I just spend the past week on an outstanding cruise ship. The Navigator of the Sea, owned by Royal Caribbean International, was our home for the past five days. It was a magnificent ship. It’s cargo holds were overflowing with supplies. BUT, they weren’t for making all its passengers nice and fat. NO! These pallets of rice, beans, cereal, baby formula and 25,000 gallons of fresh drinking water had a special purpose.
Our ship itinerary include a port of call in Labadee, Haiti. Yes, you heard me right, Haiti. A week before we sailed, I became concerned that one of our ports would be canceled due to the horrific tragedy that occurred in Port of Prince. Once on board the ship, it became clear that RCI was dedicated to continuing they’re 30 some-odd years of support of the Haitian economy. We were told that all the ships calling to Labedee were carrying precious supplies for the Haitian people. AND, that all 100% of monies spent while we were there were going to Haiti. The RCI resort employs some 250 local Haitians. If we did not call there, it would have a devastating effect on their economy, which would have a ripple effect all across the island.
Everyone disembarked at Labadee to enjoy an absolutely beautiful island. The area sported some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. However, we all left the ship knowing full well that there was a different picture some 60 miles away. You could tell that folks were there for a reason, not so much to have a have a wild and fun time, but to provide support that those individuals rely on.
Every deck and every balcony was filled watching the Haitians load off the thirty some odd pallets on the pier and move them on-shore for delivery. It was so quiet that you could hear the forklifts and crew talking as the supplies made their way to the shore.
SO, I was absolutely appalled when we arrived in Miami to only hear how our ship and RCI was being criticized for calling to Haiti! To the folks in the press who think they know what is right and wrong when it comes to Haiti… SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!. You sit in your comfy offices and spew out your garbage on what should and shouldn’t happen in Haiti. Well, I ask you this question.. WHAT DID YOU DO TO HELP THE HAITIANS?
I am proud that we were apart of something special. Thank you to Royal Caribbean International, the staff and crew on board the Navigator of the Sea and all the staff of Labadee, Haiti for an wonderful vacation. Thank you for all you continue to do for our island neighbors. The dedication to your customers is great, however your dedication to your RCI family and relationships could never be greater. Our prayers will continue for the Haitian people and for RCI as they lead the way in rebuilding that broken nation.
Kelly & Joanie Morrison, Texas
Navigator of the Sea – January 18, 2010
Kelly, while you and Joannie were away, there was a news article that backed up everything you just said. I tried to find it again but couldn’t. In addition, it said that that one of the Haitian government officials said he wanted the ship to come to port because of the financial importance to the Hatian people. Ther article also stated that 250-… See More300 Haitians have jobs because of this industry. This gives them a paycheck. I too, get tired of bias news agencies who want to mislead people….BOOOO to them!! <<<And that's putting it nicely!!!
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You should absolutely send the article to a news agency like the star telegram. The yahoo home page posted an article stating the criticism about “vacationing in a disaster area”, and quoted some “passengers” who were appalled to be stopping in Haiti. The article did also quote some people from the cruise line who reported what you did, that the … See More economy in Haiti would be hurt WORSE if you did NOT stop to help, and that they were delivering supplies as well. But it was a big online controversy, and I think people would be very interested in hearing what really happened, firsthand, and not be so quick to judge!
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The locals here know better. We live around the crusie industry daily. If people don’t know what they are talking about, ask a question before giving an opinion. Doing otherwise is a simple act of arrogance.
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I’ve been on that ship and it’s really nice. I can’t believe people are complaining about tourists bringing revenue to the country on a ship loaded with supplies. They’re not going on the cruise to spite the Haitian people. They scheduled their trip long before the earthquake hit I’m sure. That poor place doesn’t have a lot of industry other than the tourist dollars. Quit yer bitchin’ people!
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Kelly, I just got off the Voyager of the seas this morning. The ship collected money from passengers and royal caribbean donated over one million dollars to the people of haiti. I’m sure that the ship going there helped the locals. I have been there and I know how much they rely on selling their artwork and crafts to help make a living. Great article you wrote. pass it on.
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