Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, tips and things to do

Table Of Content

• SHOP SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE
• Relax and recharge on the Caribbean’s most iconic beaches
• Features and Coolest Things to Do on MSC Meraviglia in the Caribbean
• April 2024 Cruises to the Bahamas

Bahamas cruises depart from Miami or Port Canaveral onboard Norwegian Jade, Joy, Sky, Sun and Pearl. Roomy cabins, a variety of complimentary dining venues and bars, and a water park make Carnival Freedom one of the best values when it comes to Bahamas cruises. With so much to do (and eat and drink) onboard, you might even find it hard to get off the ship in port. Saunter the lively streets of Nassau, chill by a freshwater pool in Perfect Day at CocoCay or get a history lesson at the Heritage Museum during your cruise to the Bahamas.

SHOP SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE

Dive and drift through warm waters to reach colourful coral reefs in Bimini like Rainbow Reef. See mysterious shipwrecks like Theo's Wreck and Sea Star Wreck in Grand Bahama. And take part in some thrilling wall diving – where you can explore deep reef edges – in New Providence. Cruise passengers will find opportunities to hike in national parks, enjoy nearly deserted beaches, and explore many small churches—the Bahamas boasts more churches per capita than anywhere else in the world.

Relax and recharge on the Caribbean’s most iconic beaches

Nature lovers can enjoy a tour of Lucayan National Park, where they’ll kayak through mangroves and learn about the park’s diverse ecosystem and geology. Tours of downtown Freeport are also available, which bring passengers to local markets and nearby beaches. Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. Pay airfare for one guest, and you'll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy.

Features and Coolest Things to Do on MSC Meraviglia in the Caribbean

We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit. Discover traditional Caribbean flavors and distinct cuisines like conch fritters—a local favorite—and Johnnycakes (cornmeal pancakes). Enjoy delicious local Caribbean rum—whether it’s in a piña colada or in a delicious rum cake. There’s no shortage of different delicacies to sink your teeth into on a Bahamas cruise. You can visit The Bahamas without a passport on a closed-loop sailing (one that begins and ends in the same U.S. port).

Bahamas travel warning 2024: 2 women attacked on cruise out of Florida - The Florida Times-Union

Bahamas travel warning 2024: 2 women attacked on cruise out of Florida.

Posted: Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:33:56 GMT [source]

April 2024 Cruises to the Bahamas

Spice up your holiday season on a Bahamas cruise and immerse yourself in the best of each destination with our exclusive Local Connections Program. Sample Blue Curacao on a distillery tour, snorkel alongside friendly stingrays in Antigua or discover St. Lucia’s Creole traditions from a master craftsman. Its ports of call break the mold of what a mega ship is supposed to do in the Caribbean.

For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. For fabulous food, ask a local to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurant, and head off the beaten path to try some conch fritters (fried conch meat) and peas with rice. You'll mainly find sailings with the "big eight" brands -- Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Family Adventures

There's also the occasional pool game; just don't expect any belly flop contests. Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise ship set out to break the cruise ship mold – and it succeeded. Don’t show up expecting buffet lines and traditional cruise cabins. Come instead for something completely different and go home with a tattoo reminder of that time you cruised the Caribbean without feeling like you were on a cruise ship.

More Royal Caribbean

Nassau, which is the largest port and the country's capital city, is often crowded with cruise ships. Locals will approach you with offers for everything from taxi rides to hair braiding. It can be overwhelming, so be prepared to politely decline if you're not interested. Indulge in rest and relaxation while lounging on unspoiled beaches that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a dip in the water, and ride in a paddle wheeler with your loved ones. Or revel in the laid-back atmosphere of island time while floating along the shoreline.

When to book a Bahamas cruise

Cruises on Grand Bahama dock in the city of Freeport, the second largest city in The Bahamas with a population of around 24,000 people. Enjoy a spectacular day at the beachfront Pirate’s Cove doing most anything you please. With no schedule to follow, you can genuinely relax in style at your own pace. Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids.

