The Bahamas recently announced it would extend its mandatory vaccination policy to cruise ships, busses and ferries. Cruise lines are now scrambling to find a way around the new mandate without forcing passengers off their vessels
The “royal caribbean covid rules” is a mandate that has been extended for cruisers and tourists. The mandate now includes those who are visiting the Bahamas from outside of the country.
This week, the Bahamas got positive news that could result in an infusion of much-needed tourist revenue, especially from the cruise industry.
Dr. Pearl McMillian, the Bahamas’ Chief Medical Officer, said that the Center for Disease Control has reduced the Bahamas Travel Warning from a Level Four to a Level Three. This is due to a drop in the number of infections across the nation during the last several weeks. In fact, between September and October, the Bahamas had a 66 percent decrease in instances.
The law requiring visitors to get vaccinated will continue in effect, despite the fact that COVID has not been eliminated.
“We have to keep doing what we’re doing as a nation so that we can continue going down that ladder, but certainly not back up,” Dr. McMillian said during a press conference to announce the news.
The Bahamas State of Emergency decree ended late last week, and a new set of restrictions took effect. In the end, the small print is the same: if you are qualified for the vaccination, you must have it in order to travel the Bahamas, including the cruise companies’ many private islands. This guideline is consistent with existing cruise company immunization policy.
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The following is an extract from the Prime Minister’s Office’s extended order.
A cruise ship on a passenger journey is not authorized to visit a port in The Bahamas (including a private stop) unless it meets the following criteria:
- (a) Prior to landing at the port, the captain or master of the cruise ship communicates a crew and passenger manifest to the local medical officer of health, which reveals the vaccination status of all passengers;
- (b) before to boarding on the cruise ship at the commencement of the journey, all passengers aged twelve and above were completely vaccinated; and
- (c) the cruise line’s health procedures, which were previously submitted to the Minister and approved by the Minister, have been followed.
The whole Health Act may be found here.
The rule does not specify when it will expire, nor does it specify the metrics that must be satisfied in order for a modification to be considered. This implies that the vaccination need will be in place for the foreseeable future, which is something cruisers should bear in mind while planning their holidays.
The reduction of the Travel Warning is immensely beneficial to the Bahamas, as it will certainly encourage some visitors who were previously hesitant to travel to reconsider. This is particularly significant considering how severely the region was struck by the epidemic, and how crucial travel and tourism are to the Bahamas’ economic stability.
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The “cruise network” is a website that provides information on cruise ships. It has been updated to include the Bahamas Vaccine Mandate Extended For Cruisers, Tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to be vaccinated to go to The Bahamas?
A: Yes, if you are planning on visiting The Bahamas or any of its surrounding islands.
Are cruise ships allowed in The Bahamas?
A: You would need a visa to enter The Bahamas, but you will be able to get one at the airport before your flight.
Is it safe to take a cruise to The Bahamas right now?
A: Yes, it is safe to go on a cruise in The Bahamas right now.
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