Category Archives: Bahamas

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A ship called Serenity sent passengers into chaos.

A pair of cruise liners seized by federal authorities unloaded vacationers before sailing for safety in international waters, according to a New York Post report.

The Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony had crew members on board when authorities caught up to them with a warrant approved by a U.S. federal district court judge, according to multiple reports and Cruise Law News. It remained uncertain Sunday how federal officials had authority to carry out the warrant in the Bahamas, wrote the Post.

Fuel supplier Peninsula Petroleum Far East filed a complaint in Florida last month seeking an arrest warrant against the cruise ships under U.S. admiralty law, The Daily Mail reported.

The seizures came amid allegations the Miami-based owner, Crystal Cruises, failed to pay $4.6 million in fuel bills, by the countrys maritime authority over some type of unpaid bill, Seatrade Cruise News reported.

The scores of passengers aboard both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were left in the Bimini district of the Bahamas, about 50 miles from Miami, said numerous reports, before being ferried to Fort Lauderdale and then left to fend for themselves, wrote the Post.

One passenger, via a Facebook post dated Jan. 31, said Five hours in, we get off the ferry only to find all the luggage dumped everywhere, colors and numbers NOT together, luggage falling down, no porters and NO CRYSTAL REPS. NONE. No one giving instructions. No one helping the older folks. It was a shameful sight.

Following the incident, commenters railed against Crystal Cruises on their own social media accounts: Cool pictures but what good are they if you just drop off passengers wherever you want instead of where you agreed? read one Instagram response.

Stay the [$%^&] outta the Bahamas, another read.

A third boat, the Crystal Endeavor, had to remove passengers after the ship was held in Ushuaia, Argentina, by the countrys maritime authority over some type of unpaid bill, Seatrade Cruise News reported.

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Cruise company dumps passengers before feds seize luxury vessels in Bahamas: Report - silive.com

The Bahamas doesnt have an overwhelming number of all-inclusive hotel options, but what the archipelago nation lacks in quantity it more than makes up in variety. Basic to high-end, intimate to extravagant, the Bahamas has an all-inclusive to match almost any budget and interest, including resorts on private islands and others smack in the middle of the liveliest beaches in Nassau and on Paradise Island.

Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau

Recently renovated to up its luxury quotient, this Cable Beach resort has been enhanced with new swim-up suites, new restaurants, the Coconut Grove beach club, and new amenities at the resorts Barefoot Cay private island. A pair of mid-rise hotel buildings frame two pools, swim-up bars, and a food truck oasis; unique dining options include seafood on Gordons Pier and Aralia House on Barefoot Cay. Activities include diving, kayaking, windsurfing, tennis, basketball, a fitness center, and more. The Red Lane spa has a large menu of treatments available at extra cost.

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The Best All-Inclusive Hotels in The Bahamas - Caribbean Journal

Being spoiled for choice even after you have decided upon a destination is a nice position to be in. This is where I found myself in the Bahamas a desirable option for winter sun thanks to new twice-weekly Virgin Atlantic direct flights that have opened up greater access from the UK. With more than 700 islands and cays and 16 island destinations trailing over 760 miles around the same length as Italy the Bahamas is not your average fly-and-flop tropical destination.

Just a few hundred miles south of Florida, the archipelago is as much a quick fix for sun-seeking Americans as it is a refuge for the rich and famous, and it is easy to see why. An abundance of islands means an abundance of choice. Divers can explore the worlds third-largest barrier reef off Andros. Romantics can enjoy blissful seclusion on Eleuthera a pencil-thin island of wild beauty.

Inagua, the raw and untouched southernmost islands, consist largely of protected national parks, home to more than 80,000 flamingos and 140 species of native migratory birds. And on Grand Bahama, the northernmost island, is Coral Vita, the worlds first land-based commercial coral farm. The initiative gives crucial new life to dying ecosystems and was awarded Prince Williams inaugural Earthshot Prize last year.

Nassau the capital and, just offshore from it, Paradise Island are the gateway to the archipelago. Opt for an immediate departure for barefoot luxury on the remote islands, where A-listers such as Johnny Depp and Shakira own hideaways, or establish a base at one of the more affordable, large resorts here.

Resort need not put you off, though, since all requirements are catered for. The pink confection of Atlantis Paradise Island (replicated in Dubai) is one of the most iconic properties in the region. Its six hotels unfurl from the heart-of-the-action Royal Hotel, surrounded by the Aquaventure water park.

