Ok, this...THIS is effing sick!

Jodi&Joe

https://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/17/cruise-ships-haiti-earthquake 

Absolutely revolting!

Jamaica_Bride

That is fvcking disgusting.

Kapalua

wow.

KrisBriMcBunny

just wow!

JOEBunny

Well, the tourist bring money, which these people need.  The locals sell crafts and gifts to them.  They pay the government to be there, and the government needs money.  They also bring some aid, so at least the people in that community will have something.  I don't see why it is sick.  Should everyone use their previously scheduled vacation to go dig bodies?  It is like saying that Atlanta should shut down because something terrible happens in Savannah. 

ToledoDeux

I'm torn on that.  While I'm pretty disgusted by any tourists who could bring themselves to frolic away so close to tragedy, it also wouldn't be right to just stop bringing that business (and MONEY) to Haiti right now. 

Jodi&Joe

I just can't imagine living it up, sipping on cocktails, that close.

But I guess the $$ side of it is good?!?!

 

jessicaclare

ToledoDeux:

I'm torn on that.  While I'm pretty disgusted by any tourists who could bring themselves to frolic away so close to tragedy, it also wouldn't be right to just stop bringing that business (and MONEY) to Haiti right now. 

This is how I feel.

jessicaclare

ToledoDeux:

I'm torn on that.  While I'm pretty disgusted by any tourists who could bring themselves to frolic away so close to tragedy, it also wouldn't be right to just stop bringing that business (and MONEY) to Haiti right now. 

This is how I feel.

goodheartedmommy

Ditto toledo.

DandR

but are the locals out their hocking their goods? or are they down the road trying to find family members and help their fellow Haitians???  I can't imagine many locals are saying "awesome!  Cruise ship is here!  Let's put on a smily face and sell a cocktail!!!"

the_jackpot

I think that it is reprehensible. The cruise company can donate money based on their past relationship with Haiti. This is not a month later, but a mere few days. They could have done better. 

The Savannah/Atlanta comparison isn't totally reflective of the situation.  

WhiteOrchid.

I don't think I could go on that cruise, but I don't find it sick and disgusting. The amount of money that the cruise ships bring in are really vital right now. Also, the place they are stopping at is 100+ miles from Port Au Prince and supposedly was not damaged from the quake. It's not like they are stopping in Port Au Prince and partying next to bodies.

JenniC1135

I see both sides of it.  But the dude who said he's still going to do the zipline and enjoy himself there - that bugs me.  I know it's not like the passengers can just get off and go move rubble, but if I were on a boat docking there I'd want to do something to help, even if it meant carrying supplies from the boat to a delivery truck or something.

Jodi&Joe

Actually, WhiteOrchid, it says it docks 60 miles from the devastation.

I don't know.  I'm trying to think what I would do if I had a cruise booked there.  I mean, it's already paid for so yea, I guess I would go.  I don't think I would get off the ship though.  Unless it was to help.  I don't know.  Horrible!

WhiteOrchid.

Jodi&Joe:

Actually, WhiteOrchid, it says it docks 60 miles from the devastation.

I don't know.  I'm trying to think what I would do if I had a cruise booked there.  I mean, it's already paid for so yea, I guess I would go.  I don't think I would get off the ship though.  Unless it was to help.  I don't know.  Horrible!

Well, one of our sources is wrong. I just saw this story on CNN half an hour ago, and they said 100+ miles.

 I think I would have to rebook for a different cruise. I wouldn't be able to do it, but I do understand that Haiti wants the money. I saw a report on MSNBC once about the cruise industry. Some of the poorer and smaller countries in the Caribbean can gross a quarter to half a million dollars for each cruise ship that docks.

PinkPiano

So the cruisers are disgusted that they dock in Labadee but not so disgusted to cancel their trip?  Ok!  I'm not saying that the conditions are ideal, it would for sure be a bit unsettling knowing the situation but either cancel your cruise and donate the money to Haiti or shut-up and quit complaing about RC docking there.

This article just annoys me.  It sounds like RC is making donations to Haiti, so I don't really think there is much to complain about here. 

I've personally been to Labadee and I'm assuming that the people that work there do still want/need their jobs.  How long should RC leave them with no work???? 

ExpatFamily06

JOEBunny:

Well, the tourist bring money, which these people need.  The locals sell crafts and gifts to them.  They pay the government to be there, and the government needs money.  They also bring some aid, so at least the people in that community will have something.  I don't see why it is sick.  Should everyone use their previously scheduled vacation to go dig bodies?  It is like saying that Atlanta should shut down because something terrible happens in Savannah. 

I agree with this

hopefulmom

I agree with PinkPiano.  I didn't hear the cruisers were disgusted docking there but I'm sure some of them are.  They can't get their money back if they cancel their trip...so they can't just donate it.  Cruises are paid for months in advance and the only way to get money back is if you DIE (and even then it is hard!).  As for disgusted cruisers...they don't have to get off the ship.  I am surprised the cruise docked there when they could have just gone to another island.  Our cruise had to do that one time...we were supposed to go to Grand Caymen but someone on the ship had a heart attack and we were in the "no fly zone" near Cuba so we couldn't have a copter pick him up.  We went on to Cozumel and missed that stop.  We did go to Costa Maya to make up for it though.  I know those people need money...but I would think they need supplies as well and if there is a cruise ship sitting there then it is taking space a ship with supplies could be.  I doubt the people who have jobs in that area would stop working to go help dig out victums.  Hell, the news programs show able bodied (uninjured) young men (in their 20's) standing around asking for aid while WATCHING American soldiers are dig out bodies.  Instead of asking for help...why don't they themselves help.  God helps those who help themselves.

ToledoDeux

hopefulmom:

I agree with PinkPiano.  I didn't hear the cruisers were disgusted docking there but I'm sure some of them are.  They can't get their money back if they cancel their trip...so they can't just donate it.  Cruises are paid for months in advance and the only way to get money back is if you DIE (and even then it is hard!).  As for disgusted cruisers...they don't have to get off the ship.  I am surprised the cruise docked there when they could have just gone to another island.  Our cruise had to do that one time...we were supposed to go to Grand Caymen but someone on the ship had a heart attack and we were in the "no fly zone" near Cuba so we couldn't have a copter pick him up.  We went on to Cozumel and missed that stop.  We did go to Costa Maya to make up for it though.  I know those people need money...but I would think they need supplies as well and if there is a cruise ship sitting there then it is taking space a ship with supplies could be.  I doubt the people who have jobs in that area would stop working to go help dig out victums.  Hell, the news programs show able bodied (uninjured) young men (in their 20's) standing around asking for aid while WATCHING American soldiers are dig out bodies.  Instead of asking for help...why don't they themselves help.  God helps those who help themselves.

Ahhhhh....so your GOD is forsaking them because they're "standing around"?  This is pretty disgusting.

I've seen countless videos of Haitians digging through rubble looking for people.  Perhaps there may have been some extenuating circumstances in whatever footage you saw?  Like, maybe the rained rescue teams asked the others to step back?  Of course not.  I guess they're all just lazy beggars.