celebrity cruise excursions nassau

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Nassau, Bahamas Shore Excursions

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Scuba Diving and Relaxation: Famous Nassau Shore Excursions

Pastel buildings, rum cake, and turquoise waters await you on Nassau shore excursions. Experience the capital city of the Bahamas in style, whether you relax on its many beaches or take a more active approach and explore the island on foot or underwater.

Start with a guided tour of all the major city sites, like Rawson Square, the historic Parliament Buildings, and the National Art Gallery. Check out the local fish market, Potters Cay, and sample local rum at John Watling's Rum Distillery. On a cruise to the Bahamas , there’s always time for a piña colada.

There are endless opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling on Nassau cruise excursions. You can take a beginner’s scuba tour to learn the basic how-tos, or experienced divers can gear up and head to the island’s famous Rainbow Reef. It’s only a 45-minute boat ride from Nassau Harbor, and this tropical oasis is home to some of the most beautiful coral structures in the world. You can snorkel, scuba dive, or simply swim the crystal waters while visiting from your cruise to Nassau . 

Animal lovers will find Nassau shore excursions are perfect for wildlife adventures. Swim with dolphins and meet sea lions at Blue Lagoon Island. It’s an ideal excursion to combine animal experiences with the tropical beauty of the Bahamas. If you want to take things down a notch, let Blue Lagoon Island be your haven. Lounge in a hammock beachside and swim in Caribbean waters without interruption. Families will also enjoy Aquaventure in Nassau, where all ages can enjoy the water park at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort for water slides, tubing, and lazy river floating.

Foodies can choose an intimate culinary option of the Nassau shore excursions available, where you’ll learn how chefs source their fresh seafood, prepare signature dishes, and explore the local markets. Complete your day with a delicious meal of Bahamian classics like deep-fried conch fritters, Johnny cake, and, of course, rum cake for dessert .

Learn More About Shore Excursions

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Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

From lazy lounging on the beach to action-packed water adventures, cruise ship shore excursions in the Bahamas are packed with fun in the sun and sea.

Whether you're looking to get wet, get chill or get stuff, you'll find a way to do it on a shore excursion here. You can swim with pigs and dive with sharks. You can cruise the islands on ATVs or skim across the water on a wide array of vessels. Tours often include time to shop the straw markets, and many also include traditional Bahamian lunches, snacks and/or beverages.

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The list of Bahamas tours and activities includes options to suit almost everyone. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. Ready? Let's dive in.

Prices for the same tours can vary across cruise lines and third-party sellers, so tours are listed below by price ranges, using the following shorthand (per adult):

$= $0-50. $$= $51-99. $$$= $100-199. $$$$=$200-499.

Best Nassau, Bahamas shore excursions

Island food and culinary tour

3-3.5 hours, easy, $$.

Bahamas food and beverage excursions are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the culture of the islands. You'll feast on island specialties and favorites such as conch fritters or salad, rock lobster, traditional cornbread-like Johnny cakes and tropical punches laced with rum. Most cruise lines offer food tours that stop at multiple local eateries. There may be walking involved, so be sure to read your cruise line's description.

Blue Lagoon beach break

Varies, easy to moderate, $$-$$$.

Some of the best excursions in Nassau are to Blue Lagoon Island, a privately owned island with a beach, food, water sports and other activities. You can choose the standard beach break option with lunch, beach games and use of water noodles and tubes. Or you can upgrade to a tour that includes snorkeling or swimming with stingrays, dolphins, sharks and even sea lions. Additional activities can be purchased upon arrival on the island.

Scuba diving with sharks

4.5 hours, moderate, $$$-$$$$.

If you are a certified scuba diver and have ever considered diving with sharks, this is your excursion. The shark dives involve one reef dive, followed by a second dive with everyone kneeling in the sand on the bottom as the shark feeder doles out his goodies. You've heard the term "sharknado?" It's a real thing and being in one is an adrenaline rush you'll never forget.

I should warn the shark-timid among you that because Caribbean reef sharks are plentiful in the waters surrounding Nassau and because dive shops have been doing baited shark dives here for years, you may encounter sharks on any dive in Nassau, though at a bit more distance than during the shark feeds. In fact, I've never not seen a shark while diving here.

Paradise Island and Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark

All day, moderate, $$$$.

Excursions that include access to Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas seem to no longer mention the name of the mega-resort that made Paradise Island famous. If you've always wanted to go, excursions labeled Aquaventure are your ticket.

