The Efforts of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in Haiti

Many of my followers may be aware that, prior to the loss of my job of 21 years as a forensic nurse with the city and county of San Francisco, cruising was one of my favorite pastimes.  In fact, it was a way I was able to unwind from the stress of working in the field of interpersonal violence.  As soon as I walked up the gangway of a ship, my cares and worries seemed to evaporate,  I loved being completely pampered by the wonderful crew on board and, sitting for hours, mesmerized by the ocean, was just wonderful.  In the past fifteen years, since I discovered Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, I rarely sailed with any other company.  With my birthday trip this past October, I was up to 77 cruises with this company.  I had not, however, sailed into Labadee, Haiti.

Labadee is situated on Haiti's northern coast and is a port visited by several of Royal Caribbean's megaships, including the newest, Oasis of the Seas.  Royal Caribbean developed the port for use as a tourist spot with water sports, beaches and a native crafts market . It is completely isolated from the rest of the island,  by mountains and passengers are not allowed to leave the area which is guarded by private security.  To accomodate the new Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean spent more than $50 million. 


For almost twenty-five years now, Royal Caribbean has provided the largest amount of tourist revenue to the island of Haiti.  For every ship that ports there, the Haitian government receives $6 per person.   Royal Caribbean also employs three hundred Haitians at its Labadee site and has two hundred local artisans who sell their wares at the Labadee crafts market.

When the earthquake hit Haiti, Royal Caribbean was immediately in touch with the authorities to offer aid and to make decisions as to whether to resume cruise service to Labadee.  For details of Royal Caribbean's contributions in that area, see Humanitarian Relief in Haiti
 

Immediately, food, water, and medical supplies were transported in the holds of Royal Caribbean ships - over 120 pallets to date.  Beach chairs were given to be used as makeshift
hospital beds.  According to Chairman and CEO, Richard Fain, the company also fund agencies who specialize in emergency assistance such as Food For the Poor, the Pan American Development Foundation and their own Solano Foundation. 

Mr. Fain thought about whether having the ships return to Haiti would be insensitive but, after being asked by the government not to stay away, their cruise schedule was reinstated.  It was felt that bypassing Haiti would do more financial harm to a country already deprived of most of their essential income.  Passengers were informed that all revenue from Royal Caribbean sales on Labadee ( drinks, water sports, etc ) would go to earthquake relief and some activities on board the ships are geared toward projects for children on the island.  Donations for Haitian earthquake relief can even be added to passenger ship's charges.

I appreciate that Royal Caribbean, a company that has been a huge presence in Haiti, has done so much to help in the relief effort.  It is as it should be.