Three sweeping beaches allow for peace and tranquillity. Cementing its reputation, musician Pharrell Williams recently announced plans to open a resort at Atlantis next year Somewhere Else will feature tropical modernist design with cascading pools and landscaped gardens.

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar one of a trio of hotels in the Baha Mar complex manages to marry a Las Vegas-style mega-resort feel with low-key island charm. It becomes easy to forget the sheer size as you enjoy the picture-perfect location and natural beauty. Those looking for entertainment will find it in abundance.

Others will enjoy simply sipping on Bahama Mamas from a private poolside cabana. The food offering, across 20 eateries, is world class.

Venture beyond the resorts and the benefits of a base in Nassau are numerous. Bay Street, downtown, is the oldest thoroughfare in the region. Pastel-coloured buildings line the bustling street, home to the historic Parliament building and artisan Straw Market.

Conch is an ever-present staple on menus across the islands, but there are few places better to enjoy it than Potters Cay, where fishing boats from the Out Islands arrive daily with their bounty. Tourists and Bahamians mingle over ice-cold Kalik beer to enjoy fresh conch cooked in a multitude of ways from the dozens of colourful shacks on the waterfront.

Another social highlight is meeting volunteer Bahamians during a People-to-People Experience. The programme of activities, hosted by residents, includes a hosted tea party at Nassaus historic Government House, a visit to a fish fry on Arawak Cay and a delightful sip-sip session (a good old chat among friends).

In spite of their liberally sprinkled geography, it is easy to explore islands from Nassau and Paradise Island, and one of the most popular day trips is island-hopping around the Exumas.

A speedboat takes you past eye-opening coastal mansions to wide-open seas. After an exhilarating hour, the first of the 365 islands of the Exumas comes into view. They are exquisite, with secluded white beaches, deserted cays and sapphire-blue waters that are so brightly coloured they are said to be visible from space.

Our boat stopped at Iguana Island before heading to private Ship Channel Cay an idyllic spot for snorkelling and the popular swimming-with-pigs experience and a lesson in how to make a fresh conch salad, before whiling away the afternoon taking in the surrounding beauty from the comfort of a sun lounger. The only choice to be made now? Which island to visit next.

The best time to visit is from November to mid-April.

Virgin Atlantic flies direct between Heathrow and Nassau twice a week with return fares from 625,virginatlantic.com

Seven nights at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar with Virgin Atlantic from 1,410pp. Seven nights at the Cove at The Atlantis from 2,014pp,virginholidays.co.uk

Fully vaccinated arrivals and children aged two-11 must present a negative antigen test (three days); unvaccinated arrivals must present a negative PCR test result.

All travellers must apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa in advance of travel, which is free for vaccinated arrivals and under-10s and $50 for unvaccinated.bahamas.com

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With new flights available to the Bahamas, its 700 tropical islands and cays are more alluring than ever - iNews

A second ship from the embattled Crystal Cruises line has cut short its trip and offloaded passengers in the Bahamas as the company faces a legal dispute over millions of dollars in fuel bills.

The itinerary changes for the Crystal Serenity followed a judge's order last month to seize the Crystal Symphony if it enters U.S. waters.

The Crystal Serenity was originally scheduled to take about 200 passengers on a three-and-a-half month expedition, but two days after leaving Miami on Jan. 17, the company announced it would suspend operations through April. The ship canceled several port calls since then.

Passengers were told the ship would end the cruise in Aruba, but then local officials did not allow the ship to dock this weekend, so the ship was diverted to Bimini, a company spokesman said. The cruise line then ferried the passengers to Fort Lauderdale, where they were taken to hotels Monday night.

The passengers will be reimbursed for any applicable airline change fees, said Crystal Cruises spokesman Vance Gulliksen.

There are simply no words to express our deep regret and disappointment, the companys statement said.

The ship that had a seizure order, Crystal Symphony, was supposed to return to Miami on Jan. 22, but instead changed its course to Bimini, also offloading and ferrying passengers to Fort Lauderdale.

A federal judge overseeing a lawsuit that accuses the cruise line of failing to pay $4.6 million for fuel issued the warrant for the Crystal Symphony on Jan. 20. The maritime order authorizes U.S. Marshals to board a vessel and take charge once it approaches the U.S. coast.

In the complaint filed in a Miami federal court last month, Peninsula Petroleum Far East lists sales totaling $2.2 million of fuel to Crystal Serenity that were not paid. Gulliksen said there is no warrant against the Crystal Serenity.

Some passengers on the voyage, which would have ended in California in late May, said they were glad to leave.

Im delighted to be off that ship, said Barry Shulman, 75, of Las Vegas.

The company announced it was suspending operations through late April to provide Crystals management team with an opportunity to evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward.

The cruise lines parent company, Genting Hong Kong, has been struggling with the effects of the pandemic on its shipping and cruise businesses. Last month, one of its shipyards filed for bankruptcy protection in Germany.

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Crystal Cruises Diverts 2nd Ship to Bahamas to Avoid Seizure ...

A second cruise ship operated by Crystal Cruises has diverted to the Bahamas in the wake of its parent company's filing for liquidation.

In a statement sent to Insider Tuesday, the company said that the Crystal Serenity was cleared to dock in Aruba Friday, but was denied entry to the port later that day. The ship, which set sail from Port Miami January 17 to cruise the Caribbean, instead transported passengers to Bimini in the Bahamas Monday, before ferrying them to Fort Lauderdale, according to the statement.

The latest diversioncomes as Crystal Cruises grapples with the pending liquidation of its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, announced January 19, just two days after the Crystal Serenity set sail.

Crystal Cruises announced on January 19 that it would suspend all cruises through to April. Currently, only one other cruise ship operated by Crystal Cruises, the Crystal Endeavor, is still at sea, according to cruise tracking website, cruisemapper.com. The company did not confirm to Insider what would happen to the Endeavor cruise.

Another ship, the Crystal Symphony, also diverted to the Bahamas January 23, after an arrest warrant was issued in relation to a $1.2 million unpaid fuel bill owed by Genting Hong Kong, Bloomberg reported. The ship diverted from its destination of Miami, where the warrant would permit it to be seized, according to the report.

One passenger told The Miami Herald that the situation onboard the Crystal Serenity was a "colossal mess."

Nancy Plencner, who told the publication that she and her husband had paid over $75,000 for travel arrangements, added: "Everyone is up in arms. We have spent the majority of this cruise making travel plans, changing plans, losing more money on nonrefundable airline tickets and cruise deposits on other lines."

Plencner told the publication that they were due to be onboard for 116 days.

In the statement to Insider, Crystal Cruises said that there were "no reasonable risks or claims made against the vessel" which prevented it from docking in Aruba.

According to the statement, overnight accommodation Monday was provided by Crystal Cruises. The company also told Insider they would cover the cost of any replacement flights.

The suspension of itineraries and pending liquidation of Genting comes at a turbulent time for the cruise industry in the wake of the pandemic. Insider's Brittany Chang previously reported that a number of cruise lines had canceled sailings or returned home.

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Second Crystal Cruises Ship Diverts to Bahamas As Aruba Entry ...

Though temperatures have cooled a bit, the sun continues to shine bright over The Bahamas!

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation Appoints New Leadership Seasoned Bahamian business professional Latia Duncombe has been named Acting Director General, and Dr. Kenneth Romer, formerly the Ministry's Executive Director, was selected as Deputy Director General. The new leadership team will oversee efforts to drive continued growth and recovery of tourism, and further propel The Bahamas as a leading Caribbean destination.

Grand Reopening of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort After completing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian is now welcoming back guests to the luxurious, all-inclusive resort and private offshore island. Highlights of the resort's enhancements include new swim-up suites and private villas, upgraded restaurants and five new dining venues, as well as new and exciting entertainment offerings.

Pharrell Williams Announces Resort Plans in The Bahamas13-time Grammy winner Pharrell Williams announced plans to bring 'tropical modernism' to Atlantis Paradise Island with an all-new resort, Somewhere Else. The 400-room property is scheduled to open in 2024 and will feature multiple bars and restaurants, as well as bungalows with recording studios.

Superyacht Marina "Norman's Cay" Opens in The ExumasNorman's Cay, a secluded and charming island located at the northern end of The Exumas, is now welcoming captains to the new 37-slip marina that accommodates a range of vessels, including luxury yachts and swooped sailboats.

Aztec Airways Adds New Nonstop Flights to EleutheraAztec Airways adds twice-weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale to Rock Sound Airport on the island of Eleuthera. The new service joins existing routes to North Eleuthera and Governor's Harbour, as well as to Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, Abaco.

