Royal Beach Club Bahamas On Paradise Island
In mid-March 2020, RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd announced plans to build a second Royal Beach Club at Paradise Island‘s western end. The complex will be exclusive and visited as a “beach day” shore excursion option from Nassau.
Royal Beach Club Bahamas will be developed with premium beaches and RCI’s signature beachside resort amenities and service. In February 2020, RCG purchased land from private landowners on Paradise Island’s western coast, at the cost of ~USD 50 million . Additional 7 acres/2,8 hectares were leased by The Bahamas government.
Construction works are currently scheduled to start in October 2021 and be completed by May 2023.
Royal Beach Club will have max capacity 3500 and will include two dining pavilions , a resort-style swimming pool , splash pad for children , beach facilities . The facilities will be supported by a reverse osmosis plant , wastewater plant and waste management facility, fuel storage, storage building.
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.
Bahamas Cruise To Princess Cays
Princess Cruises’ Princess Cay is another beautiful island in the Bahamas with sun-drenched beaches and plenty of fun activities. From wandering the market with local crafts to water sports or climbing the Observation Tower to be treated to spectacular panoramic views, your time here can be as relaxed or fast paced as you like.
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Bahamas Will Extend Requirement For Cruise Ship Passengers To Be Vaccinated
The Bahamas will extend its order requiring cruise ship passengers be fully vaccinated if they are above the age of 12 until next year.
Since September 1, 2021, The Bahamas enacted emergency powers requiring only cruise ships be allowed into The Bahamas if everyone over the age of 12 is fully vaccinated, including private islands.
The order is set to expire on November 1, but it now appears it will be extended.
Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper told The Tribune that the Bahamian government will look to extend the policy until next year.
“We are taking action to extend that until 2022,” Mr. Cooper said before going to a Cabinet meeting.
“We will be looking at it closely moving forward. We are actively in conversations with our various cruise partners.
“We believe vaccination is the right approach in order to be able to attract tourists to our shores in a balanced and responsible way.”
Under the order, cruise ships visiting The Bahamas must ensure everyone who is at least 12 years old or older be fully vaccinated.
The order was first added by Bahamian Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, but the new Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, supports extending it.
As a result of the order, cruise lines changed their protocols to require everyone above the age of 12 to be fully vaccinated on sailings from Florida. Prior to the Bahamian law, Royal Caribbean cruises from Florida had made exceptions for unvaccinated adults to sail.
What Are Popular Ports In The Bahamas
Nassau and Freeport are the two main cruise ports in The Bahamas. Nassau is the capital, located on New Providence Island, while Freeport is on Grand Bahama Island.
A number of cruise lines own private islands in the Bahamas, including Disney Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean , Holland America , Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line . Here, guests can rent cabanas, careen down waterslides or drink rum punch by the pitcher with nothing more than their cruise card.
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Where Do Disney Cruises Go In Canada
The Disney Dream test cruise from Port Canaveral has been postponed,
but a close collaboration between Transport Canada and the U.S. government indicates that cruises will be able to resume once again.
After a notable decrease in Covid cases, Canada has agreed to lift the travel ban on November 1, 2021,
which means that the Disney Wonder ship will be free to sail off from the Vancouver port in 2022.
On this Disney cruise to Canada, you will get truly immersed in the maritime charm of breathtaking ports of call.
The vacation promises captivating natural beauty, picturesque coastal seaports, and brilliant autumn colors that will certainly capture hearts of all ages.
And there is something for everyone onboard the Disney Magic, from adults-only hotspots to kids-friendly clubs.
Bahamas Requiring All Cruise Ship Passengers To Be Vaccinated
The Bahamas is now requiring all cruise ship passengers to be vaccinated in order to enter port, including private islands in the Bahamas.
An emergency powers order was signed into place today by the Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis, in response to the rising number of COVID cases. This new emergency order prohibits cruise ships from calling in the Bahamas unless all crew and passengers are vaccinated.
This order goes into effect on September 3, 2021 and continues through November 1, 2021.
In order for a cruise ship on passenger voyages to enter a port in the Bahamas, the Captain must provide a crew and passenger manifest to the Port Medical Officer disclosing vaccination status. This applies to all private islands in the Bahamas as well.
The order states that all passengers 12 years of age and older will need to be fully vaccinated, and the ship must be in compliance with previously submitted health protocols. The exceptions are for emergency purposes or for unvaccinated passengers with medical contraindications.
Currently, NCL is the only cruise line requiring 100% vaccination. Many other cruise lines are sailing with a 95% vaccination rate, while some brands like MSC Cruises do not require vaccinations to cruise.
