Bahamas travel advisories

Disney Cruise Line
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I didn’t get off the ship the last time we were in Nassau, and I might not get off the ship this trip (July 2026). This is well over a year old, but still posted on the US State Department website:

Travel Advisory
March 31, 2025

The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

(The Bahamas Travel Advisory)

Updated to reflect crime, swimming-related risks, and information on traveling with firearms and ammunition.

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Country Summary: Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.

Most crime occurs in Nassau and Freeport on New Providence and Grand Bahama islands. Stay alert in the “Over the Hill” area in Nassau, south of Shirley Street, where gangs have killed residents. (Note: Shirley Street is just 3-4 blocks south of the cruise ship terminal, parallel to the shore, so not far at all from the docking location.)

Stay alert in vacation rental properties, especially where private security is not present.

Jet skis and boating

  • Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
  • Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
  • Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
  • Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
  • Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.

Beach safety

  • Never swim alone and beware of jet skis or other watercraft operating close to shore.
  • Sexual assaults have occurred on and near downtown Nassau beaches. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in public restrooms.
  • Be aware of your own fitness and swimming capabilities.
  • If you are new to snorkeling, understand the risks. Swimmers and snorkelers have died after overestimating their physical fitness or health.
  • Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death.
  • Be aware of weather and water conditions and follow local warnings.

Weapons and ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are illegal—including small quantities brought by mistake in carry-on bags or luggage. Police strictly enforce these laws—even at the airport when travelers are leaving.

Travelers with firearms or ammunition can face arrest, jail time, and fines.

Authorities have detained U.S. citizens for several days or more after finding firearms or ammunition, preventing them from leaving.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to The Bahamas.

If you decide to travel to The Bahamas:

  • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
  • Lock doors and windows and use other security features, especially on balcony doors.
  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Check your luggage and hand baggage carefully for bullets or firearms before leaving the United States. Do not bring these items to The Bahamas.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency Prepare a plan for emergency situations.
  • Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
  • We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
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If you look at crime data, it is almost all in areas outside the normal touristy areas. We never felt unsafe if you stay out of where the neighborhoods and such are. The travel warning makes it sound like it is generally unsafe, when that’s not the case.

Regardless, always be diligent!

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I think that alert was in place the first time I went to Nassau in 2018? I don’t know if they have ever really lifted it. I have spent a couple of days in Nassau. The first day we walked to the public beach, alone, with directions I found on the RCL Blog message boards. The 2nd day I did a walking (up over the hill) beer/food tour with a local guide. On DCL I have stayed on the ship, not out of fear, but because I wanted to do things on the ship. On RCL today, I think I would go to their Royal Beach Club.

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I’m truly not too concerned about walking around the touristy areas of Nassau by myself. The issue I have is that I travel with my adult daughter who has an intellectual disability, so I’m hypervigilant in most public places with her. [One reason we go to WDW a lot, it’s one of the few places we can both relax and have fun!] We may take a walk around the Nassau waterfront/dock area but I’m guessing that in July heat we won’t want to go very far.

I also made Remy brunch reservations and reservations for a chocolate/liquor tasting that day, so we will have a lot to do on the ship! She really likes watching movies on deck, so we probably will do a lot of that as well.

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In my experience there have been a lot of locals trying to sell you rides or souvenirs in the areas around the dock.

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That alert is in place many places. It should be in place for 1/3 of America if they want to compare notes.

This does add a very important layer. Any different environment can elicit extreme reactions. We will be in Nassau July 3rd or 5th, not sure which. We will be getting off boat. The safest way is with a ship line sponsored excursion. If your main concern is safety, go that route. We are not. We will walk the neighborhood to see the sights then get down to the Fish Fry and back to the ship. Also, if you just want to get off the ship but aren’t very worried about what you do in port, most areas where you just get off the ship are very safe. Even if you just make it down the walkways to the first few shops and back. Get out as early as possible and plan on enjoying lunch on the ship. :mending_heart:

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:laughing: You’re not wrong…although, I think the travel alert really isn’t about HOW MUCH violence, but should violence happen, the United States has limited legal recourse since it is a foreign entity.

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Ha! All the people I see parasailing or renting minibikes or riding horses on the beach in the Caribbean or Mexico, while I’m thinking the locals don’t worry much about the finer points of liability insurance….

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I’ve never done a cruise line hosted excursion. I’ve taken the water taxi to Atlantis, I’ve done a self-guided tour of the immediate downtown area (Queens Staircase, Parliament, rum distillery, and Greycliff), and I’ve also chosen to stay right in the port and shop and eat.

I’ve never felt unsafe. But I’ve always been with others.

I think diligence and awareness is always necessary no matter where you go.

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