$22 "exit" fee from Nassau?

Dorothy · #1 (**permalink**) December 6th, 2003, 09:40 PM

I read recently in the 2003 Frommer's Guide to The Bahamas that you pay a $22 "exit" fee when you leave the Bahamas? Is this in any port? will we have to pay both in Freeport AND Nassau?

Just want to make sure I don't spend all my money on the islands....

dorothy

Marty · #2 (**permalink**) December 6th, 2003, 09:50 PM

Hi Dorothy,

We have been to Nassau two times. Once on a RCL and last year with Carnival. As far as I know there was never an "exit charge". We arrived in port and came back to the ship. If such a fee exists, it may just be included in the price of the cruise. You could call Carnival and check. Have a great cruise.

Marty

Dorothy · #3 (**permalink**) December 7th, 2003, 03:20 PM

Thanks, Marty. Think I'll just rely on your expertise. I haven't heard anyone mention anything about such a fee.

dorothy

Jim Bragg · #4 (**permalink**) December 7th, 2003, 06:23 PM

Dorothy,
That fee is included in your "port charges" and you have already paid for it. While on a cruise ship entry and exit fees are included in the pricing and you do not have to pay it when you are there. Now if you go there by plane or private boat you will have to pay up. <G>
Jim

Thomas · #5 (**permalink**) December 8th, 2003, 11:52 AM

Jim is correct Dorothy. They charge you to leave their islands! Bermuda does this also. But the fee is included in your port charges so you won't have to shell out another $22. Thank heavens.

Regards,
Thomas

Dorothy · #6 (**permalink**) December 9th, 2003, 12:08 PM

Jim and Thomas,

Thanks for the info. It answers another question I've had "what the heck are port charges?" At least now I know what $22 of my port charges are slotted for! I assume the rest is for maintaining the port buildings, etc.

dorothy

Thomas · #7 (**permalink**) December 9th, 2003, 01:22 PM

Your port charges on the Fantasy are about $131 per person. This is a fee imposed by the country of The Bahamas. The port charges for the Sovereign of the Seas which does the same trip is about $126 per person. The difference is the size of the ship and the number of passengers and crew aboard each. This fee (tax) is distributed amongst all passengers but surprisingly it doesn't vary if, say, 100 people cancel their cruise. Go figure!

Regards,
Thomas