How Is The Covid
Starting on Monday, Dec. 6, all travelers flying to the U.S. from a foreign country, whether they are vaccinated or not, must produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within one calendar day of their departure.
This includes international visitors as well as U.S. citizens and residents returning home. This is a significant change from the current policy, which allows a three-day window for fully vaccinated individuals to get a pre-travel COVID-19 test before flying to the U.S.
The change comes just days after the new omicron variant of COVID-19 was deemed a variant of concern by the World Health Organization.
Discover Island Paradise On Award
Chart a course for the blissful Bahamas. A destination made up of 700 beautiful islands and 2400 stunning cays. Relax and recharge with the whole family in the gorgeous island paradise of the Bahamas on board the most luxurious ships at sea.
On a Bahamas cruise, youll experience a variety of exciting beach activities and in-depth shore excursions. Enjoy relaxing days lounging on white sand beaches and swimming in clear turquoise waters. Go snorkeling in the beautiful Bahamian coral reefs with extraordinary sea creatures. Or shop for hand-rolled Cuban cigars, hand-painted Bahamian art, and hand-woven straw hats at local markets.
Discover traditional Caribbean flavors and distinct cuisines like conch frittersa local favoriteand Johnnycakes . Enjoy delicious local Caribbean rumwhether its in a piña colada or in a delicious rum cake. Theres no shortage of different delicacies to sink your teeth into on a Bahamas cruise.
Whether its a quick getaway, summer vacation, or to spend quality time with family, when you vacation with us on a Bahamas cruise, youll come back completely relaxed and recharged.
How The Emergency Order Will Work In The Bahamas
In order to dock, a cruise ship’s captain is required to transmit a “crew and passenger manifest” disclosing every person’s vaccination status to the Port Medical Officer before arrival.
All passengers age 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at embarkation. Additionally, health protocol previously approved by the “Competent Authority” must be satisfied on board.
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More About The Bahamas
What is the best time to cruise to the Bahamas?
The Bahamas is a year-round cruise destination, but the winter months are prime time to see the islands with fewer crowds. Hurricane season can affect the summer and early fall months. For more: Best Month to Cruise to the Bahamas.
Which cruise lines go to the Bahamas?
A huge variety of cruise lines visit The Bahamas for short weekend cruises or as part of longer, warm-weather itineraries. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Bahamas Paradise are just a few of the cruise lines who routinely stop in Nassau or Freeport. Most of cruise lines’ private islands are located within The Bahamas.
What are some things to do in the Bahamas?
Beyond sun and sand, The Bahamas is home to incredible snorkel and dive sites, the opportunity to swim among wild pigs and even culinary walking tours. For more ideas: Best Bahamas Shore Excursions.
Do you need a passport to take a cruise to the Bahamas?
You can visit The Bahamas without a passport on a closed-loop sailing . Examples include sailings that depart and return to New York or Miami.
What should I pack for a cruise to the Bahamas?
In addition to your swimsuit, shorts and tanks, pack sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle to stay cool and hydrated in the Bahamas heat.
Fully Vaccinated Tourists Must Now Present Valid And Negative Pcr
On May 1, the Bahamian government dropped the requirement for all travelers to present a negative rapid antigen test or PCR test before entering the country if they were fully vaccinated. However, effective August 6, 2021, the government says that even if people have been fully vaccinated, they still need to provide a negative test result.
The move from the Bahamian government comes after a spike in Delta variant cases in the region and multiple cases that occurred onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last week. Medical staff onboard Adventure of the Seas, currently sailing on cruises out of the Bahamas, found six active cases during testing onboard.
Of those six positive guests, four were fully vaccinated, of which three were asymptomatic, and one showed mild symptoms. Two of the guests were kids and unvaccinated and asymptomatic.
Although the cruise line showed the procedures onboard work and can prevent any outbreaks happening onboard the ships, it also shows vaccinated guests can still carry and possibly transmit the virus. It has prompted the Bahamian government to announce stricter measures to protect the local population, which, according to Reuters, has only vaccinated 13.4% of the general population.
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Best Short Cruise: Celebrity Cruises
- Ship Name: Celebrity Equinox
- Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If youre just looking for a quick, quiet getaway with less of a party atmosphere, Celebrity Equinox is a great choice for an upscale cruise experience. During the two-night cruise to Nassau, passengers can choose from a variety of different cabin options, including the AquaClass, which is located near the spa and comes with exclusive access to Blu specialty restaurant as well as unlimited use of the spas thermal suite. Or, book a cabin in Suite class and enjoy butler service and dining at Luminae, an elegant international restaurant. Other highlights onboard Equinox range from ballet shows and classes with the American Ballet Theater to the outdoor lawn club a living, breathing space at sea.
Bahamas To Require That All Cruise Passengers Be Covid
Impacting TravelLaurie Baratti August 19, 2021
The Bahamas today issued an emergency order that will prohibit cruise ships from entering any Bahamian port if they carry passengers who arent fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on board.