The day pass includes access to miles of beaches, the on-site casino, and the Aquaventure water park featuring 141 acres of slides, swimming areas, river rides, and wave areas. The pass also allows you to dine in the resort's eateries, explore a myriad of shops or even add an aquatic animal experience like a dolphin swim.

You can purchase Atlantis day passes independently, but the advantage of booking your visit as an excursion is that transportation will be included.

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

Best shore excursions in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

Freeport island tour, beach and shopping

4 hours, easy, $.

Shore excursions that bundle a tour with a beach break and shopping are always a good choice in the Bahamas. You get to see a bit of the island, learn its history, shop for souvenirs and get in some coveted beach time, all with easy transportation. This kind of tour is especially useful if you've never been to Grand Bahama Island. For a small amount of money, you get to scope the place out for your adventures on your next Bahamas cruise.

Pirate's Cove beach, zipline and waterpark

4 hours, moderate, $$$.

If zip lining is your thing, this is a good place to get your fix. The beachside zip line has options for starting at 50 feet up or 30 feet, making it ideal for newbies wanting to try the experience. Since this excursion also includes time at the beach and floating water park, consider it a deal.

Glass bottom boat shark experience

3 hours, easy, $$$.

Want to see Caribbean reef sharks without putting your toes in the water? This excursion takes you on a glass-bottom boat ride to waters where Caribbean reef sharks have been fed. The boat has ample deck space for sunning when you aren't watching the action below the boat. It's a fun way to spend a day out on the water with an opportunity to see these predators and other colorful tropical fish without fear. Typical Bahamian refreshments round out the fun.

Blue hole snorkeling

5 hours, moderate, $$$.

My rule of thumb is to snorkel at every opportunity while in the Bahamas. It's a fun and easy way to take a peek beneath the waves at the colorful sea life found in these waters. When you book a snorkeling excursion in the Bahamas, gear is provided, including snorkeling vests to keep you afloat.

For the best Bahamas snorkeling, choose a blue hole snorkeling excursion. Blue holes are found throughout the Bahamas and are essentially open-topped caverns, so it's like swimming in a fishbowl. Some are landlocked, where they may be filled with either fresh or salt water, and inhabited by a wide range of aquatic life, including crabs, lobsters, octopus and fish. Others are offshore, below the surface of the ocean, creating a mini reef environment to explore.

This excursion involves a lengthy ride, but it's definitely worth it.

Swim with the pigs

1.5 hours, easy, $$$.

Swimming pigs are kind of a big deal in the Bahamas. Animal lovers can enjoy time in shallow water watching (and even feeding) these silly pigs. Most of the cruise line private islands also offer pig swims, but the one in Freeport does not involve a boat ride, which may make it more appealing to some. You'll also get time to hang out on Crystal Beach and buy lunch.

Related: Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Best Bahamas shore excursions from cruise line private islands

Snorkeling from shore or by boat

Varies, moderate, $-$$.

Cruise ship private islands make snorkeling easy. Most of the islands will offer snorkeling gear for rent, and you can snorkel right from the beach. (If you, like me, never miss an opportunity to put your face in the water, consider buying your own snorkel gear for future sailings.) Optional boat excursions to primo snorkeling spots are also possible from some islands.

1-1.5 hours, moderate, $-$$.

Kayaking from the cruise line private islands gives you a new perspective of these fun playgrounds. Tours are led by experienced guides who can point out sea life in shallow water while leading you along the shore of the tropical paradise. Beginners are welcome and life jackets are provided.

Stingray City Bahamas

1.5 hours, easy, $$.

While the Stingray City experience has been popular in Grand Cayman for years, it's relatively new to the Bahamas. Stingray City Bahamas is located among the Berry Islands, home to Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay. You'll be taken on a short speedboat ride to a shallow sandy spot in a location where stingrays congregate. Your guide will provide fish to feed the rays, which swoop in and suck the fish from your hand. It's a fun outing if you haven't done it before and it doesn't take away too much of your beach time on the island.

Horseback riding by land and sea

1.25 hours, moderate, $$$.

Carnival offers a horseback riding tour from Half Moon Cay that includes a brief venture into the sea with your horse. The minimum age is 10. As the mother of a horse-loving daughter, I can tell you that riding in the ocean was one of her favorite cruise memories ever. No riding experience is required, but you must be able to follow directions and pay attention to your guide for your own safety as well as that of the horses and other riders. One other thing to know: There will be poo, both on land and in the water.

