There might be some good news for cruise lines soon.  On Monday Dionisio D’Aguilar, the Minister of Tourism and Aviation, gave an update about the reopening plan for the Islands of the Bahamas.

Phase 3 of the “Tourism Readiness & Recovery Plan” will begin on October 15th. This will allow beaches and major hotels to reopen on all islands. However, guests visiting will be required to participate in a 14-day “Vacation in Place” mandade that will allow guests to use facilities but they must stick to the mandate (be it a resort, private location AirBnB, etc) for the 14 days.

Starting on November 1 tours, trips and attractions will reopen. 

There are some guidelines to be aware of according to the Disney Cruise Line Blog:

Effective, September 1, 2020, the Bahamian government announced new entry requirements, including:

• Approved Bahamas Health Visa available at travel.gov.bs
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than five (5) days prior to arrival
  • The only applicants who are not required to provide a COVID-19 test are:
    • Children under the age of ten (10)
    • Pilots and crew who remain overnight in The Bahamas.
• Mandatory 14-day Vacation-In-Place (VIP) Experience at a hotel, private club or rented accommodations (like Airbnb), as well as on a private boat.

You now have to have the Health Visa and a negative COVID-19 test. I’m concerned about that one because people aren’t getting the tests they need now, let alone throw in a bunch of tests just to make sure you can go to the Bahamas. Plus you need to keep in mind that you will be there for 14 days.

It is good news, but until they reach Phase 4 and restrictions get less restrictive, I don’t think many are going to be heading out.

We will keep you posted on updates as we get them.

What do you think? Comment and let us know.

Source: Disney Cruise Line Blog,