carnival cruise excursion bahamas

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Search the site, the best carnival bahamas excursions in nassau & freeport.

by Jennifer

This is part 3 of our Carnival Cruise Bahamas series. If you missed the first 2 posts, check them out here:  book a Carnival Cruise  and foodie favorites. Now it’s time to talk about Carnival Nassau & Freeport excursions! After all, you’re cruising somewhere, right? So you might as well embrace the destination by partaking in a fun activity or two! Here are  some of our favorite Carnival Bahamas excursions .

This is a partnered post for #CruisingCarnival. All opinions are my own.

The Bahamas has tranquil blue water for miles and beautiful surroundings, but there are also a lot of fun activities to do off the ship. Wondering what excursions are available for travelers in the Bahamas?

Here are our top picks for Nassau and Freeport Bahamas.

Carnival Nassau Excursions

Relax and soak up the warm Caribbean sun at the world-famous Atlantis Resort!

Select from multiple shore excursions at Atlantis Resort including :

A  Beach Day with reserved seating, then explore the resort on your where you can shop, dine and more.

Not up for the beach? Choose the guided Discover Atlantis tour where your guide escorts you through the Ruins Lagoon , a recreation of the sunken streets of mythical Atlantis, and The Dig , a replica of an archeological excavation site. Visit the Predator Lagoon , where you will view sharks, barracuda and many other creatures from the deep.

Want to swim with the fish? Atlantis offers a Snorkel Experience where you can don a wetsuit and snorkel in world’s largest open-air marine habitat.

Atlantis Aquaventure allows guests to explore the largest water-themed attraction in the Caribbean. Ride four adrenaline-inducing water slides among a mile long rapids and wave river. Experience the thrills of the towering Mayan temple’s five water slides and the 7-story Power Tower. Relax in the warm tropical sun, plunging into the refreshing waters of a swimming pool or pristine beach.

Or opt for a swim with the dolphins at the Atlantis Dolphin Cay . They offer shallow and deep water dolphin excursions.

Not interested in visiting the resort? Book a Catamaran Sail & Snorkel shore excursion aboard a stylish, 110-passenger catamaran. It’s one of the featured Carnival Bahamas excursions. Take a relaxing 30 minute journey before plunging into the crystal-clear waters below while you snorkel with the fishes.

Many of the Carnival Bahamas excursions are family-friendly, so bring the kids along! Or you can elect to keep them at the popular Carnival Camp Ocean , while you venture off on your own.

Don’t forget these items before you go!

Freeport, Bahamas Excursions

Discover the colorful reefs and their inhabitants in the waters surrounding Freeport in a Reef Dive excursion. Enjoy a 60-80 ft. dive as you explore the amazing marine life in the reefs and wrecks.

Looking for something more basic? Try the Discover Scuba and Beach Day excursion where guests are introduced to the Scuba world. Gear up and take a basic dive course, then head to the shore to explore, followed by food and relaxing on the beach.

You can also Swim with the Dolphins or book a Dolphin Close Encounter excursion. Enjoy a 20-minute boat ride through the beautiful canals of Grand Bahama Island then arrive at Sanctuary Bay where you’ll have an opportunity to swim with the dolphins in the open ocean. Or elect for the encounter where you’ll also visit Sanctuary Bay, a natural 9-acre lagoon and home to fourteen Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. Interact with the dolphins on a 3 foot deep platform.

One of the featured Carnival Bahamas excursions in Freeport is the Beach Getaway where guests will spend a day in paradise. Swim in the crystal Caribbean waters; participate in activities based both on land or water. This inclusive package includes an open bar and a delicious Bahamian buffet.

Which Bahamas excursion will you be booking?

*some photos courtesy of Carnival.com

You Are Also Going to Love:

Nidhi Chauhan says

Looks like your family had so much fun. I love tropical vacation. hope I get a chance to go for such fun vacation with my family soon.

1stopmom says

I would love to try snorkeling. It is one of the things on my bucket list. The beach getaway sounds like a lot of fun too!

Honey + Lime (@honeyandlimeco) says

I’ve never swam with dolphins, and that Atlantis Adventure looks awesome!

Allison says

These pictures are beautiful! I’m looking to plan a family vacation for the summer and this sure looks like a place to look into!

Melissa Au says

That looks absolutely amazing. I have always wanted to take my kids on a cruise.

justin tan says

Swim with the Dolphins or book a Dolphin Close Encounter Excursion simply because we’re dolphins lovers!!!

Maria H says

Looks like you guys had a great time!! Love the pics!

Denise Hoyle says

Looks like you guys had so much fun! I’ve never been on a cruise but I need to get to planning one!

Lauryn R says

What a beautiful tropical vacation spot!! I definitely want to take my kids someday. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing!

Jennifer says

The boys are still thanking us for taking them, so I highly recommend taking the kids on a cruise. It’s SO fun!

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A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The territory of the Bahamas includes 700 islands and 2,000 rocks and cays spread across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic Ocean. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region . It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music.

When it comes to oceangoing vacations, the Bahamas can accurately be described as the industry's leading destination, with the capital city of Nassau being cruising's number one port of call. In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Indeed, the modern cruise industry's first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami .

The archipelago's spectacular natural environment features brilliant blue skies, warm temperatures and exceptionally clear waters. But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites.

Paradise Island, positioned immediately to Nassau's north, has large hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer day packages for cruise visitors, providing access to premium golf (at the Baha Mar resort ), casino gaming (at Atlantis) as well as restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Carnival Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all sail here, as does luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, premium cruise operators Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises and budget operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter.

3 things TPG loves about Nassau

• "Sun and fun" activities
• Historic and cultural attractions
• Distinctive cuisine

What we could do without

Nassau is on an island within a vast archipelago. Many products are necessarily imported and that means prices, including meals at restaurants, can be high. Nassau can also feel a bit "touristy" at times, as the Prince George Wharf cruise ship dock can host as many as five large cruise ships at once. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area.

Related: Which cruise brand is best for you?

Nassau basics

Nassau is extremely popular as a warm-weather getaway destination that's closer to the U.S. Atlantic Coast than most Caribbean basin countries. As a plus, while technically not located in the Caribbean, Nassau and the Bahamas offers the same splendid sunny skies, brilliant blue waters and amazing culture and traditions.

