WELLINGTON, Fla. – A Wellington family said they are frustrated and angry after Royal Caribbean changed their cruise itinerary to Haiti less than a week before leaving the United States.

The U.S. Department of State has placed Haiti on a Level 4 travel advisory, meaning it does not recommend Americans travel to the country. The Federal Aviation Administration also subsequently banned US airlines from landing in the country Earlier this month, several planes were hit by gunfire.

Yvette Avila said the federal government’s warnings and restrictions were the reason she didn’t originally book a cruise to Haiti. She said she was looking forward to celebrating her daughter’s 16th birthday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but now she’s concerned that a trip will cost her family thousands of dollars.

“We have overcome so much as a family, and we need to celebrate that in our roots in Puerto Rico,” Avila said. “I can’t believe Royal Caribbean is allowed to do this.”

She said Royal Caribbean will only refund the family their port fees and taxes if they cancel the trip. Avila said she believes the company’s practice is unfair.

“In between doing the last minute things, we have to decide whether to go,” she said. “Are we going to go? Are we going to compromise ourselves? Are my children going to be kidnapped? Is something going to happen on the ship? Other people can take that chance. We just really don’t want to do that.”

WPTV reached out to Royal Caribbean, which told us it apologized to guests for the inconvenience. The company, based in Miami, said it had to adjust the route for Symphony of the Seas due to a technical problem in San Juan, but believes travel to Haiti is safe.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew and the communities we visit are our top priority,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said in an email. “Our Global Security and Intelligence Team is continuously monitoring the situation in Haiti. There are currently no changes to our planned routes.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard in San Juan said the Port of San Juan is open, but the pier for larger cruise ships such as Symphony of the Seas has been damaged since April. In a news release, he said the agency is waiting for the San Juan cruise port and the Port Authority of Puerto Rico to meet certain conditions to reopen the pier.

“We understand the inconvenience of this matter, but it is critical that we ensure the safety of the port, the cruise ships and the thousands of people who operate on or visit the island through this port facility,” said Captain Luis J. Rodriguez , Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan and Captain of Port – San Juan in the release. “My team stands ready to move forward immediately as soon as we receive the expected investigations from San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority.”

Yvette Avila said her family has been making payments for the cruise since April and the cancellation had no indication her trip could have been rerouted. She said she thinks this is a scam to ensure the company’s resort in Haiti attracts more visitors.

“I’m really disappointed that they are allowed to do this to American consumers,” Avila said. “Too bad, so sad. We’re going to take your money anyway.”