Labadee

[cherid87120]

in a foreign country. When we went to Nassau, Bahamas about 4 years ago there was a small political uprising in the city and there were a lot of men with guns.

 

We will be going to Labadee, Haiti in February on Freedom of the Seas. We picked a 10:00 excursion that involves a catamaran and rum ;)

[mikebz]

Just wanted to express my extreme displeasure with RC Labadee port of call. First do not let anyone help you get a chair. Get it yourself. They rake you down for a tip. They do not go away till you pay them. The beach is has stones no sandy beach here plus the water is cold. Poor selection of bar drinks limited mixed drinks and no frozen drinks. Plus you are paying the outrageous prices of RC. You have to listen to bar tenders walking around screaming for you to buy their drink special. How peaceful! They walk by every 5 to 10 minutes screaming get their drink special. The food was poor with no options. The dragon breath attraction was closed all day! They had some Haitian guard their all day that did not speak english. I ended up going back to the ship early. Any other port would have been better. You are trapped in a Royal Caribbean overpriced port!! I will not travel on any of their ships since all Western and Eastern routes go there.:mad:

 

 

I really don't know what this poster is talking about. I was there 10/29/09. This was my first time to Labadee, and I thought it was great. It is a beach day. I started my day by walking around a little bit, and looking at the ruins, and Dragon's breath. Then went to Barefoot Beach. Nice beach, no rocks, but there were some in the water. I take water shoes with me as a rule, so it did not bother me. There were no bartenders yelling, but there was some music, not too loud, and kind of in the background.

 

Went in the water, then went to lunch. It was a BBQ type of lunch, so no it wasn't like the MDR, and I didn't expect it to be. Walked around some more, got a drink (a frozen one), and went to the vendors in the large building. They had some interesting stuff, and they weren't pushy. If you did buy something there, the bag they give you looked to be woven out of leaves - a nice touch IMO.

 

We were one of the first people there, and the last to leave. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Take it for what it is, a beach day. It is relaxing. Yes Haiti is a poor country. Parts of Mexico are poor, Guatemala is poor, Columbia is poor, from a US point of view. Makes me appreciate what I have. I do feel for them. Maybe tourism will help their economy. My only opinion, was that the people were a little friendlier in DR (same island) than in Haiti. Can't explain it, it was just a feeling I got, but it would not keep me from going back, and I never felt uneasy being there. For what it is worth, that is my opinion

[Charles4515]

I really don't know what this poster is talking about. I was there 10/29/09. This was my first time to Labadee, and I thought it was great. It is a beach day. I started my day by walking around a little bit, and looking at the ruins, and Dragon's breath. Then went to Barefoot Beach. Nice beach, no rocks, but there were some in the water. I take water shoes with me as a rule, so it did not bother me. There were no bartenders yelling, but there was some music, not too loud, and kind of in the background.

 

 

Been to Labadee bunch of times including last week on November 7. It was a wonderful beach day. One thing I noticed was that some of the locals who bring out the chairs for a small tip ($1 a chair is appropriate) were steering people to certain beaches. The ones on the ocean side which have some rocks. Those have just been dredged out in the last few years. Since I have been there before I knew I wanted to go to Barefoot Beach. I advise folks to stay on the ship side of Labadee and go to Barefoot or one of the others on the ship side.

[MartinsCruise]

We just got back from Labadee and enjoyed this stop very much. It was a nice change from the typical island ports. The snorkle excursion was one of best I have been on. They took us out to a reef and we were escorted in the water by a guide while another man stayed with us in a kayak. I stayed in the water for over an hour since there was so much to see. The guide pointed out different species and we saw a baby octopus. On board there was a marine biologist to answer any questions we had. The owner of the boat, the captain and the biologist are all Americans living in Haiti. Typically we don't do ship excursions but this was excellent!:)

[pinkmonkey14]

Is there any beaches that are consided "Adults Only"? Which is the best for a family with teens? Also is this a port where you have to take a passport to or do you just need a seapass to board the ship?

Thanks

[Ashland]

Is there any beaches that are consided "Adults Only"? Which is the best for a family with teens? Also is this a port where you have to take a passport to or do you just need a seapass to board the ship?

