Cruise Guides > Bahamas Cruises

Bahamas Cruises

If you've never been on a cruise before or you're searching for a cruise that won't break the bank, Bahamas cruises may be the answer. Because so many cruise lines sail to a number of destinations in this group of 700 islands, itineraries tend to be varied and plentiful and prices are often more affordable than other cruises to Caribbean destinations.

Bahamas cruises depart from a number of East Coast cities, including Port Canaveral, Miami, Jacksonville, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Because of the Bahamas' close proximity to Florida, cruises can be as short as 3 or 4 days or longer if preferred. Short cruises make great weekend getaways for those who need a little down time!

Many Bahamas cruises head for the popular port city of Nassau. This is one of the largest cruise ship ports in the world and visitors can take advantage of a number of different activities if they choose to go ashore here. Nassau has pretty beaches full of fun watersports, casinos for gaming fans, historic sites, and lots of shopping. Be sure to make a stop at the fabulous Atlantis Resort, a designated shore excursion for many cruise lines, or visit Nassau's immense Fort Charlotte, a great place for the kids to run around and explore moats, dungeons, and spooky underground passageways.

If you prefer fewer crowds, choose a cruise that stops at Grand Bahama Island instead. At the Freeport/Lucaya port, passengers can disembark and enjoy a number of activities on this island which is far less bustling than Nassau. Swim with the dolphins at the Unexso Dolphin Center or hike the trails and view local flora and fauna at the 100-acre Rand Nature Center. Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park is a terrific place for swimming and snorkeling and golfers can enjoy an excursion that includes a round at one of the island's courses.

Other stops may include Half Moon Cay, where you can go scuba diving, take a guided kayak tour on the cool waters, horseback ride on the beach or take an eco-tour of the mangrove lagoons.

A number of cruise lines own private islands in the Bahamas, which are set up for the convenience and enjoyment of their passengers. These islands offer a wide variety of watersports, clean beaches with changing and restroom facilities nearby, and restaurants and bars onsite. Many plan special barbecues or parties for their passengers during shore excursions to these islands.

The vast majority of the most popular cruise lines offer Bahamas cruises, including Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, NCL, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruises.