Security Alert

[Canadian Mom Cruiser]

This is concerning 

 

https://bs.usembassy.gov/security-alert/

[wildcats40]

Thanks for sharing this. 

[LandLockedInAZ2]

Just saw this from a news site. It is concerning, both from a personal safety angle and the concern of the impact on the economy of the Bahamas if tourism is decreased as a result. 

I am on a cruise with port call in Nassau in March. I guess we will just keep an eye on whether the cruise line makes any statement or adjustments by then. 

[T_Bird]

I saw this this morning. We’re also stopping there in March. Will keep watching.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna135970

[RJ257]

On 1/25/2024 at 5:04 PM, Canadian Mom Cruiser said:

This is concerning 

 

https://bs.usembassy.gov/security-alert/

Thanks for posting. Ive traveled to Nassau over the 30-40 years and there have been many types of warnings to exercise caution. Usually not murders though. This is not the downtown, Cable Beach or Paradise Island area fyi. There is a much higher level of security in tourist areas but still be alert to your surroundings.

Edited January 28 by RJ257
additional info

[Raymok]

This was on the internet this morning:

 

Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 18 recorded murders in Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas. These incidents have occurred at various times, including broad daylight on the streets. The primary motive behind these murders appears to be retaliatory gang violence¹.

 

Please exercise extreme caution when in the eastern part of New Providence Island (Nassau), and remain vigilant while walking or driving at night. It’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and review your personal security plans during your stay in Nassau¹. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can also reach out to the U.S. Embassy Nassau for assistance¹

Edited January 28 by Raymok

[1kaper]

On 1/27/2024 at 8:49 PM, RJ257 said:

Thanks for posting. Ive traveled to Nassau over the 30-40 years and there have been many types of warnings to exercise caution. Usually not murders though. This is not the downtown, Cable Beach or Paradise Island area fyi. There is a much higher level of security in tourist areas but still be alert to your surroundings.

 

That's what I thought but Canada has also issued a warning to use a high degree of caution and states 

"There has been a decrease in violent crime since the beginning of 2018. Crime, however, including violent crime, still occurs, mainly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau. Incidents of robbery also take place in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays.

• Avoid Nassau’s “over the hill” (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night"

and "

Women’s safety

Sexual assault occurs frequently in The Bahamas, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships and on the beach. Reported incidents are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some cases, the victim was drugged.

• Be wary when embarking on jet-ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators, as several incidents of sexual assault have been reported
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and avoid using drugs
• Don't accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers"

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/bahamas

 

[RJ257]

57 minutes ago, 1kaper said:

 

That's what I thought but Canada has also issued a warning to use a high degree of caution and states 

"There has been a decrease in violent crime since the beginning of 2018. Crime, however, including violent crime, still occurs, mainly on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence.

Armed robberies, burglaries, purse snatchings, theft, fraud and sexual assaults are the most common crimes committed against travellers in Freeport and Nassau. Incidents of robbery also take place in cruise ship terminals and in and around popular resort areas, even in daylight hours. Crime increases during the holidays.

• Avoid Nassau’s “over the hill” (south of Shirley Street) and Fish Fry (Arawak Cay) areas, especially at night"

and "

Women’s safety

Sexual assault occurs frequently in The Bahamas, particularly near hotels, in hotel rooms, in casinos, on cruise ships and on the beach. Reported incidents are on the rise in Nassau, including on Paradise Island. In some cases, the victim was drugged.

• Be wary when embarking on jet-ski rides with licensed or unlicensed operators, as several incidents of sexual assault have been reported
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and avoid using drugs
• Don't accept rides from strangers or from unlicensed taxi drivers"

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/bahamas

 

I agree folks need to be cautious. Not just in Nassau but lots of countries and major cities everywhere. Nassau has lots of ships in port nowadays which greatly increases the number of tourists. More tourists = more opportunities for crime. When I was younger I used to get approached to buy drugs on Bay Street often and whatever Paradise Island hotel we were staying at also. 

[CILCIANRQTS]

On 1/31/2024 at 11:29 AM, RJ257 said:

I agree folks need to be cautious. Not just in Nassau but lots of countries and major cities everywhere. Nassau has lots of ships in port nowadays which greatly increases the number of tourists. More tourists = more opportunities for crime. When I was younger I used to get approached to buy drugs on Bay Street often and whatever Paradise Island hotel we were staying at also. 

And cruise ship passengers leave at the end of the day, so they make excellent targets as they won’t be around to cooperate in any investigation/identification/prosecution of the perp.

Edited February 4 by CILCIANRQTS

[blue_water]

We spent two weeks on NPI, going into Nassau a few times, and it felt the same as the other biggest cruise ports of Philipsburg on St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas, and San Miguel, on Cozumel. We’ve cruised to these ports multiple times, and have stayed there multiple times. When going into town while cruise ships are in port it’s just sooo busy, and that is when the pickpocketing and other scams are so prevalent. You really need to secure your wallet or purse to avoid these easiest thefts. That crime (theft and scams) is reportedly the worst on SXM, but it does happen everywhere. Tourists are very vulnerable as targets, but just using common sense helps so much in preventing problems. 

Often we see couples and multiple couples together in the port, and they should have no problem. Solo travelers are easier targets, so staying in the main tourist area is probably most important for them. The warnings about avoiding certain areas are important, although some are the most popular spots at night for visitors and residents alike. 

We’re more concerned about violent crimes in these ports at night, but as noted a shooting or assault can take place in broad daylight in a busy tourist area. We see this in the Riviera Maya more than these other ports though…

[blue_water]

On 1/27/2024 at 5:47 PM, T_Bird said:

I saw this this morning. We’re also stopping there in March. Will keep watching.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna135970

Be aware, the NBC news statement in this link is INACCURATE.

The advisory level was NOT raised, it was already at Level 2. The US Embassy Security Alert was simply reiterated based on the new information.

[RICHARD@SEA]

Staff members at Bahamas resort arrested for drugging, assaulting 2 American women: Police - ABC News (go.com)

[JT1962]

I walked to Junkanoo Beach and the Fish Fry last week and felt safe and had no issues. I didn’t wander off the main road.

[Educatoria]

Due to the safety concerns I started to wonder if you’re required to have your passport with you in Nassau to get on/off the ship ,or if you can just leave it in your safe. Non-US citizen here. 

[RJ257]

1 hour ago, Educatoria said:

Due to the safety concerns I started to wonder if you’re required to have your passport with you in Nassau to get on/off the ship ,or if you can just leave it in your safe. Non-US citizen here. 

I always carry a copy of my passport when in any port. Original stays in the safe onboard.

[blue_water]

15 hours ago, Educatoria said:

Due to the safety concerns I started to wonder if you’re required to have your passport with you in Nassau to get on/off the ship ,or if you can just leave it in your safe. Non-US citizen here. 

You are ALWAYS required to carry your original passport when traveling internationally. The Security Alert did not create that requirement, that’s just the law everywhere. Is that enforced at most cruise ports? No. But folks traveling internationally should know it is a requirement just to be savvy travelers…

But no change to answer your question…

 

For newer travelers, it’s good to know that in most countries an e-copy or photocopy is not a valid ID, and of course you cannot fly in an emergency. And in many countries a color photocopy is illegal. So just noting that for those who are not aware…

 

We ALWAYS carry our ORIGINAL passport with us when in public - whether on a cruise or land vacation but that’s us. The obvious reason we don’t leave our passport in our cabin is in case we need an alternate departure. We’ve had two medical emergencies while traveling, and in the event of ANY type of emergency you cannot fly without your original passport…

 

Of course it’s your choice. That’s a hot topic in many travel forums and most folks don’t see a need to carry a passport. I would not recommend carrying a copy, and be sure to carry a VALID government photo ID. We’ve seen some “seasoned” travelers carrying an expired drivers license as their sole ID! 🤷🏼

Edited February 27 by blue_water
Typo

[sdear]

I am cruising solo in March, and really wanted to head over to Baha Mar for a few hours, but sort of nervous about doing this solo.  

[blue_water]

2 hours ago, sdear said:

I am cruising solo in March, and really wanted to head over to Baha Mar for a few hours, but sort of nervous about doing this solo.  

I would have zero concerns areas. We stayed next to Baha Mar for two weeks, and bussed into town several times. Very safe and no worries at all. 
 

You can visit the beautiful Baha Mar casino and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants.

 

Just walk over to Bay Street and Frederick where the buses originate and hop the #10 jitney. The fare is $1.25/pp each way, exact change appreciated, and just tell the driver Baha Mar. You will see bus stops where the bus will pick you up for your return.
 

One recommendation - stop by the Daq Shack in the vendor area that you walk by in your way to Baha Mar. Truly amazing daiquiris!

 

Really nothing to worry about!

Edited February 28 by blue_water
Typo