New Bahamas Testing Requirements for Vaccinated Passengers

[jrapps]

Not sure if this affects private islands like Castaway...The Bahamas just updated their travel requirements for vaccinated passengers:

• Effective August 6, 2021, those travelling to The Bahamas from other countries who have been fully vaccinated will be required to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival in The Bahamas. The name and address of the lab where the test was performed must be clearly displayed on the test result.

https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates

 

[KashasMom]

The 5 days is going to be an issue for some people but 5 is definitely better than the 3 many countries are requiring. In any case, it is more annoying for people who are fully vaccinated though!

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I think this will mean DCL will have to test all passengers prior to embarkation.

 

[jrapps]

I am not sure now, this may only be for people flying into the Bahamas as it relates to their Health Visa....might not apply to cruise ships. Still trying to find more info....

 

[Sykes]

I am not sure now, this may only be for people flying into the Bahamas as it relates to their Health Visa....might not apply to cruise ships. Still trying to find more info....

Yeah. We didn't have to complete any of the Health Visa formalities when we visited Nassau on the Celebrity Edge last month. Having said that, I do expect that testing for everyone prior to boarding is coming anyway.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Yeah. We didn't have to complete any of the Health Visa formalities when we visited Nassau on the Celebrity Edge last month. Having said that, I do expect that testing for everyone prior to boarding is coming anyway.

I don't doubt it. Carnival, Princess, and HAL have all announced that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID test administered within 72 hours of embarkation.

 

[sethschroeder]

I think this will mean DCL will have to test all passengers prior to embarkation.

Won't matter since for Fantasy the Castaway day is Day 7 so a embarkation test would be deemed worthless.

 

[Meriweather]

I don't doubt it. Carnival, Princess, and HAL have all announced that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID test administered within 72 hours of embarkation.

Also Royal.....got the notice several days ago.
We cruise the 16th and have our appointment for the 14th

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Won't matter since for Fantasy the Castaway day is Day 7 so a embarkation test would be deemed worthless.

But it will matter on the Dream.

 

[sethschroeder]

But it will matter on the Dream.

Yes for the Dream which is not all passengers which was the comment I responded to. I was just saying a policy of testing all passengers prior to embarkation because of Bahama's rules wouldn't really make sense for 33% of the cruises happening in the US starting September 4th.

 

[Dug720]

I don't doubt it. Carnival, Princess, and HAL have all announced that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative COVID test administered within 72 hours of embarkation.

Since those are all under the same umbrella, not surprised. I'd be more surprised if one of them didn't while the others did.

Ditto RCCL/Celebrity. Pretty sure Celebrity is requiring it too.

 

[TRTRguy]

These new policies do not apply to cruises originating from the United states per the press release
"Those guests on a cruise that originated in the United States do not need to comply with the above but instead must comply with the rules laid out by the cruise lines, as the Bahamian government has approved these. Those going on a cruise or traveling to the Bahamas after August 6 but already have a Bahamas Travel Health Visa do not need to worry, as the requirements will be waived in this case."

 

[TheBigErn]

It would be nice if someone say for example DISNEY would tell us something instead of letting everyone speculate wildly. Come on DCL!

 

[sethschroeder]

These new policies do not apply to cruises originating from the United states per the press release
"Those guests on a cruise that originated in the United States do not need to comply with the above but instead must comply with the rules laid out by the cruise lines, as the Bahamian government has approved these. Those going on a cruise or traveling to the Bahamas after August 6 but already have a Bahamas Travel Health Visa do not need to worry, as the requirements will be waived in this case."

I am finding other info now stating it does apply to those from the US as well even on cruises. Thing is do these things apply to Castaway or do they have more leeway possibly?

Including on their website which I couldn't find an exclusion to US cruise passengers.
https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates

 

[TRTRguy]

I am finding other info now stating it does apply to those from the US as well even on cruises. Thing is do these things apply to Castaway or do they have more leeway possibly?

Including on their website which I couldn't find an exclusion to US cruise passengers.
https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates

Direct from the august 3rd press release :

• All travellers entering The Bahamas on cruises that originate in the U.S. will be subjected to the testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the Government of The Bahamas.
• Cruise lines may have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. Travellers should check with their cruise line for specific details pertaining to their cruise.

 

[sethschroeder]

Direct from the august 3rd press release :

• All travellers entering The Bahamas on cruises that originate in the U.S. will be subjected to the testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the Government of The Bahamas.
• Cruise lines may have different requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated guests. Travellers should check with their cruise line for specific details pertaining to their cruise.

Okay I found a further explanation that their cruise policy posted is specific to those cruises originating in country. They post 0 information on their site regarding cruises leaving from the US.

So possibly they have negotiated with each cruise line differently since obviously Disney only going to Castaway would be different than another line visiting the actual islands.

I agree with @TheBigErn we need Disney to clarify the statement then that nothing further is required as it seems like the Bahamas tossed the ball to them saying check with your cruise line.

 

[TRTRguy]

The new guidelines only apply to those who need a bahamas health visa to enter the country. Cruises originating in the United states currently do not require a health visa.