Royal Caribbean Issues Warning Regarding Travel to the Bahamas

CruiseRadio.net, a blog focusing on cruise-related news, posted a photo that shows a letter directly addressing an increase in crime in major tourist areas throughout the Bahamas, which was distributed to passengers on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise. The letter, signed by the captain of the ship, does not recommend that passengers avoid the Bahamas entirely, but does stress the importance of awareness and safety when traveling throughout area. The letter comes amidst new travel warnings from the United States Department of State.

The letter was distributed to passengers aboard Royal Caribbean's Anthem of The Seas, a cruise ship designed for longer itineraries. According to Royal Caribbean's website, the ship operates cruises to Bermuda, throughout New England and Eastern Canada, and throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas. It was signed by Captain Sreck Ban, who writes, "I am writing to provide you with important information regarding our port call to Nassau, Bahamas...We feel it is important to make our guests aware that Nassau has been experiencing an increase in crime. Non-violent crimes, such as theft of personal items are the most common types of crime being committed."

While the letter addresses the increase in crime in the Bahamas, specifically Nassau, Captain Ban goes on to note that "thousands of visitors routinely travel to Nassau without incident." Nonetheless, Captain Ban provides guests cruising on the Anthem of the Seas with recommendations for staying safe while on the island. These recommendations include:

• Leave valuables and irreplaceable items inside your stateroom safe
• Avoid wearing obviously expensive jewelry
• Use discretion when handling cash publicly
• [Don't] venture too far from tourist areas

Captain Ban is not alone in recommending the ship's guest take additional steps to ensure their safety while visiting the Bahamas. The United States Department of State recently increased its travel advisory level to Level 2, which recommends US citizens "Exercise Increase Caution" while visiting the Bahamas. The US State Department notes that "burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assault is common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas." US government personnel are prohibited from visiting one area of Nassau known as "the Sand Trap" due to an increase in violent crime. The State Department also strongly urges against renting jet skis in the Bahamas.

Again, as both Captain Ban and the US Department of State note, travel to the Bahamas is not discouraged. The Bahamas boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and exciting tourist sites in the Caribbean. It is also a popular port of call for cruises like the Anthem of The Seas. If you plan to visit the Bahamas, specifically a major city like Nassau, be sure to exercise increased caution and take additional steps to ensure your safety and security while abroad.

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H/T: Travel Pulse