Is a passport now required for U.S. citizens to travel to the Bahamas?

What can be used in lieu of a U.S. passport as proof of citizenship?
Is a passport now required for U.S. citizens to travel to the Bahamas?
Ok, this topic is surrounded by confusion. For the longest time travel to neighboring countries (mexico, canada, and some islands) did not require a passport. Homeland Security proposed changing this effective Jan 1st of 2006. After much uproar the date was extended and is now set at the end of this year.
Is a passport now required for U.S. citizens to travel to the Bahamas?
Absolutely. The Bahamas are a foreign country.
Absolutely. The Bahamas are a foreign country.
Birth Certificate (official copy).

This should be a wealth of information:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you are going on a cruise, you could ask them or ask your hotel as well.
To enter the Bahamas, U.S. citizens need one of three documents: current or expired passport (up to five years since expiration date); official birth certificate (original or court-certified copy); or original naturalization/citizenship certificate.
The laws about re-entering the U.S. will change effective December 31, 2006, so having a passport is the best idea, if you have the time to get one.