Given the rising tensions in Haiti, some in the cruise community are left scratching their heads as to why Royal Caribbean would continue to sail to its exclusive destination Labadee in Haiti.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned flights to Haiti after three separate commercial airliners were fired upon in Port-au-Prince in early November. doubled down on his decision to return To Labadee.

But the family-friendly brand has stepped up to address guests’ safety concerns on cruises to the coastal peninsula located in the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, off the northern coast of Haiti.

Royal Caribbean is reaching out to existing guests by sending letters to their staterooms explaining that Labadee is more than 100 miles from the civil unrest currently unfolding in the Caribbean nation’s capital, and that this distance helps keep it safe.

“Please be aware that the civil unrest in Port-au-Prince is 200 kilometers south of our specific destination, Labadee. “With unpredictable road conditions, the journey will take more than six and a half hours.” reads a letter sent to the last guests on the ship Explorer of the Seas.

Should any malicious group or individual set their sights on Labadee, the peninsula’s location would give Royal Caribbean ample time to take appropriate precautions and evacuate guests.

Besides being far removed from the current chaos, 260 acres holiday village It is a controlled access area with private security and is open only to Royal Caribbean guests and employees.

The private beach area is also fenced off by armed guards, who are generally kept out of sight but always keep an eye on visitors.

Because it’s a heavily guarded area separate from the general population of Haiti, crime rates are much lower and security is less of a concern.

“The US Embassy has recognized Labadee as a cruise-only area with private security, low crime and only standard precautions required.” Royal Caribbean confirmed.

The popular cruise line concluded by reminding guests that safety is always a top priority and promising to remain vigilant as the situation in Haiti continues to evolve.

Crime and Unrest Still Common in Haiti

Despite Royal Caribbean’s assurances, visiting the exclusive destination can still be a bit nerve-wracking; especially considering that Haiti as a whole has been issued the harshest travel advisory from the US government.

Haiti remains as it has been for months Classified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare.”

It has indeed been a difficult year for Haiti. A state of emergency was declared in March After nearly 4,000 dangerous criminals escaped from prisons in Port-Au-Prince and Croix des Bouquet.

Soon after, Royal Caribbean decided: Suspend all services to Labadee He was treated with extreme caution and did not return until October, when the cruise line was confident it was safe.

Also Read: Is Cruise Travel Safe? What You Really Need to Know

However, Royal Caribbean has promised to continue monitoring the situation and is working with both local authorities and its own security teams to get a clear picture of potential security risks.

“We continue to monitor the situation very closely with local authorities and our security team…the safety of our guests remains our top priority.” continues the letter from the cruise line.

At the same time, it seems that the cruise line is being extra careful. limiting shore excursions For now, some said transportation and trips to areas outside the main resort, such as tours of nearby Amiga Island, have been canceled.

And of course, travelers still uncomfortable visiting Haiti need not disembark. Guests are always welcome to stay on board while in port and enjoy all the amenities and entertainment cruise ships have to offer – and perhaps with fewer crowds.