Talking Safety in Nassau - What I would and Would NOT do in Nassau, Bahamas - Level 2 Travel Warning
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- If you are going on a cruise out of the USA chances are you will be making a stop in Nassau, Bahamas. Recently, the US Department of State issued a Level 2 Travel Warning for Nassau, Bahamas and wanted to share my thoughts on what is the travel advisory and where I feel safe at the Port of Nassau.
US State Dept Bahamas Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov/content/trav...
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I have visited Nassau Bahamas 13 times starting in 1986. I have a simple rule for those just walking around Nassau from the port. I call it the 3-street rule. Do not venture more than 3 streets deep from the Nassau waterfront. Stay along the waterfront if at all possible. You can walk to Arawak Cay (Fish Fry) with no issues traveling that direction. Walking the other direction toward the bridge to Paradise Island, it might get dicey so take a Taxi or a Jitney. If you go deeper into Nassau than 3 streets take a taxi or a Jitney. Being a Pirate 🏴☠ that visits Nassau often there are a few Scallywags that give the rest of the wonderful people of Nassau a bad name. If you take a water taxi or excursion on a boat in Nassau Harbor you just need to know how to swim and be able to swim fast enough (Think Olympic swimmer tryout that only has a pass or fail) to get to safety before Tiger and Bull Sharks decide your now on the menu! 🤣 Wow, Brandon you have been there 84 times! That is very impressive! I'm visiting Nassau 2 times this year! When you leave the Port Terminal look like you have somewhere to be! Don't look lost!
Hi - we are stopping at Nassau in 3 weeks. We want to snorkel at Jaws & Love beaches, so I plan on renting a minivan, because there are 6 adults plus gear. My question is about parking at those beaches. Have you ever done that & do you know any good spots to park &/or see? Thank you! (Taxi too pricey for 6 adults to & fro.)
Hi - we are stopping at Nassau in 3 weeks. We want to snorkel at Jaws & Love beaches, so I plan on renting a minivan, because there are 6 adults plus gear. My question is about parking at those beaches. Have you ever done that & do you know any good spots to park &/or see? Thank you! (Taxi too pricey for 6 adults to & fro.)
You know nothing , you are speaking your opinion , come here for more than 2 days and you will know a little more !
Bro we literally don’t care about y’all tourist and what y’all got going on. Here in the Bahamas, hospitality is our #1 industry and the hoodlums know better than to hurt or even bother tourists. The most problem you would have from some of the people is their aggressive way to lure you in to purchase a gift or get your hair braided. Stop going off of propaganda(media stations) @the River pirate13. If you visited the Bahamas all 13 times and your experience is the same you lying big time my guy. Stop being bogus and Cyc 🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸
@@damienarmbrister9819no like fr bro. He bogus asf with this comment
Been there twice.
First time was Terrible. Second time ( 2 weeks ago) was awesome. We did the dolphin excursion. Worth it
Thank for the timely video. Going there this upcoming weekend. Happy there is an enclosed port area to walk around.
Good stuff! Heading there next month
I’m from Nassau. Born and raised. I’d say it’s the same as anywhere else. It’s just exaggerated because Nassau is supposed to be “paradise” but you’ll have such a different experience if a local accompanied you and showed you the ropes.
Would you show me around? I'd pay!
Hai
American who lived in Nassau for 10 years here….. I agree. Exercise the same caution you would in most places in the U.S.
@@shlomolandau2577 sure. Anytime. Just reach out to me when you’re ready.
@@sabrinaphiri7525 hello
Thank you for mentioning all the other countries that also have level 2 travel warnings. We enjoyed Nassau but we were prepared from watching your videos!
Thank you! Try to always keep it in perspective.
I agree with what your saying everyone stay cautious and walk in groups just follow what's said in the video and have a great time
Thanks for the update Brandon. Dropping off some family members with small children for a Disney Cruise out of Port Everglades next month and this is one of their stops.
Let me know how they like Disney! Especially if they compare it to other products.