The Bahamas and Homesick Inspire Wanderlust The limited-edition "The Bahamas" candle,inspired by the destination's warm temperatures, unique culture and idyllic white sand beaches, brings island vibes to travellers' homes. Now through 28 February 2022, consumers can enter to win the ultimate Bahamas escape to Caerula Mar Club, South Andros.

PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

Visitors Travel with Confidence at Baha Mar The world's first "Travel with Confidence" program continues at Baha Mar. Guests who test positive for COVID-19 can choose between complimentary private air travel home, or free 14-day quarantine accommodations with a daily $150 dining credit.

U.S. & Canadian Travellers Fly Free to the Out Islands When island hopping from Nassau, travellers prebooking a minimum 4-night stay at an Out Islandparticipating property will receive one free airline or ferry ticket. Booking window now through 14 February 2022.

ABOUTExplore all the islands have to offer atwww.bahamas.com/deals-packagesor on Facebook,YouTubeorInstagramto see why It's Better in The Bahamas

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation[emailprotected]

Weber ShandwickPublic Relations[emailprotected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE BAHAMAS IN FEBRUARY - PRNewswire

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas welcomed almost one million stopover visitors in 2021, based on preliminary data, according to Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper.

Cooper, the minister of tourism, investments and aviation, told Parliament yesterday: By the end of 2021, The Bahamas tourism arrivals month over month were approaching 2019 levels for the corresponding periods, with international air travel down just by five percent in December compared to December 2019.

For the full year 2021, The Bahamas welcomed almost one million stopover visitors, according to our preliminary numbers.

While this is below our number of stopover arrivals for 2019, the global average shows that stopover visitors were down more than 72 percent worldwide, according to the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization).

Land reform

Cooper also touched on the issue of land reform, noting that it has been a thorny issue.

He noted that since coming to office, the Davis administration has appointed a land reform working group to look into the issue.

Referring to the issue of beach access, Cooper said: We believe that Bahamians should have simple and easily identifiable access to beaches.

Public beaches are our right.

While we plan to work with developers for the most favorable outcomes for their projects, Bahamians must not be sidelined and denied access to our beautiful beaches as our country develops.

He also said he has asked governmental town councils to identify appropriate beach access across the islands well in advance of development in those areas.

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PRELIMINARY NUMBERS: Bahamas welcomed almost one million stopover visitors in 2021 - EyeWitness News

Dear Editor,

I wish to call your attention to Bahamian flag ships anchored in the Bahamas, and those hiding out in Bahamian waters while avoiding arrest for crimes committed elsewhere.

I question if and how these ships were able to get permission to carry on this kind of activity when Bahamians are being housed in tents.

The Bahamas is listed among countries least prepared for a future epidemic, but is this really true?

These Bahamian ships are enjoying a luxury that true citizens of this country cannot. If they carry the Bahamian flag and that makes them Bahamian, why are they (the plague ships) not charged duty on the value of the ship by Bahamas customs after 48 hours entry into Bahamian territorial waters? If they cleared Customs and laid up, what kind of clearance did they receive and from whom?

You are either one or the other. If you are seeking friendly passage, you continue on your way. But if you take up residence here in The Bahamas, you should pay the same as I do. I pay real property tax, I pay customs duty at every entrance, I have to have a sewage system to safely dispose of human waste and I have a garbage truck that removes my household trash. How long can our ecosystem tolerate the dumping of human waste in the water? For free?

This is what happens to a nation that believes it has no natural resources and allows its sun, sand and sea to be used as a dumping ground for plague ships and hideout for those who do not wish to honor their financial obligations.

If you think about it, allowing them here gives us a bad reputation a reputation we spend millions each year to advertise.

Anonymous

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Letters to the Editor: How are 'plague ships' allowed in The Bahamas? - EyeWitness News

The Commanding Officer of the Royal Navy ship HMS Medway and the British High Commissioner, Sarah Dickson, joined BNT President Geoff Andrews and Executive Director Eric Carey to plant a tree for the Jubilee.

Since the beginning of 2020, HMS MEDWAY has been deployed to the Caribbean as the Royal Navys permanent presence in the region. She provides support and humanitarian aid in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster and works side-by-side with regional law enforcement, helping to stop the flow of illegal drugs from South America to Europe and North America. The ship is visiting Nassau from January 25 28 as part of its preparations for the 2022 hurricane season. The Commanding Officer, Chris Hollingworth was joined by the UKs Defence Attach, Lt Col Simon Westlake, who leads on defence cooperation between the UK and The Bahamas.

