Sunday, March 31, 2024

What to pack for a Bahamas cruise

bahama cruise royal caribbean

Caribbean itineraries are broken down into Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean routes. Western Caribbean cruises depart from southern U.S. ports from Galveston, Texas, to Florida and either go to Mexico and Central America or to the islands west of Cuba and Haiti. Short cruises tend to hit one or two ports in Mexico; weeklong cruises visit a mix of island and mainland destinations.

Bahamas-bound cruise ship passengers shocked after being re-routed to frigid Boston, Canada - Fox News

Bahamas-bound cruise ship passengers shocked after being re-routed to frigid Boston, Canada.

Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Grand Bahama Island Shore Excursions

It can get extremely warm in the summer months, so packing breathable, more loosely-fitting clothing is recommended. Outside of cruise fare, you’ll also want to budget for gratuities as well as any cruise add-ons you plan to purchase, such as shore excursions, beverage packages, and dining packages. You don’t have to fly to Florida in order to cruise to The Bahamas. Several Royal Caribbean ships sail from the ports of Cape Liberty and Baltimore to The Bahamas. For a quintessential taste of The Bahamas, try tender conch in salads and fritters.

Atlantis Paradise Island

A full refund will be processed for the individual who tested positive, as well as his/her immediate travel party if a positive test result occurs within three weeks of the sail date. John Watling’s Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. Free samples are available as well, so you can taste several flavors before choosing your favorite.

Medical care on Adventure of the Seas

She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. While The Bahamas is a year-round cruising destination, it’s important to remember that The Bahamas is located much further north than Caribbean cruise ports like Labadee and St. Thomas. In fact, The Bahamas is not technically even located within the Caribbean! Because of this, the islands can be prone to more temperature fluctuation than more southerly islands. Earn your wilderness badge as you cruise between the Alaska glaciers, pan for gold in prospecting towns, and trek across the rugged tundra on an Alaska vacation.

Bahamas Travel Hacks for Families

In between new discoveries onshore, you can look forward to sea days filled with world-class dining, adrenaline-amping thrills, dazzling entertainment and more onboard. They offer Discover Scuba dives for first-time divers as well as dives for certified divers to the coral reels, shipwrecks, and walls around the island. Stuart Cove is also the diving provider for Royal Caribbean shore excursions. Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. Waterpark guests also receive access to the Marine Habitat, a series of aquariums with over 50,000 aquatic animals.

INTO THE BLUE

The Southern Caribbean encompasses a wide range of ports, from ritzy St. Barth's to volcanic St. Lucia, rugged Dominica, French Martinique and British Barbados. Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire are so far south that they're out of the main hurricane belt and your fun in the sun will be less likely to be disrupted by seasonal storms. Ignore the sailing's name and look at the ports of call to figure out where you're actually going. As it is common to encounter rain in the Bahamas, even if only for a few minutes at a time, having a water-resistant daypack will cause less concern over your electronics and valuables being damaged.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

The Pirates of Nassau Museum allows guests of all ages to relive history, learn about piracy, and even step foot on a replica of a historic pirate ship. A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so. There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. Visitors to Nassau can choose to bring their own snorkel gear or book a snorkeling excursion through Royal Caribbean or an outside provider. Baha Bay includes 24 waterslides, a lazy river, FlowRider, infinity pool, wave pool, kids-only pool and slide area, and an outdoor casino. Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the “Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day” or “Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day”.

Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. Laze in a beachside hammock or get your thrills at Thrill Waterpark on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Jump onboard a Bahamas cruise to stroll along the waterfront of capital city Nassau and see its distinctive pastel-coloured buildings.

bahama cruise royal caribbean

Grand Bahama Island (Freeport)

Royal Caribbean Continues to Cancel Popular Shore Excursions - Cruise Hive

Royal Caribbean Continues to Cancel Popular Shore Excursions.

Posted: Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The first to install a rock wall on every ship in its fleet, Royal Caribbean International emphasizes new experiences. Each and every ship is jam-packed with fun activities, restaurants, bars and lounges, shopping, entertainment and sports and spa facilities guaranteed to make each guest's vacation unforgettable. Kids ages 3 to 17 will enjoy Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program and teen facilities, which feature age-appropriate activities and amenities in a kid-friendly environment. To make matters more confusing, cruise lines will often mix destinations from the different tropical regions on one itinerary. A Southern Caribbean cruise may include ports in the Eastern Caribbean, and a Western Caribbean sailing might stop at a cruise line's private island in the Bahamas.

Like in all other cruise ports, it’s not necessary to book a shore excursion. However, we recommend having a general plan for your day in port before getting off the ship. Sapona, one of the Caribbean’s most famous shipwrecks, spending the day at a beach resort, and tasting local cuisine. Like other Bahamas cruise ports, most passengers will spend the day on Grand Bahama Island at the beach.

