THE BAHAMAS, May 12, 2022 – With a strong showing of validation of the cruise industry’s return and optimism, and reflecting a long-standing partnership betweenCarnival Cruise Line and The Bahamas, Carnival, in cooperation with the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the Government of The Bahamas, today held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new cruise port destination on Grand Bahama Island.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy; Bahamas Prime Minister The Honourable Philip Davis; Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister The Honourable I. Chester Cooper; Minister for Grand Bahama The Honourable Ginger Moxey; and The Grand Bahama Port Authority Acting Chairman Sarah St. George; along with Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald and representatives from Carnival Corporation and the local community used ceremonial shovels to officially mark the beginning of construction.
“With the start of this Carnival project, Grand Bahama is now on the better side of reaching its true economic potential,” said The Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “This investment will provide much needed jobs but will also signal new hope for the island’s recovery.”
The new Carnival Grand Bahama cruise port destination, expected to open in late 2024, is being developed on the south side of the island and will continue to serve as a gateway to Grand Bahama while also offering guests a uniquely Bahamian experience with many exciting features and amenities, along with business opportunities for the residents of Grand Bahama.
“As we celebrate our 50-year partnership with The Bahamas, today’s groundbreaking on our incredible new Grand Bahama destination represents an opportunity to collaborate with the government and people of Grand Bahama – to contribute to the local economy through job and business opportunities, meaningfully engage with local communities, and further expand our experience offerings for our guests who will have a breathtaking new port of call to enjoy,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. “Our sincere thanks to the government of The Bahamas and The Grand Bahama Port Authority for their continued support as we begin construction. Our guests already love The Bahamas, and we are certain this new project will give them even more reason to want to visit.”
The Grand Bahama Port Authority Acting Chairman Sarah St. George commented: “The new Carnival cruise port destination will have a monumental impact on our island’s economy, including a panoply of new business opportunities, a huge surge in tourist visitors, as well as increased activities for established businesses. It is transformational in the true sense of the word. We are immensely grateful to Carnival for choosing Freeport and Grand Bahama for this flagship project. Today, we mark this incredible achievement made possible by the efforts of Carnival with The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Port Group Limited, the Grand Bahama Development Company and Freeport Harbour Company, and the Government of The Bahamas. A project of this magnitude is only possible through genuine collaboration. Grand Bahamians have withstood life-changing challenges, particularly in recent years. Despite these, Carnival never wavered in their commitment to building their next cruise port in Freeport. We are very proud to have played our part to the best of our ability towards making this a reality.”
The cruise port development includes a pier able to accommodate up to two Excel-class ships simultaneously welcoming guests to a stunning white-sand beach The Bahamas are known for. Guests will be able to explore and enjoy Grand Bahama by way of sea, via a dedicated shore excursion dock, or by land, via the dedicated ground transportation hub. The cruise port itself will also feature an area designated as a nature reserve and an interior pool feature, along with many Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for guests to enjoy.
“The Carnival groundbreaking is very significant to the residents of Grand Bahama. This development signals opportunities for creatives, vendors, and small and medium sized businesses, and represents our commitment to collaboration with local and international partners for the betterment of our island,” said The Honourable Ginger M. Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama.
The cruise pier will allow Grand Bahama to welcome guests from Carnival’s larger ships, such as the 5,282-passengerMardi Gras, which debuted in 2021 as the line’s largest and most innovative ship and North America’s first cruise ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, which will begin sailing from Miami later this year.
Added Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism, Investment and Aviation The Honourable I. Chester Cooper: “The cruise port is an integral part of our plan to restore Grand Bahama to economic viability. Carnival will play a critical role in stimulating our economy and shining a light on Grand Bahama as a rejuvenated and premier destination in our country and the region. We believe the excitement of what is happening on Grand Bahama will be contagious.”
Today’s event was an important next step as construction gets underway. Additional details on the design, features and the name of the cruise port destination will be revealed over the coming months as Carnival finalizes its plans to maximize the fun for their guests and the opportunities to partner with local businesses and other stakeholders.
Many people in the US are extremely disappointed that their cruise and travel plans in 2020 have come to a halt due to the Covid-19 virus, and many cruise passengers are changing up their way of travel and deciding to travel by land to the Caribbean & Mexico.
Each destination has their own Covid-19 restrictions in place that may include curfews or limited activities and services. Also, as a reminder, most standard travel insurance policies do not cover medical or travel expenses related to the Covid-19, and borders can close as well as flights being canceled with little warning. In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that Americans avoid contact with others for 14 days after they return from international travel.
For those looking to head to the Caribbean or Mexico to get away, here are several destinations that are currently allowing U.S. citizens to enter, although there may be restrictions. Below I have listed the current travel restriction to take into consideration if thinking about traveling to one of these islands. Keep in mind these are current restrictions and they can change daily so if planning a vacation to any of these destinations continue to monitor for changes daily as you prepare for your vacation.
ANTIGUA
All travelers arriving by air over the age of 12 must complete a Health Declaration Form, a traveler accommodation form, and must provide a certificate of a negative Covid-19 test taken within seven days of arrival. There may be further screening on arrival, and passengers may be subject to an additional test if health authorities decide one is necessary and required to pay $100 for the test Visitors should self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms for up to 14 days.
Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine for 14 days unless a negative test result is obtained.
ARUBA
Residents from one of the states that are considered to be at higher risk of Covid-19 must upload proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken between 12 and 72 hours before flying or they won’t be allowed to board their flight. Residents of the other states have the option of uploading a test or having one taken at the airport for a $75 fee. Travelers must quarantine at their lodging for up to 24 hours while awaiting their results. All visitors must complete an Embarkation/Disembarkation card.
Island guests must also purchase mandatory Aruba Visitors Insurance to cover up to $75,000 in expenses should they test positive for Covid-19 during their stay.
THE BAHAMAS
A national lockdown began Aug. 4 and will remain in place at least through Aug. 18. All businesses, including curbside and takeaway dining and retail, have suspended operations. Residents may leave their homes only at certain times and only to obtain essential items.
The country is open to international visitors during the lockdown, but it is recommended that all travel be limited to essential purposes. Visitors must adhere to the lockdown.
All incoming passengers over age 10 must apply for a Bahamas Health Visa and show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 10 days of arrival. In addition, all travelers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
BARBADOS
All visitors must complete an online immigration and customs form within 24 hours of travel, and it is recommended that travelers have proof of a negative virus test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
Those arriving from the United States, considered to be a high-risk state, will be tested at the airport free of charge, but will be required to remain at the airport or a government-approved facility pending the results. If the test is negative, the visitor must still quarantine at a designated holding hotel or approved villa at their own expense, or at a government facility free of charge. The quarantine is generally for 14 days, but may be shortened to seven days if a second test taken five to seven days after arrival and it is negative.
In-transit passengers must have proof of a negative coronavirus test before landing.
BELIZE
Belize is scheduled to reopen on Aug. 15. Arriving guests who have proof of a negative Covid-19 test within three days of arriving can use a “fast track” entry lane, while others will have to pay for and undergo testing at the airport. Anyone testing positive will not be allowed to leave the country, but instead must isolate for at least 14 days at the passenger’s expense. Visitors must stay at a “Tourism Gold Standard” hotel, which can offer full services, thereby lessening the interaction with locals.
No rental cars will be available at first, and parks and tourist sites will only be accessible with an approved tour operator. Face masks are required in public.
BERMUDA
Bermuda has a very extensive screening process in place and it requires a $75 fee to cover the cost of mandatory in country Covid-19 test that will be given at the airport and again on day three, seven and fourteen of a traveler’s stay. Visitors are also asked to bring a thermometer and a face mask.
In addition to being tested at the airport, anyone 10 and older is asked to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within three days of their flight to Bermuda. Those with proof of a negative test still must quarantine at their hotel for about eight hours pending the results of their airport test. Those arriving without proof of a negative test are confined to their accommodation for three days.
