7/13/2020 Update: On July 1st, 2020, the Bahamas began Phase 2 of their “Tourism & Readiness Recovery Plan. Primary steps of the plan involve travelers to fill out Electronic Health Visas and have negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test results taken 10 days or less before travel. Further stipulations of the plan involve different requirements while on planes or cruise ships, social distancing requiring, and requirements of actual tourist destinations and services in the Bahamas. For more information, check out the Official Bahamas Tourism Reopening Page.
According to the Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert Minnis, the Bahamas is targeting July 1st in its latest plans to reopen its borders to travelers. He did however advise that this date is subject to change depending on the circumstances.
“Our resorts, our airports and our seaports are finalizing the health and safety protocols that will be necessary for us to provide for a re-opening,” said Minnis. “Taking into account what is being done within the region and around the world, these extensive guidelines will be designed to provide for reasonable assurance that travel and leisure are generally safe. Any such reopening to commercial-scale traffic will also be dependent on the ongoing stabilization of the COVID-19 outbreak in the Bahamas.”
What Nassau, Bahamas hotels will be open initially?
- Nassau
- The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas remains open for business during this time.
- Meliá Nassau Beach–All Inclusive: Opens July 1, 2020
- Atlantis, Paradise Island: Opens July 1, 2020
- Baha Mar: Opens July 1, 2020
- Sandals Royal Bahamian: Opens July 1, 2020
- Bay View Suites Paradise Island, Bahamas: Opens July 1, 2020
- Comfort Suites Paradise Island: Opens July 1, 2020
- Grand Bahama
- All hotels and resorts are closed until further notice.
- Out Islands
- All hotels and resorts are closed until further notice.
Due to the Covid-19 health crisis, hotel operations have been adapted to enhance safety for travelers, and compliance with regulations. Additional cleaning and hygiene measures have been implemented, as well as initiatives for social distancing.
When will cruises resume to Nassau?
That is still unknown. Many hope that it will be as early as August when Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean and NCL Cruises are supposed resume cruising, but realistically that is not going to happen. This is based on personal opinion and not fact, but resorts opening at reduced capacity is one thing. Thousands of people pulling into a port is an entirely different situation. Realistically, we think it will be late September or early October before cruise ships will stop in Nassau unless perhaps they can limit the number of ships that arrive each day. We will certainly monitor this and update the post, as weekend cruises to Nassau are extremely popular.
Is there enhanced screening at the airport?
The airport has increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting high traffic areas throughout the terminal. They have invested in foggers and will be purchasing electrostatic sprayers to sanitize large areas. To observe social distancing guidelines required in public spaces, floor markers and signage are in place at check-in areas, pre-board security screening checkpoints, customs and immigration halls and in retail and food & beverage spaces. Seating at the food court and airline gates has been reduced by about 30%. They installed additional hand sanitzing stations & have temporarily discontinued self-service kiosks so they can screen passengers individually. Passengers & airport staff are required to wear masks.
Because the date is not firm, if you are making hotel reservations or booking a cruise, make sure you either have cancel for any reason insurance, or that the travel company offers the opportunity to cancel and receive a future cruise or travel credit.
Related posts:
When Will Cruises Resume
When Will Escorted Tours Resume
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