Celebrity Just Dropped Labadee—What It Signals for 2026 Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is pulling Labadee, Haiti from multiple Celebrity Apex itineraries between November 2025 and April 2026, citing the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory. The line announced the change on October 17, 2025, and will swap in alternative stops such as Grand Turk, according to Caribbean News Digital.

Why a private beach still isn’t risk‑proof

Per the U.S. Department of State, Haiti remains at Level 4 due to crime, kidnapping, and civil unrest—an advisory that has persisted through 2024 and 2025. The agency warns that it has “limited ability to provide emergency services” in the country; the guidance is current on the department’s Haiti travel page.

On paper, Labadee is a controlled, private destination used by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) brands, including Celebrity. But private does not mean invulnerable. The seaside enclave relies on security, staffing, logistics, and medical evacuation pathways that extend beyond the pier. When national conditions deteriorate, cruise lines typically err on the side of caution—even if the beach day itself looks insulated.

That calculus isn’t new. In March 2024, Royal Caribbean suspended calls to Labadee across its fleet amid escalating violence on the mainland, according to Reuters. Celebrity’s latest move suggests the company doesn’t see enough stability to program Haiti for the coming winter season.

The ripple effects for guests and travel advisors

Caribbean News Digital reports that impacted Celebrity Apex sailings will pivot to alternative ports—Grand Turk among them—and guests have been notified. Cruise contracts generally allow lines to modify itineraries for safety without liability, a standard clause reflected in Celebrity’s Cruise Ticket Contract. In practice, lines often provide revised schedules and may adjust shore excursion lineups; compensation policies vary by sailing and scenario.

What this means if you’re booked: expect a similar-length day in port, but swap beach and zip line for another flavor of island call. Grand Turk is a popular substitute with a large cruise center, easy beach access, and ample sea-and-sand excursions. If you planned a milestone moment in Labadee (say, a private cabana), rework with the line or your travel advisor early—inventory at replacement ports can sell out fast.

Quick stats

Announcement: October 17, 2025
Affected ship: Celebrity Apex
Window: November 2025–April 2026
Removed port: Labadee, Haiti
Substitutions: Alternative ports such as Grand Turk
Advisory status: Haiti at Level 4 (Do Not Travel)

Reading the tea leaves for Royal Caribbean Group

Celebrity is part of Royal Caribbean Group, which owns and operates Labadee. Strategically, Labadee gives RCG brands a turnkey beach day without third‑party port fees and with tight control over guest experience. Pulling it from the schedule isn’t a decision they make lightly.

Two signals stand out:

Security risk tolerance remains low. Even with private‑island controls, the company is prioritizing crisis avoidance over convenience. That’s consistent with the 2024 suspension Reuters reported and underscores that the bar for resuming calls is high.
Network flexibility is paying off. RCG can lean on a broad Caribbean network—Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas—to reroute ships with minimal disruption. That redundancy is why guests are seeing quick substitutions, not lengthy cancellations.

A counterpoint some cruisers raise: Labadee itself has long operated without incident. True, and cruise lines have historically restarted there ahead of broader national recovery phases. But given current advisories and logistics complexity, the optics—and operational risk—are different now.

What to watch next in Haiti’s security picture

The key to any Labadee comeback is a sustained improvement in national security conditions and the corresponding downgrade of the U.S. advisory. Cruise security teams also weigh port‑specific factors: access roads, contractor staffing, medical and evacuation support, and coordination with local authorities.

Short timeline

March 2024: Royal Caribbean suspends Labadee calls amid unrest (per Reuters).
October 17, 2025: Celebrity removes Labadee from select Apex sailings (per Caribbean News Digital).
November 2025–April 2026: Apex calls rebooked to alternatives such as Grand Turk.

Practical moves if your sailing is rerouted

Recheck excursions. Shore tours you booked for Labadee won’t auto‑transfer; pick new ones for the replacement port.
Watch your email/app. Itinerary updates, embarkation notices, and onboard credit (if any) appear in your cruise planner.
Lock in must‑dos fast. Substitution ports can get crowded when multiple ships pivot.
Know the fine print. Cruise contracts allow itinerary changes for reasons beyond the line’s control; refunds are typically not due solely for a port swap.

Pros and cons of a Grand Turk swap

Pros: Walkable beach right off the pier, easy pool and cabana access at the cruise center, clear water for snorkeling.
Cons: Fewer cultural or historical tours than larger islands; experiences can feel crowded on multi‑ship days.

Bottom line

Celebrity’s Labadee removal is a pragmatic call driven by a Level 4 advisory and the realities of operating in a volatile environment. The guest experience should remain strong thanks to ready substitutes like Grand Turk, but the decision underscores a broader truth: private destinations aren’t immune to national headwinds.

If you’re booked on Celebrity Apex this winter, watch for updated port times and excursion options—and consider locking plans early. For the industry, the signal is clearer still: Haiti’s recovery timeline, not the cruise calendar, will determine when Labadee returns.

Summary

Celebrity pulled Labadee from Celebrity Apex itineraries from November 2025 to April 2026.
The move follows the U.S. State Department’s Level 4 advisory for Haiti.
Ports such as Grand Turk will replace Labadee; guests have been notified.
Cruise contracts allow safety‑driven itinerary changes; policies vary on goodwill credits.
A Labadee return hinges on sustained security improvements and advisory changes.

Sources: Caribbean News Digital; U.S. State Department; Reuters; Celebrity Cruise Ticket Contract.