Finally we are seeing a return to cruising! While the United States, in cooperation with the CDC, is working with cruise lines to restart cruising from the states, I am very excited to be flying to Nassau to embark on a 7-day cruise on Adventure of the Seas. If you’re ready to start planning a cruise from Nassau, let’s get started!
In this post, I’ll share the details you’ll need to plan your cruise from Nassau and be well prepared for your sailing!
Planning a Cruise from Nassau -Booking
Currently Royal of Caribbean is sailing from Nassau on the Adventure of the Seas. (Celebrity is also scheduled to sail from St. Martaan.) For the near future, at least, all passengers (currently 16 years and older) must show proof of being fully vaccinated for the Covid-19 virus prior to boarding. The ships will also be sailing with reduced capacity.
You can book your cruise directly through Royal Caribbean or your travel agent. (If you need a travel agent recommendation let me know in the comments below). Make sure to factor in your airfare costs when considering your cruise budget.
Entry into the Bahamas – What is required?
At the time of this post, a health visa is required to gain entry into the Bahamas. Fear not, it’s pretty straightforward. You first create a login here and then follow the steps.
There are two options for entry and both are available to you on the application. The first option is to upload proof of vaccination. You must be beyond 2 weeks from your last vaccination. Alternatively, you may submit a negative PCR Covid-19 test dated within 5 days of entry to the country. You will also have to submit, via an app, answers to health questions daily. Update: A negative PCR test is now required for all guest of the Bahamas.
If you opt for the vaccination option, you can apply for your visa earlier than the 5 day window. I suggest doing this a week or two before your scheduled arrival.
The health visa is $40 and covers your trip and includes mandatory health insurance. According to the site, the insurance will cover you if you would need to remain on the island for a quarantine should you develop symptoms or test positive on one of their islands. Given this coverage, I think this cost is very reasonable.
Fill out your application and you will receive a link to pay your $40. Once approved you will receive a certificate of approval which will display your name, dates in country and a QR code.
UPDATE: A Negative PCR test is now required within 5 days of arrival. I found that both CVS and Walgreens are great options to get a timely test!
The following is direct from the email correspondence from Royal Caribbean.
Vaccinated guests are required to provide a negative PCR test for Covid-19 taken no more than 5 days before arriving in The Bahamas and present it upon check-in. This is an extra precaution we are taking to give everyone added peace of mind as you travel for your cruise. Costs associated with this test are guests’ responsibility.
Flying to Nassau Airport – Lynden Pindling Intl.
Obviously, Nassau is an island with a smaller airport. Flights to the island will be less frequent than Miami, and other major U.S. home ports so you’ll want to check flights at the same time as you book your cruise to be well prepared.
Do you have a preferred airline? I do. I am partial to Delta and excited that they fly to Nassau.
Booking your pre-cruise hotel
We made our reservation at the British Colonial Hotel which is popular with cruisers for it’s resort day pass. After booking, it was announced that due to the construction at the cruise terminal, check-in would be staged at the hotel. How handy!
Update: The check-in process at the Hilton was very well organized and went very well.
Check-in online for your cruise
Typically online check in opens about 30 days before your cruise. This is the step where you let the cruise line know of your travel details, passport information, set up your onboard account.
TIP: Print your set sail pass or save the image on your phone for a smoother boarding experience. This is a great time to print your luggage tags as well. Your set sail pass is also available in the Royal Caribbean app.
Need packing tips for your cruise? Find help here.
Cruise Port in Nassau
As I mentioned earlier, the cruise port is undergoing a major over-haul.
A refurbishment has been needed for quite some time but the new expansion of port services is going to be fantastic when it’s completed. Those of us who love cruising will happily deal with a bit of inconvenience during this time period.
Is Nassau safe?
I’m just going to put this out there, Nassau gets a bad rap for being unsafe. In fact, at the time of this posting, the State Dept. issued a warning for travelers visiting the Bahamas. Honestly, I’ve been to Nassau several times and have never had an issue.
Many seasoned cruisers choose to stay on the ship when visiting this port. However, I contest that it’s not necessarily due to safety concerns. Nassau is (pre-pandemic) a very frequented cruise port and therefore many cruisers have already visited this port of call many times. That may play a role in their choice to stay on the ship.
As far as being safe, just like any other destination, you need to keep your wits about you. It’s not a good idea to explore in an unfamiliar area alone or after dark. Follow your gut and stick with a group or travel buddy and you’ll have a great time in Nassau. Here’s an example of how we spent our cruise port day in Nassau on a previous cruise.
Enjoy your cruise!
Hey! Don’t forget to enjoy your cruise! The planning has been done so get on that ship and have a blast.
We are cruising again!
Returning to the United Sates after your cruise.
At the time of this post, anyone traveling to the United States must present a negative Covid test. Currently, Royal Caribbean is taking care of facilitating the test for guests onboard. Thank you Royal Caribbean! Things seem to be improving each day so hopefully in the near future the test will no longer be required.
Worrier’s Guide – Here’s your checklist
1. Book your cruise from Nassau and check flights
2. Get fully vaccinated + two weeks before your travel dates. You will also need your proof of vaccination at check-in so keep it with your passport.
2. Passport – make sure you have 6 months remaining on your passport before the expiration date.
3. Health Visa account and trip application – Don’t forget your PCR Test!
4. Print or save your QR Code from your approved health travel visa
5. Check-in for your cruise and print your set sail pass and luggage tags (remember your set sail pass can also be used from the mobile app).
6. Book your pre-cruise hotel unless you are flying into port on embarkation day.
7. Pack light!
8. HAVE FUN!
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