I’ve got a PR and image conundrum for you: Royal Caribbean decided to continue visiting a private port on the northern coast of Haiti immediately following the devastating earthquake on January 12, 2010. Clearly a bold decision that the company likely debated both sides of before taking action, the cruise line is now in the position to defend this decision.

Critics and cruise-goers, alike, question if traveling to Haiti for some R&R is the most sensitive and responsible thing to do considering the loss and devastation that is gripping the poor nation. Is it exploitation? Is it insensitivity? Is it ignorance?

It may be surreal to consider jet skiing, kayaking or soaking up sun so close to an area still searching for missing individuals, coping with death and struggling to survive. However, Royal Caribbean has argued that its absence would only create more difficulties for Haitians and the country’s government. In addition to providing the government with a tourism fee per each passenger who visits the private island, the company also employs locals from the country and provides opportunities for vendors to sell products to visitors. In light of the recent events, the company also plans to donate at least $1 million to relief efforts.

Being a visitor of Royal Caribbean’s Labadee port multiple times, I agree with the company’s decision to continue sailing there. Many lives depend on the port for survival, and in a time like now, it’s imperative to keep money flowing into the distraught nation. I think that the benefits far outweigh the potential negatives, and Royal Caribbean’s continued investment in Haiti will only pay off for the small island country in the end.

Do you agree?

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