Is Nassau dangerous?

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

That was in New Orleans, and a perfect example.

Sorry, you are right. I think the one I was thinking in Baltimore was where the two teenagers killed the girl's father? Another case in point that even the home isn't necessarily a safe place?

 

[castmbr]

My dd and I did stop for drinks at Senor Frogs. Ordered two each and then the bartender brought us each another shot on him. I felt like he might of kept feeding us shots if we had stayed. Could have just been giving great service but I was afraid if we stayed we might of been set up to be mugged or worse. Could just be me being paranoid!

 

[Ana~n~Joseph]

I took my mom on her first DCL cruise last November. We (including my 3 year old son) got off the ship in Nassau on our own. We walked around for about 2 hours - after that, i was over it. I didn't feel unsafe but I was very cautious and also didn't go off far, we stayed within sight of the ship. We both carried very little cash and just what we needed. My son was in a stroller the whole time. The worst part of getting off the ship were all the people waiting outside trying to get you to buy something or go on some excursion with them. We decided that next time we won't get off, we'll just stay on the ship and enjoy that. The first time I went to Nassau (also on DCL) we did an Atlantis excursion.....I wasn't a fan of that either

 

[NokOnHarts]

There are many reports of robberies, rapes and other violent crime happening to tourists, not to mention all the personal accounts of scary situations or warnings from the locals as other posters have stated here. I am not sure how we could conclude anything other than it is not a "safe" port. Especially because in these locations, tourists are being targeted and for good reason. They have cash and are often naive as to the reality of the surroundings - easy target. I understand and agree that many other places in the world are also dangerous (many in the US) but that doesn't mean I'd take my children to downtown Chicago or New Orleans and wander around the streets. I don't think we should make the excuse "other places are dangerous, too" as a reason to get off the ship (especially with children.) I've read enough to know I'll be staying on board. What frustrates me is if there was an emergency that required you to exit the ship, you'd have no choice. I'm going for CC but I wish they'd just avoid this port altogether.

 

[luv2sleep]

There are many reports of robberies, rapes and other violent crime happening to tourists, not to mention all the personal accounts of scary situations or warnings from the locals as other posters have stated here. I am not sure how we could conclude anything other than it is not a "safe" port. Especially because in these locations, tourists are being targeted and for good reason. They have cash and are often naive as to the reality of the surroundings - easy target. I understand and agree that many other places in the world are also dangerous (many in the US) but that doesn't mean I'd take my children to downtown Chicago or New Orleans and wander around the streets. I don't think we should make the excuse "other places are dangerous, too" as a reason to get off the ship (especially with children.) I've read enough to know I'll be staying on board. What frustrates me is if there was an emergency that required you to exit the ship, you'd have no choice. I'm going for CC but I wish they'd just avoid this port altogether.

Excellent points! I live in Los Angeles county in California and I never go to the more seedy areas unless I'm going to an event at the Stapes Center or something like that. But I don't take my kid and just walk around for fun. We park close and it's in and out. I live about 45 miles from there in a low crime suburb on purpose.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Nok,

Have you actually ever been to Nassau?

If not, you are allowing a lot of internet reports to potentially make your decision for you?

Of course, everything is your choice. But that is a pretty drastic statement to make. We would have missed this family memory gem:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/923029_110172249185034_522862991_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/24663_110171915851734_1170261972_n.jpg

To say that they have to avoid this port because you think it's got a bad rap means we have to exclude Jamaica, Belize and Costa Maya and more. The reality is that some of the Caribbean has depressed economies that target tourists. It's not just saying there are other unsafe places, the very real reality is that a lot of these immediate ports are exactly the same as Nassau.

The ships can't only go to Castaway. I love Castaway! But I also had two really great cruises to Nassau and I would go back tomorrow.

I don't want people to arbitrarily say that the ship shouldn't stop there. That is of course strictly my own opinion and you are welcome to state yours, but you don't have to get off the ship if you don't want. But if it never stops there at all, then I miss my opportunity for the photos above. And I don't think that's the right of everyone else to decide?

Poop!

 

[MND]

I don't know if it's unsafe, but when we were there last August we saw two locals get into a fistfight outside Senor Frogs. It scared my kids (and me!) so we went back to the ship. When we were there last month, we didn't get off the ship at all in Nassau. There's so much to do onboard anyway

Yah, you'll never see anything like that in Orlando.

Mike

My experience with Nassau is that the tourist areas are very safe.

 

[MND]

I don't know if it's unsafe, but when we were there last August we saw two locals get into a fistfight outside Senor Frogs. It scared my kids (and me!) so we went back to the ship. When we were there last month, we didn't get off the ship at all in Nassau. There's so much to do onboard anyway

My dd and I did stop for drinks at Senor Frogs. Ordered two each and then the bartender brought us each another shot on him. I felt like he might of kept feeding us shots if we had stayed. Could have just been giving great service but I was afraid if we stayed we might of been set up to be mugged or worse. Could just be me being paranoid!

I think you were being paranoid.

 

[NokOnHarts]

TwinPrincess -

Not sure why it bothers you that I think the ship should avoid dangerous ports - not like my opinion is going to change anything. It's not internet rumors, it's personal reports of people who had very scary situations happen to them and learned that they would rather avoid that area. It's valid news reports that crime is out of control on that island. It's not an emotional thing, it's just making a personal choice to avoid putting my children in a situation I could later regret. You are just as free to have photo ops in any place you choose as I am to choose to avoid situations I feel are dangerous.

 

[shrinkingmoody]

We were just there on 5/10 - and as first time cruisers - we got off the boat. It was myself, my husband, and our three year old in a stroller. We walked down the main street towards Senor Frogs, popped in the straw market for a second -then back towards Hard Rock - then back to the boat by 11:30am.

Senor Frogs had construction out front - as did Hard Rock so we didn't go in either of those places since were were pushing the stroller. My son did get a maraca at one of the shops - and we bought adult beverages at the shops off of the port. We never felt unsafe - we were offered lots of taxi rides and items for sale - we simply said "no thank you" and that was that. Everyone we interacted with was very nice and backed off once we said "no". When I ordered my drink the lady explained what was in it and made sure I liked it before taking any money for it.

A good rule is to always be aware of your surroundings - regardless of where you are at. With that being said - we kept to the touristy areas - and only went up and down one street.

 

[MillauFr]

Yah, you'll never see anything like that in Orlando.

It always makes news when drunken people get into fights at Disneyland and California Adventure. People with too much alcohol usually do stupid things. Especially when they get behind the wheel of a car.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

TwinPrincess -

Not sure why it bothers you that I think the ship should avoid dangerous ports - not like my opinion is going to change anything. It's not internet rumors, it's personal reports of people who had very scary situations happen to them and learned that they would rather avoid that area. It's valid news reports that crime is out of control on that island. It's not an emotional thing, it's just making a personal choice to avoid putting my children in a situation I could later regret. You are just as free to have photo ops in any place you choose as I am to choose to avoid situations I feel are dangerous.

You didn't answer if you have actually BEEN to Nassau. Have you?

Secondly, it's not personal choice of where I take my photos. You can choose not to leave the ship. If it never docks there in the first place because opinions like yours, then I don't have a choice at all.

That's the difference. You don't have to take your kids off the ship, that is a decision. But I don't get to make a decision if your wishes are granted and it never stops there.

That is the difference.

Also, I'm thinking you haven't been there because of your comment about an emergency possibly making you get off the ship. The pier is 100% closed off to anyone who isn't a CM or a cruise guest. Even if you had to get off the ship, you would have to go OUTSIDE of the cruise terminal there to deal with anyone who wasn't a tour guide, a tourist, a government official, or a CM.

I'm just thinking you must have not actually seen it or that comment wouldn't worry you.

This is what you actually see when you are getting off/on the boat:

http://cache.graphicslib.viator.com/graphicslib/media/ce/harbor-photo_1450190-770tall.jpg

http://www.panoramio.com/photo_expl..._photo_id=2580523&order=date_desc&user=261194
(this one is taken FROM a cruise ship)

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/11352812.jpg

This is exactly what you see from the ship pier:,
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Location...410-Nassau_New_Providence_Island_Bahamas.html


So just setting off foot off the boat is not entering the ghetto. That's the point of my posting these.

I jumped from excitement when I got off the gangway the second time!

 

[Jey12]

Being aware of surroundings and trusting your instincts is always a good rule of thumb no matter where you are. Last time we were in Nassau I didn't feel threatened or uneasy in anyway. Aside from the straw market, I felt like an unwanted cousin at a family reunion. I did keep DD super close in the Straw Market, but I would do that in any over crowded flea market. There may be more crime going on in Nassau or we may just be hearing about more crime. Crime rates in the US are lower in many areas, but if you listen to the media you'd think you should fear for your life every second of the day in your own home. I think with internet and the ease of global reporting it only seems everywhere is dangerous. Before the internet you didn't hear every report of every crime that happened across the US and even the world. Now we're exposed all day every day to incidents everywhere. In reality these things have been happening in the same numbers for many many years, it's just recently we've been made aware of it. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

 

[cookingqueen]

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!

 

[NokOnHarts]

TwinPrincess -

You are taking this way too personally. I made a general statement (as have others on this thread if you didn't notice) that it's concerning that cruise ships go to ports with known crime problems. I was simply agreeing with those statements. I am not sure why you think a few people saying that is going to make any difference as to where the ship travels. I'm not writing Disney letters and complaining or making some big stink about it. I was simply stating my opinion, as have you.

What about the previous poster who stated that he was personally warned by the priest to return to the tourist area. Should we just say he was being paranoid, too? People have legitimate concerns about the area. You act like I'm making much ado about nothing.

To answer your question, no I have never been there but I guess I don't see how that is relevant to the conversation. I have not been to many places with known crime problems, and that would be on purpose. Why would I go out of my way to travel somewhere that is known to have problems? My question to you would be do you have children? I don't take risks when it comes to my kids. Period. Not sure why me stating that is a problem. Never once have I stated that other people should stay on the ship. I said I personally will choose to do so.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Yeah that's not a good experience. But I would never get in a strange car alone after coming from a gambling establishment (I would have never gone to in the first place) that would be advertising potential money...

Its unfortunate incidents like these that don't help. I'm not saying the place is a cathedral by any means, but I'm saying there are plenty of safe things available to do there. It really isn't all that different from literally just about every port I've been to, save one.

And to the poster that has their fill after 3 trips, I definitely get that. But new people don't have to feel petrified to set foot of the ship. (Not that they should be naive ding dongs either.) I'm sure I'll be done after a time or two more also. And then we will look at other cruises.

Certainly no reason to avoid the port altogether as some have insinuated though...

And yes, if you haven't even been there, then how could you say the ship should never go there? That is silly. It just is. I would never tell people never to go somewhere unless I had personal experience. The family you mentioned weren't part of a tour and were walking out of the safer areas. Goes back to what we have been saying.

I guess I may be taking it personally because that was one of the best days I have had with my family in years. You haven't even been there at all, so I feel like how do you really know?

But I'm resting MY case.

 

[NokOnHarts]

"I would never tell people never to go somewhere unless I had personal experience."

But that is exactly what I am saying, people HAVE had personal experiences and are continuing to have personal experiences, but these should not be trusted unless it's your own personal experience? That seems silly to me. Why not learn from others experiences? I don't need to have a gun held to my own head to know that it being held to another person's head is a situation I want to avoid.

 

[MillauFr]

Why does Disney dock in Miami? Isn't the crime rate higher in Miami and Nassau?

 

[calismic]

Nassau Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents - 1.76
Miami Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents - 11.95

GASP!

 

[Jey12]

Nassau Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents - 1.76
Miami Crime Rate per 1,000 Residents - 11.95

GASP!

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.