The year 2022 will see celebrations for Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee. To mark the 70th anniversary of her reign, a unique tree planting initiative known as The Queens Green Canopy has been created. The aim of this initiative is to inspire everyone, from individuals to community groups, schools, and corporates, to play their part in enhancing our environment. With a focus on planting sustainably, the Queens Green Canopy encourages planting trees to create a legacy, which will benefit future generations.

The Retreat Garden National Park was an ideal location for this inaugural tree planting as HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as patron of The Bahamas National Trust, officially opened The Retreat in 1985 as the BNTs then-Headquarters. Two Lignum Vitae trees were planted in the park in to honour the jubilee.

Commander Chris Hollingworth said:

It is a pleasure to be in The Bahamas as we prepare for the 2022 hurricane season. We have seen first-hand the impact of extreme weather on vulnerable communities. Planting a tree is an ideal way to support the environment and reduce carbon emissions.

The British High Commissioner said:

2022 will be a busy year of activity, with the Platinum Jubilee of our shared Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, linking the UK and The Bahamas in celebration. It is great to have HMS Medway visiting and planting a tree to kick us off in January. There will be plenty more Jubilee action to come.

Eric Carey, the BNTs Executive Director, welcomed this activity at The Retreat Garden:

We are fortunate to have this oasis in the city of Nassau. The BNT welcomes partnerships that encourage sustainable environmental activity. Working together, we can have a positive impact to last for generations.

Bahamas National Trust: Leah Carr, Email lcarr@bnt.bs, Telephone (242) 429-7902

British High Commission Nassau: Jerusa Ali, Email jerusa.ali@fcdo.gov.uk

The British High Commission in Nassau maintains and develops relations between the UK and The Bahamas. We work in The Bahamas on a wide range of issues including political, environmental, security and the shared Commonwealth agenda. We also work on furthering the UK as a partner for trade and destination for inward investment and collaborating on global issues.

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The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) was created by an Act of Parliament in 1959 to build and manage the national park system of The Bahamas. Possibly the only non-governmental organization in the world charged with such a responsibility, the BNT works daily to conserve and protect the natural resources of The Bahamas through science, stewardship and education for present and future generations. There are currently 32 National Parks managed by the BNT with more than 2 million acres of marine and terrestrial areas protected.

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Jubilee Tree Planting at the Bahamas National Trust's Retreat - GOV.UK

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The northern parts of The Bahamas will experience significant drops in temperature beginning Friday evening until Monday as a cold front sweeps the east coast of Florida, according to meteorologists.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Department of Meteorology Deputy Director Jeffrey Simmons said temperatures could reach as low as 40 on Grand Bahama, for example, and in the low 50s on New Providence.

In addition to low temperatures, strong winds will accompany the cold front, coined Winter Storm Kenan by the Weather Channel.

Kenan is expected to bring strong winds, heavy snow and coastal flooding to parts of the east coast.

We here in The Bahamas are going to experience [a] serious drop in temperature also, Simmons said.

As a matter of fact, when you look at Grand Bahama and Abaco, on Saturday, the temperature is going to remain in the 60s all day, but we expect on Saturday night, in particular, temperatures in places like Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini to be in the low 50s to upper 40s.

Then you move further south into New Providence, Eleuthera and Andros you are looking at temperatures in the low 50s, upper 60s on Saturday night.

That cold front is bringing down a lot of cold air with it and we are going to have some strong winds on Saturday, so we could be experiencing wind chill factors well into the 40s especially around the Grand Bahama [and] Abaco on Saturday and Saturday evening.

Boaters in the extreme northern Bahamas have been advised to remain in port over the weekend, with predictions of gale force winds on Friday night and up to Sunday morning.

But the winds are [not] going to last very long; we expect them to subside by noon on Sunday, but the cold temperatures, they are going to be with us at least until Monday or Tuesday, Simmons said.

Asked if the temperature drop and wind chill was cause for concern for Abaco residents who continue to reside in temporary housing as they rebuild their homes that were destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, Simmons said not many showers are anticipated to accompany the cold front in The Bahamas, but the temperatures and strong winds are significant features.

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BUNDLE UP: Temp to hit low 40s as Winter Storm Kenan expected to hit parts of The Bahamas - EyeWitness News