On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. The port is normally a bustling affair, as disembarking guests walk from the pier to Bay Street, parallel to the water, and the downtown shopping area where you'll find tour guides and Jet Ski, beach and watersports excursion operators, taxis for hire, scooter rentals, craft and souvenir shops, and hair braiders.

Nassau's nearby Paradise Island district offers beaches, restaurants and shops as well as the Atlantis megaresort, which is among several properties offering day packages for cruisers in search of a daylong all-inclusive experience. The good news is that, with a little preparation, it will be easy to find the right Nassau activity to fit your personal vacation style.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

Arrival details

Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group.

Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time.

Language: English is the official language.

Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. If you want to exchange money, you can do so aboard your ship, although you can usually obtain a better rate at a local bank or ATM. Several banks are located on Parliament Street, a short walk from the cruise terminal. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

How to get around

On foot: Many of Nassau's historic sites and the Bay Street retail district are within walking distance of the cruise ship pier and the downtown area. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and it's also possible to rent a car or motor scooter.

By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle.

By bus: Nassau's public buses are known as jitneys and offer a thrifty and convenient alternative to car rentals or taxis. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below).

Related: Disney Cruise Line review — Sailing Disney Wonder

Top sights and shore excursions

Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Nassau is also filled with historic sites and shopping opportunities. Yet visitors are missing out on genuine colonial-era history if they don't also spend time exploring the historic architecture and attractions located steps from the cruise pier. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points.

Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau.

Historic sites

Nassau's history is closely tied to the Caribbean pirate era of the 17th and 18th centuries, when the town served as a pirate sanctuary until 1718 when British Governor Woodes Rogers expelled the buccaneers. Today's downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier.

As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. Or, book a cruise ship excursion highlighting historic forts, Bahamian cuisine, "land and sea" programs, private island experiences and even Junkanoo-style music and dancing.

Historic sites near Prince George Wharf include Parliament Square, which houses the Bahamas' House of Assembly, the Senate Building and Supreme Court in pink pastel colonial buildings. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site.

The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill. Sweeping views from the fort's bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock.

Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. Other Black people traveled to the Bahamas directly from Africa, Bermuda and Haiti, some enslaved by ex-British loyalists from Georgia and South Carolina, and others as ex-soldiers who won their freedom fighting for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. Nassau's Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Sun and fun: Water sports

Nassau offers a multitude of activities focused around the archipelago's beautiful blue waters and magnificent natural environment. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs ).

Other cruise ship tours feature glass-bottom and jet boat excursions, catamaran sailings paired with reef snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and exclusive beach days with private cabanas.

While the luxurious Baha Mar resort on Nassau's Cable Beach does not offer day passes, savvy and sybaritic cruisers will reserve a room for the day for access to the property's premium facilities and amenities, including a private beach and beach club, motorized and nonmotorized watersports, a series of pools with shaded lounge chairs, cabanas and waterfall features. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar . Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Both cards offer hefty welcome bonuses, 130,000 and 150,000 points, respectively, after you meet the required spend of $2,000 within the first three months of account opening for the Surpass and $4,000 in the first three months of account opening for the Aspire. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can also look for a resort offering day passes .

ResortPass is currently selling day passes to the SLS Baha Mar for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $400 per Bungalow Pool Cabana or Baha Bay Beach Club Cabana that accommodates up to four people. You can also book day passes at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $325 for a beach cabana accommodating up to four people.

Nassau's nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home.

At Blue Lagoon, cruisers can swim in a calm lagoon, enjoy kayaking, water-biking or snorkeling tours, play with water toys like floats and inner tubes, or simply relax in a beach hammock under coconut palms. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities.

Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau.

Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuart's Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Best beaches in Nassau

There's no shortage of great beaches in and around Nassau. In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance.

Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, offering travelers an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy some sun and fun. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella.

Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands. While beautiful. the beach's waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot.

Related: 7 tips for visiting Atlantis on a budget

Cable Beach

Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince George's Wharf and is accessible via taxi. A cheaper alternative is the No. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassau's best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. Cable Beach is home to several top Nassau resorts and offers a full array of watersports activities.

Other top Nassau beaches

Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking.

Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views.

The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach.

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Where to eat and drink

True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas' indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor.

Local favorites

Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territory's undisputed favorite dish. Conch fritters are bite-sized flakes of conch meat fried in batter seasoned with goat pepper, hot sauce and sea salt, plus common Bahamian vegetables.

Peas and rice: Referred to locally as "peas n' rice," this traditional Caribbean dish, prepared in local Bahamian fashion, features deep brown pigeon peas and white long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, thyme, tomato paste, goat pepper and salted pork or bacon. The ingredients combine to provide the rice its signature brown coloring.

Johnny cake: Made of flour, milk, butter, sugar and baking powder, this breakfast food is more bread than cake, with a texture that combines dense bread with a slightly sweet cake. As with other staple dishes, Johnny cakes are found around the Caribbean, with the Bahamas version traditionally baked in a large round pan until lightly browned then sliced and served in wedges.

There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. They include:

Potter's Cay conch shacks

The Potter's Cay conch shacks can be found beneath the high-arching bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways.

Besides being a great place to sample an authentic Bahamian lunch featuring the freshest conch fritters and local dishes, the Potter's Cay shacks are a great place to interact with locals, other visitors and the chefs themselves as they chat about the day's catch and argue over a game of dominoes.

Check first with a local or with a frequent Bahamas visitor (like a travel advisor) to determine which stall is the best for the day. With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridge's west end.

Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant

About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirate's headquarters. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the world's largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops.

The highlight, however, may be the hotel's five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliff's origins as a private home.

In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual."

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Where to shop

When you're shopping in the Bahamas, look for souvenirs like:

• Original paintings, carvings and craftwork
• Handmade garments in bright tropical colors
• Wood carvings

Nassau's Bay Street retail district is steps of the cruise ship dock, but there are a few hidden shopping spots just a short taxi ride away.

Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. It's ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port.

Once an open-air affair, Nassau's long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances.

It's also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassau's best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods:

Bahama Hand Prints

Established in 1966 by artists Helen Astarita and Berta Sands, Bahama Hand Prints (near the corner of Ernest Street and Okra Hill) offers "bold and brilliant" designs across a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs.

Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Berta's signature style and the shop's collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shop's talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work.

Craft Cottage Bahamas

Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home décor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques.