Related: Visiting a cruise line's private island? Don't make these 11 mistakes

Bottom line

Bahamas shore excursions typically focus on activity in the water, but if shopping, food tours or sightseeing are more your thing, you'll find those options as well. The Bahamas is made up of a culturally rich collection of islands that have a reputation for welcoming visitors with arms wide open. From simple beach break excursions to full-day tours, you can easily find something that floats your boat in the Bahamas.

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Nassau, Bahamas

The Bahamas' capital city offers travelers the chance to swim with dolphins, dive among Caribbean reef sharks and cruise the coastline on a speedboat excursion. Living up to its name, Paradise Island is home to the world-famous Atlantis resort, a tropical utopia that boasts 5 miles of beaches, a 141-acre waterpark, snorkeling adventures off a catamaran, an expansive casino and much more. Reggae lovers can relax during a daytrip to the Marley Resort and Spa, while foodies can indulge on conch fritters, chocolate bon bons and handcrafted rum cocktails on a tasting tour of local eateries. Visit the 1793 Fort Fincastle, take a photo atop the Queen's Staircase and bargain with vendors at the Straw Market on Bay Street. Ships dock just steps from downtown, making it easy to explore the area on foot.

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Nassau, Bahamas Shore Excursions

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Scuba Diving and Relaxation: Famous Nassau Shore Excursions

Pastel buildings, rum cake, and turquoise waters await you on Nassau shore excursions. Experience the capital city of the Bahamas in style, whether you relax on its many beaches or take a more active approach and explore the island on foot or underwater.

Start with a guided tour of all the major city sites, like Rawson Square, the historic Parliament Buildings, and the National Art Gallery. Check out the local fish market, Potters Cay, and sample local rum at John Watling's Rum Distillery. On a cruise to the Bahamas , there’s always time for a piña colada.

There are endless opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling on Nassau cruise excursions. You can take a beginner’s scuba tour to learn the basic how-tos, or experienced divers can gear up and head to the island’s famous Rainbow Reef. It’s only a 45-minute boat ride from Nassau Harbor, and this tropical oasis is home to some of the most beautiful coral structures in the world. You can snorkel, scuba dive, or simply swim the crystal waters while visiting from your cruise to Nassau . 

Animal lovers will find Nassau shore excursions are perfect for wildlife adventures. Swim with dolphins and meet sea lions at Blue Lagoon Island. It’s an ideal excursion to combine animal experiences with the tropical beauty of the Bahamas. If you want to take things down a notch, let Blue Lagoon Island be your haven. Lounge in a hammock beachside and swim in Caribbean waters without interruption. Families will also enjoy Aquaventure in Nassau, where all ages can enjoy the water park at Atlantis Paradise Island Resort for water slides, tubing, and lazy river floating.

Foodies can choose an intimate culinary option of the Nassau shore excursions available, where you’ll learn how chefs source their fresh seafood, prepare signature dishes, and explore the local markets. Complete your day with a delicious meal of Bahamian classics like deep-fried conch fritters, Johnny cake, and, of course, rum cake for dessert .

Learn More About Shore Excursions

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Nassau Bahamas

Cruise excursions & tours, bahamas cruise excursions.

Welcome to Nassau Cruise Excursions, your guide to shore excursions in Nassau Bahamas. Whether you will be visiting Nassau or Paradise Island for a day or a week we can help you make the most of your vacation time.

Nassau offers an abundance of activities and tours both above and below the turquoise waters that surround this tropical island.

Whether you are searching for the perfect beach or All Inclusive Resort to soak up the sun, the perfect snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing or deep sea fishing excursion we can help you find the tour that right for you. If you are organising a special day for a group we can help you arrange private or custom excursions.

Nassau Island Tours are a great way to learn about the Bahamian culture and history and see some of the popular island attractions of Cable Beach, Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort and so much more.

Booking your own Nassau shore excursion will not only save you money but it will provide you with the option of unique and diverse excursions, small groups, individualised itineraries and the freedom and knowledge to go off on your own if you so choose.

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

• Nassau Private Charters for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines
• Nassau 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 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

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 Sailing and Snorkeling Tours – From $90us

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

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

Other Destinations

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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.

• Celebrity Cruises

Only ship excursions in Nassau?

