Labadee's "Dragon's Beach Point"

Labadee, Hispaniola Information
Contributed by
Nancy Norris
Nancy@SinglesCruiseCenter.com
http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Updated November, 2004 by
Tom Ogg
CruiseReviews at aol.com

Language and Currency
What is Labadee Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There To Do?
What Are My Choices for Dining and Drinking?

Labadee, Hispaniola Port Reviews

Language and Currency

French and Creole are the official languages, but since you are on a private beach, English will be the accepted form of communication. US Currency is accepted at the marketplace and everything else is charged to your shipboard account. Labadee came through unscathed (with the exception of a few minor areas) from the 2004 hurricane season.

What is Labadee like?

Overview of the Peninsula Labadee Resides Upon

Labadee is on a peninsula on the north coast of Hispaniola, otherwise known as Haiti. Hispaniola was the name Christopher Columbus gave to the entire island shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Recent political unrest made Haiti an undesirable destination, but Royal Caribbean has cordoned off a remote portion of this island, and the totally safe and private compound provides guests an opportunity to experience the magnificent beauty of this region.

Labadee's Main Beach - "Nellie's Beach"

The powdery sand beach is surrounded by magnificent mountains and lush foliage and crystal clear water..

Labadee's Arawak Aqua Park

Royal Caribbean has made improvements and updated this island paradise to include a new water park (additional entrance fee). This island, with five different beach areas, offers more than just a beach experience, however. A number of the optional shore excursions allow a glimpse into the local culture and its rich history.

What is the weather like?

This is truly a tropical island. It is hot year round, with afternoon temperatures easily rising into the 90’s.

Where does the ship dock?

The Navigator of the Seas Anchored off of Labadee

The ship docks offshore and you will be tendered to shore.

Labadee's Tenders and Tender Wharf

Note: If you are on the Amiga Island snorkeling excursion, you will be transported to the destination directly from the ship.

Where is the shopping?

Labadee's Haitian Marketplace

There is a Haitian Marketplace on the grounds, where native crafts can be purchased. These local shops and artisan booths offer Haitian paintings, crafts, coffee and cognac. (Remember to barter). Be aware that all of the prices are negotiable and expect to encounter strong sales and negotiating tactics.

Just One Stall in the Artisan's Market

A large local artisan's market has also blossomed next to the Haitian market. Look for bargains on wood carvings, paintings, dolls, basketry, clothing, beads, jewelry and just about everything else you can imagine. Be prepared to bargain by offering about half of the asking price as a beginning point.

The Artisan's Market

What is there to do?

Labadee's Dragon Beach (on the Other Side of the Peninsula)

If lounging at one of the five beaches does not appeal to you, you can take a kayaking tour to a nearby Haitian fishing village, or a narrated coastal tour, snorkel at Amiga Island, enjoy parasailing or a banana boat ride.

Labadee's Beautiful "Hideaway Beach"

You can hike along one of the trails that lead you to discover 16^th century artifacts, play beach volleyball, or do nothing but relax in a hammock.

The Labadee Jet Ski Marina

There is also a large jet ski marina for the rental of jet skiis by the hour, or you can take a jet ski tour of the area.

What are my choices for dining and drinking?

Labadee's Dragon's Rock Cafe

A barbeque lunch is served at three different dining venues, which area permanent open-air buildings. Bars are conveniently positioned throughout Labadee and bartenders wander the beach offering sodas and specialty drinks.

Nellie's Passion Bar on Labadee by the Tender Wharf

Make sure you try a “Labaduzee”. This signature frozen drink can be purchased with or without alcohol.