When I used to be invited to sail on the maiden voyage of Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, I used to be particularly excited in regards to the itinerary. In addition to Nassau, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and San Juan Puerto Rico (all implausible locations I’d already skilled), our first port of name was Labadee Haiti. I’d by no means been there and was thrilled to discover this non-public space of Haiti for myself.
Disclosure: My crusing on the Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas was complimentary for functions of evaluate. All opinions are my very own.
Things to Do in Labadee Haiti
Where is Labadee?
Labadee is a port of name alongside the north coast of Haiti that’s privately leased by Royal Caribbean International as an unique vacation spot. When cruise passengers go to Labadee, they’re able to discover the non-public resort space (which is fenced-in), however excursions don’t transcend Labadee.
Private excursions aren’t provided. However, Labadee shouldn’t be a personal island – it’s truly a part of the mainland of Haiti.
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises each provide Labadee as a port of name. Currently, a few of the cruise ships that go to the port (not on all sailings, nonetheless) embody Independence of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas. This is at all times topic to vary based mostly on the itineraries.
Areas to Enjoy in Labadee
We have been already docked at Labadee after we awoke for the day on board the Wonder of the Seas. I used to be shocked to see how hilly and mountainous it’s. I undoubtedly advocate strolling across the ship till you may get a terrific panoramic view of the port – the pure panorama of Labadee is gorgeous and photo-worthy.
It’s a brief stroll off the pier to the Dragon’s Plaza, the entry level of Labadee. Here, you may get a terrific view of the ship from a distance, meet for sure excursions, and watch the over-water zip line.
There are a number of seashore areas on Labadee, and they’re all nice for various functions. We requested for one of the best sunbathing space and have been guided to Nellie’s Beach. This sandy space affords seashore chairs and umbrellas, together with beautiful cabanas and seashore bungalows (together with overwater cabanas) that may be rented upfront for the day.
The water right here was nonetheless a bit chilly (it was early March, in any case) however did heat up after a couple of minutes.I actually favored the Nellie’s Beach space as a spot to chill out in one of many lounge chairs and luxuriate in a great ebook.
If you favor slightly extra exercise, head to Adrenaline Beach. Here, you possibly can sit in an overwater swing, swim out to the floating bar, and luxuriate in a while in a seashore chair. There are additionally bocce and basketball courts. I loved a while sitting within the shade at Adrenaline Beach.
While I had introduced a ebook to learn, I put it apart in favor of watching the zip liners go over the water. This space can also be the place you’ll discover the Dragon’s Tail Coaster.
Further down on the island is Columbus Cove. This space is house to the Arawak Aqua Park and in addition affords seashore chairs and umbrellas, floating mats, a restaurant, bars, and extra. It’s the farthest seashore from the place the ship docks.
The city sq. part is the place you’ll discover the artisans (together with the artisan market), reward store, first support station, and extra. It’s positioned adjoining to Adrenaline Beach.
Younger youngsters could take pleasure in Splash Bash, a water splash space positioned alongside Dragon’s Beach. In this space, you’ll additionally discover seashore lounger leases, a volleyball courtroom, and an space to lease floating mats.
Guests staying in a Grand Suite or above can take pleasure in a particular space. The Barefoot Beach Club is offered to these company in addition to those that have reached Pinnacle standing within the Crown and Anchor Club.
Activities and Excursions in Labadee
Like with different ports of name, excursions, and actions on your day in Labadee, Haiti may be bought and reserved upfront by means of the cruise line. Some of those shore excursions are highly regarded and do promote out. Book as quickly as attainable for one of the best availability, particularly if you need a personal cabana.
Unlike different ports of name, the official excursions are the one ones you are able to do at Labadee. You aren’t capable of journey past the fenced-in resort space to do your individual tour.
Here are some examples of actions and excursions you possibly can ebook.
- Boat trip to Amiga Island for a seashore day
- Beach bungalow rental
- Beach Cabana rental (together with overwater and waterfront cabanas on Nellie’s Beach)
- Beach Lounger for 2 rental
- Rental of floating seashore mats
- Speed boat journey
- Kayak excursions
- Historical strolling tour of Labadee
- Sip and paint tour – I walked previous this whereas I used to be there and noticed them having fun with the shade whereas every portray a pot to take house.
