Bahaman Cruise Information

Swim, play, dine, and dive: a sun-drenched adventure awaits

Each island is unique. Every beach is pristine. The Bahamas is more than the sum of its parts. Comprised of over 700 islands, cays, and islets, a cruise is the perfect way to deliver you to this sun-soaked paradise, where every new port offers a unique experience, every breeze is warm, and white and pink sands curve alongside turquoise waters. But beach chairs and tropical drinks are only the beginning of the Bahaman flavor. Imagine jet-ski adventures, dolphin encounters, snorkeling your way through massive coral reefs, and dune buggy jaunts amidst palm trees and iridescent sands. It's all there, waiting for you experience on your next Bahamas cruise adventure.

Here's one of the best features of the Bahamas: they're easily accessible to American cruise enthusiasts. In contrast with the deeper-seated Caribbean islands, the Bahamas are much closer to the mainland United States – in fact, these fantastic islands begin only 50 miles off of Florida's coast. What this means for cruisers, of course, is accessibility. Those boarding their cruise ship and departing from Florida ports, such as Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, can find themselves on a Bahaman island mere hours after their vessel leaves its mooring. This proximity also unlocks cruise departures from New York City, where modern cruise vessels can easily power down the East Coast and deliver passengers into a Bahaman paradise in just over a single day.

The best news of all: every major cruise line offers incredible escapes to the Bahaman Islands. These cruise lines include:

• Royal Caribbean
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Virgin Voyages

For those interested in indulging in a luxury cruise experience during their Bahaman travels, you're in luck: many cruise lines that specialize in luxury sailings offer Bahamas cruise itineraries.

Popular Bahamas Cruise Ports

There's a great advantage in the vast number of islands and ports that together form the Bahaman experience. From such a wide selection, cruise lines have hand-selected the most adventure-packed ports and incredible beaches that simply must be visited to be truly enjoyed.

Here are a few of the most popular Bahaman ports.

Nassau.

Don't let the picturesque splendor of Nassau's beaches fool you. Behind this ultimate relaxing escape lies a bustling metropolitan hub that delivers incredible eats, historical tours, and of course, the stunning Atlantis Resort, perched on Paradise Island. The Atlantis Resort is a casino, aquarium, and marketplace all rolled up into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best way to experience Atlantis is with Resort for a Day passes. In addition, Nassau boasts off-road excursions, diving adventures, and broad marketplaces.

Freeport.

The second-largest city in all of the Bahamas does not disappoint. Located on Grand Bahama Island, this port mixes glamor into the more traditional tropical accruements: think upscale eateries and tours and historical sites that bring to life the evolution of this bustling port. Discover one of the world's largest underwater cave systems, visit a Lucayan archeological site, then wind your way through up to three of its national parks.

Bimini.

Come discover the closest Bahaman island to the United States, and one of the most beautiful in the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring miles of untouched, unspoiled beaches, there are multitudes of perfect sandy spots for cruisers to claim as their own for the day. Legend has it that famous explorer Ponce de León came to Bimini originally in the early 16th century to search for the fountain of youth. Later on, Ernest Hemingway and Jimmy Buffett both spent time at Bimini, using its natural beauty as sources of their inspiration. Write a story of your own on the shores of Bimini.

Private Cruise Line Islands in the Bahamas

If you're in the mood to seek out new adventures and find emerging (and more secluded) ways to enjoy the Bahamas, you're in luck: many of the top cruise lines own and operate their own private islands. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and many others boast their private spots set away from the public islands at large. What this means for cruisers is that all the excitement of your cruise ship is carried outdoors; there's live music, delicious food (much of which is already included in your base fare), private cabanas, and fun shore excursions that are maintained and designed for cruisers.

Castaway Cay.

Owned exclusively by Disney, Castaway Cay is a can't-miss destination for the young and young-at-heart. Families can enjoy an island outfitted for fun: sprawling beaches, water play areas, scenic walking trails, open-air BBQ dining locales, and more. The Snorkeling Lagoon puts the adventurous members of your family up close and personal with an incredible diversity of sea life. Step up and dive off the Pelican Plunge – a 2,400-square-foot floating platform decorated in quintessential Disney style. Also featured in Castaway Cay are 2 twisting water slides and a giant "bucket dump" that sprays hundreds of gallons of water on bathers below. Teens in your group will love the Teen Hideout – a slice of paradise designed for kids in your group aged 14 to 17. Of course, expect plenty of interaction with Disney's most famous characters, including the chance to snap photos with the Mouse himself.

CocoCay®.

With an experience branded as "The Perfect Day At CocoCay," Royal Caribbean's own private island delivers exactly that. Cruisers aboard a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise will find (and, with luck, conquer) the tallest waterslide in North America. Snap a shot from 450 feet above the beach in a helium balloon, and then cool off with a fresh mojito at a swim-up bar. You won't want to miss the chance to flip the script and enjoy sealife right outside your overwater cabanas. Of course, CocoCay offers plenty of opportunities to relax in a true tropical island setting, which includes lounge chairs, frozen beverages, powdery white sands and green tropical waters.

Great Stirrup Cay.

