U.S. issues new, serious travel advisory for the Bahamas
Pretty much every cruise ship that leaves Florida stops in the Bahamas.
Most Americans think of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, as being the Bahamas. In reality, it's one city that's part of a much larger nation."The Bahamas is an archipelago of nearly 700 coral islands. Around 30 of the islands are inhabited. The Bahamas sits in the West Atlantic Ocean, 100 kilometres southeast of Florida in the United States and 80 kilometres northeast of Cuba. The islands are generally flat and low-lying," the country shared on its website.
Every major cruise line stops at multiple destinations in the Bahamas. Nassau can accommodate seven ships at a time, so it's a very popular cruise ship destination, but it's certainly not the only stop in the region.
Freeport is also a popular cruise port, and Carnival is building its new Celebration Key private destination about 20 miles east of the city on the Grand Bahama island. Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay private islands are also in the Bahamas as are multiple other cruise line private islands.
The entire country, however, is under a serious warning from the U.S. State Department.
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The Bahamas has been under a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" warning from the United States State Department for months. That warning has been updated to "reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition," according to the State Department's website.
It's a broad warning that cruise ship passengers should be aware of.
"Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas. Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the 'Over the Hill' area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents," according to the warning.
The State Department also provides specific warnings for people renting certain watercraft (a popular activity for cruisers).
Jet skis and boating:
Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.In addition to renting boats and jet skis, many cruisers plan to spend the day at the beach in the Bahamas. They should be cautious when doing that:
Beach safety:
Never swim alone, and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore.
Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.
If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.
Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death.
Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.
Some of those warnings would apply to swimming anywhere and not just the Bahamas.
Cruise line passengers should be aware of their surroundings but not fear visiting the Bahamas. Cruise line-sponsored excursions are your safest bet, but it's possible to explore these destinations on your own.
If you do that, beware of your surroundings and stick to areas that are well-visited by other cruise passengers. Travelling in a group is your best bet, and try to stay on main roads.
At the beach, mind your valuables and consider getting a waterproof phone holder where you can also keep your identification, cash, and credit cards on your body.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
, or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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