The facility is housed in a traditional Bahamian-style home that shares the grounds with a variety of local Bahamian artists who also use the property to work on their own art and products. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products.

Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features

Bottom line

While Nassau sometimes gets a bad rap as a "touristy" port of call and is often inundated by cruise travelers, the Bahamas' capital city is actually a diverse port with an impressive array of historic attractions, a variety of beach experiences, distinctive cuisine and extensive shopping opportunities. Nassau's Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries.

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Bahamas Excursions and Tours

Bahamas Excursions - Enjoy Beautiful Bahama Tours in Paradise

The Bahamas encompasses a variety of gorgeous tropical settings, ready to take you on a paradise getaway. Our carefully selected Bahamas cruise excursions are tailored to give you memorable experiences, from beautiful water activities to sun-drenched tropical beaches. Seeing the islands from a ship is amazing on its own. However, exploring them on a Bahamas shore excursion is the best way to experience these paradise islands. At Shore Excursions Group, we offer the best Bahamas shore trips to destinations including Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas via cruise ship, bus tour, walking tour, private island tour and much more, providing guests the highest-quality experience possible.

Explore Nassau

Rich in local culture and history, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas and its largest city. Visitors flock to this tropical destination from all over to enjoy its unique, charming island atmosphere, beautiful warm weather, sandy, pristine beaches and endless array of activities and outdoor things to do. Nassau is also home to five-star Caribbean cuisine restaurants, so you'll never go hungry. Wine tasting is also a favorite traveler's to-do, and is the perfect way to wind down after a day on the beach or boat. Nassau is the ultimate relaxation destination and home of many adventures.

Discover Freeport

The northwest island port city of Freeport offers an abundance of natural beauty, outdoor activities and charming city life that boasts great shopping and restaurants. Visitors should not miss the Garden of the Groves, and take advantage of horseback riding, scuba and diving opportunities that are second to none. Get away and relax with dolphins in a awe-inspiring 9-acre lagoon. It's an experience you won't want to forget.

Neighboring Bahamian Islands

There are so many nearby slices of paradise to mention, but here are some of the best islands withing reach.

Paradise Island

Paradise Island sits just offshore from the island of New Providence and is connected to Nassau by two bridges, so it's relatively easy to get to. It offers popular white sand beaches that edge the Atlantic Ocean and a variety of fun water sports. More importantly, it is home to the renowned Atlantis Resort. Resort attractions include a casino, the Aquaventure water park, and marine life exhibits that house exotic sea creatures, like sharks and stingrays. There's simply so much to see and do.

Pearl Island

Located just a short boat ride from the port in Nassau, Pearl Island offers so much fun in the sun for such a tiny island. Take a guided snorkel tour along the coral reef just offshore, and then kayak or paddleboard around the little island. After all that fun, take a beach break and treat yourself to an oceanfront Bahamian lunch.

Whatever your vacation desires are in this tropical wonderland, our Bahamas excursions are ready to treat you to the experiences of a lifetime. Browse our available ports and their tours for the perfect accompaniment to your cruise.

Click on a port above to begin exploring the Bahamas!

Can't get enough of beaches, warm waters and adventure? Check out our other Caribbean Shore Excursions !

Bahamas Tours

• Lucayan National Park & Cave Tour ($80.00)
• Discover Nassau and Atlantis ($65.00)
• Dolphin Encounter ($130.00)
• Nassau Catamaran and Snorkeling excursion ($69.00)
• Freeport Garden of the Groves and City Tour ($70.00)
• Freeport Taino Beach Resort Day ($66.00)

Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers ™

Atlantis Aquaventure Shore Excursion in Nassau Cruise Port Review (2023)

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Everything you must know about shore excursions (Shorex) to Atlantis on a cruise to Nassau port: overview, good to know, highlights, cruise line price comparison, how-to book and get to Atlantis on your own, and map.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 26, 2023

The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is a world in itself with such an array of attractions - beaches, shops, water park, golf course and casino - that all cruise lines offer at least one tour to fully enjoy this iconic site of The Bahamas.

Aquaventure Water Park Day Pass

Until a few years ago, all cruise lines used to offer a basic shore excursion to the resort entitled Discover Atlantis Tour. This tour doesn't exist anymore. Instead, most cruise lines now offer the 'Atlantis Aquaventure Day Pass'. This consists of a 5-hour pass which includes access to Aquaventure Water Park, the beautiful beaches and pool of Atlantis, lunch, and transportation to and from the resort.

The Aquaventure Water Park is Atlantis resort massive 141-acre waterscape with pools, water coasters, body slides, rivers and more than 50,000 sea creatures where you will have a one-of-a-kind exciting day. For more information check the Atlantis Official Website .

The Aquaventure Tour is also offered in combination with two one-of-a-kind dolphin experiences - the shallow water interaction and the swimming with dolphins in a deep cay. You can choose to just enjoy any of the Dolphin Interactions or have this combined with the rest of the day at the beach. Celebrity, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean also offer a Sea Lion Interaction.

Shorex Combos

Disney Cruises is the only cruise line that offers the Aquaventure shore excursion combined with other experiences such as kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding with Dolphins. Disney Cruises also offers a 6.5 to 7 Hour experience at the Ocean Club Golf Course for $599.00 including Green fees, clubs, golf cart and shoe rentals but not including beverages and meals.

Other excursions to Atlantis resort

Disney is the only cruise line that keeps the Discover Atlantis Tour and Beach Day cruise excursion - a 6-hour tour priced at $98.00 (ages 10, and up), and $83.00 (ages 4 to 9). The Shore Excursions Group offers a smiliar but shorter tour entitled Discover Nassau Town and Atlantis. This tour by Shore Excursions Group is just 2 Hours and 30 Minutes long, costing $57.00.

Good To Know

Cruise line price comparison.

Considering that shore excursion prices may vary by sailing, it is advisable to check updates and specific cruises. The following prices are indicative.

Click on the following cruise lines links to check for updated prices:

• Royal Caribbean

Shorex, online or on your own

As most cruise passengers that have booked shore excursions onboard will tell you, the great advantage of doing so is the peace of mind guaranteed by the cruise line. You will not have to look for transportation to Atlantis, negotiate prices with taxi drivers, and when you will be taken back to the ship on time. But you may want to look into other ways of exploring Atlantis.

Online Services

There is the possibility to book online with the many services that offer shore excursions to Atlantis. Prices vary and it is advisable to check what is offered on each tour.

