Labadee opening soon?

[harry0]

10 hours ago, BND said:

The US has tried for decades to help Haiti, but at some point they have to want to help themselves enough to make changes.  There are  a lot of missionaries who have spent years helping.  Everything from feeding the locals to providing basic education and health care.  What more do you think we can do?  The population has become too dependent on outsiders.

Where do you get your information from-Your comments  about the US helping for decades is not what I see or hear-I have been doing work in Haiti for several years with established organizations and I can tell you the majority of the people want to work and do not want to depend on others- but they have no choice,

[ONECRUISER]

30 minutes ago, harry0 said:

Where do you get your information from-Your comments  about the US helping for decades is not what I see or hear-I have been doing work in Haiti for several years with established organizations and I can tell you the majority of the people want to work and do not want to depend on others- but they have no choice,

Not that I agree with OP said but to answer you, assistance:  "The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Haiti helping to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Haitians through health care, shelter, food, nutrition, water/sanitation, protection and other relief. Another pillar of U.S.-Haiti bilateral cooperation is assistance for long-term development and institution building. The United States has invested nearly $6.7 billion in total assistance, including more than $1.8 billion in health in Haiti over the past 20 years"

[sfaaa]

8 hours ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

  To worry that the gang members would try and infiltrate a secure facility with THOUSANDS of visitors and an armed security presence is absolutely nonsensical.

 

Labatee  a secured place? Haitian police and army by their own admission are no match against these heavily armed gangs. They lack the firepower and have limited fuel to run their vehicles. Recently, two Haitian journalists were gunned down by these gangs and Haitian police refused to go in to retrieve their bodies because it was too dangerous for them. Who are you to call when trouble comes calling in Labatee?

Edited January 17, 2022 by sfaaa

[rockmom]

10 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

Labatee  a secured place? Haitian police and army by their own admittance are no match against these heavily armed gangs. They lack the firepower and have limited fuel to run their vehicles. Recently, two Haitian journalists were gunned down by these gangs and Haitian police refused to go in to retrieve their bodies because it was too dangerous for them. Who are you to call when trouble comes calling in Labatee?

Yes, there were journalists gunned down.  On the outskirts of Port Au Prince.  Which is at least a five, if not six hour drive to Labadee.  So by that token, you shouldn't go to Connecticut because there's been unrest in Washington, D.C.  (travel time wise) or don't go to Atlantic City from Connecticut (distance wise)

Edited January 17, 2022 by rockmom

[sfaaa]

3 minutes ago, rockmom said:

Yes, there were journalists gunned down.  On the outskirts of Port Au Prince.  Which is at least a five, if not six hour drive to Labadee.  So by that token, you shouldn't go to Connecticut because there's been unrest in Washington, D.C.  (travel time wise) or don't go to Atlantic City from Connecticut (distance wise)

Are you equating well armed and trained US army and police force with Haitian law enforcement agencies? 

[rockmom]

2 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

Are you equating well armed and trained US army and police force with Haitian law enforcement agencies? 

I'm saying that the gangs are in Port Au Prince--where they have way more opportunities and access.   

[fantom1979]

On 1/15/2022 at 6:08 PM, Charles4515 said:

 

They won't stop there if it is not safe. I would get off. 

 

 

 

Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have never put the lives of their passengers in danger by stopping at a port that they shouldn't have, right?

 

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/royal-caribbean-white-island-volcano-lawsuit-13646547

[rockmom]

4 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

Are you equating well armed and trained US army and police force with Haitian law enforcement agencies? 

And the fact that Labadee obviously wasn't overrun by these gangs and locals, as was spread via a rumor, shows that it's not exactly top of their list for a 'destination'.  

[rockmom]

1 minute ago, fantom1979 said:

 

Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have never put the lives of their passengers in danger by stopping at a port that they shouldn't have, right?

 

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/royal-caribbean-white-island-volcano-lawsuit-13646547

That was horrific, but you are comparing two totally different scenarios.  

[sfaaa]

Just now, rockmom said:

And the fact that Labadee obviously wasn't overrun by these gangs and locals, as was spread via a rumor, shows that it's not exactly top of their list for a 'destination'.  

 

2 minutes ago, rockmom said:

I'm saying that the gangs are in Port Au Prince--where they have way more opportunities and access.   

