Another unprecedented situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Greg Allard for sharing.
This photo appears in today’s Wall Street Journal, with the following caption:
“Cruise ships idled off the coast of the Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, as seen by satellite.
PHOTO: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY VIA MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES”
A check of AIS shows the same situation. It’s sad to see the Bahamas become a dumping and storage ground for these ships.
Greg Allard
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Posted: 06 May 2020 01:45 PM PDT
A REPORT FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS, BAHAMAS– The bridge from Spanish Wells to Russell Island has collapsed, cutting off access to the islands and cutting off the community’s access to its main water supply.
Progressive Liberal Party Senator Clay Sweeting told Eyewitness News a cement truck and golf cart were on the bridge when it collapsed shortly before 2 p.m.
Sweeting said the government signed a contract to replace the bridge in July 2019.
“It’s been deteriorating for some time,” he said.
“The new bridge is in containers on Russell Island waiting to be installed, so right now it’s not too much that can be done. There are a lot of residents on Russell Island that cannot transport themselves to Spanish Wells and vice versa.
“Also the water main is attached to the bridge and that also has collapsed. So now the community over there will be without water for the most part.”
Sweeting added: “Right now we are trying to assess the situation not much we can do. We need to get some heavy equipment in.”
Bahamas Chatter is produced by A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, Explorer Chartbooks, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Cruising Permit Update
Cruising Permit Update
Posted: 05 May 2020 02:06 PM PDT
CRUISING PERMIT UPDATE – from the Bahamas Customs Department:
“Because of the Emergency Orders that are in place, any vessel in Bahamian waters whose Cruising Permit expires will not be penalized. Once the E/O has been lifted, the renewal process will be resumed.”
Regards,
Geannine R. Moss, Ed.D, MBA, MPA
Comptroller of Customs
Bahamas Customs Department
(242) 604-3021, (242) 604-3116
(242) 322-6223 (fax)
Once again Greg Allard graciously shares his photographic skills and descriptive writing to help lift our spirits during the pandemic. Thank you Greg.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Bahamas Marinas Helping Cruisers
| Bahamas Marinas Helping Cruisers Posted: 18 Apr 2020 12:24 PM PDT Updated 4/17/20The Government of The Bahamas has released official COVID-19 related protocols for foreign and local boats that are currently in the waters of The Bahamas. The Bahamas Safe Passage Home and Sea Quarantine has been established by the Association of Bahamas Marinas as an orderly way to help boats either remain moored or leave Bahamian waters safely while minimizing the risk of spreading the virus throughout the islands. The program will be in effect until normal border travel is restored. Please note that our program exists within the existing guidelines of the curfew order. Service will NOT be offered on days where a total shutdown has been ordered. Boaters will be granted safe passage through Bahamian waters provided they observe the requirements of the government protocols. There are now strategically placed participating marinas through the country available and open to provide vessels with water, provisioning and fuel, provided you have made arrangements with that marina prior to arrival. The program also applies to those crossing through Bahamian waters in order to get back to their country of origin (Right of Innocent Passage). Pre-approval from the DGC must be granted for this and any other exceptions to the protocols. Recreational boating from one island to another is strictly prohibited by the government. Participating Marinas:
For more information on the program, please post questions on The Bahamas, Land & Sea Facebook group page https://www.facebook.com/ Please note in the amended protocols only the email of Capt. Hutchinson has changed – it is now sheltering@bahamasmaritime.com
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The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is at present operating under a STATE OF EMERGENCY, with extraordinary powers having been conferred upon the Government to combat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic for the protection of The Bahamian People. Our thanks to N Z Christiani for this notice.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New Chart for Bimini Harbour Entrance
| New Chart for Bimini Harbour Entrance Posted: 09 Apr 2020 11:37 AM PDT
The shoal at the entrance to Bimini Harbour continues to move south and has necessitated moving the approach waypoint. Above is the updated section of the approach chart. The channel entrance is still continuing to change and will probably require more updates. Vessels exiting the Bahamas via Bimini should use visual piloting and disregard older charts negotiating the bar here. Buoys are shown in their current positions but it should not be expected that they will remain there or even properly mark the the best approach to Bimini in the future. |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Returning to the US” plus 1 more
| Returning to the US Posted: 08 Apr 2020 01:08 PM PDT From Chris Parker: We heard from a client who tried to clear into Miami Monday and was turned away, but we are not sure of the details. We have heard from other clients who did clear into difficult places (USVI and PuertoRico Ports which were supposedly closed) with no hassle at all by using the US Customs and Border Patrol ROAM app. So if you are eligible, use the ROAM app. LakeWorth Inlet may be a good option for some. There may be other options as good as or better than LakeWorth Inlet, but here’s what we know with reasonable certainty as of today for LakeWorth Inlet / WestPalmBeach: We believe the information above is correct as of Wed8, but as they say “your mileage may vary”, and of course the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. If you have updated information on COVID-19 related stuff of interest to Cruisers, please send it to covid19@waterwayguide.com, editor@noonsite.com and/or send it to chris@mwxc.com and we’ll forward it to WaterwayGuide and/or Noonsite as appropriate. |
| Bahamas Government lockdowns causing problems leaving the Bahamas Posted: 08 Apr 2020 05:30 AM PDT UPDATE FOR PRIVATE VESSELS Under the current 24-hour curfew emergency orders, now extended until April 30, all domestic inter-island traffic by air or boat within The Bahamas remains temporarily banned. The emergency orders will, however, allow foreign pleasure craft currently anchored or moored in The Bahamas to depart DIRECTLY FOR THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, making only the absolute minimum necessary stops in order to ensure safe passage. Vessels returning to the United States are permitted to re-fuel at fuel docks, but ARE PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING ANY CREW OR PASSENGERS. All private vessels departing The Bahamas must do so expeditiously, with minimal stops or delays. FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS Please note that vessels will NOT BE ABLE TO RE-FUEL or make use of fuel docks DURING THE FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced on April 6 (see below for details). Vessels can still transit through Bahamian waters on a direct route back to the United States, but cannot re-fuel. We urge any and all U.S. citizens on private vessels to return to the United States as soon as possible, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE NEXT FULL LOCKDOWN period begins at 9:00pm on Wed, April 8. Do not wait; the time to leave is now. Depart as soon as weather and provisions allow you to do so safely, or be prepared to remain in The Bahamas for an indefinite period of time. It bears repeating: restrictions to movement in The Bahamas continue to evolve rapidly, and WE CANNOT PREDICT if, when, for how long, or HOW SEVERELY MOVEMENT through The Bahamas MAY BE RESTRICTED further. In every instance, all vessels must follow the directions of the Bahamian authorities. FULL LOCKDOWN SCHEDULE (when vessels can still move directly towards the US, but cannot re-fuel): – 9pm on Wednesday, April 8 – 5am on Tuesday, April 14 Once more, private vessels departing The Bahamas must avoid any unnecessary deviation on the way to their final destination. Crew and passengers are PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING and MUST REMAIN ABOARD their vessel. The emergency orders only allow stop-offs for re-fueling or to receive provisions essential for safe transit, such as food and water, outside the full lockdown periods noted above. |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New Grocery Store Hours
| New Grocery Store Hours Posted: 06 Apr 2020 06:36 AM PDT BREAKING NEWS: The Government has issued a grocery shopping schedule that goes into effect on Monday, April 6 for the ENTIRE country. Adults with the last name beginning A through F can go to the store: Adults with last name beginning G through O can go to the store: Adults with the last name beginning P through Z can go to the store: Senior citizens (60 and over) and people with disabilities can go Tuesdays 6am – noon as well as on the days and times assigned to the first letter of their last name. ??Each household is to designate a single person to carry out the grocery shopping Prime Minister Hubert Minnis will provide further details when the House of Assembly meets at 10am on Monday, April 6. |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders
the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders
Posted: 04 Apr 2020 04:00 PM PDT
The Bahamas are trying really hard to ensure the family islands do not get infected with COVID-19. These smaller islands do not have medical facilities for such a situation. COVID-19 as of yesterday, according to Bahamas News sites, is only on Grand Bahamas and Nassau.
There seems to be a bit of misinformation being posted on the internet about what boaters can and can not do in the Bahamas. Some boater are not aware of the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and more recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders (AKA Do not leave your boat). So below is detailed information from official Bahamas government web site(s) and US Embassy:
From the US Embassy:
“On April 3, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced a full lockdown order for all of The Bahamas effective 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3 through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6. Virtually all businesses and service providers are closed, including grocery stores. All U.S.-bound flights have been canceled. Hospitals, hotels with guests, law enforcement and essential utility personnel are excepted from this around the clock shutdown over this weekend. We urge all U.S. citizens still in The Bahamas and its territorial waters to shelter in place or stay in your home and yard, on your vessel, or in your hotel/lodging until the full lockdown is lifted using whatever resources you have at your disposal until the regular 24-hour curfew regulations resume on Monday, April 6, at 5:01 a.m. ”
https://www.bahamas.com/
The Emergency Order remains in effect until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31 [this has been extended], unless otherwise stated. Preventative restrictions are being enforced to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including:
– No visitor shall be permitted to enter and disembark for any reason including transiting through The Bahamas.
– All airports throughout the entire Bahamas, including private airports and fixed-base operations (FBOs), shall be closed to all flights.
– All sea ports shall be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating.
– Air and sea restrictions do not apply to: cargo flights or cargo ships, commercial courier flights, emergency medical flights or emergency flights approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
– All international visitors currently in The Bahamas should be prepared to stay for an indefinite period of time.
– No person shall offer for hire or seek to travel on any mail boat, sailing inter island, except for transport of freight; or inter island private commercial sea transport.
– All residents will be placed on a 24-hour curfew and are to remain at home to avoid contact outside of their family, except for those who have been deemed essential workers, or have special permission from the Commissioner of Police.
– Residents can leave their homes for essential travel to the doctor, grocery store, bank, pharmacy or to refuel; as well as for outside exercise, not exceeding an hour and a half per day between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., provided that the exercise is conducted in one’s yard or one’s immediate neighborhood and no person shall drive to any place to exercise.
– Proper social distancing guidelines of at least six feet (6ft.) must be followed at all times while outside the home.
– All public beaches, markets and docks will be closed, and no vehicles are permitted on any public or private roads for any purpose other than stated above.
Full details of this order and the previous Emergency Order may be found at opmbahamas.com.”
For those posting from the Bahamas, the State of Emergency Proclamation also states:
“no person shall publish or cause to be published, posted or re-posted, over any media platform inclusive of social media, any purported news or report, or purported statement of fact, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the statement is untrue or false or may incite public fear, panic or ethnic hatred.”
And as one of the other boaters correctly posted:
“The regulations state that any person who contravenes the provisions commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or both.”
One good reason for the more recent lockdown might be to give the Health Department time to conduct case contact tracing on the last few COVID-19 cases and more testing while everyone is in lockdown (AKA not moving or spreading the virus).
We love the Bahamas and appreciate the steps they are taking to contain COVID-19. Many of the northern islands are still recovering from the last hurricane (e.g. house damage, public water in Grand Bahamas still has salt water incursion). Please help ensure that we do our part by not bring COVID-19 to the family island or into their country. Thx.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Report from the Exumas” plus 1 more
Report from the Exumas
Posted: 04 Apr 2020 05:50 AM PDT
Restrictions on social contact are being carefully enforced at the local level.
From an official at Staniel Cay:
The folks at Black Point can not come up to Staniel… no travel between islands is allowed except for emergencies.
Cruiser Report from Green Turtle Cay
Posted: 04 Apr 2020 05:21 AM PDT
From a cruiser at Green Turtle Cay:
We went ashore today at New Plymouth – we had dinghied over, being anchored in White Sound near the Green Turtle Club. Our purpose was to buy groceries at Sid’s, apparently the only grocery store open.
As we approached the store, we were met by two policeman (neither dressed in uniforms) who identified themselves as Royal Bahamian Police. We explained that we were only ashore for groceries and that we were immediately returning to the boat thereafter. We also explained that we were in the process of heading north, waiting for a good weather window to leave the Bahamas for the US. They asked for ID and photographed our licenses. They were very pleasant and not threatening, but I think they might have taken pictures of our ID’s so they will know if we are “repeat offenders”.
At the Green Turtle Club prior to heading to New Plymouth, we had no problem going ashore, going in their small store and doing wash. No one batted an eye. We left there after returning from New Plymouth and are now anchored farther north.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Extension to stay
Extension to stay
Posted: 03 Apr 2020 03:01 PM PDT
Good afternoon does anyone know the updated rules for foreigners who are already in the Bahamas on a vessel extending their stay through Immigration when you are not supposed to go on land?
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Royal Bahamas Police Force Order” plus 2 more
While commercial airlines are cancelling flights regularly, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
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Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Bahamas Immigration Update
Bahamas Immigration Update
Posted: 27 Mar 2020 10:55 AM PDT
OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION
March 27, 20
We just spoke with an officer at the Bahamas Office of Immigration in Bimini. He told us, “The entire Bahamas is in LOCKDOWN.” Here is the policy for cruising yachts:
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS MANDATORY.
ON A BOAT IN BAHAMAS NOW: If you are in the Bahamas with a cruising permit, you are allowed to stay in the country until your visa expires. However, in a community such as Bimini, you are encouraged to stay on your boat except for going ashore for necessities like food and fuel or medical assistance. If you are out after the 9 p.m. all-Bahamas curfew, the police can arrest you.
ON A BOAT DESIRING TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS: You will not be allowed to clear Customs and Immigration, nor will you be allowed ashore. You will be refused entry into the country. You will be given the opportunity to get fuel and food and will be turned back to the U.S.
CLOSED: Bars, liquor stores, some marinas, some restaurants (call ahead). The official said it is “almost martial law.”
OPEN: Essential government services such as hospitals, clinics, police, customs/immigration offices.
For the latest updates, Please check with Bahamas.gov or search the Internet for articles in the Nassau Guardian or Tribune.
Wishing you safe and healthy cruising,
Sara and Monty Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks
Prime Minister Minnis unveiled a ‘shelter in place’ order that will effect the closure of roads to non-essential travel, and a total restriction on social activities March 24 at 9am. Our thanks to Sara and Monty Lewis of Explorer Chartbooks for the latest update.
24-HOUR LOCKDOWN: PM announces border shutdown, expanded COVID-19 emergency powers
Eye Witness News
OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION
March 27, 2020
We just spoke with an officer at the Bahamas Office of Immigration in Bimini. He told us, “The entire Bahamas is in LOCKDOWN.” Here is the policy for cruising yachts:
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS MANDATORY.
ON A BOAT IN BAHAMAS NOW: If you are in the Bahamas with a cruising permit, you are allowed to stay in the country until your visa expires. However, in a community such as Bimini, you are encouraged to stay on your boat except for going ashore for necessities like food and fuel or medical assistance. If you are out after the 9 p.m. all-Bahamas curfew, the police can arrest you.
ON A BOAT DESIRING TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS: You will not be allowed to clear Customs and Immigration, nor will you be allowed ashore. You will be refused entry into the country. You will be given the opportunity to get fuel and food and will be turned back to the U.S.
CLOSED: Bars, liquor stores, some marinas, some restaurants (call ahead). The official said it is “almost martial law.”
OPEN: Essential government services such as hospitals, clinics, police, customs/immigration offices.
For the latest updates, Please check with Bahamas.gov or search the Internet for articles in the Nassau Guardian or Tribune.
Sara and Monty Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks
This is getting confusing. Do we hunker down? An we still leave to get back to the states,
Signed. Confused
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier marina in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Today [3/24/20] Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced a 24 hour curfew and border shutdown. See Bahamas Lockdown. If you are already in the islands, be prepared to take care of yourself. You may not be welcomed at the next port.
On to the good news… Green Turtle Club has reopened, has water and electric on the docks, and has opened their restaurant. Of course, COVID19 may be impacting their services. Be sure to call ahead before planning to go there. I have seen pictures of a load of supplies on Guana Cay for rebuilding the docks at Orchid Bay Marina. Grabbers has cleared away all the debris and is open and serving food. There are pictures on the internet that show the rebuilding that is going on at Nippers. For an up to date list of what’s open in Abaco be sure to visit The Little House by the Ferry ( https://littlehousebytheferry.com/ ). The message is that the people of the Abacos are trying hard to rebuild and welcome us back. Please support them whenever you can.
RMHYC was able to donate $3000 each to Samaritan’s Purse, Water Mission, All Hands and Hearts and World Central Kitchen. They are all very appreciative.
Scott Coles
Commodore
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club
After seventeen years Watermakers Air was re-branded as Makers Air in 2019 and is the favorite air service to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
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Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: All ports of entry are closed to pleasure yachts
All ports of entry are closed to pleasure yachts
Posted: 24 Mar 2020 06:04 AM PDT
The Prime Minister of The Bahamas has declared that: “All seaports also will be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating; and no visitor is permitted to enter and disembark for any reason, including transmitting through The Bahamas.”
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: plus 1 more
Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:08 AM PDT
It has just come to our attention that there are a number of boats heading north from the Caribbean with no Explorer hard-copy charts aboard and no way to get them before coming back through The Bahamas. We are happy to say that we have a number of choices for such a time as this. Here are some options to look into before leaving the Caribbean for northern ports.
EXPLORER ELECTRONIC PARTNERS
CHARTPLOTTERS
NAVICO/C-MAP
SIMRAD/LOWRANCE/RAYMARINE
SOFTWARE
MAPMEDIA/MAXSEA/TIMEZERO/NOBELTEC
FURUNO
ROSE POINT/ COASTAL EXPLORER
APPS
AQUAMAP
EMBARK (C-MAP)
iNavX
TZ iBoat (Time Zero)
Wising you safe passage,
Monty and Sara Lewis
Posted: 19 Mar 2020 03:49 PM PDT
Global Health Advisory
March 19, 2020
Level 4: Do Not Travel
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.
For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.
You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments.
Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.
If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:
Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.
Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
Review and follow the
CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
Visit theDepartment of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Comments from Cruisers (3)
If you use Marine Traffic or other AIS mapper and pan about the Bahamas and FL, you will see even more. Sad for the trapped crews. I think they are getting bunkered and provisioned occassionally though.
Cruise ships are not allowed to dump over board. They are equipped to treat sewage water, grey water, etc…
No fan of cruise ships but these vessels are not placed in a "dumping" ground as the poster suggested.