Norwegian Cruise Line's philosophy is "Feel Free," and no better place exemplifies this than at their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Here, cruisers aboard Norwegian can enjoy activities at their own pace. Relax on warm sands, or hop in the ocean to snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish. Families will love activities on the island – in fact, Great Stirrup Cay was voted among the top large-cruise cruise lines for families in Travel + Leisure 2012 World's Best Awards. Look forward to treating your family to activities such as kayaking, Eco-Boat tours, and a thrilling Stingray Encounter. There's also a tranquil lagoon on a secluded beach to enjoy, as well as beachfront luxury villas that offer studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom configurations.

Half Moon Cay.

Spend the day at Halfmoon Cay, available to guests of Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America! Named after the shape of the landmass that forms its interior – a half moon, of course – this cay represents a private island fantasy come to life. Slip into deliciously pristine, warm waters. Ride horseback over glistening white sands. Unpack the majesty (and hidden sights) of the Atlantic ocean with sailing, swimming, and snorkeling adventures. Sip a fruity rum punch in Half Moon Cay's open-air bar. The kids in your family will love the pirate ship water park, where they'll search for treasure while a cannon fires gallons of water at the little buccaneers themselves. Go bird watching, hike down nature trails, play beach games such as volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and more!

Where do Bahamas Cruises Depart from?

Here's some good news: there's a great chance that a cruise to the Bahamas departs from a port near you. Choose from one of twelve departure ports in the United States that will get you straight to Bahamas action (and Bahamas relaxin'), fast. These include:

When is the Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas?

The Bahaman islands are paradise, and their weather patterns reflect this! For much of the year, the Bahamas remains warm, inviting, and perfect for cruisers. However, it's important to be mindful that temperatures can dip during the winter months. The warmest time of the year for the Bahamas is in August; however, as many American schools are out that month, expect crowds to be a little more dense than usual in that month. If you're looking to save on a Bahamas cruise, the best time to cruise is during the off season, which includes late April, early May, and September through early November. Because many vacationers are back to work and children are back in school, you can score significant savings on cruise fares during this time period.

Will I have to Exchange Money on a Bahamas Cruise?

Simply stated: if you're traveling from the United States, there's no need to exchange currency. The vast majority of straw markets that dot the Bahaman islands – as well as restaurants, rentals, and transportation – all accept the United States dollar. Officially, the legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), but it's tied in equivalence to the value of the US dollar – meaning no matter where you are in the Bahamas, no conversion is necessary for United States residents. Credit cards are accepted throughout most of the Bahamas as well, and especially in tourist-dense areas (think Nassau, Freeport, and other popular ports).

If you're coming from another country, it's wise to exchange money ahead of time (and ahead of your cruise). Speak with your bank representative for the most expedient and safe way to convert the amount of currency you'll need.

What Can You See and Do in the Bahamas?

Of course, the most popular pastimes of the Bahamas include relaxing by sparkling ocean waters, sipping rum punch, and snorkeling through coral reefs. In truth, the Bahamas represents even more exciting adventures, fun, and history for those who long for such experiences. You'll most definitely want to check out the following locales.

Port Lucaya Marketplace.

If you're bound for Grand Bahaman Island, you won't want to miss this exciting (and always bustling) marketplace. Simply stated, this is the prime location for shopping, dining, and entertainment on Grand Bahama. You'll find over 120 unique handicrafts and straw vendors that sport a huge selection of bags, hats, baskets and more. The marketplace is also a fantastic venue for launching an exciting excursion – take a bike tour, jet-ski over turquoise waters, begin a historical hike through picturesque architecture and more!

Pig Beach

What's pink and black and cute all over? Island pigs, of course! Stop in at the Exumas and hop into the warm waters to swim alongside these peppy porcines. These creatures are friendly and love meeting people – and best of all, they're happy to dog paddle (pig-paddle?) alongside island visitors. Although nobody's certain where the pigs came from originally (there is talk that their animal ancestors were mistakenly left by sailors once upon a time), the fact is that these pigs are here, today, and ready to mingle.

Versailles Gardens & The French Cloister.

If you've an eye for nature, you owe it to yourself to visit Paradise Island. Past its beaches lie the Versailles Gardens (alongside the ornate and historic French Cloister) that exude the natural splendor of the Bahaman islands. View incredible and diverse species of flowers, spread out across a multi-terraced landscape set in a rectangular design.

Off-Road Tours – 4WD, ATV & More.

Imagine coasting down gorgeous beaches, kicking up white sands and feeling an inviting ocean breeze in your hair. Nassau, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, and more locales all offer ATV tours of some of their respective island's most beautiful sights. Learn more about the history of these fascinating locales, wind your way through thick jungles, see waterfalls up close and personal, and let the adrenaline guide you to your next destination!

Atlantis.

Located on Paradise Island, and accessible from the port of Nassau, waits a thrilling experience for every member in your family (or party). Take a spin at the casino or spot porpoises and sea turtles from viewing aquariums located beneath the resort's pathways. A dolphin encounter experience will let you hug these intelligent sea creatures, and you won't want to miss the marketplaces contained within – ideal for sourcing the perfect souvenir for those back home.