U.S. Embassy issues Security Alert for NASSAU

[happycamper47]

Event: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.

https://bs.usembassy.gov/security-alert/#:~:text=Event: The U.S. Embassy in,primary motive in 2024 murders.

 

[sadiecatie]

Well, that’s not comforting maybe we’ll use our Nassau day on our upcoming cruise as an extra day on the ship after all.

 

[Sakura1017]

I wonder if that means DCL will change the itinerary and do another day at Castaway Cay or make it a sea day. I was debating about doing Atlantis but will probably stay on the ship now.

 

[SL6827]

Holy crap!

 

[snowwite]

Event: The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to be aware that 18 murders have occurred in Nassau since the beginning of 2024. Murders have occurred at all hours including in broad daylight on the streets. Retaliatory gang violence has been the primary motive in 2024 murders.

https://bs.usembassy.gov/security-alert/#:~:text=Event: The U.S. Embassy in,primary motive in 2024 murders.

We saw this and the one for Turks and Caicos. The police in the islands appear to be out numbered by drug gangs. We’ve changed our entire trip to Aruba instead.

 

[LoveDaisy]

That’s similar to the murder rate in Hartford CT, there is someone shot almost daily.

 

[randumb0]

The Bahamas is now at the same security level as France

 

[Girl of the South]

France has a population of 67 million. The Bahamas has a population of 407,000. I understand the security level is the same, but I don’t think you can call the risk level as being the same.

 

[SirDuff]

France has a population of 67 million. The Bahamas has a population of 407,000. I understand the security level is the same, but I don’t think you can call the risk level as being the same.

What does the population size have to do with how to interpret the level of risk? If the PP had said the two countries had the same number of murders, then I'd understand your point (since you'd be looking at very different murder rates), but the US travel advisory levels aren't something you create a "rate" out of.

 

[insureman]

The Bahamas is now at the same security level as France

True but different risks. From the State Department about France, "Exercise increased caution in France due to terrorism and civil unrest". The Bahamas is a high crime and physical violence warning. The gangs in Nassau have no regard for collateral damage when they start shooting at other rival gang members. We haven't gone into Nassau for at least the past 10 Caribbean cruises because of the crime and won't go again until their government starts cracking down on these criminals.

 

[bakerworld]

Geez. I'm never gonna get DH off that boat at Nassau.

 

[Lizgistix]

Well that's good to know AFTER the cruise.

 

[auntlynne]

Not just violence, but also watercraft safety.

The Bahamas Travel Advisory​

Travel Advisory
January 26, 2024​

The Bahamas - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution​

C
Updated with additional water safety information.
Exercise increased caution in The Bahamas due to crime.
Country Summary: The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport) islands. In Nassau, practice increased vigilance in the “Over the Hill” area (south of Shirley Street) where gang-on-gang violence has resulted in a high homicide rate primarily affecting the local population. Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Be vigilant when staying at short-term vacation rental properties where private security companies do not have a presence.

Activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated. Watercraft may be poorly maintained, and some operators may not have safety certifications.  Always review and heed local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities. Commercial watercraft operators have discretion to operate their vessels regardless of weather forecasts; injuries and fatalities have occurred. Due to these safety concerns, U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.

 

[Girl of the South]

France is a much bigger country - more places that would be 'safe'. France's murder rate is 1.14 per 100,000 people. The Bahamas is 29.17 per 100,000 people. I just think a comparison to a country of a similar size and population would make a better point.

 

[Skippyboo]

Okay definitely not getting off the boat in October

 

[OpieDoodle]

Sheesh, We just got off in Nassau on my September cruise. The immediate market area off the ship is fenced off to locals unless they are a vendor so it felt very safe. My husband wanted to go to a liquor store into town and I was a little spooked for sure.

Guess if I get off in Nassau anymore its just going to be in that immediate market area only.

 

[Flcruising]

An article l read today included State Department warnings for Nassau, Freeport and Jamaica.

 

[Girl of the South]

Jamaica also has a nice fenced in shopping area. Used to have a Margaritaville but it didn’t look open the last time I was there. Souvenirs, some local food, coffees, and a large Duty Free store. I felt very safe there.

 

[Cfabar1]

I think Disney should just have all the three day cruises have a sea day instead of going to Nassau until that place gets things under control.

The sea days are more fun anyways.

 

[eandt]

That’s similar to the murder rate in Hartford CT, there is someone shot almost daily.

Sounds like a weekend in Chicago