By TickledBlue , October 13, 2021 in Celebrity Cruises

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TickledBlue

Celebrity changed our Summit Nov 3 itinerary from a Key West stop to Nassau.   I'm not particularly thrilled with this (and I doubt any of my shipmates are either) but it is what it is.

According to Celebrity at:    https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/celebrity-healthy-at-sea-protocols.pdf

Western Caribbean Itineraries

Excursions provided by Celebrity Cruises are required in: Nassau.  Guests can explore the destination on their own in: Roatan, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Belize.

Has anyone been to Nassau on Celebrity recently and this still really the case?   Or was this just not updated from earlier cruises? 

Currently they haven't updated the cruise planner shore excursions except to remove Key West.  Nassau isn't showing up there at all.

It would be nice if I could plan this stop a little ahead of time (3 weeks to go).

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9 minutes ago, TickledBlue said: Celebrity changed our Summit Nov 3 itinerary from a Key West stop to Nassau.   I'm not particularly thrilled with this (and I doubt any of my shipmates are either) but it is what it is.   According to Celebrity at:    https://www.celebritycruises.com/content/dam/celebrity/pdf/celebrity-healthy-at-sea-protocols.pdf   Western Caribbean Itineraries Excursions provided by Celebrity Cruises are required in: Nassau.  Guests can explore the destination on their own in: Roatan, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Belize.   ----   Has anyone been to Nassau on Celebrity recently and this still really the case?   Or was this just not updated from earlier cruises?    Currently they haven't updated the cruise planner shore excursions except to remove Key West.  Nassau isn't showing up there at all.   It would be nice if I could plan this stop a little ahead of time (3 weeks to go).

There was a post within the last few days from someone aboard saying that they had received a note in their cabin stating that this not a requirement for their cruise. I've no idea if this is a change not updated on the website or a one-off for that particular cruise.

Some ships you can get off on your own, some you cannot. You likely won't know the situation until the day you get to Nassau. No one knows in advance what the policy for Nassau is as it seems to change daily.

If you follow either the Royal Caribbean or Celebrity pages on FB, you get totally contradicting answers on both sites.

Sounds like royal you can get off and do your own thing.  X  you can not. but 10 mintutes later someone posts the oposite

We are doing a B2B so 2 stops in Nassau.  Until the website changes or we get notified from X that we can DYI we will plan to go on the ships excursion we have booked. 

Apparently  Royal Caribbean has allowed passengers to get off in Nassau,  Celebrity is not. That was the case for my cruise last month.  Don't know if changes have been made.  I"m sure this had something to  due with  Bahamian Government, not Celebrity. 

2 minutes ago, Missymo said: Apparently  Royal Caribbean has allowed passengers to get off in Nassau,  Celebrity is not. That was the case for my cruise last month.  Don't know if changes have been made.  I"m sure this had something to  due with  Bahamian Government, not Celebrity. 

I want to agree with you but other cruiselines. including Celebrity's sister company(owning company) is allowing cruisers off the ship. Just doesn't make sense why the Government would pick just 1 cruiseline.  Something just smells fishy.

3 hours ago, TickledBlue said: Has anyone been to Nassau on Celebrity recently and this still really the case?   Or was this just not updated from earlier cruises?

Read the 'live' blogs (always your best source) and you'll get both answers.  Certain X dockings have allowed for on-your-own in Nassau, irrespective of the web page that says otherwise.  Others have not.

We were there on royal caribbean last week.  We just walked off the ship. No excursion, however I believe if you have children that are unvaccinated you would have a a ship tour.

23 minutes ago, Bunny72V said: We were there on royal caribbean last week.

As would be expected since RCL ships, as noted above, have been doing this all along.  This being a Celebrity thread OTOH...

Maybe it depends on whether there are other ships in port. Priority might go to the first ship that was scheduled to be there, with ships that switched from Gr Cayman, DR, or Key West in a lower chance of being allowed free wandering.

On 10/13/2021 at 8:43 PM, mayleeman said: Maybe it depends on whether there are other ships in port. Priority might go to the first ship that was scheduled to be there, with ships that switched from Gr Cayman, DR, or Key West in a lower chance of being allowed free wandering.