Smoothies, sun, sand, and sweet relaxation—these are the features that will highlight your Bahamas cruise with Royal Caribbean. Enjoy the tropical weather with your family, where you can plan marvelous wildlife encounters, zip lines rides that will thrill you, or just a pleasant day at the beach, among many other activities. Throw on a floral shirt and order a fish taco, or learn the Bahamian customs with a laugh and a smile. Go with a Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruise and make some memories that will last forever, and a tan that will last about a month. Saunter the lively streets of Nassau, chill by a freshwater pool in Perfect Day at CocoCay or get a history lesson at the Heritage Museum during your cruise to the Bahamas. Because there are so many ships sailing to The Bahamas at any given time, you might even find cheap last-minute discounts available on sailings departing in the next few days or weeks.

Plunge into the crystalline waters off Grand Bahama Island to discover an underwater paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Or explore submerged caverns, deep blue holes, and sunken shipwrecks. Junkanoo Beach is a free, public stretch of sand with affordable lounge-chair and umbrella rentals and tasty Bahama Mamas.

And you can’t miss a Bahamian fish fry, the island’s version of an outdoor barbecue where you’ll mingle over plates of crispy grouper and mahi-mahi. Then wash it all down with a gin-based Gully Wash cocktail or Kalik, the locals’ choice of lager. Bahamian cuisine showcases local seafood and reflects Spanish, West African, and British influences. Rock lobster and conch are served up in a variety of ways— from hearty chowders and fried fritters to citrus salads. Try the guava duff— a warm, spongy dessert topped with sweet butter rum sauce. A cruise to the Bahamas is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe.

Royal Caribbean Bahamas Cruises, 2024, 2025 and 2026 Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruises

bahama cruise royal caribbean

Turquoise waters, soft sand, and amazing snorkeling are available at any cruise port in The Bahamas. Whether you choose to lounge on a beach chair, enjoy a day pass at a resort, book a catamaran tour, or snorkel at a shipwreck, you’ll find plenty of crystal-clear beaches to discover. Each week-long sailing onboard Adventure of the Seas includes two thrill- and chill-filled days at our top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay — plus stops in Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel.

EXPLORE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ISLES

Introducing Perfect Day Island Collection, a global lineup of Royal Caribbean® private destinations that reimagines what’s possible in a day. From thrills and chill at Perfect Day at CocoCay to ancient culture immersion at Perfect Day at Lelepa — you’re going to need a bigger bucket list. Ports like Nassau and Freeport aren’t the best ports for simply walking off the ship with no plan, as it can be confusing to figure out where to go and what to do. Doing research beforehand on what activities are available in port can help you better plan your day. If you’re visiting The Bahamas in the winter, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket and a pair of jeans. While you’ll most likely encounter favorable temperatures, there can be occasional cold fronts leading to temperatures around 70°F.

Vacation Deals

bahama cruise royal caribbean

To get around, take the local jitneys, the buses making the rounds to Nassau and Cable Beach. Visit the Bahamas and hop on the ferry to get to Paradise Island, the home of the Atlantis resort.

explore more

Fill your days on a short escape with Oasis Class thrills — onboard Allure of the Seas®. When comparing the Caribbean and the Bahamas for your next cruise, you will be happy with either choice for a relaxing beach vacation. If you have specific travel goals, such as wildlife viewing or visiting historic sites, the Caribbean will offer the widest variety of activities, but you'll still need to pick the right ports. If you booked an excursion in the Bahamas that requires traveling on a small boat (i.e. a catamaran tour), be sure to pack medication like Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness.

Land Vacations

Downtown Nassau is home to several museums which can be a nice activity to do on days with poor weather or after you return to the cruise port from a shore excursion. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time. Guests will be greeted with the strong smell of fresh cake (and rum). There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made. Cape Liberty, which is just miles from New York City, offers incredible views of the city skyline and easy access to many cruise destinations, along with everything NYC has to offer.

Islands for a beach day

Other tours available at Blue Lagoon Island include a segway and eco nature walking tour. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day. One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities.

Caribbean vs. Bahamas shore excursions and activities

Should a fever or other symptoms of illness be apparent while at the terminal, this could result in a denial of boarding for the ill guest, as well as those in his/her traveling party. Given this, we strongly encourage all guests to monitor their health in the days leading up to the cruise and cancel or change plans if symptoms of illness should arise. A must-see spot to include on a food tour is the Fish Fry, a strip of restaurants and vendors specializing in seafood including conch, grilled shrimp, fried snapper, and lobster tails. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. Whether you’re looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau.

