BREAKING: Bahamas Issue New COVID-19 Entry Rules
As Disney Cruise Line begins to return to both Nassau and its private island, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas, the coutnry’s customs authority issued new guidance today that will greatly impact cruise ships entering the country’s ports.
Disney Cruise Line’s private island, Castaway Cay
Image Credit: Disney
Additional Bahamas Guidelines
According to the new guidelines:
“Effective the 3rd day of September 2021 until the 1st day of November, 2021, a cruise ship which is on a passenger voyage shall not be permitted to enter a port in The Bahamas (including a private stop) unless –
- the Captain or Master of the cruise ship transmits a crew and passenger manifest to the Port Medical Officer, which discloses the vaccination status of all persons prior to arriving at the port;
- all passengers who are twelve years old and older were fully vaccinated prior to embarking on the cruise ship at the start of the voyage; and
- the health protocols, previously submitted by its cruise line to the Competent Authoirty and approved by the Competent Authority, has been coplied with.”
Image Credit: Disney Cruise Line
The order goes on to state the crew and “non-revenue passenger(s)” on board the ship will not be subject to this new ruling. Instead, they will maintain the protocols that the cruise line previously established with the Bahamian government.
Image Credit: Matt Stroshane, photographer
Passengers who are not eligible for COVD-19 vaccination because of medical issues are excluded from the new ruling. The order also did not issue changes for children under 12 who are currently ineligible for vaccination.
Photo: Disney
Awaiting DCL Response
As of posting, Disney Cruise Line has not issued a statement regarding the change. Currently, Disney Cruise Line strongly encourages all eligible cruise line passengers to receive the COVID-19 vaccination prior to sailing. However, vaccination is not required to board a Disney Cruise Line sailing. The cruise line does enforce a strict testing protocol for passengers prior to boarding.
Feature Image Credit: Disney Cruise Line
