The Islands Of The Bahamas once again showed their resilience after weathering Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Within days, most of the destination witnessed the arrival of cruise ships, welcomed international flights and saw vacationers enjoying the beach, golf courses and even dolphin encounters. With more than 700 islands, only two suffered significant damage: Grand Bahama Island and Abaco. Even the resorts and smaller properties on those islands have returned to business or have announced when they will re-open.
The Bahamas is an archipelago that stretches 760 miles ﾖ longer than the entire state of Florida ﾖ and a country that the U.S. weather experts and meteorologists divide into three separate geographical regions (North, Central and South).
International airports on all islands in The Bahamas including Nassau International and Grand Bahama International are fully operational as well as cruise ports and major attractions.
Nassau/Paradise Island (Central Bahamas), the nationﾒs number one tourist destination experienced minimal cosmetic damage from Hurricane Frances and no impact from Hurricane Jeanne. Major resorts including Atlantis-Paradise Island, Nassau Beach Hotel, British Colonial Hilton, Radisson Cable Beach & Golf Resort and Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, Sandals Royal Bahamian and SuperClubs Breezes are open for business.
Grand Bahama Island (Northern Bahamas) ﾖ impacted by both hurricanes ﾖ continues to rebound in preparation for the winter season. The Best Western Castaways Resort, Island Palms Resort, Island Seas Resort and Pelican Bay Hotel are fully operational. The Sheraton at Our Lucaya (and the Isle of Capri Casino) will resume operations October 14 and The Westin at Our Lucaya will re-open November 1. Other major properties on Grand Bahama Island including the Wyndham Viva Fortuna Beach, The Royal Oasis Golf Resort & Casino and Old Bahama Bay Resort are expected to resume operation after December.
The Out Islands which include Exuma, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Long Island, Cat Island, Andros, Bimini and the Berry Islands were minimally affected by Hurricane Frances and unaffected by Hurricane Jeanne. Most properties, if not traditionally closed for the fall season, continue to accept reservations. Initial assessments of Abaco indicate that several properties such as the Abaco Beach Resort are open for business while full reports and opening dates for others are pending.