What difference would it make which ship got there first? As long as there is space to dock why would it matter if people can get off on their own or not? Celebrity is routing all of their ships there now after cancelling Key West, Caymans, and DR. I am surprised the Bahamians are content to lose all that revenue from the thousands of Celebrity passengers who don't get off in Nassau. Maybe the parking fee is enough money to keep the government people happy, but this does nothing to help the local tour companies, cab drivers, or shops.

1 hour ago, susiesan said: What difference would it make which ship got there first? As long as there is space to dock why would it matter if people can get off on their own or not? Celebrity is routing all of their ships there now after cancelling Key West, Caymans, and DR. I am surprised the Bahamians are content to lose all that revenue from the thousands of Celebrity passengers who don't get off in Nassau. Maybe the parking fee is enough money to keep the government people happy, but this does nothing to help the local tour companies, cab drivers, or shops.

It's quite possible the the Bahamian government has established a cap on the number of potential passengers it will allow to wander freely. Once the passenger load of arriving ships reaches that cap,  passengers on ships arriving later would be restricted to ship excursions. In all probability, it wouldn't be based on actual arrival time but the date when a port reservation was originally made.

As is so often the case, the government is faced with balancing safety protocols to protect the health of its citizens with the negative impact on the economy. While it would like all passengers to leave happy, I'm pretty sure that they are not going to put their pleasure ahead of protecting the health of its citizens.

According to the X website, as of yesterday (Oct 15), Nassau is now an "on your own" port. No need for a ship excursion to visit.

RichYak can you post the link where you saw that? It wasn't on the Celebrity web site yesterday when I looked at it.

18 minutes ago, susiesan said: RichYak can you post the link where you saw that? It wasn't on the Celebrity web site yesterday when I looked at it.

Go to the link in post #1.

29 minutes ago, susiesan said: RichYak can you post the link where you saw that? It wasn't on the Celebrity web site yesterday when I looked at it.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/us-travel-requirements

Very good news indeed. Now if Antigua allows on your own touring as was rumored to happen soon I will only be restricted in 1 port, St. Kitts.

Now to find something to do while in Nassau. 

PinkSandGirl

Hi!  I was on the October 8th 9-night Equinox.  When we boarded there was a letter in our cabin with updated  information for each port.  We were allowed to get off in Nassau and be on our own.  There were a total of 3 ships in port that day.  

On 10/16/2021 at 10:05 PM, RichYak said: https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/us-travel-requirements

Thanks to all for your feedback, particularly for the notice of the Celebrity website update.  

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Best Bahamas Cruises

C ruises to the Bahamas are filled with sun, soft sands, and the opportunity to dip your toes in a warm and seductive crystal blue sea. The 700-island archipelago is the kind of oasis you dream of when, in my case at least, you're indoors on a cold and dark day in Cleveland. Exploring the islands is tricky by air, but much easier via ship. Bahamas cruises to take right now include quick jaunts from easy-to-get-to Florida ports as well as one-week and longer cruises that explore more deeply. You can sail there in less than a day from Florida (cruises tend to embark in the early evening and hang out at sea until the next morning ashore), which makes it both an easy escape for a quick getaway or somewhere to linger for even more rest and relaxation.

What to expect on a Bahamas cruise

The main places cruise ships visit in the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital city, and some of the islands and beaches that are affiliated with cruise lines, such as Disney's private family wonderland Castaway Cay, off Great Abaco Island. There are small ships that explore further, including to the southern reaches of the archipelago.

Cruise passengers will find opportunities to hike in national parks, enjoy nearly deserted beaches, and explore many small churches-the Bahamas boasts more churches per capita than anywhere else in the world.

In the Bahamian capital of Nassau on New Providence Island, visitors can get a better understanding of the nation's British colonial and West African slave history as well as of the Junkanoo culture and festivals at wonderful museums. Most day visitors, though, are typically focused on water attractions: heading off on diving or snorkeling excursions, boarding party boats with free-flowing rum punch, experiencing the beaches, swimming pools, and waterslides at the Atlantis Bahamas resort on Paradise Island, or trying to catch the big one on fishing charters.

On small ship itineraries, you may stop at San Salvador Island, where Christopher Columbus may or may not have made his first landing in the New World. (Historians quibble on the exact landing spot.) A white cross memorializes the supposed landing spot. Long Island, which stretches some 80 miles, has both rugged and sandy coasts and the natural attraction of Dean's Blue Hole, one of the deepest sinkholes in the world at 663 feet, a place where divers and snorkelers can mingle with turtles and tarpons. The small island of Bimini is known for its clean beaches and rich marine life-hanging out at beach clubs, seeking quiet escapes in the land, and watching for dolphins and other sea creatures are prime activities.

