Do you have an upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise with Labadee Haiti listed as a port of call? When our cruise itinerary listed this destination, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. But this private slice of Caribbean coastline turned out to be a unique stop — one that feels like a curated island escape built just for Royal Caribbean guests (because, well, it is).

Where Is Labadee?

Labadee is located on the northern coast of Haiti, nestled between lush green mountains and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. It’s a private resort leased by Royal Caribbean, meaning only passengers on their cruises can access it. Think of it more like a cruise extension than a public island destination (similar to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay).

Not exactly sure where Labadee, Haiti, is on the map? Look here:

Getting to the Exclusive Royal Caribbean’s Labadee Haiti Exclusive

There’s no public ferry or airport shuttle here. You dock directly from your Royal Caribbean ship, stepping off onto the dock with a short walk that leads you into an area with beaches, shops, food pavilions, and optional excursions. There’s also lots of trams available for those needing assistance.

What We Did in Labadee

We splurged on something truly special since this cruise was our honeymoon: an overwater bungalow at Barefoot Beach, the private area reserved for suite guests and those who book a cabana or bungalow experience.

It was worth. every. penny. The bungalow came with loungers, floating beach mats, dedicated service (with drinks brought right to us), direct access to the ocean (literally 10 steps from the bungalow), and unmatched views of the beautiful country.

We spent our day fully relaxed: sipping drinks inside the bungalow, watching and listening to the waves roll in, and floating in the (somewhat) calm lagoon waters. The water was also SO cold, but we were there in December, so this likely varies by the time of year you go. It was the perfect balance of luxury and laid-back vibes that we were wanting for our honeymoon.

After some lounging, we wandered to explore the rest of the island, visited the local artisan market, and took in scenic views from the walking trails.

Free Things to Do in Labadee, Haiti

One of the best surprises about Labadee is you can have an incredible day without spending anything extra: no excursions or rentals necessary. If you’re cruising on a budget or simply want a low-key day, there’s still plenty to see, do, and enjoy.

Here’s top five free things to do while in Labadee:

Relax and Swim at the Beaches

Whether you head to Adrenaline Beach for the waves or Columbus Cove for calmer water, lounging and swimming are 100% free. Grab a lounger (they’re included!), take a dip in the Caribbean, and enjoy the views.

Ride the Free Island Tram

Hop on the complimentary tram to explore different parts of Labadee without breaking a sweat. It’s especially handy for getting to Columbus Cove or back to the ship after lunch.

Stroll Through the Artisan Market

The local market is full of handmade crafts, art, and souvenirs. While buying isn’t free, browsing definitely is — and it’s a fun way to get a taste of Haitian culture.

Eat the Complimentary BBQ Lunch

Royal Caribbean sets up a beachside buffet with grilled favorites, sides, and desserts — all included in your cruise fare. No need to head back to the ship for a good meal.

Utilize Your Drink Package

Already purchased a drink package onboard? You can use it at the bars throughout Labadee, so your frozen cocktails, beer, or sodas are covered here too.

Which Beaches Are Free in Labadee?

Adrenaline Beach
Adrenaline Beach has a livelier feel and is perfect if you love wave action. It’s near the zipline landing zone, so you’ll get a little thrill mixed in with your chill. The shoreline can be a bit rocky, so water shoes are a good idea. Loungers are free, and there’s plenty of space to spread out.

Columbus Cove
Looking for something a little more peaceful? Hop on the tram and head to Columbus Cove. It’s a bit further from the ship, but often less crowded. The water is calmer here, making it great for swimming or hanging out with kids. There’s a bar nearby, and loungers are free here too.

Nellie’s Beach (Partial Access)
Nellie’s offers beautiful views and decent snorkeling close to shore. While the cabana section is restricted, the general beach area is open to all guests. It’s a great middle ground between quiet and convenient.

Which Beaches Are Reserved Access Only in Labadee?

Barefoot Beach Club
This beach is exclusively for suite guests or those who book a cabana or overwater bungalow (which is what we did!). It’s more private and comes with perks like cushioned loungers, floating mats, and food/drink service brought right to you. If you’re in a suite or planning to splurge, this beach is next-level relaxation.

Cabana-Only Zones
Certain sections of Nellie’s Beach and Barefoot Beach are roped off for guests who rent cabanas. If you haven’t booked one, you won’t be able to enter these restricted spaces — but honestly, the free areas still offer amazing views and a relaxing experience.

You can see all the free activities plus excursions to book at this destination here.

TallSavvy Tips for Labadee

• Vendors in the artisan market are VERY persistent since the tourists on the cruises are many of their main sources of income. If you’re not interested, a polite but firm “no thank you” helps and keep walking.
• Bring cash if you want to buy from the market (USD accepted).
• Trams are available and easy to use, but pack comfy shoes if you plan to explore on foot.
• Water shoes are helpful for rocky beach entries.
• Towels must be brought from the ship, as they’re not provided on the island (unless you’ve reserved a cabana).

As of May 2025, Royal Caribbean is temporarily rerouting ships scheduled to visit Labadee due to the ongoing unrest in Haiti. While Labadee itself is isolated and secure, Royal always puts the safety of its guests and crew first, and we appreciate their proactive approach. That said, we truly loved our time in Labadee. It felt peaceful, welcoming, and relaxing, and it’s absolutely on our list to return to when conditions allow.

Barefoot Beach cabanas and beach view from the water

What It Cost Us

The overwater bungalow at Barefoot Beach is classified as an “excursion” through the Royal Caribbean website. Booking a bungalow here was approximately $800 for the day, but please keep in mind this depends on the time of year and demand. (You can check out the bungalows here).

It was a splurge — especially because it was our honeymoon — but for us, the bungalow was absolutely worth it.

We were on Symphony of the Seas in Labadee, Haiti

Final Verdict: APPROVED!

Labadee was a surprise highlight of out trip. It may not have been the most adventurous stop (it could’ve been if we booked other excursions), but it offered exactly what we needed at that point in the cruise: sunshine, scenery, and zero stress. Plus, with all their free activities, you’re bound to have a memorable day in Labadee without breaking the bank.

Would we go back? Absolutely. It’s definitely not the kind of place you fly to independently, but as part of a cruise itinerary, it’s an incredible addition to your port itinerary.

If Labadee, Haiti, is on your Royal Caribbean itinerary, we hope this helped answer any questions you may have.

If you still need some questions answered, drop a comment below or connect with us on Instagram — we’re happy to share more about our experience in paradise!

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