Danger in Nassau

[bobsfamily]

but people rely on these tours as a safe way to venture into unfamiliar territory.

As I stated in an earlier post I would not have gotten out of the bus in the area that the tour was being operated in. This is a fault of the tour operator and the cruise line - AND the GUTLESS theives!

Nassau as a whole is fine... just be very aware of where/what is going on.

[squierjosh]

So what are considered "safe" areas? I downloaded a free walking tour from Frommer's that includes the Queen's Staircase, where one of the muggings took place. Are there other spots on that tour that are dangerous? Looking at the walking map, you never get too far from the port, so it concerns me that these areas so close to the ship can be so dangerous. I don't cruise until the end of January, so maybe the local police will have a better handle on what's going on by then.

 

That being said, I docked in Roatan several years ago and that town was more run down than any place I've ever been, and I never felt in danger, so maybe people are making a mountain out of a small hill with this Nassau business.

[scubagirrl]

So what are considered "safe" areas? I downloaded a free walking tour from Frommer's that includes the Queen's Staircase, where one of the muggings took place. Are there other spots on that tour that are dangerous? Looking at the walking map, you never get too far from the port, so it concerns me that these areas so close to the ship can be so dangerous. I don't cruise until the end of January, so maybe the local police will have a better handle on what's going on by then.

 

That being said, I docked in Roatan several years ago and that town was more run down than any place I've ever been, and I never felt in danger, so maybe people are making a mountain out of a small hill with this Nassau business.

 

 

From what I recall, the incident at the Queens Staircase was on a Sunday morning when most things (including the Fort) is closed. There were not alot of people milling about.

I've never felt unsafe in these areas. Stay in the tourist areas and don't go to "out of the way" places and you should be fine.

 

The Police have stepped up patrols at all the major attractions.

[CanWeGoYet?]

From the article I read, it was around 11AM. Cruise ship in town, apparently 2 cruise ships since the people robbed came from both Disney and RC, just wondering how devoid of people the area could be.

[sjcruiser]

I just got back from Nassau on the Explorer Thanksgiving cruise. I walked on and off the beaten trail in the tourist/port/pier area, and the area just beyond the "tourist" areas, I ate at a local restaurant, and used the islands taxi service to get to Paradise Island and back. I did not feel unsafe at all. As with anywhere, you have to be aware of your surroundings whether on a ship excursion or going out on your own. Any port or country I visit, I treat it as if I'm visiting Boston, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans, Orlando, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, or any other major city. As far as the Segway tours, I heard mixed reviews about their use and injuries, so not being familiar with the streets/sidewalks in a specific city, I would not do the Segway tour.

[bklsmom]

Personally, I feel that Nassau is a pit. I'll never go back...Last year shopping the straw market, there was a stream of "water" coming toward us down an isle and as we got a little closer, there was a woman vendor standing in the middle of the isle in front of her booth, legs apart and she was urinating...Needless to say, we left the market immediatly. We have decided to not travel there again.

As far as the recent crime, I do believe that you should alway read the Dept. of State warnings when traveling abroad. Lots of valuable information. But, since their had not been such instances in recent times in Nassau, I do believe the cruise lines owe it to their passangers to warn them of the recent activity in the town. At least this way each person could make a conscience decision as to weather they wanted to change plans on their excursions or choose to stay on the ships. Last year when their was civil unrest in Belize, Carnival warned their passangers, and then cancelled stops in Belize until things calmed down.

PLEASE, always check the warnings on the dept of state website before you travel....it really helps to know what you could face anywhere. Always be aware of your surroundings and go with your first gut feeling, it usually is right. I am always looking around, even here at home, and never take my safety for granted. We live in some screwed up times and a lot of bad out there...also a lot of good, so don't overlook that either. Just be "smart"!

[jerfl50]

In 54 years of cruising, I have seen Nassau, and many other ports of call, transform from a beautiful unspoiled scenic cruise stop with pleasant locals who were not besieging you buy drugs, sex, cheap imported goods abd whatnot as they do today. Downtown Nassau is rundown, overcrowed when the ships are in port and the almighty hustle is "ON."

