Labadee is the largest tourist draw in all of Haiti and its beautiful, luxurious compound is a far cry from the poverty and despair witnessed right outside its gates. No Haitians are allowed within the high-wired fences and security of its pristine grounds unless they are work on the property.

Under normal operating conditions, Labadee is a private, fenced-off resort leased exclusively by Royal Caribbean, and the general Haitian public is not permitted to enter the tourist area. The only "locals" allowed inside are those employed by the cruise line, such as site staff, security, and licensed vendors who sell crafts at the "Artisans' Village." However, it is important to note that as of early 2026, Royal Caribbean has suspended all stops at Labadee through at least December 2026 due to the ongoing civil unrest and security concerns in Haiti. This means that currently, no one—tourist or local—is utilizing the port for cruise excursions. When the port is active, it is heavily guarded to ensure a "bubble" of safety for passengers, and interactions with the local community are limited to the structured shopping and performance areas within the resort's perimeter. This separation has historically been a point of debate, but it remains a core part of the "private destination" business model used by major cruise lines in the region.