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Haiti occupies the mountainous western end of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. Its location, tropical climate and pristine beaches shaded by lush vegetation once made it a potential tourism hot spot just 25 years ago, but decades of poverty, violence, dictatorships, instability and depleted natural resources have taken a toll. It’s now the poorest and most densely populated destination in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, the nation was hard hit by recent devastating tropical storms and the earthquake in 2010, leaving thousands homeless.
It’s unfortunate, since travelers could miss out on engaging with the welcoming Haitian people. Haiti travel offers a unique culture that shines in its religion, music and cuisine. Haiti saw the only successful slave revolution in colonial history and so it has wholly embraced its African roots. This has evolved into a complex and fascinating culture, with the practice of voodoo at its core, accented by a marriage of French and Creole cuisine and language and such music as kampa and zouk.
That said, the reality is that the vast majority of cruise passengers visiting Haiti hardly realize they're in Haiti. Labadee is the private port destination on the north coast of Haiti operated by Royal Caribbean, and visitors come for the sun, surf and beaches — traveling inland isn't practical on a day trip.
Developed by Royal Caribbean Cruises, this resort in Northern Haiti has a private beach, water park, and other activities for families, you can spend a stress free day in Haiti. Enjoy jet skis, volleyball and kayaking while remaining safe in this port area.
The capital Port-au-Prince is a natural harbor and bustling city, whose Iron Market is busy with bargainers, whether looking for voodoo artifacts or food such as fresh turtle. The Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien offers a chronology of Haitian history, including the anchor of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus's flagship.
Also known as the Citadelle Laferrière, this fortress is located high in the mountains of northern Haiti, overlooking the city of Milot. It was build around 1820 by newly independent Haitians to protect from the French. It is a Haitian national symbol, featured on currency and stamps throughout the country.
Haitian cuisine is Caribbean métissage, or a mix of French and African cuisines. It is highly spiced and, of course, features the local fruits and fish, along with other meats. Try kabrit (roast goat), the fried pork griot, the poulet creole (poultry with a Creole sauce) poulet creole and the du riz jonjon (rice with wild mushrooms).
Take precautions with the water, and make sure that all water you drink is either bottled or has been purified. Do not trust raw vegetables, and make sure that all that you consume have been peeled or disinfected. Make sure all meats are well-cooked.
It is best to avoid Haiti in hurricane season, which is between June and November.
At this time, Royal Caribbean moors to the pier in Labadee.
If you are traveling away from Labadee, tap-taps are local buses used throughout Haiti to get around. They are usually modified vans with bright colors. Taxis typically are about 500 gourdes and should be used only during daylight. After dark, prices rise substantially, and you are at substantially greater risk for being mugged.
Documents: All U.S. and Canadian citizens will need a passport.
Currency: The Haitian Gourde
Language: French or Haitian Creole. However, in most tourist areas, people also speak English.
Safety: The U.S. State Department urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when visiting mainland Haiti given Haiti’s weak emergency response infrastructure, though Labadee is considered a safe haven. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Haiti each year, but the poor state of Haiti’s emergency response network should be carefully considered when planning travel. See our safety tips for cruisers.
Have you been to Labadee? Please share a story, tip or a photo or two. What was the highlight for you?
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“There is still a lot of recovery work to be done in Haiti. Interested in lending a hand? Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and United Nations Volunteers are still leading trips for disaster relief.”