Taylor Swift fans to set sail on a 4-night Bahamas cruise next year - Good Morning America

Taylor Swift fans to set sail on a 4-night Bahamas cruise next year.

Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Swim in the Bahamas' largest freshwater pool, go down the tallest waterslide in North America, and chill with a book in the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas. Eastern Caribbean cruises depart mainly from Florida or Caribbean destinations like San Juan or St. Thomas. These sailings include the islands east of Cuba and Haiti, such as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Martin/Maarten, and Puerto Rico. Sailings labeled Eastern Caribbean that depart from northeast ports are either longer than a week or mainly Bahamas cruises that include a visit to one Caribbean port, such as the Dominican Republic or Grand Turk.

Destinations & Ports

It all starts with the boldest cruise ships at sea — and ours have won awards for everything from world class dining and spectacular entertainment, to record-setting onboard thrills and groundbreaking innovation. If you’re searching for a short getaway, you’ll find several Royal Caribbean ships offering 3 and 4-night cruises to The Bahamas. These itineraries visit both Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas, and are offered on Voyager or Freedom Class cruise ships. The picturesque islands of The Bahamas are among the world’s most commonly visited cruise ports. The main Bahamian ports are Nassau on New Providence Island (the country's capital) and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. If you’re craving crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and island vibes turned way, way up, these getaways check all the boxes.

Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. You can also visit Marina Village, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment space located around the Atlantis Marina, at no extra cost. Browse our photo gallery of Bahamas cruising photos from Royal Caribbean. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Royal Caribbean Bahamas cruise vacation. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.

Flavors include pineapple, chocolate, caramel, Irish cream, Kentucky honey bourbon, and the original rum cake with pecans. The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was established in 2000 and has since been named the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas. This is a popular spot to taste traditional Bahamian rum cake and buy a delicious souvenir for friends and family.

Purchased a beverage or Wi-Fi package onboard or on Cruise Planner? Slice of Paradise℠ is the ultimate pizza haven just steps from the beach, featuring menu options with an island twist like the Bahamian-style Guava Barbecued Chicken or Veggie Feast. Pair your fresh-from-the-oven pizza with delicious drinks and the unmatched tropical views of Hideaway Beach — an adults-only beachfront paradise. Level up your lounge game — and your cravings — at Coco Beach Club® Restaurant, an exclusive retreat with an indulgent menu.

If you're taking the whole family on a Bahamas vacation, we've got some travel hacks for families to make your kid-friendly trip easier. Discover new flavors in restaurants by the water or within the historic city of Nassau. The best free activities and free things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay®, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. You'll find zip line adventures, 4x4 tours and culinary experiences throughout the Bahamas and Caribbean. With more ports and itinerary options, it's not surprising that you have more choices of activities in the Caribbean versus the Bahamas.

This can feel chilly when at sea or near the beach, so packing layers can be helpful. Additionally, if you’re choosing between a 3-night weekend cruise to The Bahamas and a 4-night cruise during the week, you’ll often find that the weekend cruises are much busier. Not only can there be a higher capacity onboard, but weekend cruises often have more of a party atmosphere compared to a relaxed vibe during the week. Guests looking to splurge can purchase a day pass to the Coco Beach Club, an exclusive, private beach club with an infinity pool, overwater cabanas, and an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Jump onboard a Bahamas cruise to stroll along the waterfront of capital city Nassau and see its distinctive pastel-colored buildings. Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day At CocoCay top 4 insider travel tips uncovers free things to do, places to go and thrills you can share with friends.

A major perk of cruising to Perfect Day at CocoCay is that the island offers more than enough to do (and eat!) without spending anything extra. If you’re on a budget, Perfect Day at CocoCay makes for a cheap yet incredibly fun day in port. The proximity of The Bahamas to Florida means you can reach the islands on even the shortest of itineraries.

Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. The benefit of booking with a tour as opposed to snorkeling on your own is that you do not have to pack snorkeling gear with you for the cruise. However, if your itinerary visits several islands where you want to snorkel, it might be worth it to bring your own gear as opposed to booking excursions or gear rentals. Big-ship cruise lines call at the bigger Eastern Caribbean ports, such as San Juan (Puerto Rico), Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas and St. Maarten/Martin. Smaller and more upscale ships will head for the more intimate Virgin Islands, such as St. John, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Most of these islands are beach and water sport destinations, though St. Thomas and St. Martin have a reputation for shopping.

How To Design A Vegetable Garden Layout

Table Of Content Grow in Stock Tanks IX. Companion Planting Garden Organic Form Garden Layouts Stagger your planting so you have crops all y...