Bahamas Cruises

Bahamas Cruises are among the most popular cruises in the Caribbean. Part of their popularity comes from the fact that they often originate out of Florida, a convenient and economical departure point for many Americans, and are generally short, with 3, 4 and 7 night cruise packages. There are also ships which leave for the Bahamas from New York City.

The main departure points from Florida include Miami and Port Canaveral. Cruise deals can often be found in these two cities. Many people will spend some time at either end of their cruise in Florida soaking up the sun on the beaches as part of their overall vacation. From Florida the most common Bahamas cruise routings are Miami, Nassau, and sometimes Great Stirrup Cay, before returning to Miami. From Port Canaveral the routing is usually Nassau, with possibly a stop a CocoCay and then back to Port Canaveral. Many cruise packages run from Florida to Nassau and back, spending a day at sea as well where guests can enjoy all the luxury offered on board the cruise ship.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and offers shopping, colonial architecture, nearby beaches, and offshore islands. Cruise passengers can take advantage of any of these possibilities. From the cruise ship terminal it is an easy walk to the city center. Alternatively visitors can sign up for an excursion, take a taxi to a beach area, explore the island, or take a boat to another nearby island. There are all kinds of water sports and even a chance to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Encounters.

Norwegian Cruise Line stops at its own private island called Great Stirrup Cay. This is a beautiful natural area where passengers can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, snorkel, or do some light sailing.

Bahamas Cruises departing from Cape Canaveral sometimes stop at CocoCay which is privately owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Much like Great Stirrup Cay, this is an idyllic tropical island with beaches and palm trees where guests can enjoy water sports and a truly tropical experience.

Cruises to the Bahamas also depart from New York, sailing up the East Coast of the United States and across to Nassau. These are 7 day cruises which stop at the same ports of call depending on the cruise line. Less frequent ports of call which may be available are Jacksonville, Florida and Freeport, Bahamas.

Cruise vacations in the Bahamas are popular with all ages attracting college students, families, as well as retirees. They are typically promoted as fun rather than sophisticated with many ships offering a more casual atmosphere. These cruises offer year round departures, but travelers should keep a few things in mind when booking. June to December is hurricane season which may cause problem if a storm rolls through during your cruise time. Consequently there are usually cruise specials during the height of this season, the summer months, and cheap prices are also sometimes offered last minute. Holiday times such as Christmas and Easter, and during February and March when kids are out of school for spring break, the cruise ships fill up quicker and prices are higher.