Cruise ports in focus The Bahamas

Given the recent attacks on cruise ship passengers in The Bahamas, how weary should travellers be about this destination. What does it have to offer and what are the downsides of visiting the islands? Terry Miller, the founder of Earth Village where the attacks on eighteen cruise passengers took place, says the Bahamian government has promised to set up ‘an intensive security system in the forest’ in response to the incident. He says he arrived at the scene minutes after the robbery and found the tourists shaken but calm. The attackers also hit a Bahamian woman with a gun, according to local paper, The Tribune. Her injuries were minor, the newspaper said.

For many cruise ships the Bahamas are an ideal place, because there’s something for every kind of traveller. ‘Discovered’ Christopher Columbus, in1492 their history has included pirates and rum smugglers who have found the country’s 700 islands and 2400 cays to be ideal locations for their activities, as do modern-day visitors who love to swim, snorkel, explore the beautiful scenery, pretty towns and perfect beaches on offer.

But every upside has a downside and many travellers and cruise passengers report that The Bahamas are also rich in indifferent service and high prices. Nassau and Paradise Island are the locations that are most overdeveloped and consequently seem the most money-hungry and service-poor. If you want fewer crowds and friendlier interactions with natives, it may be better to head for the Out Islands, although most cruise passengers will agree that nothing is cheap in this nation, you’ll get more value for your money here and probably less risk of pick-pocketing or muggings.