Adrenaline Beach

Adrenaline Beach is where you’ll find many of Labadee’s adventure experiences, including the aforementioned Dagon’s Breath Flight Line zip line. There are also opportunities for beach sports and water activities like jet skiing.

Barefoot Beach Club

Barefoot Beach Club is an exclusive area reserved for suite guests and Pinnacle-level members on the sailing. This tranquil section offers premium amenities, including more privacy, an upgraded buffet with gourmet food options, and dedicated service. It is ideal for those looking for a luxurious and serene beach experience.

Access to this beach is complimentary for these guests, but for cruisers seeking even more privacy can rent a cabana at Barefoot Beach for an additional cost​, ranging from $295 to $495. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, so the cost of these varies based on demand and can even fluctuate on the same sailing from day to day.

Whether or not the Labadee cabanas are worth it depends on each cruiser’s budget and circumstances, but I don’t personally find them worthwhile.

Columbus Cove

Columbus Cove is a beach area geared toward families. It is known for its calm waters and beautiful sandy shores. The Arawak Aqua Park, an inflatable water park in the ocean, is located here, and complimentary loungers and beach umbrellas are available, making it a convenient spot for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the inflatables.

Dragon’s Tail Coaster

This section is home to the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, an alpine coaster that takes riders through twists and turns down the hillside. It offers spectacular views of the island and the ocean, and it’s a thrilling activity suitable for both adults and children.

Nellie’s Beach

Nellie’s Beach is another family-friendly area that offers a more relaxed environment than Adrenaline Beach. It features cabanas for rent, which provide shade and privacy. The clear, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. It has a more laid-back vibe than the other areas of Labadee.

While use of this area is free, cabanas are available for rent. Prices range from around $250 to $579, varying based on cabana type and dynamic pricing.

Labadee Town Square

Labadee Town Square is the central hub of the destination, where visitors can find various dining options, shops, and local artisans selling handmade crafts. It’s a great place to explore Haitian culture and purchase souvenirs. The square also hosts entertainment and live music, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, it may be best to steer clear of the artisan’s market. I didn’t get to this area, but I’ve heard repeatedly from fellow cruisers that the vendors here tend to be very aggressive, which can tarnish the experience.

Buccaneer’s Bay

Buccaneer’s Bay offers a variety of water sports and activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and floating beach mats. It’s a bustling area where guests can rent equipment and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.

These diverse sections of Labadee provide a range of experiences, from high-adrenaline activities and exclusive luxury to family-friendly fun and a good old-fashioned free beach day, ensuring that every guest can find something to enjoy on their visit​.

What to Bring to Labadee

I recommend bringing a few things with you to enhance the experience (beyond the obvious things like sunscreen). Labadee is great for snorkeling, and when visiting a beach location, I always bring my own set. My favorite is this one from Amazon; it’s affordable yet high quality and has traveled with me worldwide to all sorts of snorkeling experiences. It’s also much more hygienic this way, as you’re not putting something in your mouth that’s been used by many other random people.

I also recommend an inflatable float. Many recommend not bringing floats on cruises since they’re forbidden from cruise ship pools, but I disagree because these really enhance the beach day experience, and you don’t have to worry about renting a float or pool noodle. This is my favorite because it’s so compact and versatile.

Finally, I recommend a lockable beach bag of some sort. Labadee does have lockers available for complimentary use, but the rental fee is $10. They’re located near the Dragon’s Breath Zipline and at Buccaneer’s Bay, which may not be convenient to the location where you choose to hang out. Having your own lockable bag allows you easy access to things like your phone while keeping it secure, along with your money and SeaPass card.

Also, don’t forget to bring beach towels with you. Another thing I appreciate about Royal Caribbean and Labadee is how convenient they make it when it comes to using towels. Towels are distributed onboard to cruisers before you disembark at Labadee (if you’ve reserved a cabana, towels will be provided there), and if you need a fresh towel while on the island, there are several towel exchange stations available, including one right at the entrance to the space off the pier.

Food Options at Labadee

Another thing I like about Labadee is the variety of food options, both free and at a cost. Complimentary food options include several buffet-style lunch spots scattered throughout the resort, serving beachside classics like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken, as well as various salads, fruits, and sides such as corn on the cob. Additionally, you can find drinks and soft-serve ice cream at various locations around the peninsula.

While most dining options at Labadee are complimentary, there are also some paid food options. For example, private cabanas at Barefoot Beach often come with upgraded food and beverage service as part of the rental fee. Bars around the island serve specialty cocktails, and some locations might offer snacks and small bites at an additional cost.

Language and Currency

The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole, but English is commonly spoken in Labadee, and during my visit, every vendor and employee spoke fluent English.

The Haitian gourde is the official currency, but US currency is widely accepted, given that this is a private space leased by Royal Caribbean. You typically won’t need cash on Labadee, anyway, as any charges can be billed to your stateroom account via your SeaPass.

Climate and What to Wear

Labadee enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit. Light, breathable clothing, swimsuits, and sun protection are recommended to stay comfortable in the sunny weather.

Time Zone

Keeping track of time zones can get complicated when cruising, especially for itineraries with multiple time zone changes on one sailing. Your captain will make announcements during the cruise to update you on these changes, but it’s good to be aware of these differences ahead of time when planning your stop at the port, especially for excursions.

Most cruise lines operate on “ship time” set to the time of their departing port, so it’s generally good practice to keep your phone or watch set to ship time. Keeping track of the time is crucial, especially ensuring you stay coordinated with ship time. It’s a bit easier not to miss the “return to ship” time when you’re on a private island, but it is still possible!