Other cruise destinations include Eleuthera, with its inviting pink sands and protected park areas. In addition to beaches, the 365-island chain known as the Exumas are famous for swimming pigs (though they also live elsewhere in the Bahamas).

Best Bahamas cruises

Celebrity cruises' "nassau & bimini" itinerary.

• Best for: Upscale big ship experience
• To book: 4-nights round-trip from Miami , from $473 per person for a veranda stateroom; from $801 per person for AquaClass; and from $2,245 per person for the Retreat
• Islands: Nassau (New Providence), Bimini, plus Key West

Celebrity Cruises sails to Nassau and Bimini in style, and if time or money is tight, you don't have to invest too much in your Bahamas getaway. You can book, for instance, an easy, breezy four-night trip on the 2,158-passenger Celebrity Summit from under $500 per person. That said, if you splurge on a suite in the Retreat, you'll have your own sundeck with hot tub, enjoy private lounge access, and dine at the exclusive restaurant Luminae, where signature dishes by Celebrity's culinary ambassador, Daniel Boulud, are featured on the rotating menu-such as creamy carrot and ginger velouté and Moroccan chicken tagine with saffron couscous. Spa lovers might want to book the AquaClass staterooms, with complimentary access to a Persian Garden with infrared sauna and sensory showers and exclusive dining at health focused Blu, where the wine list features sustainable and biodynamic wines. While in Bimini, you might try your hand at sport-fishing, a year-round pastime from the island.

Disney Cruise Line's Bahamian Cruise from Fort Lauderdale

• Best for: Families and Disney fans of all ages
• To book: 5-night Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale on the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic , from $6,299 for four guests
• Islands: Castaway Cay, Nassau (New Providence), Eleuthera

Disney Cruise Line has ships in the Bahamas year-round, starting with quick three- and four-night sailings from Florida ports. Ever since it first opened 1998, the highlight of any Disney cruise in the Bahamas has been Castaway Cay, a picture-perfect white-sand island paradise, complete with pirate attractions and Disney character appearances. What has Disney fans all atwitter is the opening in summer 2024 of a second exclusive for Disney Bahamas destination, Lighthouse Point, on the island of Eleuthera. There, Disney promises a celebration of Bahamian culture, including Junkanoo parades, characters from Bahamas folklore, and performances by local artists. An accompanying commitment to conservation at Lighthouse Point includes a solar installation that will provide at least 90 percent of the destination's required electricity (Castaway Cay also has a solar installation). Family-friendly attractions abound but grown-ups can also drop the kids off in a supervised activity program and head to the adults-only beach to sip cocktails while lounging in private cabanas.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's round-trip sailing from Fort Lauderdale

• Best for: Top-of-the-line luxury experience
• To book: 7-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale on the 298-passenger Evrima , from $6,100 per person
• Islands: Nassau (New Providence), Bimini, San Salvador, Long Island, plus Key West

On the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 298-passenger Evrima , you can head to the secluded dipping pool and pretend you are on your own private yacht, luxuriate in your resort-like suite, or join an intimate dance party on the Marina Terrace, located just above the sea. A seven-night itinerary in December 2023 gets you from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau, Bimini, San Salvador, and Long Island, Bahamas, with the bonus of some additional time built in to enjoy the Hemingway House & Museum and other attractions in Key West, Florida. Optional small group shore excursions in the Bahamas include an "Eco-Marine Safari" on Long Island, that combines small boat exploration of a mangrove channel and sandbars with a visit to see swimming pigs in a quiet cay. With both the cruise line and the Royal at Atlantis on Paradise Island affiliated with Marriott International , there's also a hotel tie-in-you can book a daybed at the resort's chic adults-only pool area, the Cove .