Opportunity you say? Cruise ship carries a lot of cash onboard and in its casino vault.

[Coralc]

6 minutes ago, fantom1979 said:

 

Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have never put the lives of their passengers in danger by stopping at a port that they shouldn't have, right?

 

https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/royal-caribbean-white-island-volcano-lawsuit-13646547

Welcome to Cruise Critic.  As awful as the White Island tragedy was, the lack of ability to predict major volcanic eruptions was spectacularly demonstrated just yesterday in Tonga. 

[rockmom]

3 minutes ago, sfaaa said:

 

Opportunity you say? Cruise ship carries a lot of cash onboard and in its casino vault.

Clearly we are not going to see eye to eye on this.  I'll keep my eye on the cruises that stop there if they really do start, to see when the gangs storm the casino.  At that point, I'll go ahead and agree with you on the current risk factor.  

[HBE4]

3 minutes ago, rockmom said:

Clearly we are not going to see eye to eye on this.  I'll keep my eye on the cruises that stop there if they really do start, to see when the gangs storm the casino.  At that point, I'll go ahead and agree with you on the current risk factor.  

 

I lack the vivid imagination of others. I just can't see these "heavily armed gangs of thugs" on a fleet of fishing vessels and storming the beaches of Labadee ala D-Day, 1944 and taking 7,000 people hostage and hijacking a cruise ship.

 

I mean, if it was that easy.....

[harry0]

34 minutes ago, ONECRUISER said:

Not that I agree with OP said but to answer you, assistance:  "The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to Haiti helping to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Haitians through health care, shelter, food, nutrition, water/sanitation, protection and other relief. Another pillar of U.S.-Haiti bilateral cooperation is assistance for long-term development and institution building. The United States has invested nearly $6.7 billion in total assistance, including more than $1.8 billion in health in Haiti over the past 20 years"

Where is this information from?(not doubting it just want to know) Even if this is legit-there is a good chance the money never made to those in need because of the corruption and overall dysfunctional government. When I say they need help I mean they need help rebuilding their system from the ground up-I am not sure how-I just know the need. Royal Caribbean does great work there and its my hope that more companies can see the potential and take part in the rebuilding.

[RoyalC]

10 minutes ago, Coralc said:

Welcome to Cruise Critic.  As awful as the White Island tragedy was, the lack of ability to predict major volcanic eruptions was spectacularly demonstrated just yesterday in Tonga. 

Except in this case there was warning beforehand

[Charles4515]

1 hour ago, sfaaa said:

 

Opportunity you say? Cruise ship carries a lot of cash onboard and in its casino vault.

Royal Caribbean has been doing Labadee for many years. I have been there about ten times. First time was 1996. This is not the first time they had to suspend visits to Haiti because of unrest and crisis. They always returned. They have deep local connections in that part of haiti  and employ many Haitians. I won't predict when they will start calling there again but they will. 

 

 

[sandebeach]

Posted in a FB group post

 

Royal Caribbean Group Careers

41m  · 

 

Succeed with Royal Caribbean Group!

Royal Caribbean International is looking for the following positions to work in Labadee, Haiti:

- Plumber

- Inventory Control Specialist

- Island Experience Specialist

- Tender Captain

Discover the many benefits of living and working in Labadee, Haiti, where every day is a chance to learn and grow!

You can send CV to Leslie Gibson at lgibson@rccl.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ONECRUISER]

1 hour ago, harry0 said:

Where is this information from?(not doubting it just want to know) Even if this is legit-there is a good chance the money never made to those in need because of the corruption and overall dysfunctional government. When I say they need help I mean they need help rebuilding their system from the ground up-I am not sure how-I just know the need. Royal Caribbean does great work there and its my hope that more companies can see the potential and take part in the rebuilding.

US State Dept. More detailed info on assistance from WH: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/13/fact-sheet-u-s-assistance-to-haiti/

Edited January 17, 2022 by ONECRUISER

[happycruiserco]

On 1/14/2022 at 7:55 PM, HicksRA said:

I just saw a post on the site that cannot be mentioned with pictures of a very clean looking Labadee saying that it’s not overrun by locals and Royal is trying to hire employees back with an intended stop by January 27th. 

I just saw RCCL posting on Facebook for 4 positions on Labadee.