Thanks

No "Adult Only" beach...It is a beach with a straw market..not to be confused with a regular type port ..seapass card only...only one RCCL ship can be in Labadee at a time...RCCL's private island...great beach day ...enjoy.

[Needtobecruisin']

I have read that there is a Straw Market in Labadee. Is this anything like the Straw Market in Nassau? Do they sell "knock-off" purses?

[Ashland]

I have read that there is a Straw Market in Labadee. Is this anything like the Straw Market in Nassau? Do they sell "knock-off" purses?

No...only handcrafted items etc....glad I had done my shopping (knock-off's) before getting to Labadee...my DH got a T shirt that was cool, but as for anything else...NO...It's a beach day....

[Needtobecruisin']

No...only handcrafted items etc....glad I had done my shopping (knock-off's) before getting to Labadee...my DH got a T shirt that was cool, but as for anything else...NO...It's a beach day....

 

 

Thanks for the info. I always enjoy getting a couple of purses while on a cruise. The ports we will be visiting on the upcoming cruise will be Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Labadee and Ocho Rios. Not sure if I can find anything like that in these places or not. Any idea?

[Ashland]

Thanks for the info. I always enjoy getting a couple of purses while on a cruise. The ports we will be visiting on the upcoming cruise will be Cozumel' date=' Grand Cayman, Labadee and Ocho Rios. Not sure if I can find anything like that in these places or not. Any idea?[/quote']

I think St Thomas & St Maarten are the best for the kind of shopping you and I like to do...;)..Let me know what you think when you get back from the ports you are going to...Enjoy !!

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

The dragon breath attraction was closed all day! They had some Haitian guard their all day that did not speak english. I ended up going back to the ship early. :mad:

 

The Dragon's Breath area is closed when the tide is too high to be safe. I have been there when waves would shoot up over the rocky path to the Dragon's Breath and those waves could come up with great force and pull back out with great force. You could get knocked down by those waves. I am glad the area is guarded when it isn't safe.

 

By the way, I am really sorry you found so much about your day at Labadee that you did not like. To me, the place is like a paradise and I have been there five times, but each person has his own definition of what paradise means.

[Gradelady]

Is there a weight limit on the zipline. My hubby would love to do this, but is a big guy!

[modem9]

Can you go snorkeling right off the ship on the nearby beaches? Do you need to take an excursion to snorkle?

[Charles4515]

Can you go snorkeling right off the ship on the nearby beaches? Do you need to take an excursion to snorkle?

 

You can snorkel right off the beaches but if you want to see any fish or coral you need to take an excursion.

[vavasmom]

Is there a weight limit on the zipline. My hubby would love to do this, but is a big guy!

If the weather is good it is 250 lbs (and yes they weigh anyone close). IF it is windy they reduce the limit.

[pinkmonkey14]

We tried to go snorkling on the beach by one of the tendering stations by the rocks and we saw nothing but sand. You do have to do the exurtion. I had my mask on trying to see stuff but well I saw nothing and got a lot of weird looks :)!

[MrsPete]

Posters were saying that there was a band and an Aqua park. Is there a quiet partof the beach without loud music and away from the inflatible trampolines and such?

In this case, the band is a small group -- think three or four guys -- quietly playing island music outside the eating area during lunch. I assume they have something similar at all the eating areas, but I only ate at the one down by Dragon's Breath Point. The band is not up on a stage, and is not loud.

 

They do try to sell beads and CDs of their music.

 

Most of the beach is well away from the bands, so you'll have no problem finding peace and quiet.

[MrsPete]

I really don't know what this poster is talking about. I was there 10/29/09. This was my first time to Labadee, and I thought it was great. It is a beach day. I started my day by walking around a little bit, and looking at the ruins, and Dragon's breath. Then went to Barefoot Beach. Nice beach, no rocks, but there were some in the water. I take water shoes with me as a rule, so it did not bother me. There were no bartenders yelling, but there was some music, not too loud, and kind of in the background

My experience was much more like yours. It was a great day.

[running girl]

How far is the beach from the port?

[WiseSky]

The port is the beach. Google a map of Labadee and you'll see it's not too big of an area.

