Labadee, Hispaniola
Cheryl Boss
Were
pleasantly surprised by this stop. This is RC’s private “island” (a
peninsula) on Haiti. We were on the second tender and on the beach in
short order. The beaches are lovely, but we tend to avoid crowds and went
to the last (“hideaway”) beach—just follow the signs. This is a very poor
country, and while the lounge chairs/hammocks are free, the local staff
rushes to position them and carry for you, hoping for a tip. The chairs
are heavy and were carried quite a distance to the spot we desired, so
didn’t mind tipping for the service. The water was very clear at this
beach, and snorkeling was okay—nothing spectacular. Saw some fish and a
small octopus. RC requires that all snorkelers (even if you bring your own
gear, as we did) wear an inflatable vest (it doesn’t have to be inflated)
for a $6 rental fee. Additional benefit of being away from the masses—this
wasn’t enforced where we were. The BBQ provided was okay, and we also had
to try a “Labadoosie” beverage. Didn’t even attempt the local market, as
others on beach shared their experiences and confirmed what I had
read—VERY high pressure sales. On the way back to ship, passed the first
beach and Aqua-park—looked like everyone on the ship was there…don’t know
how people were swimming with it that congested!