Scenic's "Island Odyssey: Bahamas to the Grenadines" cruise

• Best for: Underwater and air exploration
• To book: 12-night sailing in fall 2024 from $9,963 per person
• Islands: Compass Cay, Great Exuma Island, San Salvador Island, Long Island, Great Inagua Island in the Bahamas. Also, Virgin Gorda, St. Bart's, Monserrat, Iles des Saintes (Guadeloupe), Tobago Cays (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

The luxurious 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse features some of the best exploration toys in the industry. An expedition team runs excursions including with two helicopters and a submarine, which will enhance your Bahamas views from both over and under the sea. Or borrow paddleboards and kayaks from the ship's marina for your own solo exploration. A 12-night sailing from Nassau to Bridgetown, Barbados, starts with six days in the Bahamas, before following the yachting crowd south. Stops include Compass Cay in the Exuma Cays, where in the clear water you might see nurse sharks even from the ship. Bird lovers will enjoy a rare visit to the southernmost island in the Bahamas, Great Inagua Island, with its resident population of some 80,000 flamingos. Whiskey lovers will want to check out the ship's collection of more than 110 varieties.

SeaDream Yacht Club's "Bountiful Bahamas" cruise

Best for: Low-key luxury

To book: 7-night cruise in April 2025 , from $4,399 per person

Islands: Nassau (New Providence), Staniel Cay, Great Exuma, San Salvador, Salt Cay

You'll have to wait until 2025, but small-ship line SeaDream has an intriguing pair of upcoming round-trip cruises to the Bahamas from tony Palm Beach, Florida, on the 112-passenger SeaDream II . The "Bountiful Bahamas" itinerary lingers in the Exumas and around Long Island, with the opportunity to explore pristine beaches, hang out at beach shack bars, and snorkel in the clear sea. There's also an unusual visit to the uninhabited Bahamas island Salt Cay (also known as Cay Sal), only accessible by boat and some 50 miles from Marathon, Florida. In between kayaking quiet bays, try the yacht's newest attraction, an inflatable slide running from the pool deck into the water. SeaDream prides itself on cuisine and was the first cruise line with a full vegan raw food menu in addition to such indulgences as a signature l'oeuf poule au caviar (egg with caviar), grilled lobster, and filet mignon.

Virgin Voyages' "Fire & Sunset Soirées" cruise

• Best for: Fun-seeking adults
• To book: 4-night "Fire & Sunset Soirées" on the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady from $1,920 for two in a Sea Terrace cabin
• Islands: Bimini, plus Key West

For pure adult fun you can't beat Virgin Voyages , which is limited to those age 18 and up. During a beach day at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini, private to Virgin guests when their ships visit, enjoy cocktails at the pool or a beach bonfire. Or book an activity such as a watercolor painting class, a "Views-n-Blues Mid-Afternoon Cruise" on a pontoon, an open-air tram tour of the island, or scuba dive with hammerheads. On the ship, partake in dance parties, take advantage of complimentary yoga, meditation sessions, and intense cardio HIIT classes, peruse vinyl selections on sale at the record shop, and get a tattoo or piercing when not indulging in treats at the "Lick Me Till  . . .  Ice Cream" shop. There are also six restaurants onboard, including a highly creative "Test Kitchen" where dishes smoke and sizzle, and a super-fun Korean baarbecue experience, Gunbae, complete with drinking games.

Taste of Nassau: Local Flavors Experience

Rum Cake Factory: You’re in for a tasty treat with a visit to a well-known rum cake factory. Loaded with top-secret ingredients and gently soaked in signature Bahamian Rum, these cakes have become not just a dessert, but also an important part of the local lifestyle. You’ll sample a variety of flavored rum cakes like Pina Colada, banana, chocolate, and plain pound cake. Tea Factory: Next, you’ll sample tea made in Nassau and learn about its benefits through an intriguing presentation. The Bahamas Tea Factory offers a variety of teas, all made with authentic organic Bahamian herbs, fruits, and spices. Conch Delicacies: Then, you will have an added treat to sample the Bahamian-style conch fritters and fried crack bites. Rum Distillery: Sip on local rums at John Watling’s Rum Distillery followed by a tour of the historic building. After the distillery tour, take advantage of the Red Tavern and purchase signature beverages. Bahamian Lunch: Continue to Bahama Grill and discover why it’s a local favorite. Indulge in an inclusive Bahamian lunch and soft drink. What’s Included:

• Rum cake samplings.
• Local tea tasting.
• Bahamian-style conch fritters and fried conch bites.
• Pina colada tasting at John Watling’s.
• Bahamian Lunch: BBQ chicken, pork ribs, Bahamian-style macaroni and cheese and vegetarian options.
• Lemonade or water.

What to Bring: Cash or credit/debit card for additional purchases.

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4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise

Your ship allure of the seas.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cruise Makes a Splash In Year 2

JC Allen recalls his time aboard the second annual Buccaneers cruise.

