Bahamas Cruise Vacation
A Bahamas cruise vacation is the perfect getaway. You can experience the Bahamas islands from the comfort of a fun, active cruise ship. You can enjoy Bahamas cruises all year around. The high season is January through April, as well as holiday weeks such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. For the cheapest rates consider a Bahamas cruise vacation in its low season: September, October and November.
Three or four-day cruises typically leave from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral and sail the short distance to the Bahamas for a quick weekend getaway cruise.
Now you can even cruise from New York, Norfolk, VA, Jacksonville, FL and Charleston, SC on 4, 5 and 6 day cruises to the Bahamas.
Ships ranging from yacht-like luxury vessels to the largest floating resorts sail to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean year-round. The laid back atmosphere of the islands of the Bahamas make them the perfect ports to relax and unwind.
What can you do on a Bahamas cruise? The majority of cruise line's offer shore excursions that allow you to enjoy a day of fun in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean offers a Dolphin encounter, Glass bottom boat tour or Breezes resort all inclusive beach day.
Some cruise lines also offer shore excursions to the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island that includes transfers to the Atlantis Resort, lunch and use of the resorts beaches and facilities. This is a great way to spend the day in the Bahamas.
Bahamas Cruise Itineraries
Nassau and Freeport are the primary ports of call in The Bahamas, but several cruise lines also visit their own private islands in the Bahamas. Nassau is one of the busiest cruise-ship ports in the world. Don't be surprised to find several other ships berthed alongside yours - as many as seven ships can dock at once.
Carnival Cruise Lines - A Bahamas cruise with Carnival offers some of the best values at sea. From spiral waterslides and huge casinos to Vegas-style shows these festive floating resorts offer something for everyone. Carnival offers 3, 4, 5 and 6 day Bahamas cruises departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), FL, Norfolk, VA, Jacksonville, FL, Charleston, SC and Miami, FL.
Royal Caribbean - CocoCay, Bahamas is a private island paradise available exclusively to Royal Caribbean guests. With nature trails and aquatic facilities, CocoCay offers activities for everyone, from parasailing to sipping delicious "Coco Locos" on a hammock. Royal Caribbean offers 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas from Miami, FL and Port Canaveral, FL.
Norwegian Cruise Line - Freestyle Cruising to Great Stirrup Cay NCL's own private island. NCL offers 6 and 7 Day Bahamas & Florida or Bahamas & Bermuda cruises round-trip from New York.
The Eastern Caribbean cruises from Miami also visit Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Disney Cruise Line - Depart from Port Canaveral for a 3- or 4-night Disney style voyage into the Bahamas. Discover the wonders of Nassau and Disney's private Bahamian oasis, Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay offers a family beach, teen beach and Serenity Bay, a secluded beach for adults. Disney's Castaway Cay is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. Perfect for first-time cruisers and anyone who wants a magical getaway.
Nassau Cruise Port Information
Nassau, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world is a vibrant city with pink buildings and British colonial charm. Cruise ships dock at Prince George Wharf in the heart of downtown Nassau.
Once you leave the pier, you will walk directly into Rawson Square which is the center of town. Also where the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism is located, perfect for picking up maps, brochures, etc. Nassau is fairly compact and the major historical sights can be seen on foot.
A popular way to tour the streets of Nassau is by horse-drawn buggy. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed just about everywhere. Jitney buses run between downtown to cable beach and Paradise Island at 30 minute intervals. The Nassau Water Taxi departs every 30 minutes from behind the Straw Market to Paradise Island, operating daily from 9am-6pm.
The turquoise waters of the Bahamas are a major attraction, whether for swimming, snorkeling, diving or simply observing the colorful marine world that thrives just below the sea's surface. Glass-bottom boats, catamarans and other excursion vessels depart from the cruise pier on harbor tours and trips to nearby beaches and coral gardens.
Shopping - Nassau, in particular, is famous as a shopper's paradise offering everything from designer fashions, crystal, china, leather, liquor and jewelry at duty-free prices to locally produced arts and crafts. Visit the famous straw market where handcrafted baskets and other items are sold.
Golfing - Some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean region are featured in golf excursions available on cruises calling at Nassau. A popular one for cruise passengers being the par-72 course at the Paradise Island Golf & Country Club.
Beaches - Closest to the cruise pier and within easy walking distance is the beach in front of the British Colonial Hilton. West of downtown is popular Cable Beach, while a few miles farther along Bay Street is secluded Love Beach which offers ideal snorkeling just one mile off the shore. Among the excellent beaches on Paradise Island, lovely Cabbage Beach is bordered by the cooling shade of casuarina trees. The beautiful beaches of Blue Lagoon Island can be reached by 30-minute boat shuttle from Paradise Island.
Dive & Snorkel Sites - Excellent snorkeling and diving can be enjoyed in the waters off Nassau. "What-to-do" guidebooks and maps at the port have coupons good for discounts on dives. If you don't want to book in advance, many dive trips can be booked at the dock. If going from your ship, take a towel. Several dive operators are located on Paradise Island and in Nassau at the foot of the Paradise Island bridge.
Happy Trails Stables - Offers two guided trail rides-early morning and late morning. Transportation is provided to and from Paradise Island, downtown hotels and cruise ships. Riders must be 12 or older and weigh 200 lb or less. Coral Harbour, Nassau. (www.bahamahorse.com)
Majestic Tours - Majestic offers a variety of tours. Tour desks located in most major hotels. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-5 pm for phone reservations; 242-322-2606. Cumberland Street, Nassau. (www.majesticholidays.com)
Bahamas Local & Island Attractions
- Government House is one of Nassau's most photographed buildings with a statue of Columbus standing on the steps leading to its front entrance.
- The Royal Victorian Gardens offer a shady spot to rest before tackling the Queen's Staircase where 66 steps lead up the hill to Fort Fincastle. Nearby is a water tower where visitors can take the stairs or elevator (for a small charge) to the top for a commanding view of the fort and harbor beyond.
- Fort Charlotte is a mile west of downtown Nassau. Built on a hilltop this imposing fort features a moat and dungeons, and provides impressive views.
- Crystal Cay Marine Park located on Silver Cay in Nassau Harbor, is connected by a bridge to the mainland or can be reached by a short ferry boat ride from the cruise pier. Its admission fee includes access to various tanks holding sharks, stingrays and turtles, in addition to an underwater observatory for viewing coral reefs and tropical fish. Also located here is a white sand beach, snorkel trail, equipment rental, change facilities, bars and a restaurant.
- Atlantis Submarine based at the west end of New Providence Island, departs from West Bay near Lyford Cay for deep-water viewing of the area's renowned reefs and wrecks.
