Nassau Travel Warning and Port Improvements

Nassau Travel Warning and Port Improvements
By Mike Miller

​Nassau Bahamas has always been a popular port of call for short cruises and even is included in some long cruises. The proximity to the Florida coast has been its saving grace but in recent months. It has taken a public relations hit due to travel warnings on safety and the overall complaints about the downtown port area. 

If you are not already aware, there has been a new warning issued by the US State Department regarding safety in Nassau. Robberies and some violent crime has been reported even in tourist areas, but primarily areas like Fish Fry and Over The Hill. But really, there is no reason for cruise passengers or other tourist to visit those areas.

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The State Department provided these tips when traveling to Nassau either by cruise ship or flying in.

• Exercise caution in the area known as "Over the Hill" (south of Shirley Street) and the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay in Nassau, especially at night.
• Do not answer your door at your hotel/residence unless you know who it is.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for The Bahamas.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency and medical situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Rendering

But not to worry, Nassau is in the midst of planning a complete re development of the port. Right now, its not a bad port to visit but complaints have been about run down buildings, pushy locals and uneven sidewalks. The plan is a $250 Million project to make Nassau a great destination.
Global Ports Holding  is the worlds largest operator of cruise ports and they recently received approval from the Mistry of Tourism in the Bahamas for the project. It will increase the current 6 berths to 8 berths allowing more ships to visit at one time. They will also be building a new terminal building, adding event space and bring locally owned shops and restaurants to downtown. 

I would expect this to be similar to maybe Cozumel where you have entire area at the port loaded with shopping, restaurants, bars, entertainment and transportation options. All without going far from the ship. Although there appears, in my opinion, to be a trend towards building up the port areas enough to provide plenty to do there, I think you would be missing out if you don’t explore away from the port area. Just in places like Nassau, at least for now, don’t wander too far without being on an excursion booked either through the cruise line or a trusted third party. 

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Now don’t get me wrong, there are some great areas in Nassau, like the Atlantis on Paradise Island, Cable Beach. I still say go and enjoy Nassau but take the tips from the state department and these as well. Although this post is about Nassau, the tips are great for any cruise port or destination.

• Take excursions from the cruise line if possible.
• If you are walking around downtown or other areas, be sure to be with a group. Also pay attention to your surroundings. If you are paying attention, you are less likely a target of a crime.​
• Don’t go into alleys or walkways that seem suspicious, especially if they don’t seem to have an exit. There are alleys in the main downtown shopping area that run between Bay Street and the waterfront and those are usually ok. 

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If you have questions about Nassau or any other destination, don’t hesitate to email me or call me at the number below. Happy Traveling. [email protected]

Mike Miller
Travel Adviser
(904) 534-4318