As always, total excellence of information provided. A combination of your extensive cruise history visiting this port of call, as well as plain ol' common sense will certainly encourage future cruisers to do some extra research. At the very least, it will provide for a less stressful day, and at a maximum . . . the info could save a life. There was a moment in this video that I said a rare naughty word and had to back things up a few seconds to grasp that what I heard was actually what you said. "I walked to Baha Mar". Dang!!! That's extreme. I take a taxi, and on occasion they even get twisted around in directions, so huge Kudos on making that happen on foot. (If you've never done the mini golf courses there, they are excellent). Thanks, again, Brandon!!
My pleasure and thank you for the very kind note! Always trying to be fair and keep things in perspective. Yes, I used to love walking around the Bahamas in my younger years b😂
We just went to Belize we did a excursion to an island and it was amazing!
Excellent talk!
Thank you Brandon👍
Hi Brandon, love the video very informative and great information to be prepared and not scared, can’t wait for the next livestream
I'm trying to do better with those! Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. seem to be working really well
Scared for what ? 😂😂 kml we locals legit don’t care about y’all. As long as you be respectful you would realize we Bahamians are naturally our brothers keepers not matter the race, color or creed. We love people naturally. Stop letting the media and false narratives form your mindset
@@beejaycee7904I agree that most people are but even here in the United States there are places and groups of people that don’t care about anyone else or what they do to anyone else, I love the Bahamas just have to let people know where not to go just like any other town all over the world
@@adamp2384ok… so where would you advise persons not to go? I would give you the Gods honest truth about that place right now. You didn’t even advise no one to not go places in your initial comment smh
We did queen's staircase pirates of Nassau and junkano beach. Was a great day!!!!
Good info
As a frequent cruiser, I haven’t had any issues in Nassau. I’d be much more weary of places like Jamaica, where I just don’t feel safety is high on the agenda.
That said, it’s critical to take some precautions, but this is relevant to everywhere and not just Nassau - I wouldn’t walk the streets of London solo at night, for example!
Great video! ❤
Very true! Fraser!
Thank you Fraser ❤❤
So why are you coming to Jamaica if you feel so unsafe.Go elsewhere and I'm sure others who appreciates Usain bolt and Bob Marley's music will come here . Keep flying
Thanks for the update/warning. My favorite place to eat (Athena’s Cafe on Bay Street) was the furthest I’d walk (well maybe the candy store across from Straw Market) when I am by myself. The last few times I’ve gone to Nassau I’ve either just walked the immediate area before leaving the port (very nice and safe) or just stayed on the ship. Just not worth it, in my opinion.
Athens is a very good spot! Good recommendation Beth!
Going on Freedom next week. I'll keep an eye out for you and give you a wave. (I have no idea what ship you'll be on of course... )
We're doing the jetski tour at Coco, but walking Nassau. I grew up in the outskirts of D.C. so I'm pretty vigilant (read untrusting..) always. 😉
Been 2x last 6 months. I had no issues. I walked across the bridge to atlantis.
Well that looks like a bigger stateroom than typical. You gambling again? 😅. Just kidding. Another great shirt 👕 matching the eyes perfectly. Well Done. More great info. Still haven't caught any tour of the Magnifica from you. Just the room tours. Looks like I may be going on the Celebration during Halloween. Found a Solo group on Facebook hosting it and this group allows Cabin mate finding on their board. Haven't looked yet but probably will do. Hope it would. Then maybe I can get that person to go on one of yours with me.
Ha! That was a casino room but I think it was the absolute last one LOL. Takes a while to go through all the free offers that I had racked up by making stupid decisions. More MSC Magnifica content is coming! I like to stay on a ship for four or five cruises ing it so I can talk about the best practices and pro tips 🤗
Thanks for the heads up Brandon. Street smarts go a long way with the vendors. Best place to do some early Christmas shopping at the straw market, love all the art!!