I expect to see Bogey and Bacall exit some dive with "I Cover The Waterfront" playing in the background.

 

Yes, crime happens everywhere today, and it is one's own responsibility to be vigiliant at all times in all places and ignore the pandering and go on about minding your own business while casting a wary hither and yon.

 

But why should a passenger even have to be exposed to this ? The cruise lines SHOULD INFORM their passengers of problems of all ports of call around the world, which does occassionaly occur on extended voyages.

 

I do not even get off the ship any more in Nassau or any Port in Jamaica or St Croix. The cruise lines and the passengers could do a great deal

by denying the local government and populace much of their income.

 

However, Nassau, and now the Turks and Cacios (sp) which will be much like Nassau in a very short time, will remain an important port to Cruise Lines to comply with the Jones Act and reduce fuel costs by less full days at sea.

 

It is up to the passengers to make their hard earn dollars speak for them and their cruising wishes with the cruise lines and the local governments.

[Harleycat]

Just back from Nassau on the Glory. Since back I have heard about the current danger and robberies of cruise ship passengers.

 

Carnival never warned us of the crime wave.

 

Do a Google search with 'Nassau cruise ship passengers robbed' and see the latest. The latest robberies were last week and it included tour guides with tours being robbed.

 

I was only in the Bahamas once and I was not impressed. As soon as we got off the ship we were bombarded with people who wanted to either sell us drugs or braid our hair. I really did not feel safe there at all even with my husband. I have no desire to return at all.

 

I do feel that no matter where you go, you need to exercise caution. Crime can happen anywhere, even on the ship itself.

[Stella62]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/travel/6praccrime.html

[Meiying]

I thought I already posted this, but it didn't come up - so I'm hoping this isn't a double post.

 

I was checking out the state dept travel page and found this - http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_989.html

advises the real taxis have yellow license plates and are clearly marked as being taxis.

 

We were just in Nassau on the Majesty of the Seas this past Sunday. The taxi cabs not only have license plates that specifically say "TAXI" on them but the taxi drivers each have a special license that we saw many of the drivers wearing when we walked off of the dock. (It was a large laminated license about 6" x 8" with their picture on it.)

 

We had read about the incident at the Queens Staircase and on the segway tour before going there. We took extra precautions like leaving our jewelry in the safe on the ship, not carrying our passports (we carried copies plus our driver's licenses to get back on the ship), carry one credit card not several, and limiting the amount of cash we took. We didn't feel any less safe this visit than we had in previous visits to Nassau before we knew about the crime. I think it has been said several times already - I just think it's important to be alert no matter where you are when you are traveling.

 

I think the Bahamians are just as upset about this as we are. They had a demonstration in the square with large banners that said "Bahamians Against Crime" - I am guessing in light of what has been happening they are doing their best to remedy the situation - afterall tourism is a big industry for them and would be a huge blow if the ships decided to pull out of there.

[Huddler]

I was in Nassau this past summer on a Disney Cruise. I didnt feel unsafe, but the locals certainly didnt make me feel "welcome" either. We took a cab over to Atlantis, and the staff there is not friendly. Again, I didnt feel unsafe anywhere we went, but the people dont seem to happy to see white faces on their island. I get the same feeling in Jamaica so I never get off the ship there...

[shorbr]

I was in Nassau this past summer on a Disney Cruise. I didnt feel unsafe, but the locals certainly didnt make me feel "welcome" either. We took a cab over to Atlantis, and the staff there is not friendly. Again, I didnt feel unsafe anywhere we went, but the people dont seem to happy to see white faces on their island. I get the same feeling in Jamaica so I never get off the ship there...

 

They don't seem happy to see black faces either. Such an unfriendly group of people.

