Royal Caribbean Cruises Not the Ogres the Media Hints

Since Haiti's tragedy two weeks ago, there has been a world-wide backlash of negative publicity with regard to Royal Caribbean cruises port-of-call at Labadee, Haiti. Before you add to the negativity, please become informed on the matter.

First, Royal Caribbean has for years contributed to the economy in Haiti by transporting thousands of passengers each year to the port at Labadee. What would you guess each passenger might spend in Labadee during their time there? I can't offer an estimate, but I do know that on the cruises I have taken, we spent anywhere from $70 to $250 at each port. This money is over and above the cost of our cruise, and the amounts we spend at port goes DIRECTLY into the local Haitian economy. Keep in mind that each RCI ship holds in the neighborhood of 2,000 passengers (not counting the hundreds of crew members on board). In just ONE STOP at Labadee, should passengers spend comparably to the port spending of my family, then the local economy in Haiti has benefitted by an influx of some $160,000 per docking. Extrapolated, that amount would be in the neighbor of One Million Dollars each month. And THAT's just the pocket money spent by the RCI passengers.

Second, you should know that Royal Caribbean International just spent $40,000,000-that's 40 MILLION DOLLARS-on improvements at Labadee, 100% of which went into the economy of Haiti.

Now let's discuss leases and port charges. There are estimates that RCI contributes some additional THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS each year for the port charges and leases for the privilege of entering the port at Labadee. There are also those in the cruise industry who believe that is a very conservative figure.

Next, Royal Caribbean has pledged One MILLION Dollars to the relief effort in Haiti since the earthquake, AND has carried tons of relief supplies to Haiti on the cruise ships that have stopped there. When air travel into Haiti was closed, the port was accessible and supplies were shipped into Haiti before airlines were able to land.

Royal Caribbean International is a globally responsible company, contributing toward environmental issues, and acting as a conscientious and positive citizen of the world. Before you join the muck-raking against a cruiseline that not only makes significant contributions wherever they do business, but also provides top-notch service and a great value for your vacation dollars, please learn the facts.