Are the Cruise Ships to Haiti Disrespecting the Dead?

While thousands of rescue workers from around the world mobilize to bring aid to some two million earthquake-ravaged people of Haiti, others are coming via cruise ship to enjoy a vacation.

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Royal Caribbean cruise line has taken a “business as usual” stance for the company’s private island destination in Labadee, about 100 miles from Haitian capital city Port au Prince. Luxury liners have long enabled tourists to bask in comfort, far away from the violence and poverty that Haitian residents face every day. Advertising materials call the area a “private paradise” and tout a relaxing environment and adventures including scuba diving as attractions. When piles of corpses continue to grow, and people are struggling to even have basic food and water, questions are being raised about whether such cruises show blatant disrespect for the dead and dying.