The following online services are well-established companies that guarantee the returning of cruise passengers in good time prior to the departure of the ship. IQCruising does not endorse or get paid to mention any of these services. IQCruising is just providing the information and you should be aware that you are solely responsible for booking excursions online with these third-party services.

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Venture Ashore
• Shore Excursioneer
• Tours By Locals

Direct Booking

Before deciding which is the best excursion for you and your cruising companions, whether it is better to book onboard or with an online service, you may also want to check directly with Atlantis.

Cruise travelers that wish to book a day tour directly with Atlantis will find that the resort will request proof that your sailing on a specific cruise line. Prices may, in some cases, be slightly lower but do not include transportation to Atlantis, located in Paradise Island. Therefore, the savings (if any) may be minimal. But you will be in charge of your own time. Atlantis Day Booking Web Page

How to get to Atlantis

Paradise Island (where Atlantis is located) is connected to Nassau by two bridges but is a bit too far to walk from the cruise terminal. There are two ways of getting to Atlantis on your own. Either by taxi - sharing a large van will cost around $10,00 per person (each way) - or with a ferry boat.

Next to the cruise terminal, on the right side, on Woodes Roger Walk, you will find a Ferry Boat (costs around $8.00 USD return). The ferry will take you on a short cruise through the harbor ending at a dock under the main bridge on Paradise Island. From here you are within walking distance to Atlantis.

Atlantis - Map

What's nearby

If you decide to explore Atlantis on your own, and in particular if you go on the Ferry Boat you may like to walk around and check a few other places on Paradise Island.

The Bahamcraft Center is great for local gifts and souvenirs. A couple of popular restaurants - the Green Parrot Bar and the super famous Margaritaville Bahamas - are ideal for a quick bite or lunch before returning to the cruise ship.

More Shore Excursions

Balmoral Island

Beach Activities

Blue Lagoon

Glass Bottom

Graycliff Hotel

Bus Excursion

Pearl Island

Active Pursuit

Semi Submarine

Sub-Underwater

All Excursions »

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Top 10 Best of Nassau – Carnival Cruise Line Excursion

Our second excursion on a 5-day Carnival Sunshine cruise was the Top 10 Best of Nassau. Our entire party agreed that this was one of our favorite activities of the entire trip! It was an expeditious way to see the highlights of the island with a local guide in an air-conditioned vehicle.

About the Excursion

This tour is offered on Carnival Cruises that stop in Nassau, New Providence. We sailed on the Carnival Sunshine, but more than a dozen Carnival cruise ships spend at least one day in Nassau and offer this excursion.

The cost was $69.99 per person (or $59.99 for children 12 and under). Reservations opened 60 days before our embarkation date and we made our reservation a few days later for a party of 7 without issue. The only available time slot was 9:00AM due to the length of the excursion, which is listed at 3 hours. (Ours actually lasted close to 4 hours!)

We chose this excursion because the members of our group, while all adults, differed greatly in age and mobility level. This excursion allowed us to explore the island together! Despite this, when we first booked the excursion, I was worried. I’d done the math and realized we would only have a few minutes at each destination. I didn’t think this would be a sufficient amount of time for me to explore, but I was pleasantly surprised. The in-depth coverage of the historical and cultural touchpoints we visited are all due to our driver and guide, Marco. He was able to prime us for each stop by giving brief history of the place before we arrived.

Marco was friendly, he was knowledgeable, and he navigated the narrow streets with ease. He shared history of the area and he even passed around dollar bills and coins so that we had a chance to see and feel Bahamian money. He shared fun facts inspired by things we passed. For example, he explained the strict weapons laws, noting that residents must have a license for a machete when we passed a vendor carving fresh coconuts. The guide makes the excursion!

Top 10 Best of Nassau Rawson Square

Our time at Rawson Square was a drive-by. It’s very close to the port and we passed it on our way to the other, more pedestrian-friendly destinations.

The Square is a small cobblestone space and its pastel colonial-style buildings are flocked with palm trees. It is quintessentially Caribbean and absolutely charming. We appreciated the opportunity to learn about Bahamian history as we drove to the Square, which is home to several government buildings. It’s often called Parliament Square.

The Square has a bronze bust of Sir Milo Butler, the first Bahamian Governor General to hold office after the Bahamas secured their independence from the United Kingdom in 1973, as well as a statue of Queen Victoria.

There were many other government buildings in the same area, all easily identifiable because they are all pink! The color-coded system includes coding for education buildings and schools (yellow) as well as police stations and fire stations (green).

Top 10 Best of Nassau Government House

Government House is located on a 10-acre estate on Mount Fitzwilliam and is home to the Governor General. The harborside steps used to feature a 12-foot statue of Christopher Columbus, but after standing for nearly 250 years, it has been defaced. It has been lying in disrepair since and will, I assume, be removed rather than restored.

We also passed the Government House in the passenger van, making it one of our quickest stops! I didn’t have a chance to snap a photo, but it’s also pink.

Top 10 Best of Nassau Rum Cake Factory

The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was probably the most delicious stop on this tour. We were given a brief overview of the factory and samples of the rum cakes, which are small Bundt cakes soaked in Ole Nassau Rum. The flavors we tried included pecan and coconut. They also offered plain (a traditional Bundt cake), pecan, amaretto, banana, caramel, cinnamon, key lime, chocolate, Irish cream, Kentucky bourbon, pineapple, and pina colada.

Rum cakes were available all over the island as well as on our cruise ship, but no other stops had them in as many flavors and sizes. We were delighted to see they were vacuum-sealed; we bought several for gifts. (I purchased a 6-pack with pecan, pineapple, and coconut for $37.50.)

The shop also had a large window into the baking and packing area for visitors interested in the process of making and packaging the cakes.

Top 10 Best of Nassau Atlantis Resort: Marina Village

We passed Nassau Harbour on our way to Paradise Island. It’s a small island adjacent to the New Providence that is accessible by two bridges, the Sidney Poitier Bridge and the Eastern Bridge. We crossed using both: Poitier Bridge on the way there and Eastern Bridge on the way back.

Atlantis is a massive resort with a famed waterpark, casino, and marine habitat. It totally dominates the island and is visible from most of Nassau, including the port. We visited Marina Village, the shopping district of Atlantis Resort, which featured a couple dozen boutiques.

Most of the shops had offerings we could find at home or close to home. This was my least favorite stop on our tour as it didn’t include any local culture or history.

