Latest news with #AdventureoftheSeas
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean drops popular port from months of cruises
In an effort to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew members, Royal Caribbean is continuing to make changes to Caribbean cruise itineraries to remove and replace one key port. Most of the recent itinerary changes were made at the last minute, which frustrated many cruisers, but now the cruise line is giving passengers more the news of losing a popular port of call is disappointing for many cruisers, Royal Caribbean is now cushioning the blow by giving passengers more time to get used to the idea of an altered cruise itinerary. Passengers who booked summer cruises visiting Labadee, Haiti, are now being notified months in advance that their cruise will visit an alternate destination, which gives them more time to plan shore excursions and other port activities accordingly. Unfortunately, this new development also gives the impression that Royal Caribbean doesn't expect to be able to return to Labadee anytime soon. Labadee is Royal Caribbean's popular but controversial private destination on Haiti's northern coast that has proved problematic over the last year due to growing security concerns in the putting a temporary pause on Labadee stops in April, Royal Caribbean has already decided to cancel multiple visits to Labadee in July and August, according to an unofficial fan blog not affiliated with the cruise line. 'We have been monitoring the evolving situation in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and out of an abundance of caution, we're swapping our visit to Labadee for a Sea Day," Royal Caribbean explained in the email to passengers booked on the July 20 sailing of Oasis of the Seas. Although Labadee was switched to a sea day, the cruise line added a stop in Nassau, Bahamas toward the end of the cruise itinerary to make up for the dropped port. The Aug. 3 sailing of Oasis of the Seas received a similar adjustment, but added a visit to Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, instead of booked on the July 5 and Aug. 2 sailings of Adventure of the Seas also received similar emails about changes to their cruise itineraries to remove Labadee and add another port of call. This more proactive approach to Labadee cancellations was shared by Royal Caribbean's sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises, which already replaced Labadee with other cruise ports on cruise itineraries extending into 2026 in an effort to provide 'a better guest experience.'Haiti has been under a state of emergency since March 2024 due to an ongoing conflict with violent gangs who have taken control of much of its capital city, Port-au-Prince. Royal Caribbean previously suspended visits to Labadee for several months last year due to the conflict, but was able to resume visits in October without issue because Labadee is a secure cruise line facility that's several hours away from violence recently expanded outside of the city, however, causing Royal Caribbean to once again pause calls to Labadee out of an abundance of caution. On April 13, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti issued a security alert about rising levels of violence and insecurity in the country, as well as threats and attacks against security forces and prisons, in areas outside of Port-au-Prince. Haiti remains under a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory from the U.S. State Department. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Royal Caribbean Pauses Major Route After Travel Warning
A major cruise ship line has paused a route due to a travel warning. According to Cruise Radio, Royal Caribbean has cancelled stops to Haiti. Royal Caribbean "suspended calls to Labadee, Haiti," citing "growing security concerns over a surge of gang violence in the region," the site reported. In the past, the cruise ship line promoted cruises that included a stop in Labadee. According to Cruise Radio, Royal Caribbean "rerouted at least four ships—Voyager of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas—away from the private beach destination." Passengers were told of the change through letters and an announcement from the captain, Cruise Radio reported, noting that the company said the change was being made 'out of an abundance of caution.' On April 16, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued a safety alert for Port-au-Prince, Haiti, citing security issues relating to possible widespread protests. "Announced widespread protests with potential for violence between police, protestors, and criminal gangs. All visas and citizen services appointments at the U.S. embassy for Wednesday have been rescheduled. The embassy will be on limited operations," the alert said. 'Out of an abundance of caution, we have temporarily paused our upcoming visits to Labadee,' a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to USA Today. 'We have already communicated with guests directly." According to USA Today, the cruise ship line previously suspended that route last summer. USA Today noted that Port-au-Prince, the focus of the April security alert, is more than six hours away by car from Labadee. However, in September 2024, the U.S. State Department designated Haiti as a level 4 "do not travel" country. "Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited health care," the State Department warned. "Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency. Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed," the travel advisory says. "Kidnappers may plan carefully or target victims at random, unplanned times. Kidnappers will even target and attack convoys. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom requests. Victims' families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members." "
USA Today
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Star Trek' cruise will celebrate show's 60th birthday with William Shatner and more stars
AI-assisted summary A "Star Trek" themed cruise will celebrate the franchise's 60th anniversary. The cruise will depart from Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 20, 2026 and visit ports in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. Guests can expect appearances from actors who have appeared in various "Star Trek" series, including William Shatner and Walter Koenig. 'Star Trek' will have a 60th birthday celebration on the high seas. The ninth installment of the popular theme cruise, Star Trek: The Cruise IX, will mark six nearly decades since the franchise's first TV series premiered when it sets sail next year. Like past installments, the cruise will feature a stacked lineup of talent, including stars from the original 1960s show like William Shatner (Captain Kirk) and Walter Koenig (Ensign Pavel Chekov). 'We've planned a week of incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to honor the 60th anniversary of Star Trek,' Chris Hearing, partner and executive director of theme cruises at Entertainment Cruise Productions, said in a news release. 'Celebrating this milestone with both William Shatner and Walter Koenig is a dream come true for fans.' Here's what guests can expect. Where will the cruise sail? The week-long cruise will sail round-trip from the Orlando, Florida-area Port Canaveral on Royal Caribbean International's Adventure of the Seas on Feb. 20, 2026. The ship can accommodate 3,807 guests, according to the cruise line's website. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Passengers will visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Royal Caribbean's private Bahamas destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay. What can guests expect? Along with Shatner and Koenig, 'Star Trek' actors Bobby Clark (The Gorn), Sean Kenney (Captain Pike) and Sandra Gimpel (The Salt Vampire) will make appearances. Other stars from throughout the franchise will come aboard, as well. Those include Jonathan Frakes (Commander William T. Riker), John de Lancie (Q), and Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi) from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'; Nana Visitor (Kira Nerys) and Terry Farrell (Jadzia Dax) from 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine'; Sonequa Martin-Green (Michael Burnham) and Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets) from 'Star Trek: Discovery' and others. The itinerary will feature Q&A sessions and panels, shows, theme parties, meet-and-greet opportunities and more. Bars and restaurants and more onboard spaces will be decked out in Star Trek decor, and the programming will include other special guests such as scientists and writers. How much does the cruise cost? The cruise currently starts at $2,370 for returning guests and $2,530 for first-timers, according to its website. Guests who register for the Early Bird Sale will complete their reservations beginning March 3, while open booking will start on March 6. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