All travelers must complete an online travel authorization form within 48 hours of their flight, then take and record their temperature twice a day for the first 14 days of their visit. Face masks are also required.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic reopened to tourists on July 1. Visitors must complete a Health Affidavit that attests that they have not experienced any Covid-19 symptoms in the past 72 hours. A temperature check will be taken at the airport. Anyone with a fever or other Covid-19 symptoms will be tested. Hotels are also required to check a guest’s temperature when they arrive, as well as operators of water excursions. Curfews are in effect in many places.
JAMAICA
All tourists age 12 and older arriving from New York, Florida, Arizona, and Texas must upload a negative Covid-19 test that was taken within 10 days of their arrival date. All passengers must complete a Travel Authorization screening form within 72 hours of their trip and present it at the airport or they will not be allowed to board their flight.
Arriving passengers will undergo temperature checks and will be asked health screening questions. If they are considered at high risk, they may be required to take a Covid-19 test. Anyone tested must quarantine at their accommodations until the results are available, usually within 48 hours. Those who test positive must isolate at their hotel or at a government facility.
All tourists staying at hotels, villas or guesthouses must remain within a designated tourist corridor, where operators have been trained in Covid-19 protocols. Masks must be worn in all common areas.
Visitors staying at a private residence are required to quarantine there for 14 days, leaving only once per day to get necessities.
MEXICO
Land crossings between the United States and Mexico remain closed until at least late August but U.S. visitors can arrive by plane. Tourists may be subject to temperature checks and other health screenings, and those showing symptoms may be asked to quarantine voluntarily.
Many Mexican states are open only for essential services, while others are operating at reduced capacity. However, some local authorities have also imposed their own restrictions, so travelers should check with local sources for the latest updates.
PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico has postponed its reopening to tourists from the US.
Although when they do reopen they are planning that visitors will be required to have evidence of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival and complete an online travel declaration form. If the test result is pending, they will be required to quarantine until it is available. If the result comes back positive, or if it doesn’t arrive, the person must quarantine for 14 days. Those arriving without a test must have one done on the island at their own expense and will have to quarantine while awaiting the result. Anyone not taking a test must quarantine for 14 days.
ST. LUCIA
Visitors must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within the past seven days, unless they are coming from a country within a Caribbean “bubble.” Arriving passengers must have completed a travel registration and they will go through a health screening and have their temperatures taken. Anyone showing symptoms of the virus will be tested, and if the results are positive, the person will be transferred to a hospital for treatment at their expense.
Visitors must have confirmed reservations at a Covid-19 certified accommodation provider for the duration of their stay. Currently it will be more difficult to explore the island as there are no rental cars and only a small number of tours will be available to book through the hotels. Masks are required in public.
.ST MAARTEN
.Before arrival, visitors must complete an online health declaration and receive a reply giving them permission to visit. Those over age of 10 from a country identified as high or moderate risk for transmission of the virus must show proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of boarding their flights.
Travelers from moderate and high-risk countries need to bring a thermometer, and they must upload daily information about their body temperature and any flu-like symptoms. Those from moderate-risk countries must comply for eight days, while those from high-risk countries must comply for 14 day.
Travel insurance that will cover any Covid-19 related expenses is also mandatory.
TURKS AND CAICOS
The Turks and Caicos Islands reopened its borders on July 22. The country is requiring a negative Covid-19 test result taken within five days of travel. Visitors also must have insurance that covers any Covid-19 related medical costs, as well as an air ambulance or medevac. A Travel Authorization Form and a health screening questionnaire must be completed by all passengers before boarding a plane to the islands.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS
U.S. Virgin Islands travelers will be required to apply for certification via an online portal designed to pre-screen visitors for Covid-19 prior to their arrival.
The portal will process and evaluate COVID-19 test information submitted by travelers from “highly impacted areas” within 24 to 48 hours, with a “certification code” issued immediately upon completion, said U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism officials in a statement. Highly impacted areas are areas with a greater than 10% positivity rate. If you are traveling from a high risk area and are 15 years and older you will be required to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test.
Travelers will be processed upon their arrival in the territory by Virgin Islands Port Authority personnel utilizing portal certification data in conjunction with the Department of Health and the Virgin Islands National Guard. Arriving visitors will also undergo temperature checks via thermal scanners.