Top 10 Best of Nassau Queen’s Staircase

The Queen’s Staircase is a beautiful staircase with a central landing that was hewn directly from limestone. The staircase was hand-carved by slaves in a project that took over 16 years. It is a landmark because it provided direct access from Fort Fincastle to Nassau, which was a strategic necessity in the late 1700s.

The pathway leading to the staircase is lush and lined with limestone. I found it more beautiful and impressive than the staircase! Massive plants were growing down from the top and through the cracks. It felt like the forest was trying to reclaim the space that had been hewn out hundreds of years ago.

The Queen’s Staircase is sometimes also called “the 66 steps.” These steps, which have been retro-fitted with handrails and include a few small landings, were not challenging for our group. Only two chose not to climb the staircase; our guide drove them to Fort Fincastle to meet us.

I think this might have been my favorite stop!

Top 10 Best of Nassau Fort Fincastle

Fort Fincastle isn’t far from the top of the Queen’s Staircase. We walked there to meet our group and do some shopping with the local merchants atop Bennett Hill.

The fort is one of three on the island. It was built in 1793 and was designed to protect from invasion, but it saw very little action. The fort was converted to function as a lighthouse in 1816.

The market at Fort Fincastle had various street vendors with handmade souvenirs, including toys, clothes, baskets, and other straw wares.

Top 10 Best of Nassau Graycliff Heritage Village

Graycliff Heritage Village is several points of interest in one stop. It’s the art district, evident by the street displays, and is home to the Heritage Village Artists’ Studio, Bahama Barrels winery, Graycliff Chocolatier, Graycliff Cigar Company, and the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas.

We struggled to find the Graycliff Cigar Company, which was tucked down some side streets and alleys. Bahama Barrels and Graycliff Chocolatier were right near the umbrellas, which made them very easy to find.

Chocolate samples were available, but we did not have a chance to try them. This was the only time we felt like our tour was rushed. There simply was not enough time to see all of Graycliff, even if we’d spent the whole tour there! The chocolatier also sold candles, ice cream, and pizza.

Top 10 Best of Nassau John Watling’s Rum Distillery

Our tour at John Watling’s Distillery was a highlight of the Top 10 tour! It started with samples and a brief history of the former home. We spent a few minutes exploring the grounds with our guide, learning about the process of aging rum in semi-tropical environment. This process is accelerated, so only about a third of the time is required compared to temperate climates.

We also learned that the islands are made of mostly limestone from coral, which explains its wide use in the architecture of the islands. It’s also an excellent natural filtration system for their well water.

All of the products are still produced, packed, and labeled by hand. On the tour, we were able to view this work in process! We also visited the showroom, which sold alcohol and branded casual wear.

Red Turtle vodka, also known as “the Spirit of the Bahamas,” is not exported, but John Watling’s rums can be purchased from the John Watling’s Distillery website . Of course, we also had the opportunity to purchase the varieties of John Watling’s rum, either in whole bottles or mixed drinks. Many in our group grabbed a beverage, while I purchased some conch fritters from the food truck outside.

Top 10 Best of Nassau St. Matthew’s Anglican Church

Anglican Church is the oldest church building in the Bahamas and is likely the oldest building in New Providence that is still in use. It is a beautiful church with lush, green courtyard gardens. This building is made of locally mined stone, was built over 200 years ago, and still holds regular services. We saw many other churches in the same area, all of which were beautiful!

This was another drive-by, so we didn’t spend much time here and had to admire its beauty from afar.

Top 10 Best of Nassau Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is a beautiful public beach near the port. It was the last stop on our tour and it was a relaxing one. We took a few minutes to walk in the sand and dip our toes in the water before heading back to our starting point.

From this beautiful shore, we were able to see Nassau Harbour Lighthouse and the cruise port.

Overall Impression

I would recommend this tour unreservedly! Everyone in our group enjoyed our day and we felt like we got our money’s worth. This is mainly because the tour had something for everyone in our group. We were able to sample foods, have a drink, shop, walk and explore, meet new people, and learn the history of Nassau.

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The 9 best Bahamas cruises for every type of traveler

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information.

The best Bahamas cru ises take you away from the daily grind, transporting you to theme park-like private islands and beach-lined paradises. Cruise choices include new and jazzed-up ships sailing an array of short and weeklong Bahamas itineraries. Cruising to the Bahamas is so easy you may even be able to go without a passport .

Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.

The only cruise lines that don’t regularly offer Bahamas cruises are the luxury lines. But don’t worry, luxe lovers: Many of the ships we included on our list of the best Bahamas cruises offer suites that come with concierge services, private enclaves or special spa privileges. If a luxury cruise to the Bahamas is your goal, look at the top suite options on a mainstream or premium line.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Whether you’re looking for a quick and cheap getaway or a week at the beach, here are the best Bahamas cruise itineraries to start your search, in order from shortest to longest.

2-night cruises on Margaritaville at Sea Paradise from Palm Beach, Florida

Though cruising is relatively new to the Margaritaville travel and hospitality franchise, cruise line Margaritaville at Sea is essentially a rebranding of the old Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. Its refurbished ship, Paradise, originally debuted in the 1990s for Costa Cruises.

One Jimmy Buffett-themed makeover later, the ship is a perfect fit for the laid-back vibe of the Bahamas. Grab a drink or a bite to eat from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, try your luck at the Par-A-Dice Casino and enjoy plenty of entertainment, including the musical production, “Tales from Margaritaville: Jimmy’s Ship Show.” There’s a kids club, a teen club, a spa and two pools stocked with beach balls and inflatable parrots.

The two-night cruise itinerary includes one day in Freeport, where you can shop, hit the casino, enjoy water sports or chill on the beach. The ship offers shore excursions, or you can explore independently. Margaritaville at Sea also offers cruise-and-stay itineraries of either four or six nights (including the two nights onboard the ship). These packages let you choose between two partner hotels in Freeport, where you’ll stay two or four nights on land, then hop back on the ship for your return night at sea.

Margaritaville at Sea Paradise carries around 1,300 passengers in an assortment of inside and ocean-view cabins, all around 176 square feet, which is larger than the average for those categories on most mainstream ships. Ten suites with balconies are also available, with 524 square feet of space.

