Celebrity Cruises Replaces Labadee with Grand Turk, Cozumel in 2025-2026

Celebrity Cruises has announced it will remove Labadee, Haiti, from 12 sailings scheduled between late 2025 and 2026. The impacted cruises, primarily aboard Celebrity Apex (10 affected departures) and Celebrity Beyond (2 affected departures), will substitute Labadee with alternative destinations such as Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos, George Town in Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico. These changes apply to select seven-night Caribbean itineraries that often feature stops at Key West, Bimini, and Puerto Plata.

Itinerary Adjustments: Key Changes

Labadee, a private resort operated by Royal Caribbean and exclusively used by its brands, has long been a popular port of call. Under the revised plans, Grand Turk will serve as the primary replacement for the removed port, while some itineraries add Grand Cayman or Cozumel. According to Celebrity Cruises representatives, these adjustments aim to preserve the overall appeal of the cruise line’s Caribbean offerings for potential travelers.

Possible Reasons Behind the Decision

Celebrity Cruises has not provided an official explanation for removing Labadee, although speculation has centered on ongoing civil unrest in parts of Haiti. The cruise line, however, denies that safety concerns or regional instability influenced its decision. Royal Caribbean, which owns and operates Labadee, continues full operations there and emphasizes the resort’s robust safety and security measures. This difference in approach has led observers to consider logistical or guest preference factors as possible reasons behind Celebrity’s move.

Industry and Passenger Reactions

Some passengers have expressed disappointment, while others welcome the new ports. Travel industry analysts point out that cruise lines routinely update itineraries based on geopolitical stability, port infrastructure, and operational efficiency. By shifting to destinations like Grand Turk and Cozumel—both known for established tourist amenities—Celebrity Cruises aligns its schedule with high-demand ports that often feature pristine beaches and strong excursion offerings.

According to travel agents, Turks and Caicos and Grand Cayman frequently rank as traveler favorites in the region, suggesting the alternative ports may still satisfy guests eager to experience the Caribbean. Passenger feedback on these changes may help shape Celebrity’s future route planning, especially if the newly added destinations prove popular.

Economic Impact of Labadee Exclusion

As a private destination, Labadee relies on cruise passenger visits for revenue, supporting local workers and vendors who provide excursions, activities, and other services. Fewer ship calls from Celebrity Cruises could slightly reduce local economic activity, though Royal Caribbean’s ongoing operations at Labadee may help offset significant losses. Meanwhile, ports like Grand Turk and Grand Cayman could receive a boost from Celebrity’s added arrivals, bolstering tourism numbers and associated spending in those locations.

These itinerary revisions underscore the challenges cruise operators face as they balance changing traveler preferences, external factors, and internal operational considerations across diverse regional ports.

Why has Celebrity Cruises removed Labadee from these itineraries?

Celebrity Cruises has not disclosed a specific reason for the change. While some observers point to safety concerns or regional instability, the cruise line has denied that these factors influenced its decision. Operational or logistical considerations may have played a role.

Does Royal Caribbean still operate at Labadee?

Yes. Royal Caribbean, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, continues its full operations at Labadee, emphasizing the safety and security of its private resort. There are no reported plans by Royal Caribbean to discontinue itineraries involving this destination.

Which ports will replace Labadee on the modified itineraries?

Most altered itineraries will include Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos as the primary substitute. Depending on the sailing, replacement stops may also include George Town in Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.

Will other cruise lines follow suit in removing Labadee from itineraries?

At this point, there is no indication that other cruise lines intend to remove Labadee from their schedules. Each cruise operator makes itinerary decisions based on its own priorities and assessments of regional conditions.

How could this impact local communities in Labadee?

Because Labadee is a private resort staffed by Haitian workers, diminished ship traffic can affect local employment and reduce the flow of tourist spending. Nonetheless, Royal Caribbean’s continued Labadee calls may offset the broader economic impact of Celebrity’s itinerary updates.

These itinerary changes highlight the delicate balance cruise operators must maintain, accommodating diverse passenger expectations while responding to shifting regional factors and competitive pressures across the Caribbean.