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Cruises confounded about Haiti - to dock or not to dock?
Private beaches in Haiti like the one in Labadee, above, have long been a stop for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, should they stay away?
According to The Guardian, Royal Caribbean "leases a picturesque wooded peninsula and its five pristine beaches from the government for passengers to 'cut loose' with watersports, barbecues, and shopping for trinkets at a craft market before returning on board before dusk." A ship like the one above docked in Haiti on Friday, just sixty miles from the earthquake zone. Another is reportedly scheduled to arrive in a few days.
Some passengers are "sickened" by the thought of vacationing on the ravaged island and refuse to leave the ship, despite the fact that the RC is bringing food (to be distributed by Food for the Poor) and donating all proceeds from the visit to Haitian relief efforts.
A statement from John Weis, vice-president of Royal Caribbean says "In the end, Labadee is critical to Haiti's recovery; hundreds of people rely on Labadee for their livelihood." ... "We also have tremendous opportunities to use our ships as transport vessels for relief supplies and personnel to Haiti. Simply put, we cannot abandon Haiti now that they need us most."
Royal Caribbean employs 230 Haitians and has pledged $1 million to help earthquake victims. So. Could you enjoy a luxury picnic an hour away from where 50,000 - 200,000 were recently killed in a natural disaster and thousands remain homeless and starving?
[via The Guardian]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Richard Jan 19th 2010 12:00PM
If you're asking for opinions, here's mine: Dock the boat. The Haitians need the supplies and the money. Passengers may want to hold down the happy noises and be circumspect.
Too-Che Jan 19th 2010 12:31PM
I think that they should still dock there. We should be pumping money into their economy right now. RC is doing what it can do to help, by using their ships as transport for help. The visitors should do what they can by contributing to their economy in whatever way they see fit. There's nothing wrong with having a reflective dinner on the part of the country that hasn't suffered. You don't have to party hardy while there. You can take that time to reflect on your own blessings. Maybe you can talk to the locals about how they're feeling, lend a hand if possible while your there, or pledge to match what you spend there with a Haitian Relief Fund when you return.
Nick Jan 19th 2010 1:14PM
They should dock! This is a perfect opportunity not only for the cruise liner to deliver supplies, but also for the tourists themselves to turn their vacation into volun-tourism... unless ofcourse if the ship is full of party-types who don't care about service and helping others.
readsonline Jan 19th 2010 3:40PM
I live in Ontario, Canada and as soon as New York city was open for business (after 911) my husband I went there for 4 days to support the city. We did not go to ground zero or do anything disrespectful. How is this different? If I was on that cruise ship I would most certainly go ashore . . . take extra clothing, water, and cash. Spend a lot, tip well and have a quiet day. No need to lie on the beach. I would graciously pay my respects to the local Haitians at their time or sorrow and need.