The Bahamas, a country with 700 islands and thousands of islets and beautiful caves, is one of the most popular destinations for Atlantic cruises. This is because the Bahamas is truly a beautiful country that amazes both travelers and scholars, especially when it comes to exploring the famous Blue Holes.
More than 4 million tourists enter the Bahamas annually, mainly through cruise ships. It is really fun and pleasant to visit the Commonwealth of the Bahamas on a luxury cruise ship, as traveling like this is usually accompanied by parties, celebrations and other tourist activities on board.
As with any international travel, traveling to the Bahamas will require proper preparation from travelers. Below are eight important things to do before booking a cruise to the Bahamas.
1. Get a passport. Passengers must present a valid passport upon entering the cruise ship. Cruise trips usually consist of visits to more than one country. Consequently, the Bahamas also require a passport to enter. Passports can be obtained from the state passport office of your country of origin. Citizens of the United States aged 16 and older will be required to present a valid passport or passport card, while persons aged 15 years and younger will be required to present an original state birth certificate from the Department of Health and Life Statistics if the passport is not available. Copies of birth certificates (photocopy) are not accepted. It is advisable to prepare a passport and original birth certificate for each traveler.
2. Get a visa. Visa is not required for citizens of the United States and Canada. However, if you are outside the US or Canada, you may need a multiple-entry US visa and, if necessary, a visa to the Bahamas (it is best to check with the consulate in the Bahamas to be sure). International students studying in the United States traveling with a US visa must also submit 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 ID with state release.
4. Prepare other documents as proof of citizenship. Naturalization lines cannot be accepted by the cruise line. Legislative foreigners resident in the United States can present a valid resident card. Students also need to provide a completed Form I94, as well as valid signed documentation from the school. All documents must be original.
5. Book a cruise trip. It is best to book a trip at least 3 months before the date of travel to make sure that you still get the best price for tickets. Remember that fares are usually more expensive as the trip date and the number of available tickets approach. You can call your trusted travel agent to help you find the best cruise deals or just head to the reputable DIY online booking site (do it yourself). Most travelers use online booking sites because customers get complete control when it comes to building their own trip. There are hundreds of online travel sites on the Internet, and most of them belong to independent travel agents or individual travel agency branches. It is advisable to use the websites of travel agencies that already have solid experience in this industry, because these companies have contact centers with experienced and highly qualified specialists who are ready to help you if you need help with matters related to your trip. Reputational sites and travel agencies also carefully select their partner supplier. You can be sure that you will not be contacted by “dark” providers and service providers.
6. Notify the cruise line if you need special assistance. When booking your reservation on a cruise, it is recommended to indicate any special assistance. DIY travel sites often assign a field (often a “remarks” field) in their booking forms for special assistance requests, such as adapted chairs, elevators and access ramps, adapted toilets in communal areas and a wheelchair. When registering, confirm with the cruise line if your request has been marked.
7. Get travel insurance coverage. Travel insurance is an important addition to any type of travel. About 70% of cruisers buy travel insurance for three main reasons: peace of mind, concern about the loss of money invested in the trip, and protection against unforeseen situations.
8. Pack your luggage. Check the baggage requirements in the cruise line. Some cruise lines may charge you if you exceed the size or weight limit of your baggage. Make sure that you comply with any applicable rules, laws and conditions of cruise lines and ports. Generally, weapons, firearms, dangerous items, flammable items, controlled substances and smuggling prohibited by local and national legislation are not allowed.
The most affordable cruise packages to the Bahamas are those from Fort Lauderdale, because this port is very close to the country. You can choose an order for a cruise or a package deal consisting of a cruise and booking a hotel on Grand Bahama Island.