[bilyclub]

Just wanted to express my extreme displeasure with RC Labadee port of call. First do not let anyone help you get a chair. Get it yourself. They rake you down for a tip. They do not go away till you pay them. The beach is has stones no sandy beach here plus the water is cold. Poor selection of bar drinks limited mixed drinks and no frozen drinks. Plus you are paying the outrageous prices of RC. You have to listen to bar tenders walking around screaming for you to buy their drink special. How peaceful! They walk by every 5 to 10 minutes screaming get their drink special. The food was poor with no options. The dragon breath attraction was closed all day! They had some Haitian guard their all day that did not speak english. I ended up going back to the ship early. Any other port would have been better. You are trapped in a Royal Caribbean overpriced port!! I will not travel on any of their ships since all Western and Eastern routes go there.:mad:

 

 

 

This guy is a Carnie person to the bone. All his posts are on the Carnie boards, except for two that rip Labadee. Come to thing of it, his posts on that boards are full of the same rants. Even his facts are wrong. Not all the RCI ships stop at Labadee, but hell, lets not let the truth get in the way.

[rockymtn]

This guy is a Carnie person to the bone. All his posts are on the Carnie boards, except for two that rip Labadee. Come to thing of it, his posts on that boards are full of the same rants. Even his facts are wrong. Not all the RCI ships stop at Labadee, but hell, lets not let the truth get in the way.

 

 

Hey Billyclub, hope things are going well. We are going back to the AOS Jan 3 with the different islands. To bad you closed the other thread. Is there any way to get a hold of Twogees. They have no present threads. Please let me know how Labadee went. We thought about taking your cruise but liked the ports better on the AOS. Next time. Find any more beaches at the end of the airplane runways like St Maartin. Did your pics turn out of the beach. What other cruises for the spring are you guys on.

Glen and Deb

[Lionesss]

Two summers ago while on the Mariner of the seas when we were in Labadee we took time to enjoy the whole area. From the zip line, beaches Dragons Breath.

We only went to Barefoot beach towards the end of the day.

It had swimmers, but, in no way was it crowded.

This upcoming summer we will be sailing the Freedom of the Seas a larger cruise ship, and of course many more guests.

We cannot wait to see all the changes that have occurred from the new market, roller coaster, to the "forbidded beach" Ooops I mean Barefoot beach.

Times are changing, in no way do I defend this area becoming a suite perk only, but, if it is then, so be it.

Look at the threads, the roller coaster fee came down due to lack of interest, and if this beach is desolate, than, more changes could come our way.

Our upcoming July cruise is months away, they have time to modify the rules.

 

Later

Safe travels.

[bilyclub]

Hey Billyclub, hope things are going well. We are going back to the AOS Jan 3 with the different islands. To bad you closed the other thread. Is there any way to get a hold of Twogees. They have no present threads. Please let me know how Labadee went. We thought about taking your cruise but liked the ports better on the AOS. Next time. Find any more beaches at the end of the airplane runways like St Maartin. Did your pics turn out of the beach. What other cruises for the spring are you guys on.

Glen and Deb

 

 

Hiya Glen, how's the biz ?

 

Don't know about Grant/twogees. Figure he is due for a cruise. Maybe a google of the name will give up some info. Sailing on the Freedom for the Diamond lounge to keep the the bar tab down, plus going early to check out St. Augustine. DeeDee just got back on the Adventure if you can swing the Concierege lounge. They opened a new runway at O'Hare saw I get twice the action over the house now. Hope things are going well. I'll try and keep the old Adventure thread at the top, maybe it will get some action.

[welovecruzin]

After reading all the post let's see if I have it right. Six of us going Jan 30th. We will dock and walk off rather than tender. Everything owned and staffed by RCI. Only money needed is for tips and shopping. Lunch provided BBQ style. Drinks can be added to ship charges. Barefoot beach best and cleanest (or just less rocky). Wear beach shoes. Relax and enjoy beach. Please let me know if I got anything wrong. One question. We are all in our mid fifties. Is the coaster like an amusement park roller coaster? I know I am not up for the zip line but might consider the coaster. Any opinions out there