Cruise company boss says tourists helping Haiti quake relief effort
Royal Caribbean boss claims holidaymakers at private Labadee beach are aiding country by propping up economy.
Holidaymakers should continue to relax on Haitian beaches and spend money on typical tourist pleasures such as hair-braiding and buying local crafts, the chief executive of the Royal Caribbean cruise line insisted today.
Adam Goldstein said thousands of cruise customers who have been enjoying themsleves in the last five days at Labadee, the Florida-based company's private pleasure beach less than 100 miles from Haiti's devastated capital, have helped relief efforts.
In defence of his company's much-criticised decision to continue sending cruises to the fenced-off and heavily-guarded resort, he said the livelihoods of 230 staff and about 270 local traders depended on their visits.
The firm was vilified for continuing its cruise schedules to the island as if nothing had happened.
An estimated 2,800 passengers from Navigator of the Seas disembarked yesterday and enjoyed barbecues, watersports and parasailing while about 400 passengers decided to stay on board.
The 4,370-berth Independence of the Seas arrived today and heaved out more holidaymakers.
"People enjoying themselves is what we do," said Goldstein. "People enjoying themselves in Labadee helps with relief.
"We support our guests who choose to help in this way."
Only one way to respond to that:
Royal Caribbean boss claims holidaymakers at private Labadee beach are aiding country by propping up economy.
Holidaymakers should continue to relax on Haitian beaches and spend money on typical tourist pleasures such as hair-braiding and buying local crafts, the chief executive of the Royal Caribbean cruise line insisted today.
Adam Goldstein said thousands of cruise customers who have been enjoying themsleves in the last five days at Labadee, the Florida-based company's private pleasure beach less than 100 miles from Haiti's devastated capital, have helped relief efforts.
In defence of his company's much-criticised decision to continue sending cruises to the fenced-off and heavily-guarded resort, he said the livelihoods of 230 staff and about 270 local traders depended on their visits.
The firm was vilified for continuing its cruise schedules to the island as if nothing had happened.
An estimated 2,800 passengers from Navigator of the Seas disembarked yesterday and enjoyed barbecues, watersports and parasailing while about 400 passengers decided to stay on board.
The 4,370-berth Independence of the Seas arrived today and heaved out more holidaymakers.
"People enjoying themselves is what we do," said Goldstein. "People enjoying themselves in Labadee helps with relief.
"We support our guests who choose to help in this way."
Only one way to respond to that:
