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Bahamas, a country with 700 islands and thousands of islets and beautiful caves, is one of the most popular destinations for Atlantic cruises. This is because the Bahamas is truly a beautiful country that amazes travelers and scientists alike, especially when it comes to exploring the famous “Blue Holes”.
More than 4 million tourists enter the Bahamas each year, mostly via cruise ships. It is very fun and enjoyable to visit the Commonwealth of the Bahamas aboard a luxury cruise ship as such trips are usually accompanied by parties, celebrations and other tourist activities on board.
As with any form of international travel, a Bahamas cruise requires travelers to prepare well. Below are the eight most important things to do before booking a cruise to the Bahamas.
1. Get a passport. Upon entering the cruise ship, passengers must present their valid passport. Usually cruise trips consist of visits to more than one country. Therefore, Bahamas also require a passport to enter. Passports can be obtained from the government passport office of your country of origin. U.S. citizens 16 and older must present a valid passport or passport card, while those 15 and under must present an original state-issued birth certificate from the U.S. Department of Health and Vital Statistics if a passport is not available. Copies of the birth certificate (photocopy) will not be accepted. It is advisable to prepare a passport and original birth certificate for each traveler.
2. Get a visa. Visa is not required for US and Canadian citizens. However, if you are coming from outside the United States or Canada, you may need a multi-entry US visa and, if needed, a Bahamian visa (check with the Bahamian consulate to be sure). Foreign students studying in the United States and traveling on a US visa must also present a valid SEVIS to travel.
3. Prepare a valid ID. In addition to a passport and visa, travelers may be required to present a valid government-issued ID.
4. Prepare other documentation as proof of citizenship. Naturalization papers may not be accepted by the cruise line. Legal aliens residing in the US may be required to present their valid residency card. Students must also secure a completed I94 form and valid signed paperwork from the school. All documentation must be original copies.
5. Book your cruise trip. It is best to book your trip at least 3 months before your travel date to ensure that you still get the best price for the tickets. Remember that fares tend to increase in price as the travel date approaches and the number of tickets available decreases. You can choose to call your trusted travel agent to help you find the best deals on cruises or you can simply go to a reputable online DIY (DIY) travel booking site. The majority of travelers use online travel booking sites because customers have full control over putting together their own trip. There are hundreds of online travel sites on the World Wide Web, and most of them are owned by independent travel agencies or individual travel agency affiliates. It is advisable to use the websites of travel agents who already have solid experience in the industry as these companies have contact centers with experienced and highly trained specialists who are ready to assist you if you need assistance with any matters related to your trip dealing. Reputable sites and travel agencies also choose their partner travel provider carefully. Rest assured that you will not be redirected to “shady” deal providers and suppliers.
6. Inform the cruise line if you need special assistance. When booking your cruise reservations, it is advisable to indicate any special assistance you may require. DIY travel sites often have a special field (often called the “comments” field) in their booking forms for special assistance requests such as adapted recliners, lift and ramps, adapted toilets in common areas and wheelchair. Please reconfirm with the cruise line upon check-in that your request has been noted.
7. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is an essential addition to any type of trip. About 70% of cruisers buy travel insurance for three main reasons: peace of mind, concern about losing the money invested in a trip, and protection against the unexpected.
8. Pack your luggage. Check the cruise line’s luggage requirements. Some cruise lines may charge you if you exceed the baggage size or weight limit. Make sure you comply with all applicable cruise line and port regulations, laws and conditions. In general, weapons, firearms, dangerous items, flammable items, controlled substances, and contraband that are prohibited by local and state laws are not allowed.
The most affordable cruise packages to the Bahamas are those from Fort Lauderdale as this port is very close to land. You can choose to book a cruise only or a package deal that includes a cruise and a hotel reservation on Grand Bahama Island.
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