Is Nassau dangerous?

[NokOnHarts]

While I understand the point you are trying to make, this just isn't comparable aside from these numbers and their direct relation to one another. When factoring in crime rates it's also important to note cultural norms, education ability of the residents, economy of the area and the employment rates as well as many many other factors.

What also would be more "apples to apples" would be to compare crime rates against tourists specifically, not just crime in general. The concern with Nassau (IMHO) is the crime targeting tourists. As I stated earlier, they are an easy target. Comparing general crime rates from city to city isn't factoring in that in certain locations, one might be more vulnerable walking down the street than they would be in a different location with similar crime rates. Race, age, gender and many other factors can make you more of a target in certain areas, worldwide.

 

[Fantasiesabound]

I took my kids off the ship as a single mom and did the Atlantis dolphin excursion and we had an absolutely splendid time! It was beautiful and made us really want to go back to Nassau to go see Atlantis again. Our driver was such a nice person - again, it was a DCL excursion - and they gave us such a lovely tour of the downtown area.

I really liked it and I have been to 8 other Caribbean island prior to sailing only on Disney now. I didn't see any difference in how I felt in Nassau.

I did Saint Kitts by myself hiring a cab at the port with a couple other people - I wouldn't do that in Nassau or, for that matter, in Saint Thomas any longer either. Know your islands and surroundings.

 

[southerngirl528]

Hmm. As a newcomer to these forums, I'm a tad surprised to see some folks taking others' opinions as a personal affront. Hey, I'd be willing to bet that there are places I LOVE that lots of folks would never go (or return to). And likewise, there are places I choose to avoid like the plague because I do not feel comfortable there. Does that make me a bad person? Or YOU a bad person because you don't love every place I do? Umm, NO.

And for the folks who "got an uneasy feeling", I applaud you following your gut feelings. Many articles/courses on safety tell you to always following your "gut". I learned a long time ago that my intuition is something to heed. Not paranoia, folks, I'm talking about that sixth sense thing.

Nassau? Been there on cruises several times, and once was enough for me. I haven't been off the ship at that port in years. If I went next month, I'd most likely stay on board again. My choice. And I would wish great fun AND safety to all that want to get off the ship.

Personal story? I know a couple of families that lived in the Bahamas for several years, & both said that crime was a very serious issue on much of the island. Yes, just like crime in sections of many of our large cities.... that all said, hey! We're on the Disboards! Talkin' about cruising with Disney! It's all good!!! And BTW, I really appreciate all the great tips I'm getting. I'm learning a lot, even though I'm a "gold" CC member! Thanks!

 

[NokOnHarts]

Hmm. As a newcomer to these forums, I'm a tad surprised to see some folks taking others' opinions as a personal affront. Hey, I'd be willing to bet that there are places I LOVE that lots of folks would never go (or return to). And likewise, there are places I choose to avoid like the plague because I do not feel comfortable there. Does that make me a bad person? Or YOU a bad person because you don't love every place I do? Umm, NO.

And for the folks who "got an uneasy feeling", I applaud you following your gut feelings. Many articles/courses on safety tell you to always following your "gut". I learned a long time ago that my intuition is something to heed. Not paranoia, folks, I'm talking about that sixth sense thing.

Nassau? Been there on cruises several times, and once was enough for me. I haven't been off the ship at that port in years. If I went next month, I'd most likely stay on board again. My choice. And I would wish great fun AND safety to all that want to get off the ship.

Personal story? I know a couple of families that lived in the Bahamas for several years, & both said that crime was a very serious issue on much of the island. Yes, just like crime in sections of many of our large cities.... that all said, hey! We're on the Disboards! Talkin' about cruising with Disney! It's all good!!! And BTW, I really appreciate all the great tips I'm getting. I'm learning a lot, even though I'm a "gold" CC member! Thanks!

As a newcomer, thanks for being brave enough to comment! Appreciate your contribution, great points. Welcome to the boards!

 

[southerngirl528]

Aw NokonHarts, THANK YOU! I feel better now. I do very much enjoy all the opinions & advice, but kind of felt "taken on" a bit once or twice before, so I've tried to tread lightly. Bottom line? Disney folks/fans are PASSIONATE about Disney!!

Thanks again, have a MAGICAL day!!

 

[KPetty725]

Well heck. Now I'm more torn than ever! On one hand, what yall are saying about sticking to the tourist areas and being aware of surroundings makes sense. We wouldn't ever bring anything valuable and only travel with limited cash anyway so that would hopefully make us less of a target. On the other hand, I'm cruising with DDs 3 and 7 plus my mom (who's overweight and has some health problems that slow her down) so that seems like it might make us an easier target - 2 little girls, mom, and grandma! We really only want to go to the straw market and a linen shop my mom remembers from a few years ago. I know when I walk around downtown Houston, I walk with a purpose, pay attention to my surroundings, etc. so that should work for Nassau too, right?

 

[NokOnHarts]

Bottom line? Disney folks/fans are PASSIONATE about Disney!! :

No kidding, right?? The three hot button topics: Religion, Politics and Disney vacations.

 

[jaykorf001]

What also would be more "apples to apples" would be to compare crime rates against tourists specifically, not just crime in general. The concern with Nassau (IMHO) is the crime targeting tourists. As I stated earlier, they are an easy target. Comparing general crime rates from city to city isn't factoring in that in certain locations, one might be more vulnerable walking down the street than they would be in a different location with similar crime rates. Race, age, gender and many other factors can make you more of a target in certain areas, worldwide.

Agreed. Also, Nassau relies heavily on tourism economically. I'm not saying the crime reporting is wrong, but I also wouldn't exactly trust their numbers. I have someone very close to me that was assaulted while vacationing there.

 

[MillauFr]

And for the folks who "got an uneasy feeling", I applaud you following your gut feelings. Many articles/courses on safety tell you to always following your "gut". I learned a long time ago that my intuition is something to heed. Not paranoia, folks, I'm talking about that sixth sense thing.

I agree with you that the vast majority of people determine if an activity is safe or not is by following their "gut".

There are a few of us determine risk by following statistics. Sometimes it is difficult to gather accurate, representative data, but I feel this method less flawed than following your "gut". I guess it just come from being a geek.

 

[NFLDERS]

We have gone there twice- the first time I didn't like the feel at all. The second time we got off the ship and wandered around the straw market, probably a total of 2 hours. For some reason I felt more comfortable the second trip. We will be going again this October and are doing the Atlantis excursion booked through DCL. I have definitely had my fill of Nassau.
We do have a close friend who had a horrible experience while on vacation there- he was returning from the casino to the ship in a taxi and the driver pulled a gun on him and brought him to an ATM and demanded he give him money. Then he just drove off, extremely frightening for him- he will never go back!

My experience and a question. We have been to Nassau 3 times.

First time we knew nothing at all nor should we have I guess, first time and all, these boards also not known to us. We booked an excursion through RCCL, felt very safe as our tour guide was an off duty policeman. But, it wasn't until returning home and reading about some incidents, that I then understood why he refused to let me remain in the tour van while the others went to a beach area on Paradise Is. It was only going to be a jump out, walk a path, and look at the ocean a few minutes at best.

Second visit. We got a cab over to Atlantis, arranged the Dig tour ourselves, then got a cab back. This Cab ride was one I'll never forget, white knuckle.

Third visit, 6 yr old Grandson with us. We decided to just enter Festival bldg. So he could hear the music,buy yet another key chain souvenir. I was having second thoughts about even doing that as there were probably 4 ships in port, and unbelievable crowds of cruisers. We got the souvenir and back to the ship straight away.

So now my question. While we love Nassau, and would go back without any Grandchildren. Would experienced cruisers think that perhaps taking the water taxi to Paradise Is. And back could be deemed safer?

 

[Kendal]

I have been to Nassau 2 times and will be back for the 3 time in march we have never bad a problem but we also leave everything on te ship also including jewelry stays n the safe... I wonder if alot of this stuff is happening during the night

 

[Lisa Lisa]

Second visit. We got a cab over to Atlantis, arranged the Dig tour ourselves, then got a cab back. This Cab ride was one I'll never forget, white knuckle.

DH and I are planning to visit Atlantis in September while on our anniversary cruise. Can you share what happened during your cab ride? Are we talking about unsafe driving, or was there more to it than that?

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[ChasRN]

We went to Nassau for the first time last October. We were a little worried at first because we had heard a lot about the possible crime against tourists. We had heard just stay on streets that have tourists on it and you'll be fine. And that's what we did. We walked around the main shopping areas downtown. At one point, we almost turned up a street, but saw no other cruisers on that street. Our gut just told us to not go that way and we chose another direction that had more tourists. Just trust your instinct. I never felt threatened there. We had an OK time. Not sure if I'd go back, but we didn't hate it.

 

[NFLDERS]

DH and I are planning to visit Atlantis in September while on our anniversary cruise. Can you share what happened during your cab ride? Are we talking about unsafe driving, or was there more to it than that?

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Pg 1 poster/Scrappy tink posted a more concerning Cab description. Ours was the fastest vehicle ride I've ever been on. Jostling through steets, horn blowing
Mostly our driver warning others of her aggressive driving.

When we got in the Van she told me I'd not need the seatbelt. I told her that's okay as I put it on.

Another post reminded me of something else. I thought this strange. We saw a couple crossing behind a large truck that was backing up, he was being guided by a signaling person. I yelled to warn them, all the while realizing the person guiding him could see exactly what we were seeing. I stared him down.

Now this is very cynical of me, I've wondered if this was a make work project for the local Hospital?

 

[martinm]

What also would be more "apples to apples" would be to compare crime rates against tourists specifically, not just crime in general. The concern with Nassau (IMHO) is the crime targeting tourists.

We can do that... did you know many car rentals don't put the rental stickers on their cars in FL so tourists are not targeted.
FL is a shall issue state. So dirtbags target tourists because they are unarmed.

Tourists are targeted in one way or another wherever you go.
Use common sense and watch your back. This applies at home as well as abroad.

 

[GWS]

I have been to way worse places than Nassau (Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait just to name a few). However I do not feel that anyone should be discredited because they read or heard or had a gut feeling that Nassau is a potential unsafe place to walk around in. No matter how you come to that conclusion it is your conclusion to make for the safety of yourself and your children.
I have been to Nassau twice and believe me it is nothing to write home about.

Little story of my wife and I first experience in Nassau and the only danger we experienced was a bad tour, read on if you’re curious.
My first experience there My wife and I wanted to learn the history of Nassau and took the excursion tour around the city, we were both excited. They cattled us (DCL peeps) all over to where the taxis line up and packed 4 to 6 people deep in cabs (Mini Vans), I thought we would be on a bus but I did not see one around. Our cab driver/Tour Guide happened to Nassau’s version of Morgan Freeman, He took us up to the Fort with the one cannon (the Highlight…so we thought). After that we got the grand tour of Nassau and we learned many exciting things, such as; If you plant a tree in Nassau you get a street named after you. One of the other highlights is he took us on a tour of his neighborhood and we learned whom of his neighbors was in the process or already had added on an addition to their home, quite exciting! By this time my wife and I were on the edge of our seat with what could possible top that?! I know you might find it difficult to believe but he actually was able to. While on one of the main roads that is parallel with the beach heading back to the port he pointed to a Liquor Store and said (in a Morgan Freeman voice with a Nassau accent) “See that Liquor store?....That used to be a laundry mat”. Well I about feel over with excitement as you could imagine. After being let out we went to some local restaurant and had Conch….yuk! Then we went to the straw market for some cheap gifts for family and friends.

The second time it was a torrential down pour, nobody left the ship.

Sadly I could not offer you a story of us being in any kind of danger other than boredom however I will take our experience over the guy getting mugged by a taxi driver. Will we ever walk around Nassau again….not sure now that I have a son but I know if we did I would not go too far from the port, no more tours for us of Nassau.

 

[auntie]

I'm not so sure we felt we were in danger, as much as we felt "Uneasy". In my opinion it was not worth it to get off the ship. Who needs to deal with that on vacation? I don't appreciate being approached and hasseled by strangers.
Probably dating myself but my husband referred to our stop in Nassau as "Times Square, pre-Giuliani"

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I remember reading about this when it happened, could you imagine going on a Cruise-sactioned Excursion and being held at gunpoint?

This item was written by Johanna Jainchill, who covers cruising for Travel Weekly. Jainchill is serving as Guest Editor of The Cruise Log while Gene Sloan is away.

Bahamas pledged to place more police in the tourist sectors of Nassau after a spate of crimes against cruise passengers in the last few weeks, but at least one victim is saying that is too little, too late.

Carly Milne was one of almost 30 cruise tourists that have been robbed while on Nassau shore excursions in the last two months.

Last week, she was robbed at gunpoint while on a Segway excursion, one of 18 passengers in two groups that were targeted on the same day.

None of those passengers were hurt, and the cruise lines involved, Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, are no longer offering the Nassau Segway tour. In a similar October incident, 11 Carnival Cruise Lines passengers were robbed near Nassau's Queen’s Staircase attraction, also at gunpoint.

Milne, who declined to mention what ship she was on, said she was shocked to learn that none of these were isolated incidents.

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On the day her group was targeted, she met a woman at the Nassau police station whose husband had been robbed in the shopping district. Later, Milne read an article citing another man robbed that day of his wallet.

“We were repeatedly assured by police that ‘this never happens,’ and yet, 21 people were victims of aggravated theft in one day, each in busy tourist areas that are supposedly safe,” Milne said. “I was horrified when I started doing the research online and saw just how much armed robbery, theft and violence is happening in Nassau these days.”

Milne said if she had known this, “I would’ve never gotten off the ship."

A travel writer, Milne said she has been all over the world, and knows well that tourists are often targets for criminals. But she believes Nassau is not doing enough to counter what is clearly a trend.

“I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect that if a city or country is experiencing a vast amount of criminal activity that targets tourists, that they take as many strides as they can to ensure their safety to the best of their ability,” she said. “That means armed guards and police presence at heavily populated tourism destinations. As I walked with our group from the cruise ship to the taxi through a little of the shopping area, I saw no security presence. As we drove through town on the way to the Segway tour, nothing. And at the tour itself, zero police – at least, not until five minutes after we were violently robbed.”

Milne believes that cruise lines and their passengers should not visit Nassau until the town beefs up its security.

“I don’t think they’ll really step things up unless the tourism industry is severely impacted,” Milne added. “Right now, the cruise ships and their clientele have the ability to affect change. I sincerely hope they do so.”

 

[Lisa Lisa]

Pg 1 poster/Scrappy tink posted a more concerning Cab description. Ours was the fastest vehicle ride I've ever been on. Jostling through steets, horn blowing
Mostly our driver warning others of her aggressive driving.

Thanks for elaborating. That doesn't sound like fun! Like a PP, I'm wondering whether taking the water taxi might be safer.

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[Scrappy_Tink]

Thanks for elaborating. That doesn't sound like fun! Like a PP, I'm wondering whether taking the water taxi might be safer.

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If you take a water taxi, watch where you sit, we got absolutely soaked from water coming through the window!