With both the cruise line and the Royal at Atlantis on Paradise Island affiliated with Marriott International, there’s also a hotel tie-in—you can book a daybed at the resort’s chic adults-only pool area, the Cove. A major reason to go on a Bahamas cruise is to enjoy the country’s world-class beaches. Turquoise waters, soft sand, and amazing snorkeling are available at any cruise port in The Bahamas. Whether you choose to lounge on a beach chair, enjoy a day pass at a resort, book a catamaran tour, or snorkel at a shipwreck, you’ll find plenty of crystal-clear beaches to discover. The picturesque islands of The Bahamas are among the world’s most commonly visited cruise ports. This capital city bursts with bright colors, incredible opportunities for swimming and diving, and culinary experiences that include some of the world’s top seafood and rum.

Although it's a lovely port to visit, you can expect to see reminders, even years later, as construction projects are abandoned and the island struggles to rebuild. But, brightly colored buildings, expansive beaches and ample opportunities for shopping and dining quickly make up for the chaos. Additionally, BPCL has joined forces with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville to offer Margaritaville at Sea cruises, rebranding and renaming its sole ship -- Grand Classica -- to Paradise. In the Eastern Caribbean, expect to visit a combination of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and the French West Indies (Martinique, St. Barts, Guadeloupe and St. Martin).

Experience the best of the Bahamas and the Caribbean with Princess. To take your vacation experience to an entirely new level, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a perfect day is waiting. Swim in the Bahamas' largest freshwater pool, go down the tallest waterslide in North America, and chill with a book in the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas. Not a fan of the whole "rock climbing walls and water parks" onboard scene?

It all starts with the boldest cruise ships at sea — and ours have won awards for everything from world class dining and spectacular entertainment, to record-setting onboard thrills and groundbreaking innovation. A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands (most of which are uninhabited). Cruise to the Bahamas to take a dive and witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis and shop for resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau. The Bahamas has an island for every taste and style, and it's easy to enjoy its subtropical charm during an overnight stint or a week-long cruise.

On small ship itineraries, you may stop at San Salvador Island, where Christopher Columbus may or may not have made his first landing in the New World. (Historians quibble on the exact landing spot.) A white cross memorializes the supposed landing spot. The small island of Bimini is known for its clean beaches and rich marine life—hanging out at beach clubs, seeking quiet escapes in the land, and watching for dolphins and other sea creatures are prime activities. Like in all other cruise ports, it’s not necessary to book a shore excursion. However, we recommend having a general plan for your day in port before getting off the ship. While The Bahamas is a year-round cruising destination, it’s important to remember that The Bahamas is located much further north than Caribbean cruise ports like Labadee and St. Thomas.

Cruise through Nassau's historic harbor on a thrilling 35-minute boat ride to your own VIP beach on a private island. Pass beautiful Bahamian homes and gardens on your way to the stunning lagoon. A Bahamas cruise is the perfect vacation for snorkelers, divers, and lovers of the open sea. Whether you’re looking to relax, recharge, or take in some culture, our in-depth shore excursions will engage everyone in the family. Six of the cruise industry's seven private islands are located in the Bahamas. These carefully curated swaths of land can only be visited if you're sailing on a ship that has access.

Consider a Bahamas cruise on Celebrity Reflection, which takes a more relaxed approach to island time with its peaceful sun decks, chic atmosphere and emphasis on fine dining. The clientele is a touch older overall than on some other cruise lines, but there’s still plenty for families to enjoy, making it perfect for multi-gen groups. Liberty sails from Fort Lauderdale, alternating three- and four-night cruises that include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, so you get the complete Bahamas experience. Couples, singles and families all appreciate the thrills of the ship’s top-deck attractions with amazing drink and dining venues tucked in all throughout the ship. The Margaritaville at Sea Paradise is the only 3-day and 2-night cruise sailing from the Port of Palm Beach to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. On our resort at sea, you can relax, unwind, enjoy endless entertainment, and soak up the fun in casual-luxe comfort.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Intimate Yacht Style Cruising Antarctica, Mediterranean & more

Table Of Content

• Suites on Atlas Ocean Voyages ships
• What's Atlas Ocean Voyages All About? An Epicurean Expedition on World Navigator
• Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.
• Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises From Barbados
• Night Roundtrip UshuaiaDetails
• Oceanview cabins on Atlas Ocean Voyages ships
• How much does it cost to go on World Voyager?

