The Bahamas, a country with 700 islands and thousands of islets and wonderful caves, is among the most popular destinations for Atlantic cruises. This is because the Bahamas is truly a beautiful country that amazes travelers and scientists alike, especially when it comes to exploring the famous “Blue Holes.”
More than 4 million tourists enter the Bahamas each year, mostly via cruise ships. It is really fun and enjoyable to visit the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on board a luxury cruise, as these types of trips are often accompanied by parties, celebrations and other tourist activities on board.
Like any type of international travel, going on a cruise to the Bahamas will require travelers to prepare properly. Below are the eight important things one should do before booking a cruise to the Bahamas.
1. Get a passport. Upon entering the cruise, passengers must present their valid passport. Cruise voyages generally consist of visits to more than one country. Therefore, the Bahamas also requires a passport to enter. Passports can be obtained from the government passport office of your home country. U.S. citizens over the age of 16 will need to present a valid passport or passport card, while those under the age of 15 will need to present an original state-issued birth certificate from the US Department of Health and Vital Statistics if a passport is not available. Copies of the birth certificate (photocopy) are not accepted. It is advisable to prepare a passport and an original birth certificate for each traveler.
2. Obtain a visa. Visa is not required for US and Canadian citizens. However, if you are from outside the United States or Canada, you may need a multiple-entry US visa and, if necessary, a Bahamian visa (better to check with the Bahamian consulate to make sure). Foreign students studying in the United States traveling on a US visa must also present a valid SEVIS to travel.
3. Prepare a valid ID. In addition to a passport and visa, travelers may be required to present a valid government-issued identification card.
4. Prepare other documents as proof of citizenship. The cruise line may not accept naturalization documents. Legally resident aliens in the US may be required to present a valid green card. Students will also need to obtain a completed I94 form as well as valid documentation signed by the school. All documentation must be original copies.
5. Book your cruise trip. It is best to book your trip at least 3 months before your travel date to ensure you get the best price for tickets. Remember that fares tend to increase in price as the travel date approaches and the number of available tickets decreases. You can choose to call your trusted travel agent to help you find the best cruise deals or just go to a reputable online DIY travel booking site. Most travelers use online travel booking sites because customers have complete control when it comes to creating their own trip. There are hundreds of online travel sites on the world wide web and most of them are owned by independent travel agents or individual affiliates of travel agencies. It is advisable to use the websites of travel agencies that already have a solid experience in the industry because these companies have contact centers with experienced and highly trained specialists ready to assist you in case you need help with things related to your trip. Reputable travel agencies and websites also choose their partner travel provider carefully. You can be sure that you will not be referred to providers and providers of “shadow” offers.
6. Let the cruise line know if you need special assistance. When booking your cruise reservations, it is recommended that you specify any special assistance required. Do-it-yourself travel sites often have a designated field (often the “comments” field) on their reservation forms for requests for special assistance, such as handicap seats, lifts and access ramps, handicap toilets in common areas, and wheelchair. At check-in, please reconfirm with the cruise line if your request has been noted.
7. Get travel insurance coverage. Travel insurance is a vital addition to any type of trip. About 70% of cruise passengers buy travel insurance for three main reasons: peace of mind, concern about losing the money invested in a trip, and protection against unexpected situations.
8. Pack your luggage. Check the cruise line’s baggage requirements. Some cruise lines may charge fees if you exceed baggage size or weight limits. Be sure to comply with applicable cruise line and port regulations, laws, and conditions. In general, weapons, firearms, dangerous items, flammable items, controlled substances, and contraband prohibited by local and national laws are not permitted.
The most affordable Bahamas cruise packages are from Fort Lauderdale, as this port is so close to the country. You can choose to book a cruise-only fare or a package consisting of a cruise and a hotel reservation on Grand Bahama Island.