While Norwegian Cruise Line was granted a preliminary injunction to Floridas ban on proof of vaccination, its unclear what this means for the other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, or Disney Cruise Line.
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Cruise Lines Serving The Bahamas
Covering 100,000 square miles of the clearest water in the world, the 700 islands and 2,500 cays that shape The Bahamas create a fabulous destination for sun-seekers, water sports enthusiasts and everyone who appreciates first-class hospitality. Our many ports of call each offers their own unique experiences for cruise passengers. From the fast-paced lifestyle of Nassau & Paradise Island to the idyllic solitude of our more remote islands, theres something for everyone in The Bahamas.
Visa for travel to The Bahamas
Please be advised that all nationalities who would normally require a visa for travel to The Bahamas and intend to travel to The Bahamas by way of cruise ship must obtain a Bahamian visa. The same applies for persons traveling by air to join a cruise ship traveling through The Bahamas.
Cruise Lines Offering Refunds After Latest News From The Bahamas
Earlier today, The Bahamas announced that starting on September 3, 2021, the only cruise ships that will be allowed to visit ports in the country, including private islands, will be those with all guests 12 years and older fully vaccinated.
Several cruise lines have announced that passengers will be able to receive a full refund if they do not wish to follow these protocols. Right now, it only pertains to cruises to the Bahamas in September and October. But as with everything else with Covid, it is subject to change in the future.
Royal Caribbean said that guests who have a cruise booked in September to the Bahamas and do not wish to be vaccinated can receive a full refund, or they can move their sailing into the future when circumstances may have evolved.
MSC Cruises is also giving guests a full refund to those are booked on a Bahamas cruise over the next two months and are not fully vaccinated. To receive a refund, you can call MSC Cruises at at 1-877-665-4655 if you booked directly with the cruise line or contact your travel advisor if you booked with a travel agent.
This apply to cruises on two cruise ships, MSC Meraviglia and MSC Divina.
Learn the cruise secrets most people don’t know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation.
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Bahamas Cruise To Half Moon Cay
Holland America Line’s very own private island, Half Moon Cay, is a slice of paradise in the Bahamas. Forming part of the Bahamian National Trust, the unspoilt landscape makes this the ideal resort for nature lovers. Kick off your time here by diving in the enticing waters and exploring the magical marine life before drying off and seeing what else is on offer. From horseback riding to waterpark fun and a variety of restaurants, everything you need is right there.
Best Overall: Msc Cruises
- Ship Name: MSC Meraviglia
- Itinerary: Nassau, Ocean Cay, Bahamas Miami, Florida
European cruise line MSC Cruises has been rapidly expanding in the U.S market by opening its own private island in the Bahamas. Onboard the new, 4,500-passenger Meraviglia, guests can take in a dazzling Cirque du Soleil performance or stroll along the stunning central atrium that spans the entire length of the ship, including a digital LED sky at sea. Kids will love the Aqua park, complete with four water slides and a Himalayan climbing bridge. The island of Ocean Cay debuts in November 2019 with a land-based spa, several beaches, snorkeling tours, and an iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse featuring an outdoor bar.
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Onboard The Independence Of The Seas
Year Refurbished: 2018
Double Occupancy Capacity: 3858
Independence of the Seas® offers all of the amazing onboard experiences you’d expect from their Freedom-class ships. Launch yourself into a virtual world on a new bungee trampoline experience Sky Pad. Order up batter fried goodness at the new poolside Fish & Ships seafood spot. Ditch the winter blahs for an amped up ship teeming with oohs and ahhs.
Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.
Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Ship Name: Norwegian Bliss
- Itinerary: Port Canaveral, United States Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Nassau, Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line makes it easy to escape the New York City grind aboard its newest ship, Bliss, on a round-trip sailing from Manhattan. Bliss has buzzworthy features like laser tag, a race track on the top deck, and thrilling water slides that overhang the sides of the ship. Plus, theres a sizzling nightlife onboard including theme parties, Spice H20 , and live entertainment, such as a performance of Jersey Boys. The ship has accommodations for every type of cruiser, including solo staterooms and elegant suites in the Haven, a luxurious enclave. Bliss has more than 15 dining venues onboard ranging from cafes serving gelato to fine dining specialty restaurants.
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Castaway Cay Disney Cruise Line
Voted best cruise line private island by readers of CruiseCritic, this 1,000-acre cay was once called Gorda Cay and was used as a stop for bootleggers and drug runners. This is where Tom Hanks met Darryl Hannah, the mysterious mermaid, in the movie Splash. Some Pirates of the Caribbean movies were filmed here as well. Disney Cruise Line did not buy the island outright, but secured a 99-year lease from the Bahamian government in 1997.