Whenever I'm walking around in San Francisco, I feel like someone gonna mug me XD. But the place I actually felt my life was in danger, that was in Italy Rome 4 years ago. There's rando trying to trick tourist into following them into a alley, they all dressed up in suits with "official badges" telling you the church or site is closed and you need to get refund or reschedule and follow them. Then there are bracelet sellers outside Duomos, who actually grab your wrist trying to put a bracelet on you. That time I said no firmly, the guy tried to grab my shoulder and quickly walked away but I noticed I was followed for a good 2-3 minutes. eventually he found a new target to harass. It was freaking terrifying. All that was around 2-4pm and I was with a friend too so even then it was dangerous
I am a Bahamian, and my wife is American. The US embassy always sends my wife emails, stating not to leave the cruise ship or Paradise Island if she travels to Nassau. Or to not travel there at all. We do not live on New Providence, the island where Nassau is. We are on Abaco. A much more calm, safe, laid-back island.
Yeah, it is a bit unfair to lump "The Bahamas" into one bucket with 900 different islands each with their own vibe. Have never been to Abaco but have heard how beautiful it is!
Good tips Brandon. We have been there a few times, last time doing your walking tour.
That is awesome! That was one of my favorite videos to make as I really do enjoy going to Nassau but you have to know where you're going.
Yes!!! The Worst part!! I was there a few weeks ago and I had 2 guys follow me for a while trying to talk me into whatever they were selling.
And probably the only “problem” you had over here smh 🤦🏽♂️ stop making it out to be a pandemic. Every country has person’s aggressively trying to sell you sonething. Visited Ft. Lauderdale swap shop and the exact same happened to me. Just say no you’re not interested and go about your day
@@beejaycee7904 yes, every vacation desitination has people who are trying to sell you something aggressively. However, this was the first time I had 2 people, after saying NO over and over, follow me through then entire stretch of the port and stood there, still trying to convince me to go with them, while I waited for my transportation. So no, you can't always "just say no and go about your day" when they stalk you and make you feel uncomfortable. I was very thankful when my transportation got there.
Really good info. I'm staying on the ship lol
hahah, you will not be alone!
Last stop there I didn’t get of the ship. First time was enough for me . After the last report of SÁ from the two women at a trusted beach resort, it’s a no go for me. I will not spend money there.
I’ve been traveling to Nassau since the mid-90s and it 💔 to see it this past November. Complete dumpster, I never felt more unsafe. It used to be AMAZING! I’d pick up some Starbucks and and a pair of new Gucci’s right at port (not Atlantis). Cruise ships need to listen to passengers and build elsewhere. There are SO many Bahamian islands with kind locals that would love our support. No need for sprawling resorts, just a rustic beach will do. 🇧🇸❤️🔥
Since the mid 90s the businesses that were downtown moved to other places in the island. Mostly due to them changing the direction of the roads for Atlantis believe it or not. Most bahamians don't even go downtown anymore unless they work there. Better shopping elsewhere. The rest of the island is fine and safe and mostly clean. Downtown Nassau is not an accurate reflection of new providence or the rest of the Bahamas. Most of downtown is owned by wealthy families who for some reason like to war with thenl government on the development of downtown.Government is contemplating forcing the private owners to either redevelop or give up the properties. So that's a bit of I fo as to why it's different from the 90s. Bahamians are have much higher standards of living nowadays bit you would have to actually leave downtown to see it😅.
Brandon, I don't know. "Stay with a group, don't venture more than 15 minutes from the ship, don't go out at night" and you'll "probably" be safe isn't all that reassuring! I wander freely around areas at home here in NYC that I'm sure are more dangerous for tourists than Nassau but I know the streets and can read the signals.
Docked in Nassau with my wife. Went downtown and grabbed a bite but was looking for something more authentic and was told the same thing, "Anything more than a 1 mile away isn't safe, stay close to the boat". From the S. Bronx, NYC myself but heeded his warning anyway.
I was really conscious of the liability that would be implied if I told people anywhere was safe or there was nothing to worry about. These are all just really good to tourist practices if you're in a place or not familiar with weather Bahamas or anywhere else.
