Carnival's concerns with pax safety in Nassau

[rqd]

This Bahamas Tribune article mentions Carnival's concerns about passenger safety in The Bahamas along with the US State Department's warnings about armed robberies on New Providence (Nassau).

 

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2015/sep/30/wilchcombe-ignoring-cruise-line-crime-fears/?news

 

I couldn't find the State Department warnings, but I found these articles that mention them:

 

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2015/09/articles/crime/like-a-broken-record-us-warns-of-crime-in-nassau/

 

http://www.thenassauguardian.com/news/59458

 

What's the solution to crime in The Bahamas? Curious to learn what percentage of passengers get off the ship to explore on their own, rather than go on shore excursions with cruise line partners.

 

rqd

[mrobstad]

I have traveled solo to Nassau many times, and been stranded with a broken moped. The natives couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. I've never felt unsafe, and I travel on the local bus.

[realjd]

We always do our own thing. In Nassau we walk or take taxis everywhere. The downtown area is busy, safe, and heavily police patrolled. The only real worry there is pickpocketers. There are for sure bad areas, but tourists won't end up there on purpose and the locals will usually stop you and turn you around before you get too close to one.

[Loucat]

We always go on our own. We walk miles and have not had a problem.

 

It seems from your reports that violence might be on the increase which would be bad news for their economy.

 

I would stay on heavily traveled roads or rent a driver for a tour. As it is only two of us, drivers only want to take you to the casino. Only once were we with another couple and a lovely driver toured us all over the island.

 

Although many sailings kept us in Nassau into the evening, we went back on board in daylight.

[OCruisers]

It's actually best to have a great time in Nassau by not wandering around alone. :)

[monctonguy]

Sounds like political garbage...one party accusing the other side of doing/not doing something.

 

Sounds like its a lot about nothing...no warning issued by Carnival so I guess the person accusing the government of ignoring Carnival emails was wrong.

[homeofthedogs]

I've been to Nassau many times and tour on my own. I have never felt afraid or in any danger, but I don't walk alone. I have walked to Junkanoo Beach and also to the Fish Fry and never had a problem. I would not walk at night though. We (two girls) did leave Senior Frogs one night to go back to the ship and it wasn't the best feeling. Won't do that again. Just be cautious and smart.