The Bahamas, a country with 700 islands and thousands of wonderful islets and 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.”
Over 4 million tourists enter the Bahamas each year, mostly via cruise ships. It is really fun and pleasurable to visit the Commonwealth of the Bahamas aboard a luxury cruise ship, since 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 must do before booking a cruise to the Bahamas.
1. Get a passport. When 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 at the government passport office of your home country. US citizens 16 years of age and older will need to present a valid passport or passport card, while those under 15 years of age 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. Get 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 check with the Bahamian consulate to be sure). Foreign students studying in the United States traveling on a US visa must also present a valid SEVIS for travel.
3. Prepare a valid ID. In addition to a passport and visa, travelers may be required to present a valid government-issued ID card.
4. Prepare other documents as proof of citizenship. The cruise line may not accept naturalization documents. Aliens legally residing in the US may be required to present their valid resident 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. It is best to book your trip at least 3 months in advance of 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 tickets available decreases. You can choose to call your trusted travel agent to help you find the best cruise deals or simply go to a reputable online DIY travel booking site. Most travelers use online travel booking sites because customers have full 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 travel agency affiliates. It is advisable to use the websites of travel agencies that already have strong experience in the industry because these companies have contact centers with highly trained and experienced 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 vendors and providers of “shadow” offers.
6. Let the cruise line know if you need special assistance. When booking your cruise reservations, it is advisable to specify any special assistance required. DIY travel sites often have a designated field (often the “comments” field) on their booking forms for requests for special assistance, such as adapted seats, access lifts and ramps, adapted bathrooms in common areas, and wheelchair. At check-in, please reconfirm with the cruise line whether your request has been noted.
7. Get travel insurance coverage. Travel insurance is a vital addition to any type of trip. Around 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 the baggage dimension or weight limit. Be sure to comply with the applicable rules, laws and conditions of cruise lines and ports. In general, weapons, firearms, dangerous items, flammable items, controlled substances, and contraband prohibited by local and national laws are not permitted.
The most affordable cruise packages to The Bahamas are those from Fort Lauderdale, since 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 hotel reservation on Grand Bahama Island.