Mike & Karen

On our day in Labadee it was 100º in the shade. What a great day and a beautiful island. It was interesting to note that Labadee is a compound so to speak with a huge retaining wall and armed guards at the gate. We also noticed the chain link and barb wire fence keeping locals out. Anyone wearing a pink shirt worked there and was from the island. They were very pushy here and if you wandered into the market building, you were trapped, no question. They had you on all sides and pushed you to buy stuff. Just say no thank you and by all means, talk them down on purchases as they start very high and are used to bartering. It is so unfortunate to see the state that their economy has gotten to and making a sale means eating or not tonight.

We did buy some things from the island and did so outside, not in the market itself. The same stuff is outside with less pressure. Saw some locals (reptiles) and videotaped them doing their thing. Great place to get shots of the ship for the first time. You don’t get many opportunities to do this so use this time to do it. Go around to the far left point of the island. Very quiet there and beautiful. We had a great lunch, food from the ship, on the beach and the drinks were well needed.

Ask a Question About a Caribbean Port