Bahamas Cruises

Bahamas Cruises

Water lovers and beach bums alike will love the Bahamas. Just miles off Florida's coast, it is the perfect quick getaway: warm year-round and easily accessible for a long weekend, holiday or school break. Snorkel in the crystal blue waters, go fishing, lounge on a private island and soak in the history - before Christopher Columbus reached Plymouth Rock, he landed in San Salvador, an adventure-filled Bahamian island.

Bahamas Cruise Highlights

The Bahamas is a destination known for its sun and sandy beaches, but there is so much more to do than meets the eye. You can bird watch on Grand Bahama Island or relish in nature on Andros Island, home to the world's third-largest fringing barrier reef. Festivals and nightlife reign on Nassau and Paradise Island, while book- and fishing-lovers alike will appreciate Bimini, Ernest Hemingway's favorite escape and the Big Game Fishing capital. On every island, vacationers can snorkel through reefs, relax on pure sand beaches, paddleboard atop the waves and delight in delicious Bahamian seafood. With hundreds of islands making up the Bahamas, most cruise lines have their own private islands for cruisers to stop at. Lounge in luxury while the kids take part in activities designed just for them and supervised by cruise line staff.

Popular Bahamas Cruise Ports

There are two main ports in the Bahamas, though its more than 700 islands are easily accessible once there. The two ports are:

• Nassau: Both the colonial seat of government and the modern capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is a bustling city with a large cruise ship port. Its culture comes from a mix of influences, including the West Africans, English, Haitians and Americans who have lived in or ruled over the Bahamas. Paradise Island connects to Nassau via a bridge, and boasts many resorts and casinos.
• Freeport: Freeport is located on Grand Bahama Island, a mere 70 miles from Palm Beach, Florida. It is the fourth-largest isle in the Bahamas chain, and is a favorite for many cruisers thanks to its bounty of snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing opportunities.

When is the Best Time to Go to the Bahamas?

Sail to the Bahamas year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees during most months. Ideal for winter or spring breaks, cruises depart for the Bahamas regularly and most commonly last 3 to 7 days. Summers can be warm and rainy, with temperatures up to 95 degrees, and hurricane season lasts from July to October, so November to April is ideal. Sail from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Port Canaveral in Florida, or further up the East Coast from New York.

What Cruise Lines Go to the Bahamas?

While many large cruise lines venture to the Bahamas, here are a few to explore:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Live on island time with Norwegian, which takes 3-, 4-, and 7-day trips to the Bahamas and Florida. Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, is the perfect place to enjoy an island cocktail, kayak, and unwind.
• Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean visits CocoCay and Nassau in the Bahamas, as well as nearby ports like Key West and Orlando. Anyone looking to have a little fun will love sailing on one of Royal Caribbean's imaginative and innovative ships.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Known as having "the fun ships," Carnival trips to the Bahamas are no exception. Chase waterfalls in Freeport, go horseback riding through the sea in Half Moon Cay, and get your dance on in Nassau - all in one long weekend.