 

[sfaaa]

2 hours ago, HBE4 said:

 

I lack the vivid imagination of others. I just can't see these "heavily armed gangs of thugs" on a fleet of fishing vessels and storming the beaches of Labadee ala D-Day, 1944 and taking 7,000 people hostage and hijacking a cruise ship.

 

I mean, if it was that easy.....

Gangs boldly stormed multiple Haitian police stations, killed policemen who resisted, burned their bodies and stole all their weapons. It's that easy but hard to imagine, isn't it?

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/gangs-raid-police-stations-weapons-haiti-deadly-violence-surges-2021-06-07/

[harry0]

6 hours ago, ONECRUISER said:

US State Dept. More detailed info on assistance from WH: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/13/fact-sheet-u-s-assistance-to-haiti/

Thanks one cruiser-The list is impressive. But the following story is common and goes to the fact help from our country does not get to the people. A couple days ago  a new generator on its way to a hospital was taken by gangs and the hospital had to close and people died.

 

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article257331337.html 

 

Not sure if the US sent it but this is common-its not only gangs that block the aid ; corrupt and dysfunctional government plays their part too. Missionaries on the ground have paid the right people and have their own security and aid has a better chance of getting to where it needs to go.

[A&L_Ont]

12 hours ago, publicpersona said:

 

This is not really essential to the thread on Haiti/Labadee but Bahamas restrictions absolutely do apply to the cruise line private islands in the Bahamas, and at least one instance has occurred when a ship was denied its own private island.

Maybe you didn’t notice, but I was answering a persons question about other ports of call and their restrictions.  That is why I referenced the RC private island in Bahamas, because RC would have to follow Bahamas restrictions.  I also made note of Mexico’s relaxed attitude. 
 

I doubt Haiti would have any greater restrictions then Bahamas.  That was my point to them.

Edited January 17, 2022 by A&L_Ont

[pstone1]

8 hours ago, sandebeach said:

Posted in a FB group post

 

 

Royal Caribbean Group Careers

41m  · 

 

Succeed with Royal Caribbean Group!

Royal Caribbean International is looking for the following positions to work in Labadee, Haiti:

- Plumber

- Inventory Control Specialist

- Island Experience Specialist

- Tender Captain

Discover the many benefits of living and working in Labadee, Haiti, where every day is a chance to learn and grow!

You can send CV to Leslie Gibson at lgibson@rccl.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw a job posting last week for a Shore Excursions Manager at Labadee too!

 

There’s really no need to spread paranoia.  Those that are comfortable will be excited to visit Labadee again.  If you are afraid to go to Labadee, then either stay on the ship or cancel your cruise!  That’s what Cruise with Confidence is for!

[BND]

20 hours ago, leisuretraveler223 said:

Assuming the complex is in good shape and running appropriately, which goes without saying if Royal is going to return, I would have ZERO concern about stopping there.

 

Gangs aren't going to target a cruise ship destination, it's nonsensical.  They've taken missionaries.  That's when a bunch of gang members ambush a dozen unsuspecting volunteers in some rural village.  To worry that the gang members would try and infiltrate a secure facility with THOUSANDS of visitors and an armed security presence is absolutely nonsensical.

 

It's like worrying about Somali Pirates trying to hijack a cruise ship.  either way, they're looking for the path of least resistance to a payday.  Nothing about Labadee would fulfill any of that.

I think you completely misunderstand their motives and goals.  It's not gangs having territorial issues.  They absolutely could target it.  The government can't control them so what makes you think a cruise ship could?  The security presence is a few people at the fence line and a couple of locals in boats and who knows where their loyalties really lie.  Nothing to stop boatloads if they wanted to.  All it takes is one person being grabbed, robbed or killed.  To say they only want missionaries tells me you don't know anything about the political situation there.

[BND]

12 hours ago, harry0 said:

Where do you get your information from-Your comments  about the US helping for decades is not what I see or hear-I have been doing work in Haiti for several years with established organizations and I can tell you the majority of the people want to work and do not want to depend on others- but they have no choice,

From many I know who have served there as missionaries and others who have worked there in other capacities. They may want to work, but until they figure out how to fix their problems, nothing is going to change.  And, they are very dependent on the US and outside organizations for many things.