I mean the neighborhood my office building is in, in the US, should have a level 3 warning…in the last month we have had multiple muggings, two daytime assaults, 2 homicides and a bomb threat. You need to be vigilant and anything can happen anywhere - you just can’t relax because you are on vacation. 🤷🏻♀️
The Bahamas ports are a cruise/vacation destination though. The people waiting outside the port to rob you know this. So, they wait to victimize you. The mentality is low. Cruisers pay port fees to these islands that need to maintain its safety and they fail cruisegoers everyday... Crime happens everywhere, but to be targeted when you get off a Cruise ship is something else.
There were 18 murders in the Bahamas… so
@@CAcutie1978you sound lost and slow asf😂😂 police is everywhere downtown. Nobody cares to rob you
Remember, there are wonderful family islands in the Bahamas that are safe. Exuma is beautiful.
There are literally HUNDREDS of islands in the Bahamas for someone to check out. Can have many different kinds of experiences!
I have been once to Nassau and that was enough. I got off the ship for 30 minutes and then got back on. Not because I felt unsafe but because it was beyond tacky
I guess you are in Suite now. What ship is this with RC?
I was there with Freedom of the Seas! Just posted the room tour on Thursday of the owner Suite which was amazing!
Is The New Duff still a safe walk?
Yes
Always personal preference, but I would have no issue walking there. It is in a pretty populated or traveled area
What's left for us in Argentina hehe😂
Haha at least you all stay out of the news more than the Bahamas here in the states. LOL
Are passports mandatory now?
Passport policies have not changed. If going off in Nassau you only need your ship card and a govt issued photo ID (drivers license or ID card)
Haiti became a level 4
They sure did! This occurred after the making of this video
Blue lagoon?
Blue Lagoon is a great option! You board one of their shuttle boats directly from the port and never go out to the port. It is also a private island. However, in good faith I have to mention they did have a shuttle boat sink 2 months ago, killing one person. Accidents and crimes can happen anywhere.
Nassau, Jamaica, especially Jamaica, Roatan (Honduras), Belize City. All not worth getting off the ship.
On our celebrity cruise a crew member told us that another celebrity crew.member was stabbed to death in Honduras very close to the port.
My daughter and son-in-law lived in Roatan for a year. I visited a few times. The crime rate and murder rates are extreme. The banks have AR-15 armed guards in the lobby with a sign requesting you check your gun before you enter.@@bermando8844
I’m from Benton harbor MI. Nassau is identical to my home town. Just warmer. I felt totally safe there, but I probably just have that RBF 😂😂 no problems for me! Actually every interaction I had with everyone there was all good. Their weed is fake btw lol
Kmll you got sold literally grass! Fake weed ??? Wtf ? lol whoever sold you trees got over on you. The weed produced in the U.S with no seeds is fake
They did this for The Bahamas after a Canadian attacked/assaulted by a Canadian.
Was there 3 weeks ago, will never go back. Not the best place to vacation
Hallo my name is Sabrina from Zambia,I want to visit Bahamas for the first time.. please can I have a one on one chat with you I need Abit of information
Hi Sabrina, sounds like you need more of a travel agent or someone to help you plan your trip. Apologies but I am just a guy who goes there a lot. Hope you have a great time on your trip!
Has the State Department issued a level 3 warning for Chicago or Oakland?
You don’t know a thing about Oakland, sit down. 😂
@@WestCoastCultured live near San Leandro kid, off Skyline. Think I know enough about it. You got a lot of Oakland credibility yourself? Do you ask the homies if Poke Bowl is open on embarkation day too and discuss the market for VCL down on Krenshaw?
No. These State department advisories are for traveler issues outside the USA.
@@jstringhomies? Racist much..
I mean, fair question sometimes! But as another commenter mentioned, the state department is only concerned with foreign affairs. However, I think it is smart for us not to throw stones in a glass house.
I still don't understand why cruise companies don't find better locations. Safe or not, It's not that attractive.
