Poverty, sickness, and devastation are a few words that some use to describe Haiti. For as long as I can remember, Haiti has been a place that succumbs to neglect, except under extreme circumstances. But as the saying goes, “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
THE LABADEE PENINSULA
Labadee, another breathtaking destination in the Caribbean, paints a very different picture of Haiti. Located on Haiti’s northern coast, Labadee is a private oasis exclusive to Royal Caribbean’s guests. Despite being a cruise port, there’s much more to Labadee than meets the eyes. Mango Trees, soft sand, and the perfect tropical breeze; it’s one of the Caribbean’s best kept secrets. Knowing that Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Hemisphere, and still suffers from the effects of the 2010 earthquake, it’s great to know that this paradise exist and that tourism is helping the local community.
BEACH TIME
Labadee grew on me very quickly. During my visit, I found one of the best things to do – kick back and soak up the tropical sun. Once docked at Labadee’s port, there are various activities to indulge in before becoming an extreme beach bum. You can test your speed on Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a quirky bobsled that zips through the lush surroundings of Santa Maria Mountain. Or, take a ride on one of the longest zip-lines in the world, Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, boasting an awesome view of the Labadee Peninsula!
Dragon Coaster photo courstesy of RCL
Be sure to check out Labadee Island the next time you’re on a Royal Caribbean!
