Visiting Voodoo Country - Adventures in Haiti and Jamaica on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

A few years ago, I embarked on one of the most culturally rewarding, fun, wild adventures that I have ever taken. My whole family decided to take a cruise together on the Royal Caribbean cruise line. Eighteen family members boarded the cruise ship, Voyager of the Seas, in Port Canaveral, Florida. We were headed to Haiti, Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel, Mexico.

The Voyager of the Seas was a stand alone adventure. Miniature golf courses, ice skating rinks, rock-climbing walls, the Promenade which is a small mall, bingo parlors, a casino, and many restaurants. One restaurant in particular stands out: Johnny Rockets. Sitting in a 1950s style booth, listening to the old peppy music with a burger, malt and fries was retro. All of a sudden, a particular song came on and everything stopped. The staff sat everything down, lined the aisle and began dancing. The dance was so lively that I wanted to jump up there and join them. The Royal Caribbean is a fine ship, but the ship is not the focus of this adventure.

The first Port of Call was Labadee, Haiti. Cruises to Haiti are pretty much non-existent, but I still wasn't excited about Haiti. However, Haiti turned out to be one of the greatest adventures I enjoyed on this particular cruise vacation. You should not underestimate the power of appeal that this tiny port possesses.

We docked at Labadee, Haiti and were rowed over to land in a sturdy little dingy. Inside I was thinking, this is not good. The little island had a small beach, a few hammocks and nothing else going for it. This is just not a true statement. Haiti rocks!