Table Of Content
Prices are cheaper, there are fewer passengers because children are in school, and the weather isn't as sweltering as it is in the summer. Plus, wave season -- when cruise lines offer some of the best deals you'll see all year -- runs from January through March, so you could snag a last-minute bargain. If you've cruised or are planning to cruise to someplace warm, it's likely the Bahamas will pop up on your itinerary -- and for good reason. Found on Bahamas-exclusive sailings and Caribbean voyages, Bahamian ports offer plenty of sun and sand, as well as opportunities for shopping, gambling and more.
Carnival Cruises to the Bahamas
Read on for all you need to know when planning a sailing that includes the Bahamas -- one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. Switcha, which many locals consider the official Bahamian drink, blends lemons and limes to concoct a powerful accompaniment to dessert or a refreshing drink on a hot sunny day.
RELATED PORTS
Whether you’re biking down the coastline, snorkeling in the clear waters, or kicking back with a smoothie, nothing says vacation satisfaction like a Carnival Cruise Lines Bahamas cruise. The new cruise ship port is being built on the southern part of the island, about 20 miles east of Freeport. The 369-acre port will be able to hold two large cruise ships simultaneously and will house Bahamian-operated stores, as well as a nature reserve and indoor water feature. Additionally, cruisers can find Bahamas stops on sailings that depart from non-Florida ports on the U.S. They are often seven or eight days in length and include calls on Florida and the Bahamas.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PORTAL
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. For any cruise, you can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing and something for formal night if you'd like to participate. You'll also need underwear, toiletries, pajamas and footwear, as well as any travel documents required to board and clear immigration and customs. 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. Carnival plans to release more specifics on the phase one features and development timeline for Celebration Key in the near future.
Private islands
Upgrade your day with access to the Adults-Only Private Club Portal, the exclusive area that takes relaxation and luxury to the next level. Membership features private access to the beach, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the best views of Bahamian waters, elevated dining to savor and more. Imagine the kind of spot where the lounge chairs are perfectly placed below the palm trees, so… ahhh, right? It's also a beautiful place to say “I do,” with an event pavilion for hosting weddings, vow renewals and other special celebrations. To take your holiday experience to an entirely new level, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a perfect day is waiting.
Norfolk, Virginia
Cruise to Freeport, Bahamas for the ultimate white-sand beach, crystalline-water daydream come to life. The action is sizzling in Freeport, the resort center of Grand Bahama Island. You’ll find plenty of razzle-dazzle entertainment, from a casino to music clubs to barefoot beach bars.
It’s perfect for adults, families with kids… everybody who appreciates fun and natural beauty. Shake off the sand and delve deep into towns like Nassau and Freeport and the remote island of CocoCay. Take a nature walk or a Jeep adventure through the pine forests, or stretch your legs at the Rand Nature Center, which offers bird-watching and installations by local artists.
No time to wait: New Bahamas/Caribbean ports needed to meet cruise growth - Seatrade Cruise News
No time to wait: New Bahamas/Caribbean ports needed to meet cruise growth.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:10:07 GMT [source]
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Norfolk is a quaint historically nautical town situated at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, leading to the Atlantic Ocean and many wonderful cruise destinations. Take in the incredible art scene of New York City, expand your cultural horizons in the city’s diverse neighborhoods and marvel at the architectural wonders.
Nassau
As you sail towards the peace and serenity of Nassau, Freeport and Half Moon Cay, you’ll quickly realize that choosing a Bahamas cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines is the best way to enjoy the perfect vacation. Families, you’ll be delighted with the Pirates and Dungeons tour in Nassau, sure to excite the whole family while educating you on the history of the region. Marine lovers—you can revel with the dolphins during a playful encounter.
Private cabanas, villas and bungalows are also offered, but they come at a premium and usually book up quickly. Some are even reserved for cruisers booked in suite accommodations on their ships. 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). If you go the western route, Belize, Honduras and Jamaica are common stops. “This is so exciting for the people of Grand Bahama as we watch Celebration Key come to life.
The island chain of Bimini, which is part of the Bahamas, is also home to a cruise port. Apart from beaches and resort-style experiences, there isn't much to do. One unique outlier is Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which exclusively operates two-night voyages back and forth between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. The cruise line also partners with a land-based resort, allowing passengers to extend their vacations on land in the Bahamas before returning on the ship several days later.
Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #freeport — you may see them right here. The Family-Friendly Portal is perfect for kids and families… and that means teens too! All-together is a great way to experience activities like the lagoon and beach, splash pad with shallow pool, and sports courts, but spaces for kids and teens also let fun with new friends happen while the adults do their own thing. Beach villas and floating cabanas are just a couple of options that let families make this their home base, and of course there's family dining with plenty of cuisine choices. And this one, nestled on the south side of Grand Bahama island, is designed exclusively for Carnival guests.
Located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key will offer a variety of fun, relaxation and adventure options for everyone. The destination’s features and offerings will be anchored around the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean that will offer numerous recreational and leisure activities for both families and adults. Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Excel-class vessels simultaneously and will allow guests direct access to Celebration Key. What you’ll find there is just like Carnival’s onboard vibe that folks love. When your ship pulls up, the vacation possibilities are expanded with unique island-style fun, relaxation and adventure spread across 65 acres and five “portals” for you to explore. Sightseeing, swimming and soaking up the island flavor — it's all yours for the taking on a Carnival cruise to Nassau, Bahamas.
When you're ashore, you can expect clean facilities, pristine beaches, shopping opportunities, free buffet lunches (usually barbecue) and a variety of carefully controlled water-sports-centric shore excursions. Some of the larger, more developed private islands also boast water parks, horseback riding, zip lines and pools. The Bahamas is a great place to visit, as long as you set your expectations. 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.
U.S. dollars are accepted in the Bahamas, so there's no need to exchange currency. 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. Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings usually start at five nights and can run up to two weeks in length, but most usually last about a week. View our photo gallery of Bahamas cruising photos from Carnival Cruise Lines.