[Katie333]

We didn't really enjoy our stop in Nassau either, very pushy vendors (tried to put a bracelet on my wrist as I was walking away). I don't think I'd get off the ship if we went there again just for personal preference.

 

One thing however - even on this site (in the Stretching your Cruise Dollar article), there is a reference to "The main advantage to booking the cruise line's own tours is that, ideally, the ship will stand behind its quality (and if the tour runs late the ship will wait)." In this case, the cruiselines did remove the tour, but AFTER the fact. I don't really see this as quality control. I'm doubtful the excursions are vetted regularly enough for safety and quality.

[Doug R.]

Well I can't speak for others ,Nassau for me is just as safe as any town in the states .

 

You must come from a heck of a town as the violent crime rate is about twice that in the United States.

 

Having the pleasure of visiting Nassau quite often I feel as safe as in Myrtle Beach. My wife and I have taken the Jitney as well as cabs with no problems. Just the two of us .

 

In light of the above I feel that you may be whistling in the dark or Myrtle Beach is much worse than I remember.

 

As with any town or island ,just keep your eyes open and be alert to your surroundings . Very sound advice don't be seduced by the illusion of a tropical paradise.

 

At most I would stick to the main shopping street, escorted or unescorted. Not directing this post against JJWW as it appears that there is a lot of denial and whistling in the dark going on in this thread.

[maurick]

Today, everyone has to be watchful wherever they go. However, We were on the new "Carnival Dream" 8 day cruise to Pt. Canaveral and Nassau and Grand Bahama week of Nov.15th. Myself and Hubby noticed a very heavy presence of Military Soldiers and Police at the Pier and in town. There were some very unsavory looking people on Bay Street and We were very uncomfortable walking about. We have been here many times and never felt this way. Then when We got home on Monday, read about the cruise passengers being robbed on a "Segway Tour" and recently people being robbed on the Queens Stairs. You just can't be too careful. I also feel Carnival should have warned their passengers to be alert and on guard while in Nassau. No harm in that. We, ourselves knew something was up when so many Soldiers were on the pier and stopping and questioning people. They stopped us and asked us on our way into town off the ship where We were going. This didn't make me feel very good. In fact, it made me uneasy. So everyone, be careful and be alert while travelling.

 

We were on the Dream the same week. The CD did warn us about being careful!

[WeBeGone]

We love Nassau and have been there at least 12 times. We've taken an island tour, taxied to Atlantis, walked the downtown, gone to the zoo, and most recently, rode the CITY BUS to the end of the line and back, stopping for lunch at the Fish Fry. We've never had a problem and I believe that these isolated incidents could also happen in any city in America.

 

To slam a whole city over an act of violence is just silly.

 

One must use common sense, be aware of what's going on around them, and if something terrible happens, like this report, then do what you have to do with the police and get on with it. Do not flash jewerly, cameras or cash around. Stay in tourist areas.

 

Witnessing a disgusting incident on the street can and does happen everywhere.

Obnoxious beggars and street vendors are in EVERY port as well as in every large city.

 

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water folks.

[horric29]

The one thing I would be carefull of here is the comments in regards to the tour operator. My wife and I did this excursion right after the operator moved it to the nature zone or whatever they are calling it now. It honestly was one of the most delightful excursions we've ever been on! My wife and I both feel incredibly bad for the tour operator. You would never expect to be robbed where the tour operates. It run's through a nature preserve that is just cut trails through the woods, around some irrigation ditches, and some beautiful flora and fauna. If someone was hiding in the woods to rob those people then that could definitly happen anywhere! Please withhold judgement on the tour operator! I think they were trying to keep a good program running about the nature and history of Nassau!

[bigjohnwvu]

I have to say that when I visited Nassau in early November I felt more than a little skittish. I know of crimes in other areas but I was openly solicited on the sidewalk to buy drugs even after trying to ignore the vendor. Continued on the the Straw Market and was really glad to get back to the ship. I don't think I would get off the ship if we stopped there again. Just a feeling. I could be wrong.

[casavaha]

I have been to Nassau many times. I have never liked it. I do not like anything about

the city. I was forced to stop there because I was on transatlantic cruises.

 

My advice is to go somewhere else. They have nothing unique.

[shakespeare]

We had an unexpected stop in Nassau last year returning from a transatlantic cruise when our trip to the cruise line's private island was cancelled. Hadn't been there in years and have no desire to go back again. We felt the area had definitely gone downhill in a big way.

 

To be fair, I must say we did not feel unsafe at any time, just disappointed as we remembered it as being a nicer place. We did take a horse and carriage ride which was definitely overpriced...but that was our fault for not asking how long and exactly where it went.

 

If we were on a cruise that stopped there again...most likely we wouldn't bother leaving the ship, unless we just walked around the terminal area.

 

It is sad to see ports where the atmosphere is chasing off the tourists since many of them sorely need the income.

 

Liz

[ronniech]

another couple armed robberies and one of them is at Long Wharf Beach in the daytime with 2 men armed with knives and the victim was stabbed with a knife. The beach at Western Esplanade is just a few minutes from the cruise ship docks.

 

Two more armed robberies reported

http://www.thenassauguardian.com/national_local/296028221365602.php

[ronniech]

The one thing I would be carefull of here is the comments in regards to the tour operator. My wife and I did this excursion right after the operator moved it to the nature zone or whatever they are calling it now. It honestly was one of the most delightful excursions we've ever been on! My wife and I both feel incredibly bad for the tour operator. You would never expect to be robbed where the tour operates. It run's through a nature preserve that is just cut trails through the woods, around some irrigation ditches, and some beautiful flora and fauna. If someone was hiding in the woods to rob those people then that could definitly happen anywhere! Please withhold judgement on the tour operator! I think they were trying to keep a good program running about the nature and history of Nassau!

 

the tour that is held in the nature zone also houses a drug rehabilation centre. There are some irrigation ditches but nothing interesting to see inside though we did see someone hiding inside the bush without his shirt on.

[Doug R.]

We had a port call at Nassau in late November 2008 while my wife was shopping and I was waiting I was solicited to buy drugs. I said no and the man moved on. However, everytime he walked past, he checked to see if I had changed my mind. At the Straw Market another dealer offered me a discount if I had voted for Obama :confused:! I will not be going back anytime soon unless my ship is diverted. It is sad becuase we had a good time watching the military band in front of Parliment and a children's concert in the same square.

[squierjosh]

Wow, if that's the worst thing that's happened to you at a port of call, you might have too high of expectations. I get solicited for one reason for another every day in Minneapolis, and it's not exactly a high crime city.

 

We had a port call at Nassau in late November 2008 while my wife was shopping and I was waiting I was solicited to buy drugs. I said no and the man moved on. However, everytime he walked past, he checked to see if I had changed my mind. At the Straw Market another dealer offered me a discount if I had voted for Obama :confused:! I will not be going back anytime soon unless my ship is diverted. It is sad becuase we had a good time watching the military band in front of Parliment and a children's concert in the same square.

[Doug R.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug R.

We had a port call at Nassau in late November 2008 while my wife was shopping and I was waiting I was solicited to buy drugs. I said no and the man moved on. However, everytime he walked past, he checked to see if I had changed my mind. At the Straw Market another dealer offered me a discount if I had voted for Obama :confused:! I will not be going back anytime soon unless my ship is diverted. It is sad becuase we had a good time watching the military band in front of Parliment and a children's concert in the same square.

 

Wow, if that's the worst thing that's happened to you at a port of call, you might have too high of expectations. I get solicited for one reason for another every day in Minneapolis, and it's not exactly a high crime city.

 

And your criticism of me is :confused:

 

I was merely relating my experience in Nassau and that it was sad what is happening as we enjoyed the day there.

 

Even if Nassau was crime free I would not be returning anytime soon.

 

I work in Philly and if being solicited for spare change or worse was my benchmark for not returning I would have quit long ago.