- Snorkel tour
- Jet ski trip
- Fishing journey
Dragon’s Fire Flight Line and Dragon’s Breath Flight Line Zip Lines
The largest remorse of my Wonder of the Seas journey is lacking the Labadee zip line rides. It appeared like such a enjoyable trip, with beautiful Labadee views. There are two kinds of ziplines – one is a extra conventional line the place your ft are pointed in direction of the bottom, and the opposite is the place you might be suspended horizontally (Superman type).
With each zip traces, you’ll must retailer your objects with a pal that isn’t using, or in a locker. You’ll additionally must put on closed-toed sneakers and undergo a security briefing. Don’t overlook to pack your closed-toed sneakers if you’re hoping to do that.
Dragon’s Tail Coaster
I used to be glad to have the ability to expertise the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a mountain coaster that winds down the facet of one of many lush hills over Labadee. I wasn’t certain of what to anticipate, however this coaster is comparable in type to those I’ve ridden at Epic Discovery in Vail and at Attitash Mountain in New Hampshire.
After watching a quick security video, you’ll board the trip automobile. There is room for 2 passengers, though it’s greatest for an grownup and a toddler, quite than two adults. Cubbies by the trip entrance can be found so that you can retailer your luggage, however they don’t lock.
The trip automobile is pulled mechanically up the hill till you attain the highest. Then, you’ll use the braking mechanism to both go sooner or decelerate. While it’s very enjoyable to go quick immediately, take the time to go searching on the beautiful surroundings.
Dragon’s Splash Waterslide and Arawak Aqua Park
The Dragon’s Splash Waterslide is a 300-foot saltwater waterslide positioned within the Columbus Cove space of Labadee. I didn’t see anybody on it whereas I used to be there, nevertheless it does appear to be a enjoyable slide.
There’s additionally the Arawak Aqua Park, an inflatable water park within the Columbus Cove space. These in-water inflatables can be a extremely enjoyable choice for households with youngsters sufficiently old to take pleasure in leaping round.
Food on Labadee
Food on Labadee is included in your cruise. There are a number of eating places and you’ll anticipate finding issues like burgers, scorching canine, salads, contemporary fruit, and extra. Full-service bars are positioned alongside the varied seashores, and a few of the seashore areas even have servers to deliver your drink proper to your seashore chair.
Tips for Visiting Labadee
If you’ve bought a beverage bundle on the ship, it is going to work at Labadee. Make certain you strive considered one of their signature Labadoozies, which may be made with or with out rum! If you don’t have a drink bundle, you should use your SeaPass bundle to buy objects a la carte.
While theoretically, Voom Internet ought to work on the island, we discovered that it wasn’t working within the space we have been sitting in. So be ready for that.
Beach chair attendants can be found to escort you to one of the best seashore chairs obtainable. They settle for ideas so have small US payments obtainable with you if you happen to’d like to supply a gratuity.
Don’t overlook to deliver seashore towels off the ship so you’ve them at Labadee. Used towels may be dropped off on the hut in Dragon’s Plaza.
There are each delicate and extra adventurous strolling paths in Labadee. A tram is offered if you happen to’d desire to not stroll. It is a reasonably large space, so chances are you’ll need to take the tram, even when simply on the best way again. There are a number of tram stops at Labadee.
We discovered the artisans to be pretty aggressive, so be ready. They don’t settle for SeaPass or bank cards. There’s additionally a present store in Town Square that does settle for bank cards.
We discovered Labadee to be highly regarded. Make certain you’ve packed sunscreen, a cover-up, and a hat on your day. Pack as you’ll for any seashore resort.
Unless you’ve booked a snorkel journey, you need to deliver your individual snorkel gear if you happen to’ll need to apply it to Labadee.
If you might be planning on doing the zip line, lockers can be found in a number of areas. You’ll additionally must ensure you have closed-toed sneakers. While luggage can’t be introduced on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, there are (unlocked) cubbies obtainable to retailer your objects. Open-toed sneakers may be worn on the coaster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labadee
If your ship stops there, you received’t must pay to get off the ship and go to Labadee. However, a few of the actions do value further.
There is a present store with a number of nice issues. There’s additionally an artisan market however the distributors may be aggressive. While the reward store accepts bank cards, the distributors typically solely take money.
Yes, and your meals are included. You’ll must pay further for drinks until you’ve an infinite drinks bundle. You can cost them to your account.
Your ship will dock at Labadee, and you’ll stroll proper off.
