Labadee, Haiti introduction to the island taken from the balcony of our suite. I think I mistook the ''private beach" advertising message to mean a "private island" off of Haiti. In fact, Labadee is really just a long and beautiful peninsula of Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and Royal Caribbean has greatly increased the standard of living in this section of the country. The average annual Haitian income is $250; Haitian employees of RCCL make that every two weeks! It gives perspective: wages that would be considered sub-minimum wage in the USA make a Haitian an extremely wealthy person. jpmeyer.com
The Voyager of the Seas glides into Labadee, Haiti. This peninsula is a private retreat for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, full of days of fun activities and exploration which you need to pack in to a few precious hours. Or you can just relax. Either way, you win.
Labadee from the tender and arriving on the beach. Surf riders! Royal Caribbean really pushes the Wave Runners, and for a change, the experience does live up to the hype, IF you like intense activities. Age limits apply both to drivers (16 and up, with a driver's license) and to passengers (8 and up), and I would suggest more emphasis on *preference* for this type of ride. Two out of three of the kids did not care for the intensity of the experience, and would rather have built sand castles on the beach. Bring goggles and a cup. jpmeyer.com
We arrive on the beach at Labadee. What a wonderful concept: Royal Caribbean simply purchased a beautiful peninsula. Exploring, building sand castles, the wave runners are intense � all best experienced in person! As usual, there was too much to do in the short time we had on shore.
After our adventures in shore, the kids still have enough energy to play in the pool. Then we have dinner, complete with fine-china "Musical Glasses."
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Day 6: Evening entertainment on the Voyager of the Seas - A Tribute to the Temptations
Royal Caribbean put on a wonderful show every night, and tonight's Tribute to the Temptations was no exception. This is the last few minutes of the show, and the performers had the entire theater on their feet and clapping. The little digital camera had a hard time with the lighting as the performers entered the audience, but you get the mood.
The sea at night and a mostly full moon. A peek at the midnight buffet being set up. Very calm and atmospheric, like a movie set prepared for the next scene to be shot. jpmeyer.com
Royal Caribbean took care of the children's night life as well as the adults. In this selection, we see the kiddie disco, a time when "child friendly" music was offered in an adult dance environment. (Haven't heard the Bee Gees in a LONG while!) Then we stroll thru the casino, where you really have to hold your breath if you're not a smoker.
The Midnight Grand Buffet. Spectacular ice, fruit, chocolate and other culinary sculptures. Almost a shame to eat, it was all so beautiful! The ice sculptures are hand carved out of a 360 pound block of ice, in about 20 minutes. I just kept the video camera running while taking still pictures. Edible art! Too bad the midnight buffet has to happen so late - the kids would have loved this experience in person! jpmeyer.com
Midnight buffet slideshow. Lots of wonderful creations created by the best chefs that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has to offer.
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