💲💰💸
Royal caribbean is from Nassau. Others I don't know why
@@BoozeandNewswithTimandDutactually you are wrong. We don’t own any Cruiselines as a country, you bogus and thought you was speaking truth. Every cruise line is contracted with our government
Seems Haiti is a lawless total mess and RCI seems totally cool with going to Labadee because they tell people "there's a fence between the resort and the outside" LOL! RCI needs to stop going to Haiti before something happens.
If I'm not mistaken, Royal canceled all port stops to Labadee until further notice.
@@TheYuukiMiwa Correct, as of now they've stopped all port calls to Haiti. I said 10 years ago they should have divested in Haiti. As it's going now, they might not have a choice.
Luckily, they have now figured this one out and are canceling all cruises to Labadee into a further notice. I think that is a smart idea as well. Keep in mind, I'm in revenue is involved, it's not always an easy decision for companies to keep our safety in mind.
Why can't they deal with them? We need to go in there - help them and clean house.
I have asked a few people in the Bahamas what they think about having a poor safety reputation. They look very puzzled and don't understand how the US can call another country unsafe. They would tell you we should fix our own issues before delving into others. 🤷 It's all in the eye of the beholder in perspective.
Nassau generally isn't a dangerous place. The wrong place, wrong time rule stands almost every where we go in today's world. This is coming from a 39 yr old local.
100%%%
Ya not safe, some shady dude in a cheap suit was following my 3 daughters and I on my last cruise. I’ll never get off the ship in Nassau again.
With your daughters and fearful ? I imagined what would happened if you had a intruder kick down your house door, seems like you would run and leave them in the house esp if a guy in old bogus suit “followed” you making you feel unsafe. Y’all boys really have to man up and get out of your head. These people probably the most will try to finesse you for funds not to harm you my guy 🤦🏽♂️. Drop your 🥜 big dawg you have a family to protect
Pro tip: Stay on the ship in Nassau! 😙
😂
@javamon Pro tip : stop living your life in fear, it paralyzing
@@beejaycee7904that's not the reason to stay on the ship!
@@javamonyou are advising other persons to do so tho! If fear cripples you deal with it but you advising persons to stay on a ship because you are fearful is mind boggling. No everyone has fear in their heart like you 😂😂😂
@@beejaycee7904 LOL! I'm going to make you walk the plank.
😑Made-up stuff....same for Jamaica.
The facts of crime happening are not made up - the media's reaction to it could certainly be considered overblown and hyped for self-promotion.
Haiti became a level 4 with gangs breaking out 4000 prisoners and the president fled the country smh
BbQ haiti gang are eating humans too
Nassau people never shot up a school or shot up a bank yet!!! We don't have massive kidnappings and people going missing every day. Every where got their rich side and their ghetto side... my advice when traveling is to ask where the ghetto parts is and don't go there.... every country in the world got a ghetto.
Nassau reminds me of Mogadishu, Somalia, maybe a bit Syria. It’s like navigating Chicago’s west side at 2 AM. If you dock there, do yourself a favor and stay on the ship.
I'm just jealous that I have not had the chance to go do Mogadishu, Somalia, or Syria yet! Would love to check them out as I am trying to get to every country but some are more difficult to get to. When were you there?
I did a world tour last year. 200 days at the 200 most depressing places on earth. Syria, Afghanistan and Detroit were my favorites!
IS IT GAY/QUEER FRIENDLY? Why go to the same port over and over again?
Hey there! Sorry, this got caught in the "held for review" section. The Bahamas is a very religious nation and I would not say the government is gay/queer friendly. However, I would say there art scene including the National Bahamian Art Museum is very friendly. The business that you will frequent will also be friendly and have never heard an issue with being gay/queer in Nassau.
@theweekendcruiser where can I contact you?
Hey Tippa, there is a contact me form on the website if you want to check it out. www.theweekendcruiser.com. That works best.
Haiti won at level 4
Ha, again, not a competition! 😂 I think Haites increased issues have come up since the making of this video. Not necessarily the publishing.