CNN's Article: Haiti Cruise Stops Draw Ire, Support
The question has been posed by many news outlets recently if it is ethical to vacation in Haiti following the fulfillment of a scheduled stop by cruiseline Royal Caribbean. The CNN Article above suports the continued stops because it stimulates the economy in that area. Comments by readers illustrate outrage against "flaunting your good fortune so close to death and despair".
My argument is in between the two. I don't think it's a question of ethics at all when it comes down to the actual "vacationing". It's a personal choice to go on a vacation and the location of the vacation. I feel it's more a question of comfortability. Do you feel comfortable vacationing on the same island as a recent natural disaster? I'm a firm believer in "To Each His Own". I do think that Haiti's continued tourist economy could use the help. Would I feel comfortable lying on a private sandy beach 100 miles from families being buried by the hundreds? Prooobably not.
I think the real question of ethics lies in the business of cruise lines. Royal Caribbean is working a cargo ship, bring supplies to the island as it ports. In addition, as stated by the article, they are donating proceeds to the disaster relief. But are they providing an out for their customers? Do customers who cancel because they are uncomfortable with proceding with a planned and paid-for cruise to the island get a refund? Or even a partial refund? Is the business staying ethical? I have no idea what the conditions are for reserving a cruise trip, if there are contingencies in the contract for natural disasters. Regardless, I feel that's the only question of ethics that belongs in this situation.
What are your thoughts?
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