich country.

 

 

Whatever:rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

Mike

[MamboKing]

Aggressive sales people have taken foot everywhere and not just in poor countries. We were in Las Vegas last month and went through the shopping mall at the Venetian, the aggressive sales people made those in Labadee look like kittens, I actually had to yell at one vendor to leave me alone after he grabbed my arm. Another time I was alone walking from the area of the casino to the front desk, which is where the high end stores are located and was harassed by a salesman coming out of the store. Again a simple "no thank you" was met with a loud "I'm doing you a favor and it's a special price for you" as I kept walking. Point is - at Labadee and many places in the Caribbean you can avoid the aggressive sales people and understand the poverty behind it.

 

Whether it's a rich or poor nation, the cold hard reality is that pushy merchants are prevalent around the world, especially at popular tourist destinations. People also need to accept the fact that countries around the world have different behavioral norms from our own. You can't expect every shopping experience to mirror similar behavioral patterns, like a passive American shopping mall. If people can't accept this reality, they're simply ignorant and missing out on the joys of travelling around the world, which is experiencing different cultures from our own.

Edited May 25, 2018 by MamboKing

[momofmab]

We went to Columbus Cove for the first time last month (been to Labadee three times previously). It was crowded and the only place to set up on the beach was near the end of the market area, near where the food is served. The whole time we were there we were subjected to the endless, loud "cat-calling" from the vendors to people walking by the area, as well as to people on the beach who stood up to walk to the bar, etc. If you had to go to the restroom or got up to walk to where the food was being served, they'd call to you (identifying you by what you were wearing) and walk out on the road in an attempt to approach you to buy something. It was the complete opposite of "relaxing". I couldn't wait the get back on the ship. That will be my fist and last visit to the Columbus Cove area of Labadee.

 

I don't have a problem saying "no" to vendors or walking by and ignoring them, but the endless cat-calling took it to a new level of annoying.

[BillOh]

Why would I complain. These locals are fun to haggle with and talk to. They are also easily avoided. Thousands of cruise ship passengers shop there.

If you need practice, try the spa on the ship

 

 

Why would you complain? I don't know, if a large 6'ft man grabbed my wife and pulled her into a booth against her will, I might, and did object. It wasn't fun and I emphasize with the OPs feeling and questioning why Royal would allow it inside their private area. Its not like its on the public street of another port.

 

On our last 2015 cruise there, royal had made it better by keeping them confined to an area we could easily avoid. There was one no hassle shop inside one building, but you had to run the gamut to get inside.