Royal Caribbean has cancelled calls to its exclusive Haitian port of Labadee, because of concerns about growing unrest in the country.

In an email to guests on Wednesday (13 March), Royal Caribbean said: “Due to the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we’re temporarily suspending our visits to Labadee for our entire fleet.”

It added: “We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly,”

Haiti is under a State of Emergency amid growing unrest in the capital Port-au-Prince. Thousands of gang members escaped prisons two weeks ago and the country’s unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry stepped down this week.

The last ship to visit Labadee, which is 128 miles and a seven-hour-drive from Port-au-Prince, was Liberty of the Seas, which called there yesterday (Wednesday 13 March).

The first ship affected by the cancellation is Oasis of the Seas, which had been due to call at Labadee today (Thursday 14 March). Others are Symphony of the Seas on 15 March, Adventure of the Seas on 17 March and upcoming sailings on Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and Grandeur of the Seas.

Currently, Labadee cancellations are in place until 22 March.

Passengers on cruises that had been due to call at Labadee will either call at a different port or get an extra day at sea instead, with extra activities, games and performances added to the daily schedule.

The decision to suspend calls comes a day after Royal Caribbean cancelled some shore tours at the private resort, including jet skiing, kayaking, sailing and fishing. ‘out of respect for our local communities surrounding Labadee, Haiti, and to ensure our guest and crew safety’.

The 260-acre, highly secure private peninsula has five neighbourhoods, including Adrenaline Beach, a town square, nature trails, the longest zip line in the world, roller coasters, aqua park and private cabanas.

Payment for excursions booked for Labadee will be processed to onboard accounts and any unused amount at the end of the cruise will be refunded.

The US State Department’s Travel Advisory for Haiti is at Level Four: Do not travel. The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince said: “The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous.”

The UK Foreign Office warns against travel to the country.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement to say: “The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority. Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly.”