Labadee's "Dragon's Beach Point"
Last cruise we all got to try a "Coco loco"some with medicine and some with out on the beuatiful private island of Royal carribein Coco Cay. This year we will have the chance to try a "Labaduzee"when we stop off at Royal Caribean origional private island. Labadee isnt actualy a private island but part of the island of Haiti. Labadee has been called An oasis of pleasure in a troubled land, Labadee is a cordoned off peninsula on the north coast of Haiti, owned and operated by a Royal Caribbean with the aim of providing a safe and secure base for passengers to disembark and be tendered ashore to enjoy the tropical delights of the island of Hispaniola. The Dominican Republic and the Republic of Haiti share the island. Labadee is situated in Haiti, a country that is rife with civil unrest, crime and corruption, and although it has plenty to offer tourists, has become something of a pariah on the international travel scene in recent years. The cruise company has picked a beautiful spot as a private holiday playground for those enjoying its Caribbean cruises, and improved upon it. Labadee has five white, powdery beaches, all lapped by crystal clear waters with offshore coral reefs, a water park, restaurants, bars, shops and markets. Labadee resort is more than just an extension of the ship and a place to tread on dry land, though, for visitors can take a number of excursions to experience the local culture and get a taste of the island's rich history. Labadee is a wonderful place to browse for souvenirs and gifts to take home from your cruise. The Haitian flea market contains shops and stalls offering local arts and crafts, coffee and cognac. Alongside an informal local artisan's market has grown up, the colourful merchandise consisting of everything imaginable from baskets and beads to carvings and clothing. Bartering is expected, and adds to the fun, the norm being to start negotiating at around half the asking price. Cruise ship passengers are served barbeque lunches at three different beachside open-air venues. There are several bars operating to slake the thirsts of sunbathers, and vendors wander along the beach offering refreshments. There is plenty of fun to be had in Labadee besides just enjoying the beaches. The child-oriented water park is a hit with families, while the more daring can rent a jet ski or indulge in a variety of watersports like parasailing or a banana boat ride. Several excursions can be arranged, including a narrated coastal tour, a kayaking trip to a nearby Haitian fishing village, or a snorkelling expedition to Amiga Island. Negatives: Some visitors find it disturbing to realize that Labadee is fenced off from the 'real Haiti', in a compound surrounded by armed guards. The fence is unobtrusive; those who take a closer look might find it is upsetting to see the exceedingly poor local people begging for handouts as they peer through into the tourist's paradise. Essentially a visit to Labadee is not a visit to Haiti, but simply a relaxing day on the beach for cruise passengers.
French and Creole are the official languages, but since you are on a private beach, English will be the accepted form of communication. US Currency is accepted at the marketplace and everything else is charged to your shipboard account.
Overview of the Peninsula Labadee Resides Upon
Labadee is on a peninsula on the north coast of Hispaniola, otherwise known as Haiti. Hispaniola was the name Christopher Columbus gave to the entire island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Recent political unrest made Haiti an undesirable destination, but Royal Caribbean has cordoned off a remote portion of this island, and the totally safe and private compound provides guests an opportunity to experience the magnificent beauty of this region.
Labadee's Main Beach - "Nellie's Beach"
Labadee's Arawak Aqua Park
Royal Caribbean has made improvements and updated this island paradise to include a new water park (additional entrance fee). This island, with five different beach areas, offers more than just a beach experience, however. A number of the optional shore excursions allow a glimpse into the local culture and its rich history.
What is the weather like?
This is truly a tropical island. It is hot year round, with afternoon temperatures easily rising into the 90’s.
The Navigator of the Seas Anchored off of Labadee
Where does the ship dock?
The ship docks offshore and you will be tendered to shore.
Labadee's Tenders and Tender Wharf
Labadee's Haitian Marketplace
Where is the shopping?
There is a Haitian Marketplace on the grounds, where native crafts can be purchased. These local shops and artisan booths offer Haitian paintings, crafts, coffee and cognac. (Remember to barter). Be aware that all of the prices are negotiable and expect to encounter strong sales and negotiating tactics.
Just One Stall in the Artisan's Market
A large local artisan's market has also blossomed next to the Haitian market. Look for bargains on wood carvings, paintings, dolls, basketry, clothing, beads, jewelry and just about everything else you can imagine. Be prepared to bargain by offering about half of the asking price as a beginning point.
The Artisan's Market
Labadee's Dragon Beach (on the Other Side of the Peninsula)
What is there to do?
Labadee's Beautiful "Hideaway Beach"
You can hike along one of the trails that lead you to discover 16th century artifacts, play beach volleyball, or do nothing but relax in a hammock
Labadee's Dragon's Rock Cafe
What are my choices for dining and drinking?
A barbeque lunch is served at three different dining venues, which area permanent open-air buildings. Bars are conveniently positioned throughout Labadee and bartenders wander the beach offering sodas and specialty drinks. 
Here is a short video of some one elses trip to Labadee.
Join us next time were we will discover the history of this Island and shore excersions availiable.
Paul and Jen