If you don't want a grab and go option, the main restaurant has breakfast and lunch buffets, with daily menu items available. Because our sailing was billed as an Epicurean Expedition, two guest chefs -- Bobby Marcotte and Peter Campbell, both of whom have appeared periodically on The Food Network -- were onboard for part of the trip. (On the second half, Top Chef Brazil winner Luciana Berry, who is also on the Bravo show's current season, held court).

Suites on Atlas Ocean Voyages ships

But it plans to quickly ramp up in size with the addition of four more vessels over the next three years. But that's what happened earlier this month as new small-ship cruise specialist Atlas Ocean Voyages debuted with its first sailing. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world.

What's Atlas Ocean Voyages All About? An Epicurean Expedition on World Navigator

In this way, Atlas is creating a community of kindred spirits and low-key connoisseurs in search of authentic cultural experiences and once-in-a-lifetime journeys they’ll want to remember and recount over and over again. Holding just under 200 guests, World Navigator is now sailing to these incredible destinations and will soon be joined by her sister ship, World Traveller, later in 2022. Days are busy on the ship, even when it's a sea day and the captain is hard at work navigating the best route for the least "shake" on the Drake Passage.

Helping leisure selling travel agents successfully manage their at-home business.

The Epicurean Expeditions feature guest chefs, who give cooking demonstrations, participate in friendly competitions with the staff and lend their flavors to the menu. (What's fun is that they are also at the bar at night, mingling with passengers). That works out to more than $1,200 per day for a couple sharing a room. The line's core expedition sailings to the polar regions are even more.

Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises From Barbados

Deck 4 is home to the main public spaces, including the lecture auditorium, lounge bar, lobby, cafe (a quick stop for juice shots, smoothies, espresso coffee, pastries and hearty snacks), a small shop and the main dining room. In this way, the ship straddles big-ship entertainment and small-ship adventure. It's early days, and the team is still finding its sea legs — not unusual for a new ship. However, there is talk of getting the expedition team to dine with guests. Atlas Ocean Voyages also offers Atlas Ashore, with a variety of land excursions for every activity level. They also offer pre- and post-cruise land programs with hotel accommodations to extend the voyage beyond embarkation and disembarkation.

Night Athens To VeniceDetails

In Porto Venere, for example, we talked to two sisters who were off the ship as soon as possible, taking a ferry to the northernmost town of the Cinque Terre so they could spend the entire day walking on their own. If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want on World Navigator and on which specific itinerary, you can head over to AtlasOceanVoyages.com to make a booking directly. World Navigator, notably, also is loaded with indoor and outdoor observation areas -- something that can make all the difference during a trip to a place like Antarctica. Finally, give a sentence or two on why the cruise is worth booking.

The swimming pool and hot tubs were mostly bypassed given the freezing temperatures, but most guests did get a thrill out of the polar plunge on the third day of the sailing. The twice daily zodiac excursions keep us plenty busy, followed by talks by guest lecturer Dr. Ed Sobey, a polar oceanographer, on what we'd been seeing as well as other issues relating to Arctic wildlife, exploration, and climate change. One night cruise director Michael Shapiro, who has a musical theater background, performed a New York-style cabaret.

Atlas Announces Academia Barilla on 2024 Epicurean Expeditions - Cruise Industry News

Atlas Announces Academia Barilla on 2024 Epicurean Expeditions.

Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 11:03:52 GMT [source]

There are lockers for every cabin so you don’t have to lug your outdoor gear back and forth to your cabin. There are also benches, a restroom and plenty of crew at the ready to help you get suited up. Furthermore, Cruise Critic makes no guarantees for availability of prices advertised on our site. Listed prices may have blackout dates, qualifications or restrictions.

Antarctica cruise photos: Drake Passage via Atlas Ocean Voyages - The Arizona Republic

Antarctica cruise photos: Drake Passage via Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Posted: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

How much does it cost to go on World Voyager?

Atlas attracts passengers from premium cruise lines who desire a more personalized, intimate experience at a high value, as well as passengers from luxury cruise lines who are looking for a new type of cruise experience to bucket-list destinations. World Traveller's passengers are predominantly well-traveled professionals and English-Speaking Americans. Atlas describes its clientele as "low-key connoisseurs in search of authentic cultural experiences and once-in-a-lifetime journeys." The youngest passengers were in their mid-to late-30s or early 40s, but most guests were 50 years of age or older. The guests are also affluent, as expeditions to Antarctica are typically pricey. With nine categories of rooms and suites, guests have a choice of accommodations ranging from 183-square-foot solo ocean view staterooms (located on Deck 3) to the 465-square-foot one-bedroom Navigator Suites on Decks 5 and 6.

"Antarctica continues to be the mostpopular and in-demand region for Atlas Ocean Voyages," said Atlas OceanVoyages President and CEO James Rodriguez. "We look forward toonce again positioning all three expedition yachts in the region for theseason, providing travelers with many options to explore with under 200 fellowtravelers on board." I put this down to Atlas' current offer that allows the second guest to sail free; the deal includes overnight accommodation and return private charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. It's a striking value for a nine-night Antarctica trip that, after adjusting for the second guest traveling free, starts at just $6,299 per person. As noted above, Atlas also plans to convert six oceanview Adventure rooms into "solo suites" in 2022.

Austrian-born executive chef Rene Aflenzes is behind the holistic menus found throughout the ship that champion slow food, molecular gastronomy and zero-waste principles. It's truly a root-to-stem and peel-to-core mindset about food prep. Vegetable skins are dehydrated and turned into soup seasonings and garnishes.

As is typical for expedition ships, there are relatively few cabins on the vessels in all -- fewer than 100. Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Atlas has loaded up World Navigator with lots of them. On many recently built luxury ships, every single cabin is not only a balcony cabin but also a suite. That said, all-suite vessels are not the norm in expedition cruising, even at the luxury level. Like most ships its size, there aren’t a lot of places to get food. The good news is that between the main dining room, Madeira, Paula’s Pantry coffee, juice and snack bar and 24-hour room service, it’s easy to satisfy most food cravings.

World Navigator will also feature the latest technology and safety protocols available at the time of her launch. Outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, birding, and photography were some of the top interests on board, as were the informational lectures and movies on the history of early exploration of Antarctica. Room service is available from the "always available" menu as part of the all-inclusive amenities.

World Navigator features a relatively large deck-top pool area — something you don't always find on a ship carrying fewer than 200 passengers. It's home to a pool, two hot tubs, rows of lounge chairs and a pool grill and bar. At the same time, Atlas will be taking the rest of the oceanview cabins on World Navigator out of its booking pool, leaving it as an all-balcony-and-suite vessel. The answer to "who sails Atlas" is still in a bit of flux, as the line has just started up operations and is only beginning to take bookings in volume. But the brand is targeting well-heeled travelers who want an upscale experience that is more active than what is typical on some luxury vessels. Even 196 is a bit of an overstatement, as the line will be using some passenger cabins on every voyage to house entertainers and expedition guides.

There are a total of 10 suites in three categories, and they all feature oversized balconies, butler service, and full-room service dining, where you can order from the restaurant menu. And second, Atlas wisely created itineraries that scoop around different ports in the Med, without many repeats and no sea days. Most of the ports are smaller than where you'd stop on a larger cruise ship, making the entire itinerary feel more boutique. Our sailing embarked in Nice, as opposed to the larger cities of Marseilles or the prinicipalty of Monaco.

All cruises are all-inclusive, from alcoholic beverages to excursions to gratuities. I was in a 300-square-foot Veranda deluxe stateroom, a spacious room with a balcony with outdoor seating. There was plenty of space and storage for two people as well as a small sitting area, a desk with mini bar, and TV. The bathroom was snug but nicely appointed with L'Occitane products, and the multi-jet shower was a dream after a tiring excursion.