Who should go? Obviously, Parrotheads are gonna want to try this ship, with all its Jimmy Buffett-inspired themes and decor, but it’s also a good trial run for anyone on the fence about cruising. Pricing makes this a great cruise to enjoy an escape without spending a fortune. We found weekday sailings that begin at $99 per person based on double occupancy for an inside cabin.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from Miami

This itinerary may be the best overall short Bahamas cruise. Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean ‘s massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay . Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture.

Freedom of the Seas has plenty of onboard fun to occupy travelers of all ages on sea days. It’s loaded with top-deck slides and water features, specialty restaurant choices and more entertainment options than you can take in on a short cruise. Carrying around 4,000 cruise guests, Freedom of the Seas is big enough to impress without being overwhelming.

Plus, logistics for cruising out of Miami are simple enough for even first-time cruisers. From flight choices to pre- or post-cruise hotels, it’s a city that caters to tourists, especially the cruising ones.

Who should go? From first-timers to veteran cruisers, anyone looking for a short but fun-filled hop to the Bahamas should give Freedom of the Seas a look. Families looking for a quick escape will find entertainment and activities for toddlers to teens. The ship is also ideal for family reunions, bachelorette parties and birthday cruises. Couples will love the adults-only Solarium with its extra-large hot tubs looking out over the sea.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

3- or 4-night cruises on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral, Florida

When Royal Caribbean’ s giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.

Why? The newest, biggest ships in the world typically sail longer cruises. Offering short cruises on its humongous Oasis Class ships is new for Royal Caribbean; sister ship Allure of the Seas will test out the concept before Utopia launches.

Families with kids will definitely go bananas over the choices on board the new ship. The top deck alone will feature three separate pool areas, a surfing simulator, a kiddie splash zone, a basketball court, two rock walls, a miniature golf course and even a zip line.

The ship will also boast an extensive selection of restaurants, bars, lounges and shops. Additionally, there will be an indoor skating rink, a spa and a showroom with Broadway-style shows.

Utopia of the Seas’ inaugural voyage is set for July 22, 2024, and will be a four-night cruise to Nassau and the line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The second sailing will be a three-night cruise to the Bahamas that departs on July 26, 2024.

Who should go?  Short sailings on this new ship will appeal to all sorts of cruisers. Historically, new ships are reserved for longer itineraries, so this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a snack-size sampling of a brand-new ship without spending the money on a longer sailing.

Families craving a quick getaway where the entire brood is satisfied will not be disappointed. In addition to seemingly endless kid-friendly amenities and top-notch children’s programming, Utopia of the Seas will feature a casino and adults-only spaces.

Related: These 2 cruise lines are building new private destinations in the Bahamas

3- or 4-night cruises on Disney Wish from Port Canaveral, Florida

Disney waited a decade to build its next new ship, but Disney dreamers had their wish granted in 2022. Even better, the new Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas. Designed to be the perfect complement to a visit to Orlando’s Disney theme parks, these short cruises visit Nassau and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The four-night itinerary adds a sea day to enjoy the ship.

Disney Wish is designed to immerse cruisers in the various Disney worlds through technology. An onboard augmented reality game turns the Disney Cruise Line Navigator smartphone app into a virtual spyglass that lets cruisers participate in a fantasy adventure with Disney and Pixar characters. The AquaMouse waterslide combines a splashy tube ride in a two-seater raft with a pre-adventure tale told through screens at the beginning of the ride. Diners at the Worlds of Marvel restaurant take part in an interactive Avengers-themed experience through videos and special effects.

Wish carries 4,000 passengers in cabins and suites designed to simplify cruising with kids. But never fear, adult Disney fans; you’ll also find your spot on board. From the “Star Wars”-themed Hyperspace Lounge to the Quiet Cove adults-only sun deck, Disney manages to cater to grownups as well as kids.

Who should go ? This is obviously the best Bahamas cruise for lovers of all things Disney, including “Star Wars” and Marvel fans.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

3- or 4-night cruises on Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Beginning in April 2024, Celebrity Cruises will sail three- and four-night voyages round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, year-round.

The 3,046-passenger Celebrity Reflection will offer a consistent rotation of three-night weekend cruises (departing each Friday and returning each Monday morning) and four-night weekday sailings (departing each Monday and returning each Friday morning).

Itineraries will include stops at Key West in Florida and Nassau and Bimini in the Bahamas.

Celebrity appeals mostly to the 40-plus set sans small children. It’s light on the kid-centric attractions (such as waterslides, go-karts and laser tag) that other big-ship lines include. The line offers instead lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas. (If you do have kids in tow, you can take advantage of the extensive children’s program, Camp at Sea. It provides supervised activities daily for children ages 3-12 in dedicated spaces.)

Celebrity Reflection is the line’s last and largest Solstice Class cruise ship. The Solstice C lass ships feature some of the most stylish outdoor pool decks at sea, with indoor, adults-only pool areas that, notably, are topped with glass panels embedded with solar panels that contribute to the ship’s power grid. You’ll also find large spas, casinos, showrooms and a nice selection of restaurants on board.

This ship also boasts one of the most spectacular suites in the cruising world — the 1,646-square-foot Reflection Suite. It was the first two-bedroom suite on a Celebrity Cruises vessel.

Who should go? This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn’t draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages.

4-night cruises on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady from Miami

Virgin Voyages aimed to be a disrupter in the cruise market from the beginning — creating a product designed to please even those who claim they would never set foot on a cruise ship. Yet the itinerary for this four-night Bahamas cruise on Scarlet Lady is fairly ordinary. Ports of call include Key West and a private beach club on the Bahamian island of Bimini.

It’s the ship itself that sets this cruise apart from the pack. You’ll find unique cabins (with balcony hammocks), brash red livery and one-of-a-kind onboard activities, such as tattoo parlors, drag shows and ‘80s-themed fitness classes, to keep its 2,700 sailors (as Virgin calls its passengers) entertained.

Who should go ? This is the best Bahamas cruise for the non-cruiser who is either young at heart or young and eager to party aboard this glitzy ship. If you’re easily offended by loud music, round-the-clock partying or sexual innuendo, this is not your Bahamas cruise.

4-day cruises on Norwegian Jade from Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line offers four-day sailings from Miami aboard Norwegian Jade. Ports of call include Key West and Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s private island.

Port diversions consist of touring the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium, shopping along Nassau’s Bay Street and exploring the white-sand beaches and pristine waters on Great Stirrup Cay.

