Bahamas Bound

BAHAMAS BOUND

By Karen Leiva

Some of my favourite holiday memories are from The Bahamas: sunrise yoga classes on Paradise Island, my son’s first time in the sea at Cable Beach, and visiting the extraordinary Baha Mar. Incredible white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and sunny days – these are the first things to come to mind when I think about The Bahamas.

Despite Hurricane Dorian striking the northern islands, the country’s tourism officials are keen to let travellers know that The Bahamas is ready for you. Read on to find out why now is a really great time to go there.

BLUE HOLE POOL AT THE GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR

ISLAND VIBES

The airport in Nassau is just a short ride to the Meliá Nassau Beach All Inclusive or Baha Mar on Cable Beach where you’re guaranteed beautiful white-sand beaches perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Nassau is fun – and safe – to explore. If you are visiting for the day from one of the cruise ships, you’ll find the port is conveniently located in the centre of town. Spend an afternoon of duty-free shopping or visit the Pirates of Nassau museum.

You can learn more about the islands’ long history with rum (and pirates) at John Watling’s Distillery. Not far from Nassau is Atlantis, Paradise Island, a fun resort for families with a full waterpark, daring slides and a lazy river. It’s possible to visit Atlantis if you’re coming for the day from a cruise.

COCOCAY ©ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

OUT ISLAND CRUISES

There are some great sailings that explore The Bahamas in three or four nights departing from Florida, or five to seven nights from New York. The best part is that the top cruises have access to exclusive islands. On Royal Caribbean International, you spend a day at its private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

With Princess Cruises, you get beach time at its private resort, Princess Cays in Eleuthera, where there are a lot of fun water activities. If you travel with Norwegian Cruise Line, you’ll enjoy a perfect beach day and barbecue at its exclusive Great Stirrup Cay. Holland America Line has its pristine island sanctuary, Half Moon Cay.

BAHAMIAN CONCH SALAD

BAHAMAS IS READY

The Bahamas is as beautiful as ever. Despite devastation in the north, most of The Bahamas, including 14 of the most commonly visited islands, were not affected by the hurricane. Airports, cruise ports, hotels and attractions throughout the Northern, Central and Southern Bahamas are open.

These islands include Nassau and Paradise Island, The Exumas, and Eleuthera and Harbour Island. “We would like everyone to know that the best thing they can do for us right now is visit Nassau, Paradise Island and the Out Islands,” said The Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dionisio D’Aguilar.

WATERFRONT IN NASSAU, BAHAMAS

CRUISE LINES RESPOND TO DISASTER

When Hurricane Dorian hit The Bahamas, many cruise lines took immediate action. Carnival Corporation (which includes Princess Cruises and Holland America Line among others) pledged $2 million in funding and support for relief efforts. The donation was pledged on behalf of

Carnival Foundation and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation. Norwegian Cruise Line responded by deploying its ship, Norwegian Breakaway to The Bahamas with relief supplies donated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. employees and community groups in Florida. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. pledged $2 million in support.

Royal Caribbean International brought relief supplies and 20,000 daily meals prepared by crewmembers to the Grand Bahama Island community. The cruise line deployed containers ships with urgently needed supplies. Royal Caribbean also committed $1 million to Dorian disaster relief and pledged to match every dollar of guest and employee donations.