Royal Caribbean passengers were unable to come ashore at the cruise line’s private island of Labadee in Haiti yesterday due to civil unrest.
The captain of the Freedom of the Seas decided not to let passengers ashore after protestors staged a demonstration in small boats in the port even though the ship was able to dock safely.
Anger over vote rigging ahead of this week’s presidential election run-off is thought to be behind the protests.
Royal Caribbean issue a statement: "The ship encountered a number of locals in small boats staging a protest. Although this protest was peaceful in nature, it was clear that if the protest continued, there would be a significant impact on our guests’ ability to enjoy Labadee."
"Therefore, Royal Caribbean cancelled Freedom of the Seas’ port call to Labadee. Instead, the ship will remain at sea and call to Falmouth, Jamaica, tomorrow, as planned," it continue.
The cruise line said it is still evaluating the situation and has not made a decision regarding the scheduled call of Navigator of the Seas in Labaee on Thursday.