Around 60 employees of the Disney company are the only permanent residents of Castaway Cay, but it is rarely deserted. Cruise ships are able to dock here, thanks to some deep dredging and a long pier constructed by Disney. Thousands of visitors disembark to enjoy the beaches and recreational areas which look like they were constructed from shipwreck salvage. Some of the activities offered are snorkeling, parasailing, personal watercraft rentals, beach volleyball and bicycle rentals.
The Bahamas Updates Protocols For Travel Including Cruise Passengers
The Bahamas updates travel protocols with a negative test requirement including for cruise ship passengers.
Are you traveling to the Bahamas on a cruise or a vacation in the coming weeks and months? Then youll want to read on as the Bahamas has introduced stricter measures for those traveling to and in the Bahamas.
These measures include those planning on taking a beach vacation coming from a different country, cruise passengers embarking on cruises that originate in and return to The Bahamas, and those traveling inter-island.
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Ports That Remain Closed:
- Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: The Cayman Islands’ government has outlined a phased reopening to tourism, which aims to allow only vaccinated travelers on the island October 14, 2021. Beginning November 18, the country expects to open travel to children under 12, accompanied by vaccinated travelers. The country is still closed to cruise tourism as of September 1, 2021.
- Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
- Labadee, Haiti: Although Haiti’s COVID-19 travel policy allows for both vaccinated and unvaccinated cruisers to enter the country, barring test results, a Do Not Travel order has been issued by the U.S government due to civil unrest. As a result, Royal Caribbean which operates the private island has suspended calls until further notice.
The Bahamas Extends Vaccination Mandate For Cruise Visitors
The Bahamas is set to extend its vaccination mandate for cruise ship visitors until 2022. The current order was in place until November 1, 2021.
The Bahamian government announced an extension to the countrys vaccination mandate for cruise ships seeing entry to the Bahamas. The extension is set to remain until 2022 from November 1, 2021, which is when the current order ends.
The Bahamas was one of the first cruise destinations to implement the mandate for cruise ships earlier this year, which caused several cruise lines to change their onboard policies from COVID-19 vaccine optional to COVID-19 vaccine mandatory.
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Why Short Cruises Could Prove To Be A Win/win
Now, DAguilar is hoping that the relatively short distance between popular cruise starting spot Florida and the Bahamas will play in their favor.
At the onset, will want to check their protocols and see how they work, he explained. Were wonderfully positioned for the rebound of the cruise industry, because were so close and they can do short cruises.
Private islands like Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay could prove a bit of a threat to traditional ports such as Nassau.
The shorter you make the cruise, he theorized, the less the risk. You can do a three-day cruise involving Nassau and your private island.
Some including, on occasion, DAguilar himself have expressed fears that private islands such as Great Stirrup Cay and Perfect Day CocoCay siphon off money that guests might otherwise spend in Nassau or Freeport. But DAguilar now says his government will not allow that to happen.
recognize population centers are where the most economic impact is to be had, he told the paper, so if the cruise companies come to the Bahamas, they are going to be nudged by whatever means are necessary to visit these hard-hit areas.
Best Budget: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line
- Sails from: Port of Palm Beach
- Duration: 2 nights
- Ship Name: Grand Celebration
- Itinerary: Grand Bahama Island, Port of Palm Beach
If youre looking for a short getaway to blow off steam and let your hair down, then Grand Celebration might be for you. The cruise line operates a regular schedule of short overnight cruises to Grand Bahama Island , but with many attractions found on a cruise ship, including live nightly entertainment in the theater, sail away shows and parties, a steel-drum band, spa, and casino. Most cabins are standard interior or oceanview categories with a handful of suites, and pricing is very budget-minded. While these ships lack the bells and whistles of some of the other cruise ships, theres fun to be had onboard during quick getaways from the Port of Palm Beach.
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Where Are Disney Cruise Ships Docked
At the moment, Disney cruise ships are spread out in different docks. Disney Magic is moored in Dover.
Both Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy are anchored off the shores of Cape Canaveral, while Disney Dream is nestled at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.
In the aftermath of the notorious COVID-19 pandemic, many cruise lines are scrambling to get their vessels back into action.
For Disney Cruise Line currently the number one cruise line for families and Caribbean destinations its still not business as usual.
So where does the Disney cruise go? At the moment, all four ships in Disneys fleet are scheduled to resume sailing by 2022 with various attractive destinations in each ships itinerary.