1. Nassau is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. And we appreciate our contry and all she has to offer. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. This ranks only slightly behind Cozumel, Mexico, with 3.6 million passengers. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. All cruise lines offer Scuba Diving shore excursions to different sites, options and combos - the James Bond wreck and the Jaws Cessna are two top film set-dives not to be missed. Aquaventure: Atlantis Aquaventure via Royal Caribbean Excursion - See 7,473 traveler reviews, 4,055 candid photos, and great deals for Nassau, New Providence Island, at Tripadvisor. Finally a fun way to get to the beach for a great snorkel! This makes Nassau Cruise Port especially convenient for short itineraries of just 3-4 nights, and it is also easy to add to longer itineraries as an additional port of call. We offer a variety of unforgettable Bahamian experiences for every kind of traveler. 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. here. This is a popular spot to taste traditional Bahamian rum cake and buy a delicious souvenir for friends and family. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! With the whisper of the waves on the hull and the gentle warm ocean breezes across the bow, you will soon feel your cares slipping away on Nassau tours like this. Accessible Shore Excursions bring you closer to the culture and beauty of the ports we visit, no matter what your special needs. Royal Caribbean offers tours such as the Discover Nassau Harbor Cruise, which brings guests on a scenic catamaran ride around Paradise Island as they learn about the history and culture of Nassau. Located 30 minutes away from the cruise port by boat, Pearl Island offers a small, turquoise beach, bar and lunch buffet, lounge chairs, watersports equipment, and more. The super famous Atlantis Resort is the site that has more tours on offer but if the cruise passenger just wants to relax on the beach or enjoy active pursuits like Scuba diving there are many other tours to choose from. Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas. 8:15 AM. Learn More , The port Terminals Driving Tunnel Parking Highlights Shopping, Discover all Reviews and Travel Guides to The Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean. 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. You'll spend 30 minutes up-close-and-personal with these . 9:00 AM. This Nassau shore excursion tour is the easiest way to get to know the Bahamas' capital city in just a few hours, without having to worry about planning transport. Photo Courtesy: Nassau Cruise Port. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. While beautiful. Day pass holders also have beach access. Itinerary Overview. New Providence Island. Atlantis Aquaventure via Royal Caribbean Excursion Indeed, the modern cruise industrys first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami. In any of the famous beaches close to Nassau, the cruise traveler will be able to snorkel but the best places are the coral reefs offshore. 7:45 AM Sat Nassau Depart 9:00, We wanted to participate in the first sailing, shame on us for assuming it would be special. #28 of 237 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Nassau Outdoor Activities, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Tours, More East Bay Street | East Bay Shopping Centre, Nassau, New Providence Island Open today: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Save Pearl Island Escape with Snorkeling Experience and Lunch 405 Book in advance from $115.00 per adult 10:20 AM Second, if you take advantage of the all-inclusive food and drinks, plus the pool and beach access, day passes can be a good deal. Nassaus best activities can be broken down into a few categories: New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. The staff was friendly and helpful. Day 4 - Cruising. Nassau | Royal Caribbean Blog The number of visitors is even more impressive when considering that, collectively, the six ships also brought 10,302 international crew members to the port, for a grand total of 38,856 guests in a single day. Potter's Cay. Perfect Day Coco Cay Oasis Lagoon Aerial with Cabanas. 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. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Whether your a conformist or no. Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. It's a five-star Caribbean restaurant complete with a delicious wine tasting. The next information does not in any way share how grateful we are to be alive and well. Blue Lagoon Island Nassau Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruise Port Shore Excursion Review Deluxe Beach BreakCRUISE ESSENTIALS:Amazon Affilate Links:Multi-Color Pa. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021. Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuarts Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks. 10:00 AM. 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. Other tours available at Blue Lagoon Island include a segway and eco nature walking tour. Start Times: Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. One way around this is to find a nearby restaurant or bar when you need a restroom. 12:40 PM. Forts Fincastle and Charlotte transport you to the Bahamas' colonial past, while our exclusive tour at Graycliff unveils Al Capone's getaway. 9:30 AM. 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. The Christmas decor was a nice touch. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella. Photo Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Management The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice.It is advisable to confirm details with local your cruise line or local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursions and tours of Nassau.If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know. Hit all the must-see historical highlights with this fun, informative walking city tour of downtown Nassau. Pick up within walking distance of Cruise ship pier. See Nassau from above and below on this glass bottom boat cruise to the reef. The translucent, crystal clear waters of The Bahamas are an invitation for snorkeling. Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port Scuba diving opportunities are also plentiful in Nassau. This cruise includes two perfect days at CocoCay, a stop in Cozumel, and a stop in Freeport. Escape to a beautiful hotel for a traditional British afternoon tea and celebrate the finer things in life with a Bahamian twist. $$= $51-99. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day. 2:15 PM. Start Times: Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day or Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day. The huge number is largely due to expanded berths at the newly renovated port, as well as the fact that the visiting vessels included the worlds largest ship as well as larger vessels from three major cruise lines and other massive ships enjoying a day at the tropical destination. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time. 8:40 AM Nassau and New Providence Island have a good number of attractions, landmarks, and sites to explore, which all cruise lines offer on shore excursions with different packages and all sorts of combinations. Prices for the cabana usually run around $240/per adult, and online reservations are for a maximum of two guests, although larger parties may be accommodated. If you're looking for more excitement, check out our catamaran cruise to Paradise Island to experience the resort's famous Aquaventure water park and water slides. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. Wave Pool 6. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. Docked side-by-side, the vessels made an impressive sight at the port, showcasing the value of the newly expanded dock facilities in Nassau. Nassau Cruise Port, the most visited port in The Bahamas, set a passenger record today when 28,554 passengers visited from cruise ships in one day. 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. Nassau Straw Market. Of course, not every guest would automatically debark while visiting Nassau, and not all crew members have time off in each port of call to go ashore as visitors. It's truly one of my family's favorite places in the world. Just 40-minute scenic boat ride away from the Cruise Port in Nassau, the Salt Cay is better known for its main feature - a Blue Lagoon where visitors can enjoy different interactions with Dolphins and Sea Lions. Shore Excursions & Cruise Guided Tours | Royal Caribbean Cruises Start Times: Not all cruise lines offer this shore excursion and cruise travelers may book it directly on-line However, if cruising to Nassau with Carnival you will need to book with the onboard Shorex desk. Answers to Your Cruise Questions. About 4-4.5 hours on the island with a delicious lunch included. Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas and one of the most popular ports of call for Caribbean cruises, has set a passenger record . The most popular tour is the Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, during which guests stop at six tasting locations around downtown Nassau to taste local foods including steamed chicken, Caribbean rice, and rum cakes. View Excursion. 7:15 AM, Start Times: The food was delicious and the selection was outstanding day and night. Many cruise passengers are eager to visit Atlantis Paradise Island, a resort with 3,805 rooms, a waterpark, shopping areas, casino, and a 154-acre waterscape. Atlantis Aquaventure & Dolphin Cay Interaction. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. Nassau is also filled with historic sites and shopping opportunities. Most of the excursions can only be booked onboard but some can be booked with third-party on-line services or as savvy cruises like to say 'independently'. A 15-20 minute boat ride from Nassau's port. 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. A small yet informative museum, the Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation takes visitors through the story of Pompey, a slave who started a rebellion in 1830 in Steventon, Exuma. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. 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. Located on the resort is the 15-acre Baha Bay waterpark which offers a limited number of day passes. Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines. 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. In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. 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. Dundas Centre. Guests interested in Bahamian art and culture may want to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. There are several hotels and resorts offering day passes in Nassau: There are a few advantages to a day pass as opposed to going to a beach on your own. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. Take 4 hours out of your vacation to give something back to the people of the Caribbean. You can also explore Paradise Island's popular Atlantis Resort and its legendary Aquaventure water park. A free, short distillery tour with tastings is available. 9:40 AM. Enjoy a combination of a wall dive, along with a visit to a shallow reef or a shipwreck. Stretching about 80 square miles, Bahamas' capital city of Nassau welcomes more than 1,000 cruise ships per year, located just 180 miles off the Florida coast. Like what you see? Start Times: Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, receiving around 3 million cruise passengers per year. Paradise Island & Atlantis Shore Excursion Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island, highlighted by a visit to the world-famous Atlantis Resort. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. Spend your day snorkeling, playing and relaxing. 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. Find out how great it is to swim with the fishes. Food was not much different than the dining room. This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. The museum has a series of educational panels providing stories and descriptions of slavery in the Bahamas throughout history, and its impact on the culture and traditions seen in the Bahamas today. Nassau is extremely popular as a warm-weather getaway destination thats closer to the U.S. Atlantic Coast than most Caribbean basin countries. Adventure Tours. Nassaus 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. per adult. We went in knowing there would be kinks but as a family we were treated like lepers. Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. 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. We caught the cruise bug after a 32 year hiatus (it's called putting kids thru school!) The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products. 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. The first and most important that really hooked us was 2 major things, A voyager class ship that has been amped and has tons to do and 2 days at Coco Cay. One the COVID life and all that goes with it. Our carefully selected Bahamas cruise excursions are tailored to give you memorable experiences, from beautiful water activities to sun-drenched tropical beaches. Its just our experience based soon to areas. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) The capital city of The Bahamas is rich in culture, history, art, watersports, marine wildlife, and other great features to appeal to a wide variety of cruise guests, and is also close to many cruise lines private islands, making it even more desirable a destination. Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler. You can book a day pass to Pearl Island on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or Pearl Islands website. It seems you are not allowed to do that right now. 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. Day 5 - Miami, Florida. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennetts Hill. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles. Music only played a few hours a day. Located at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the staircase is within walking distance from downtown and perfect for small group tours. A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeards Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. 12:15 PM. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Visit the private island of Balmoral where you'll get to see the famous Bahamian swimming pigs, or join one of our dolphin encounters for an up-close and personal experience with dolphins and sea lions. Now that's luxury! An unknown error has occurred. Discover Nassau for an introduction to the Bahamas' best and most beautiful highlights, including downtown Nassau, Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort, Junkanoo Beach, Arawak Cay, and Nassau Harbor. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and its also possible to rent a car or motor scooter. Come with us on this awesome sightseeing tour! A small fee is required to enter the museum and optional guided tours are available. Let's dive in. 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. If you feel like ditching the beach chairs and treating yourself to a Bahamian dining experience, you can enjoy a unique meal at Graycliff. Experience the beautiful clear waters, white-sand beaches, and warm tropical sun from this hidden gem of an island. Nassaus Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries. If that's not enough, we've also got tons of SCUBA tours, dolphin swims, and trips to the Blue Lagoon. Interact with the dolphins in their sea water habitat. Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Its also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassaus best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods: 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. Nassau, the Bahamas, combines the excitement of a big city with the relaxed lifestyle of a Caribbean utopia. 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 bridges west end. 8:30 AM All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine. You will only be able to book cruise line shore - Royal Caribbean Blog One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. Remember These Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas. First I want to say we are grateful to be in the US were we still have some freedom. Pearl Island Bahamas (Nassau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliffs origins as a private home. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). come at an additional cost. The museum has costumes, traditional fabrics, music, and informational panels on display for guests to learn more about the festivals history and influence in the Bahamas. At Shore Excursions Group, we offer an incredible variety of Bahamian sightseeing island tours sure to impress. The most basic shore excusion is titled Discover Atlantis Tour, which can be combined with a day at the beach and many othe different activities. Start Times: Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territorys undisputed favorite dish. We booked a shore excursion through our cruise line Royal Caribbean to go on a tour of different places in Nassau. Most beaches are free and open to the public, and some are located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. Blue Lagoon Island is another small island north of downtown Nassau. Went to the Bahamas and rode ATV's in the jungle of, The restaurants were not worth the extra cost. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review. Exceptional return to cruising. The port is just 305 miles (491 kilometers) from the worlds busiest passenger cruise port, Port Canaveral, and even closer to PortMiami (185 miles / 298 kilometers) and Port Everglades (190 miles / 306 kilometers). This historic Caribbean city is one of the world's most popular cruise and snorkeling destinations, and it's easy to see why. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Jet Skis Lining a White Sandy Beach, Nassau, Bahamas The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. How to plan a cruise with points and miles, The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler, Disney Cruise Line review Sailing Disney Wonder, 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly, Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship, 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid, The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises, Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? Once by the living coral, the excursionist will have a unique viewing. This excursion is another great option for cruise travelers that do not wish to get wet and want to contemplate the stunning underwater world of The Bahamas. Review for .css-nczv9q{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;font-weight:500;}.css-nczv9q:hover,.css-nczv9q[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nczv9q:focus-visible,.css-nczv9q[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas, Review for Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas, .css-1v3efdk{font-style:normal;font-weight:400;}.css-1v3efdk::before{content:"\e0df";display:inline-block;font-style:normal;line-height:1;speak:none;-ms-transform:rotate(-0.001deg);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;} Traveled with children, Review for Adventure of the Seas to Caribbean - All, Review for Oasis of the Seas to Caribbean - Eastern, Cabin Type: Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony, Review for Quantum of the Seas to Bahamas. Overall, we had a great time; although, we loved the Allure more. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Your Nassau excursionstarts when you meet your guide/driver at the pier and get into your air-conditioned vehicle. The Half-Day Beach Break Shore Excursion can be combined with other activities such as a Dolphin Swim. Discover the best of this Bahamian city on a walking tour, beach day excursion, or catamaran cruise line. Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. Please refresh the page and sign in if necessary. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Carnival Cruise Line Nassau Cruise Reviews, Vantage Deluxe World Travel Nassau Cruise Reviews. This is so cool. The first three ports ranked by passenger visits are all cruise ship homeports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades. Two the standard that RCI promotes. Paradise Island has something for everyone. 1:30 PM. We all tested negative, the teens multiple times but still identified them with bands to make sure we were treated accordingly. This was our final stop to check out the Atlantis Resort, you were not able to go inside unless you actually were staying at the resort so we wandered around the outside grounds and took photos. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Note the following are sample tours and may not work with your itinerary. You can swim with the dolphins, interact with stingrays, snorkel with sharks, and have personal encounters with sea lions, all in their natural environment. If not, just leave blank, Top 5 things to do in Nassau, Bahamas on a budget, Excursion Focus: Pearl Island Beach Escape in Nassau, Royal Caribbean purchases land on western side of Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, Excursion review: Fly A Jet Experience Jetline Simulation Bahamas, I cruise almost every weekend: here's my walking tour of Nassau, Excursion Focus: British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, Bahamas. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). 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. It's also close to Paradise Island, home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort. 1 - 10 of 21 Royal Caribbean Nassau Cruise Reviews. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. It's possible that you have been signed out due to inactivity. Plenty of Nassaus most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available.