geeva saw things this way:
Overall
4
Exactly what I expected from a privately owned beach by RCL., August 3, 2012
Reviewer: geeva
Pros: Not crowded and no hassle by the locals as this is a private beach.
Cons: You don't really get to see the real Haiti. Shielded.
Because this is a RCL-owned protected area, you can expect only the ship crowd. Beaches were beautiful, plenty of chairs and shade to lounge around.
TimCurry saw things this way:
Overall
5
Stunning and fun, December 1, 2011
Reviewer: TimCurry
Pros: One of the prettiest spots in the Caribbean, loaded with fun things to do
Cons: Unless you just want to lounge on the beach, it can get expensive
I had had mixed feelings about going to an exclusive resort on such an impoverished island (no Haitians allowed on the resort and no tourists allowed off), but I have to admit that I was wowed by Labadee. First of, the scenery is stunning. There's so much to keep people of all interest levels entertained, from lounging on the beach to thrill-seeking on the zip line. I'm not a beach person, so I was afraid there wouldn't be enough for us to do, but I was wrong! Just keep in mind, any activity other than laying on the beach will cost you. But the activities were well worth the money. One I particularly enjoyed was the Discover Haiti boat tour. I'd wanted to see more of the "real" Haiti, so we signed up for this two-hour cruise down the coast. The entire crew were local Haitians who were extremely fun and friendly and who gave us plenty of local history and stories about the areas we were viewing (still couldn't get off the boat though). We got to see the nearby village that gives the Labadee resort its name and got a glimpse at least of how average Haitians lived. We also saw historic sites of interest like the island where legend has it Christopher Columbus used to take his mistress for "alone time." Rumor has it that RC and the government of Haiti are trying to set up mainland tours to the Citadel and San-souci Palace which are both World Heritage sites near to Labadee and would give more of a real Haitian experience. If that actually happens, I'll be back in a heartbeat. All told, though, I would return to Labadee anyway -- which is a big thing for me to say, since I find many ports to be so cookie-cutter that repeating the same one over again seems pointless. But not Labadee! By far the best stop on our cruise.
saved_angel saw things this way:
Overall
5
Amazing beach!, September 11, 2010
Reviewer: saved_angel
Pros: Hammocks right on the beach!
Cons: Salespeople in the artisans market very pushy
We spent the day relaxing in a hammock on the beach. It was just like a commercial. Beatiful sand, turquoise water, and sunshine! The cruise ship provides a bbq lunch on the beach. We found some unique souvenirs in the straw market, but if you venture outside of the building to the outdoor artisans market, you will be swamped by salespeople. Good for those people who enjoy bartering. Don't forget sunscreen, the sun is intense. This is the port that you picture when you dream of a Caribbean vacation.