• Author: JC Allen

In this story:

It was smooth sailing on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ second annual Bucs Cruise presented by Cruise Planners and Celebrity Cruises. The ship set sail from Port Everglades on April 4th docking in Key West and the Bahamas before returning to Fort Lauderdale four days later. Over 600 Bucs fans descended on the cruise from across the U.S. filled with Buccaneer legends, current players, cheerleaders, and of course, Captain Fear. 

Aboard the ship Silhouette, fans took in player panels, participated in games, and of course got to mingle one-on-one with some of their favorite players. That experience wasn’t just meaningful for the fans but also for the players themselves as Luke Goedeke notes. 

“Being able to interact with them in an environment other than a football setting has been a phenomenal experience," Goedeke said. "Just being able to be myself around them and them seeing me more as a person instead of just a football player.”  

The cruise boasted 13 players spanning the history of the Buccaneers franchise, featuring legends like Jimmie Giles, Dexter Jackson, and Warren Sapp to current Bucs like Rachaad White, Yaya Diaby, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Jamel Dean, Luke Goedeke, Christian Izien, Cade Otton, and Greg Gaines.

The voice of the Bucs, Gene Deckerhoff, was on board as well as Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. It even featured a video message from Rob Gronkowski who teased his possible appearance on next year's cruise. Martin Gramatica was also on hand before the ship set sail signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. 

The cruise kicked off with a sailaway party on the top deck introducing the players that would be onboard. It featured a DJ and drinks flowing as fans got to interact with and receive autographs from some of their favorite players. Following the sailaway party was the first of four cocktail receptions that featured an intimate experience for fans to chat it up with players and get memorabilia signed. 

The next morning featured a special breakfast with Bucs legend Derrick Brooks benefiting charity which allowed another opportunity for fans to meet the Hall of Fame linebacker. Throughout the day there were special guest presentations with Deckerhoff, Moore, Sapp, Ford, and Brooks himself as well as trivia and time to explore Key West. 

“It’s been pretty cool! It’s a great deal for fans and for players," defensive tackle Greg Gaines said. "The Bahamas were sweet, the ship is sweet, everything is cool. It’s a lot of fun hanging out with fans and players and there's a lot of one-on-one time.”

The action didn’t stop or slow down on our day at sea, kicking off the day with two-player panels. The first of which featured legends from Buccaneers franchise history followed by current players. Both panels were hosted by Bucs team reporter Casey Phillips. In between the panels was a thrilling game of heads-up where a fan was paired with a player competing for the win. As fans were heading into the theatre some were randomly handed cards and were told to hold onto them. Coincidentally, I was handed one of those cards.

I was paired up with Otton and we crushed the competition, going seven for seven in correct answers before the time ran out. But we weren’t the only ones to get every answer correct. Goedeke and his partner also finished with seven and a head-to-head competition was in order. While he was quick with the buzzer, Otton answered incorrectly, giving the win to Goedeke and his partner. It was a fun experience to be a part of and only set up the competitive nature for what was to come later in the day. 

“It’s been awesome the fans have been super respectful, but also you can tell how much they support their team," Otton said.

It was time for a volleyball showdown, which ended up being Team Dean versus Team Tryon-Shoyinka. The competition was fierce and after a close game in the first round, Team Dean, consisting of White, Diaby, Goedke, and Sapp, put the finishing touches on Team Tryon-Shoyinka, who went Husky heavy in his draft. Team Dean went on to quickly defeat the captains and crew of the ship for the second straight year, with Diaby winning the MVP. 

That night there were more player presentations with Sapp and others, Bingo, and a family feud-style game that featured players versus cheerleaders. The final day of the cruise featured a free day to explore Nassau, Bahamas. I set out on an excursion to Pearl Island to swim with the pigs. Greg Gaines was with me, and I can say it was an experience for sure. Most of the other players spent their day in Atlantis while others enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Bahamas.

The final night of the cruise was celebrated with players and fans with the last two cocktail parties of the voyage. It was another opportunity for fans to mingle and meet their favorite players while receiving autographs and taking pictures. To say one final farewell, fans rocked out at a retro creamsicle party that featured a surprise appearance from Bucco Bruce himself. 

The Bucs Cruise is an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. Sailing with Buccaneers legends and players out on the open sea was a fantastic experience. One that I won’t soon forget.

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL .

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