A Florida family’s travel plans have been thrown into uncertainty after discovering that their scheduled cruise ship was changing its route less than a week before departure. The Avilla family had been eagerly anticipating their Royal Caribbean Cruise, with plans to celebrate various milestones within the family. However, their excitement turned to concern upon receiving notice that their trip would now be heading to Labadee, Haiti.
This change in destination comes amidst a backdrop of increased violence in Haiti, including incidents such as the shooting of commercial planes in November. The Federal Aviation Administration has even gone so far as to prohibit U.S. airlines from flying to Haiti for a minimum of 30 days, and the U.S. State Department has advised against travel to the country, echoing the concerns of families like the Avillas.
Initially skeptical of the notice they received, the Avilla family soon realized the gravity of the situation. With worries about the safety of their children and the potential risks involved in visiting Haiti, they sought a refund from Royal Caribbean, only to be denied. This left them with a difficult decision to make, as they grappled with the idea of proceeding with the trip under these new circumstances.
Royal Caribbean has defended its decision, citing safety as a top priority and emphasizing that their security team closely monitors the situation in Haiti. The company explained that the change in itinerary was necessitated by damage to the pier in San Juan, where the boat was originally scheduled to dock. While the port had been damaged earlier in April, the Avilla family was only informed of the change in November, mere days before their intended departure.
The lack of timely communication from Royal Caribbean has left the Avilla family feeling frustrated and disillusioned, with Avilla Wellington expressing her disappointment at the company’s handling of the situation. Despite their desire to celebrate as a family and reconnect with their Puerto Rican roots, they now find themselves grappling with uncertainty and anxiety over the impending trip.
As this situation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in the realm of travel planning. Families like the Avillas are left to navigate difficult decisions regarding their safety and well-being, highlighting the importance of clear communication and transparency from travel companies. In an ever-changing world, where unforeseen circumstances can disrupt even the best-laid plans, it is essential for travelers to stay informed and empowered to make the choices that are right for them.