The 2,402-passenger vessel is part of the line’s Jewel class of ships. Though the ship launched in 2006, it received a substantial refurbishment in 2017 that included a cabin remodel, new and expanded dining and a design overhaul.

Norwegian Jewel might not have the extensive top-deck attractions of newer ships, like Norwegian Prima, or as many restaurants and bars. However, passengers will find plenty to occupy their time onboard with scheduled activities, a casino, spa and pool areas.

Who should go? Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise. The line’s “freestyle cruising” mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea.

Related: Best time to cruise to the Bahamas

5-night cruises on Carnival Sunshine from South Carolina

I am a huge lover of five-night sailings. They are long enough to scratch the cruise itch and short enough to account for travel time to and from the port without adding any extra vacation days. Plus, the slightly longer itineraries are less popular with hard partiers who can be disruptive on shorter Bahamas cruises.

Carnival Cruise Line offers 10 different five-night sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, aboard the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine. It’s currently Carnival’s oldest ship (it debuted in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny). However, in 2013, the line gave it a $200 million bow-to-stern glow-up and renamed it Carnival Sunshine. The overhaul produced a new top-deck WaterWorks water park, a comedy club and several bars, lounges and restaurants.

Depending on which itinerary you choose, you can chill out on the beaches of Bimini, shop Nassau’s iconic straw market or go horseback riding by the shore of Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Consider a pre- or post-cruise stay in Charleston to take in the city’s historic landmarks, epic dining and charming cobblestone streets.

Who should go? These cruises are the best Bahamas sailings for those who prefer the intimacy of an older ship and don’t care about flashy amenities and onboard attractions on newer vessels. Plus, they’re ideal for travelers who live north of Florida and are looking for a more convenient drive-to departure port.

8-night cruises on Carnival Venezia from New York City

The 4,090-passenger Carnival Venezia is a bit of an outlier in Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet. Originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises and launched in 2019, it joined the Carnival family in May 2023. (Carnival Corporation is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival.)

The ship was renovated to add many of Carnival’s signature venues. However, many of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed designs remain, including a real gondola “sailing” down the middle of its main dining room and a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard.

Guests might feel like they’ve been whisked away to Italy thanks to regional touches like the handmade Italian gelato at JavaBlue Cafe and the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Two eight-night voyages out of New York City include stops at Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay.

Who should go? This Bahamas cruise is ideal for anyone looking for a different Carnival experience during a weeklong cruise. It’s almost like traveling to Italy and the Bahamas in one trip.

Bottom line

The best Bahamas cruises offer something cruisers can’t quite get enough of — whether it’s beach time or party time. While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Travel | Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas…

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Subscriber only, travel | carnival doles out more details on new bahamas destination.

MIAMI BEACH — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will be welcoming ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals, and Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove.

Named in deference to the native Lucayan language, “lokono” means “the people.” It was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” said Duffy said/ “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the excursion gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing mile-long beachfront expanse and massive freshwater inland lagoon the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival’s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

This image shows cabanas within Calypso Cove, an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival’s Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

Calypso Lagoon falls just to the west, home to the sport court and freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. And adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling its largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class, including Port Canaveral-based Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration out of Miami.

The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day. For now, it has more than 500 itineraries planned among 18 ships available to book.

Other U.S. ports visiting the new site are Galveston, Texas; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, S.C. and New Orleans.

“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” said Duffy when the pier expansion was announced. “Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island.”

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Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival glory.

We warmly welcome all Carnival Glory Cruise Ship Passengers to the Bahamas. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Port of Nassau and Freeport.

The Bahamas offer an abundance of excursions and activities to delight Glory cruisers of all ages and activity levels. From snorkeling, scuba diving, shopping, water sports, all-inclusive resort day passes, parasailing, land tours, horseback riding or relaxing on the beach, the Bahamas have it all!!

Bahamas Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Our rates are direct rates from the operators which allow you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions to choose from.

Bahamas Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for Sunrise passengers for your visit to Nassau and Freeport based on the arrival times, departure time of your the Carnival Glory as well as the length of your visit out our Port.

We also take into account the number of cruise ships arriving on the same day your ship comes to port. We then can provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate.

Please have a look at our Recommended Sunrise Excursions and Itineraries. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions.

Recommended Shore Excursions:

We are diligently working to bring you the best tours available in the Bahamas.

Nassau and Freeport are uniquely situated in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land adventures.

We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Excursions International Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need.

Bahamas Cruise Excursions are tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in the Bahamas.

We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you.

That’s the Excursions International Ltd. difference!

Recommended Excursions

Nassau Private Charters – Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island – From $1,100us

• Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines
• Rose Island, Spanish Wells Pigs, Exuma Pigs, Allens Cay Iguanas and more Options
• Pick up within walking distance of Cruise ship pier

Nassau Breezes All Inclusive Resort Day Pass – $100us

• Unlimited Drinks ( alcoholic and non).
• All You Can Eat Buffet and Snack Cafe.
• Seaside and Poolside Seating + Towels.

Nassau Island Tours – $40us

• Nassau 2.5hr Historical Island Tour
• Nassau Rum Cake Factory Tour and John Watling's Distillery
• Queen Staircase, Fort Fincastle, shopping and more!

Nassau Sailing and Snorkeling Tours – From $90us

• Private Sailing and Snorkeling Tours
• Full Day and Half Day Tours
• Private and non-private tours available

RIU Palace Adults Only All Inclusive Day Pass – $150us

• Free Open Bar With Tropical Drinks
• Delicious Lunch Buffet and snacks from the Sports bar
• Luxury Resort with Seaside pool with swim up bar and Beach Chairs

Nassau Private Custom Island Tours – From $180us

• Private Air Conditioned Vans all to yourself with Professional Guide.
• 4 hours or 2.5 hours Tour Options.
• Visit Historical Landmarks, Beaches, Local Attractions, Bars, Restaurants and More.

