Several major cruise lines are shifting course in the Caribbean, removing planned stops in Haiti in response to mounting security warnings and regulatory travel advisories. The decision follows a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, which cites widespread issues in Haiti including kidnapping, gang violence, civil unrest and insufficient emergency services.

Itinerary Adjustments & Passenger Impact

For example, Celebrity Cruises has officially announced the cancellation of all upcoming visits to its private resort port in Labadee, Haiti for the 2025 and 2026 schedules. Instead, passengers will find alternate destinations — such as Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos — replacing the original stop. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean has similarly suspended shore calls to Haiti for multiple itineraries through at least April 2026, citing the same “abundance of caution” rationale.

Safety First — Changing the Map

Although some Haitian resort areas like Labadee are operated by the cruise lines as private enclaves, the broader security environment in Haiti has triggered the pull-back. The U.S. advisory highlights that violent crime and kidnappings are common and that infrastructure to support tourists in emergencies is very limited. Cruise firms say they are redesigning routes not just to preserve guest confidence, but to manage operational risk, port access and insurance concerns.

What It Means for Travel & Industry

For travellers, this means two things:

• If you booked a Caribbean cruise that included Haiti, check your itinerary and communications from the cruise line — the stop might have been changed.

• The replacement destinations may offer similar sun-sand-sea appeal, but expect early warnings on excursions, port facilities and local vendor arrangements — these are being rapidly adjusted.

For the cruise business, these changes reflect an evolving reality: destination risk is a key factor in itinerary planning. Operators are increasingly strategic about port partnerships, political stability, and guest safety. As one source notes, “The map is being redrawn — not just by geography but by risk.”

The Bigger Picture

The rerouting of trips away from Haiti is part of a wider trend in travel where destinations once considered “bucket list” stops must now compete with safety perception, regulatory advice and operational logistics. Cruise lines are hedging against rapid changes in advisories, ports of call becoming untenable, and shifts in traveller sentiment.