Traveling to Freeport, Grand Bahama
Air Travel
Commercial airline flights are regularly available to Freeport Grand Bahama from many areas of the world; these
flights may be reserved through any licensed travel agency or directly from the
airlines. Currently the following airlines service Freeport Grand Bahama. Located 55 miles east of the south
Florida coast:
American Airlines http://www.americanairlines.com
Continental Airlines http://www.continental.com
Airtran Airlines http://www.airtran.com
Delta Airlines http://www.delta.com/home/index.jsp
Laker Airlines http://www.caribbeantouristbureau.com/laker.html
Catamaran (high speed boat) Travel
THE CAT. It's like no ferry you've ever seen. Taking you between Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Grand Bahama Island
in less than 2 hours. http://ferrybahamas.com.
Entering the Bahamas
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is an independent nation. Therefore, you will need proof of U.S. or other citizenship (i.e.
passport, birth certificate and photo identification). Advise the Bahamas
Immigration that you are a cancer patient and do not know how long you will be
here.
If you need to stay beyond your projection on your immigration card, it can easily be amended.
Even though you may not know your exact return date, you must have an open return airline or cruise ship
ticket when you enter the Bahamas.
Money
You will have to arrange to
have funds available for your expenses while you are on the island. Most of the
patients have found that the most convenient way of bringing money for their
expenses is in the form of travelers checks; we suggest that you choose $100.00
denominations.
The Centre accepts Visa,
Master Card and any Bank Cashier's Cheque drawn for the exact amount payable to
ITL Cancer Clinic, certified or cashier's checks cannot be cashed on the
island.
Currency of the Bahamas is the Bahamian Dollar which is
considered to be on a par basis with the U.S. Dollar. Cash in your Bahamian
Dollars before you return to your home.
Bank Hours
9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Mon-Thurs)
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Fri.)
Accommodations
A common requirement for all
ITL patients is that they must have living quarters that offer refrigeration for
the serum they receive for daily maintenance. A variety of efficiency and larger
housekeeping apartment facilities are readily available within proximity to the
Centre. The availability of these are contingent on the seasons of tourist
trade
Patients are advised to reserve
accommodations for just a few days or a week on their initial visit. If the
patient is accepted and remains for longer therapy, reservations can be
extended. In some cases, a more preferable living unit may be identified through
contacts with other patients or staff members.
This is a resort area, and
rates vary, with December 15 through April 15 being the high rate season. The
Christmas and New Year holiday period seems particularly popular with
tourists.
Climate
Freeport, Grand Bahama is an island in the tropical zone
and the weather ranges from moderate to very warm throughout most of the year.
You will probably be most comfortable in summer resort-style clothing, but you
should bring jackets or sweaters for cool nights. An umbrella is useful for
sudden showers or for walking in the hot sun.
Mail
The mail to and from the Bahamas is provided by courier service.
Please bring U.S. postage stamps.
You are advised not to have packages sent in by mail. FedEx provides excellent 1-2 day service.
Telephone
Operators are on duty 24 hours per day.
Direct dialing is faster. Dial 1 + Area Code + Number.
Call collect to U.S. or have people call you. It's cheaper.
Calling cards available from vending machine in Port Lucaya Marketplace
AT&T 1-800-872-2881
Telegram
If you go to the Batelco office, a short walk from the Clinic, you can pay the fee and send a telegram.
Rental Cars
Hertz (near International Airport)
Dollar (International Airport)
Thrifty (Old Airport Road)
Avis (International Airport)
Taxis
Freeport Taxi (352-6666)
Grand Bahama Taxi Union (352-7101)
Public Transportation
Taxi Service (available at International Bazaar, Port Lucaya, Hotels, Harbour, Airport)
Scheduled bus service (day time hours only)
Water Taxis From Port Lucaya
Runs between Taino Beach Resort and Lucayan Marina Village only (every 1/2 hour)
Casinos
Royal Oasis - International Bazaar
Isle of Capris - Port Lucaya
Straw Market/Entertainment Centre
International Bazaar and Port Lucaya Marketplace
Goombay Park, Behind International Bazaar
Library
Sir Charles Hayward Library - Downtown
Museum
Ye Olde Pirate Bottle House - International Bazaar
Beaches
Xanadu Beach
Silver Point (Island Seas) Beach
Lucayan Beach
Taino Beach - Water Taxis from Port Lucaya
Churchill Beach
Fortune Beach
Gold Rock Beach - Eastern end of island
Barbary Beach
Williams Town Beach
Spa
Our Lucaya Resort - The Westin at Our Lucaya Beach & Golf Resort
Golf
Royal Oasis Resort - Ruby & Emerald courses (18 holes)
Fortune Hills Golf & Country Club (9 holes)
Our Lucaya Reef Course (18 holes)
Our Lucaya Course (18 holes)
Water World (Miniature golf)
Tennis
Bell Channel Club
Club Viva
Flamingo Bay Yacht Club
Ocean Reef Yacht Club
Old Bahama Bay
Sheraton at Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort
The Westin at Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort
The Ritz Beach Resort
The Royal Oasis Golf Resort & Casino
Movie Theatres
Columbus Twin Theatre - Downtown
RND Cinemas -near International Bazaar
Internet Access
.Com Cyber Café - Port Lucaya
Police
352-8352 (Headquarters)
Church Services
The Pro Cathedral of Christ The King -Downtown (Anglican)(Episcopalian)
Mary Star of the Sea (East Sunrise) - (Catholic)
St. Paul's Methodist Church - East Sunrise Hwy & Beachway
Our Saviour Lutheran Church -East Sunrise Hwy.
Zion Baptist - East Sunrise Hwy.
Local Gratuities
Restaurants = 15% usually added to bills
Currency Change Barclays Bank
Royal Bank of Canada
*U.S. dollar on par with Bahamian dollar
Tourist Information Centres
International Bazaar - (352-6909)
Grand Bahama International Airport (352-2052)
Port Lucaya Marketplace (373-8988)
GBI Tourism Board - IB (352-8044)