Nassau Ultimate Snorkeling Adventure – $99us

• 2 Snorkeling Stops : Explore a Wreck and a Stunning Coral Reef
• Full snorkeling gear and professional instruction are provided
• Round trip transfers from your Resort and your cruise ship port

Nassau Private Boat Charters – Swim with the Nassau Pigs, Rose Island, and Fishing! – From $750us

• Choice of Nassau Beach Pigs, Private Snorkeling, Secluded Beaches at Rose Island, Turtle Swim, Sight Seeing and fishing
• Snorkeling Gear, snorkeling vests
• Ice, bottled water, sodas and chips included

Nassau Discover Scuba Diving – $181us

• Instruction and Assistance with all aspects of SCUBA gear and safety
• All SCUBA required equipment
• 1 tank dive on a shallow reef

Nassau Shark Scuba Diving Adventure – $202us

• Two Tank Dive with Shark Encounters at both Locations
• Professional experienced Shark Feeders
• Tanks + weights included. Additional equipment is available at an additional cost

Freeport Peterson Cay Kayak Snorkeling Tours – $69us

• Kayak and Snorkel in Pristine Peterson Cay National Park
• Kayaks and Full snorkel gear/ snorkeling vest
• Round trip transfers from the Cruise Ship Terminal or Resort/Hotel

Freeport Grand Bahamas Beach Horseback Riding – $165us

• 2 hour Trail and Beach Horseback Riding
• Ride into the Sea with your Horse on this Magical Tour
• No previous horseback riding experience required

Freeport Private Boat Charter – From $950us

• 4 Hour / 6 Hour Private Custom Boat Charters
• Options Include snorkeling at Treasure Reef, Peterson Cay and Fishing
• Snorkel gear, soda and water included

Other Destinations

Bahamas Excursions

Barbados Excursions

Belize Excursions

Cabo San Lucas Excursions

Costa Maya Excursions

Cozumel Excursions

Grand Cayman Excusions

Jamaica Excursions

Puerto Rico Excursions

Roatan Excursions

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Thomas Excursions

We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of Nassau and/or Freeport, Bahamas.

How Barclays and Carnival Cruise revived a waterlogged card program

Though Barclays U.S. consumer bank and Carnival Cruise Line have been card-issuing partners for two decades, they realized that after the pandemic, their process for enrolling new consumers wasn't exactly ship-shape. 

digital wallets . 

"People had to fill out an application using paper or an app, and it was error-prone," said Sid Krishna, Carnival's vice president of loyalty, who was charged with rejuvenating the program after joining the firm in 2022 following several years managing loyalty and co-branded card programs at American Airlines, Spirit Airlines and other travel firms. 

Barclays, in turn, had developed a frictionless instant card-provisioning process initially designed for airlines. Last year, the bank honed the process so it could work in any environment that has WiFi, including Carnival's far-flung ocean routes around the world, according to Doug Villone, who Barclays hired last year as head of U.S. cards and partnerships.

At American Banker's recent Payments Forum in Hollywood, Florida, Villone and Krishna discussed the progress made so far and the next steps in Carnival's journey to modernize and accelerate the cruise line's instant card-issuing process.

Carnival is facing growing competition in the cruise industry, where many operators are adding new ships to accommodate a total of 30 million prospective global passengers by the end of this year, according to Cruise Market Watch. Miami-based Carnival's key goal with the upgrade was to give interested passengers a way to immediately make purchases with a new Carnival FunPoints Mastercard whether they were on or off the ship, Krishna said.

"Cruise lines are far more complicated than other travel modes like airlines, where the customer uses a card to make a single purchase of a ticket with maybe a few upgrades. On a cruise line, there are several different merchants from retailers to spa services to shore excursion operators, each with their own payment systems, and an instantly issued credit card needs to work across them all," he said.

Barclays last year switched on the capability for Carnival Cruise passengers to scan a QR code anywhere on the ship and receive approval for a digital Carnival FunPoints credit card within 12 to 15 minutes from anywhere in the world with WiFi, according to Villone. Barclays saw an immediate "bump" in applications from the streamlined approach, he noted, without disclosing figures.

In coming months, Barclays plans to further streamline the process, shaving off minutes by using technology that pre-populates applications and enables customers to apply by providing just a few pieces of information, with the option to review the credit offer before querying credit bureaus, Villone said.

"Credit card pre-screening technology has really improved, and Carnival will be at the forefront of the cruise industry when we complete the final leg of the digital application process this year," he said.

Carnival's parent company, which operates nine different cruise lines including Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, is investing in new ships and curated destinations to compete with rivals such as Royal Caribbean, which is launching the 5,700-passenger Utopia of the Seas in July that touts five pools, three waterslides, 21 dining venues, 23 bars and two casinos. 

As the first cruise line with a roller coaster on three of its ships, Carnival has seven new ships in the wings and next year will unveil its first private island exclusively created for Carnival ships, creating an additional need for streamlined on-site credit card issuance, Krishna said.

Celebration Key, Carnival's branded island opening next year in the Bahamas, will host up to 15,000 passengers at once from two or more Carnival ships, including its largest Excel-class ships that each carry more than 6,000 people. Carnival expects the new venue to drive "higher incremental port spending," Joshua Weinstein, Carnival's president and CEO, told analysts last month when announcing the company's first-quarter earnings. 

"This will be a private destination with a lot of payment opportunities for passengers temporarily getting off the ships, such as unique Bahamian retailers and jewelers, beach activities and high-end dining," Krishna said.

Passengers will also be able to apply for a Carnival credit card using a QR code on Celebration Key "in case they decide they want to finance additional purchases," he said.

Working with Barclays, Carnival also recently added the ability to provision new Carnival credit cards directly into passengers' trip folios through the Carnival Sail & Sign onboard account, the payments-enabled access card customers use to on the ship to obtain any of its services and products. "We wanted to position that virtual card into the Sail & Sign account immediately so we get the full benefit of the card without losing a moment in the transaction process," Krishna said.

Barclays, one of the U.S.'s only issuers focused exclusively on co-branded cards, supports about 20 different co-branded card programs reaching about 20 million customers, with a high concentration in the travel industry.

"We're constantly bringing the technology and capabilities we develop in one part of the travel industry to other travel verticals, like how we've brought some of the most sophisticated card experiences developed for airlines to cruise ships," said Villone, who served for a decade at Barclays before returning last year after a five-year stint in various executive capacities at Goldman Sachs.

Villone's other mission is helping Carnival fine-tune its existing loyalty program to include more incentives linked to the Carnival FunPoints card, which has no annual fee and enables users to earn two points for every dollar spent at Carnival and one point for all other purchases.

"The credit card will act as an accelerator for Carnival's loyalty program, and while it's not surprising that the biggest users are repeat cruise customers, increasingly we want to target people who are new to cruising," he said. 

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