The rule even extends to private islands, such as Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Carnivals Half Moon Cay, Princess Princess Cays, MSCs Ocean Cay and Norwegians Great Stirrup Cay.
The new order, which was signed by Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and posted to the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department website today, is set to take effect on September 3 and remain in place through at least November 1.
Prior to entering port, each cruise vessels captain will be required to transmit a “crew and passenger manifest” that includes the vaccination status of everyone on board for review by the Port Medical Officer.
Children under the age of 12 and potential passengers with a valid medical reason to remain unvaccinated are exempt from the new rule. There are also provisions to waive the requirement if a cruise ship needs to dock in emergency circumstances.
Neither do the terms of the order apply to a ships crew, contractors and any non-revenue passengers, consistent with the protocol that was previously agreed upon by the Bahamian government and cruise lines, USA Today reported.
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The Bahamas Is Requiring All Visiting Cruise Passengers Be Vaccinated And Cruise Lines Are Changing Their Policies To Comply
The policy will be in effect through at least Nov. 1.
Cruise passengers heading to the Bahamas will soon have to show proof of vaccination before docking at a port including on a cruise line’s private island.
Starting Sept. 3, cruise ships will not be able to dock in the Bahamas unless all passengers 12 and older supply proof they are fully vaccinated, according to an emergency order issued Thursday and posted to the Bahamas Customs & Excise Department website. The order will be in effect through at least Nov. 1.
To comply, ship captains must submit the passenger manifest with the passenger’s vaccination status, including when a ship stops at a cruise line’s private island in the country.
The order does not apply to crew members, children under 12, or anyone who is ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine due to a medical reason.
Royal Caribbean which saw several guests test positive for COVID-19 on cruises sailing from the Bahamas last month will require all guests 12 and older be fully vaccinated on cruises visiting the island nation starting Sept. 3, including those leaving from Florida, according to the company. Previously, Royal Caribbean required all guests 12 and older to show proof of vaccination before boarding nearly all cruises except those leaving out of Florida.
For its part, Norwegian Cruise line extended its vaccination mandate through the end of the year.
Exceptions To The New Regulation
The rule does not apply to crew, contractors and any “non-revenue passenger” under the protocol previously agreed upon between the government and cruise lines. The rule is also moot when a cruise ship is attempting to enter port in an emergency and when a passenger has a medical reason forwhy they are unvaccinated.
Passengers entering the Bahamas on a cruise ship are also subject to testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and given approval by the “Competent Authority.”
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The Bahamas Welcomes Back Cruise Industry
Cruise Line & Cruise ShipDonald Wood June 22, 2021
Government officials and key business leaders welcomed Royal Caribbean International last week as Adventure of the Seas completed its inaugural homeporting ceremony in Grand Bahama Island, with around 1,000 passengers.
The return of cruising to Grand Bahama Island marks a pivotal moment for the local community following the 16-month hiatus due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Freeport Harbour will also serve as the newest homeport destination for major provisioning and refueling before the vessel returns to Nassau.
The economy in the Bahamas was heavily impacted by the pandemic, but Grand Bahamas proximity to South Florida contributes to its position as a popular tourism destination as travel restrictions continue to be lifted.
In addition to Grand Bahama, travelers can enjoy Freeport, which boasts upscale resorts, cultural and historic sites, ecological wonders, culinary explorations, scenic island taxi tours and crystal-clear water excursions.
We believe this homeporting project will have an immediate impact on the rebound of the Bahamian economy, Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation Hon. Dionisio D’Aguilar said. We express our collective gratitude towards our partners at Royal Caribbean for the long-standing relationship spanning more than 50 years.
Bookings for Royal Caribbeans summer voyages through September 11 are now open.
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If You’re Over 12 And Unvaccinated On A Cruise Ship The Bahamas Are Closed
In documents posted to Twitter by Eyewitness News, the Bahamas has banned cruise ships unless all passengers over the age of 12 are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The order comes as an amendment to the Emergency Powers Regulations which gives Prime Minister Hubert Minnis more authority to institute protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19. Also outlined in a separate amendment was a curfew for certain sections of Andros, the largest island in the Bahamas, between 8pm and 5am.
The documents posted by Eyewitness News, a Bahamian news outlet, were signed by Prime Minister Hubert Minnis and dated August 19th, 2021.
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What Can Cruise Travelers Do To Protect Themselves And Others
CDC recommends that travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to traveling on a cruise ship.
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after a single dose in a one-dose series or 2 weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series.±
Travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status.
If you are at increased risk for severe illness and considering cruise travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss this type of travel with your healthcare professional. Older adults and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill if they get COVID-19. People with weakened immune systems, including people who take medicines that suppress their immune systems, may not be protected even if fully vaccinated.
Do not board a cruise ship if you have symptoms of COVID-19, if you know you have COVID-19, if you were exposed to a person with COVID-19 in the past 14 days , or you are waiting for results of a COVID-19 viral test.
If you go on a cruise during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Before you board:
- Get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after a single dose in a one-dose series or 2 weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series.
While you’re on board:
Bahamas Changes Stance On Cruise Ship Passengers
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It was only a year ago that officials in the Bahamas were complaining about the lack of money spent on the islands by cruise ship passengers.
Now, however, those same officials are hopeful that when cruising returns, those ships will be making a return to ports like Nassau a priority.
Before the shutdown, it wasnt unusual to see numerous ships docked in Nassau at once.
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What Are Tips To Find Cruise Deals To Bahamas
Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Bahamas. If you book a guaranteed cabin , a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Bahamas. Last minute cruises deals to Bahamas appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to Bahamas in the shoulder season can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.
Best Cruise Experience: Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises
- Ship Name: Caribbean Princess
- Itinerary: Princess Cays, Bahamas Fort Lauderdale
Many cruises on Princess tend to have longer itineraries, but you can escape to a private port in the Bahamas on a short, four-night jaunt aboard 3,140-passenger, Caribbean Princess. While sailing to a private port in Eleuthera, passengers can spend time at sea exploring the newly-refurbished ship or participate in a roster of daily activities ranging from trivia, scavenger hunts, pub crawls, spa seminars, and sports contests. In the evenings, catch Movies Under the Stars, the Voice of the Ocean , or head over to the Club Fusion dance club. The private, 40-acre resort in the Bahamas has white-sand beaches, a craft market, volleyball and watersports, and a beach party complete with a barbecue lunch.
Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our roundup of the best cruises for adults.
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Which Cruise Lines Are Affected
Its a mixed bag when it comes to which cruise lines already have 100% vaccination requirements for guests. Some, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, who have a large number of itineraries to the Bahamas, wont have a problem with the new protocols as their ships are for vaccinated guests only. Others like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, who currently operate cruises without a vaccine mandate, will need to adjust some itineraries to comply.
Others still may find they need to adjust their vaccine policy entirely. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which runs ships exclusively to the Bahamas from West Palm Beach, Florida, currently does not have a vaccine mandate. Now it appears theyll have to in order to operate at all.
The state of Florida adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Earlier this month, Norwegian Cruise Line won their lawsuit against the states ban on vaccine mandates. That freed up the cruise line to make their ships sailing from the Sunshine State 100% fully vaccinated. While NCL was the only cruise line involved in the lawsuit, it set a precedent for other cruise lines to make the same decision regarding vaccines should they feel it necessary for guest health and safety.
The 8 Best Bahamas Cruises Of 2021
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- Best Overall: MSC Cruises See Rates at Expedia“Its own private island in the Bahamas thats been the talk of the cruise industry.”
- Best Budget: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line See Rates “A live nightly entertainment in the theater, sail away shows and parties.”
- Best Family Cruise: Disney Cruise Line See Rates at Expedia“Perfect for families who want to visit the parks before their Bahamas cruise.”
- Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line See Rates at Expedia“Features like laser tag, a race track on the top deck, and thrilling water slides.”
- Best Activities: Carnival See Rates at Expedia“When its time to relax, theres Cloud 9 Spa or Serenity adults-only retreat.”
- Best Short Cruise: Celebrity Cruises See Rates at Expedia“A great choice for a more upscale cruise experience.”
- Best Extended Cruise: Royal Caribbean See Rates at Expedia“Combine the pink-sand beaches of Bermuda with a trip to the Bahamas.”
- Best Cruise Experience: Princess Cruises See Rates at Expedia“Escape to a private port in the Bahamas on a short, three-night jaunt.”
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Bahamas Closes Its Borders To Cruise Ships
The Bahamas is one of the most popular Caribbean countries for cruise lines, and it announced they will not welcome cruise ships to their countries due to the global health pandemic.
The Bahamas had reopened their borders earlier this month, but announced ocean-going vessels with commercial passengers will not be permitted to enter the Bahamas starting Wednesday.
Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis made the announcement on Sunday, citing a spike in cases in the United States, “Regrettably, the situation here at home has already deteriorated since we began the reopening of our domestic economy. It has deteriorated at an exponential rate since we reopened our international borders.”
The Bahamas added any cruise ships that allow passengers to board without a required mask or health visa will face a fine of $500 per passenger in violation.
The Prime Minister’s address did not include when the new prohibition would expire.
The announcement by the Bahamas to prevent travel by air or sea to their country follows the CDC’s extension of the “No Sail” order through the end of September.
The Bahamas is one of the busiest countries in the Caribbean for cruise ship traffic, and home to one of Royal Caribbean’s private destinations in Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The current health crisis sidelined both projects for the time being, but they appear to be still planned for the future.