Haiti’s hottest vacation hot spot beach resort of Labadee 60 miles from Port-au-Prince suffers little effect from the 7.0 Earthquake that devastated Port Au Prince on January 12th. Labadee is situated on the north coast of Haiti, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic mango and almond trees, sits Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private paradise. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery and spectacular water activities. It even has an amazing new Aqua Park for kids.
Since 1986, the Royal Caribbean line has provided the largest source of tourism revenue to Haiti. Royal Caribbean employs about 2000 Haitians witch include security guards, beach monitors, waiters, cleaners, as well as some managers. About 200 Haitians also find works here selling their wares to make a living. Haitienne readers planning a cruise vacation, think about going back home to support the local economy, and have some fun in the sun, sailing, volleyball tournaments, sliding on the “world’s largest” inflatable water slide, and enjoy some local Haitian food.
A few days after the earthquake, Royal Caribbean Cruises announced plans to provide at least $1 million in humanitarian relief to Haiti in response to the catastrophic earthquake in Port-Au-Prince. Royal Caribbean will be partnering with charitable organizations – such as Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation, and the Solano Foundation, the company’s foundation in Haiti – to provide additional assistance to the people of Haiti. Royal Caribbean will also be delivering much needed goods and supplies to Haiti via their cruise ships
In addition to their financial contribution, Royal Caribbean will continue to provide economic support through the continuous business it bring to Labadee, In December 2009 Royal Caribbean launches Oasis of the Seas the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she spans 16 decks, encompasses 225,282 gross registered tons, carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,700 staterooms.
To welcome the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world, this favorite port of call had to go extensive new infrastructure enhancements and amenities for guests. Refurbishments at Labadee began in the summer of 2007 as a joint venture between the Haitian government and Royal Caribbean International. The primary areas of focus under the development plan included renovations to the island’s pier to allow for the accommodation of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships, an overhaul of the facilities and dining venues, and a complete revamp of Labadee’s upland areas. Also including in the construction is a new bars and the renourishment of the area beaches.
Two areas new to Labadee and central to the redesign of the destination are Dragon’s Plaza and Labadee Town Square, both of which offer convenient meeting places where guests can enjoy the rich Haitian culture and take in shopping, shows, cultural activities and other memorable experiences. Within Dragon’s Plaza, Columbus Cove Beach offers family-friendly attractions including water slides, which complement the area’s aqua park. Labadee Town Square boasts an expanded version of the popular artisan market and a festive atmosphere that comes alive with music, folkloric dancers and more.
Adventure-hungry guests will find a fresh variety of activities and redesigned public areas elsewhere on Labadee, including the new Dragon’s Tail Coaster, offering a high-speed ride through 2,232 feet of the destination’s tropical flora and rock formations. Upland-area favorites like Barefoot Beach Club, dedicated for the use of Royal Caribbean’s suite guests, offers enhanced food and beverage services, and a total of 20 private cabanas are available for rent along the water’s edge and within the hillside areas. The spa facilities at Barefoot Beach have also been revamped to provide an Oasis-like feel, and an expanded area has been set aside for yoga classes and other spa services.
Source Wikipedia and Royal Caribbean line
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I find it amazing that they keep Labadee running, even very little time after the quake. Some people did not like the idea and thought that it was cruel for Royal Caribbean to do that. But what they seemed to forget was that Haiti is in dire need of money. Ok we have to focus on the quake victims, but we cannot focus on one thing and ignore the rest of everything else, specially the ones bringing in revenues.
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