It felt like the ship was ours. Start Times:
19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Background, wife and I are longtime cruiser almost exclusively with Royal Caribbean. 9:00 AM
But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests. Learn the basics of scuba diving and enjoy your first dive alongside your professional instructor in a perfect setting for those new to the sport. Or relax in front of the iconic lighthouse while enjoying a frozen drink and freshly made conch salad. 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. 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. Nassaus Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas. Choose three of our most popular excursions bundled together for a special discounted price. The Queens Staircase or 66 Steps are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. The translucent, crystal clear waters of The Bahamas are an invitation for snorkeling. Not to mention the remarkable historical sites, like the Queen's Staircase. Beautiful, relaxing, FUN. We booked a shore excursion through our cruise line Royal Caribbean to go on a tour of different places in Nassau. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennetts Hill. Its 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. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the worlds largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops. I have cruised many times and had Nassau as a port of call at least three times before and I have never gotten off the ship. Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas for a Fee 3. 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. Food was not much different than the dining room. By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. 9:45 AM
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Take 4 hours out of your vacation to give something back to the people of the Caribbean. Here are some of the most popular and recommended beaches in Nassau: The beaches of Nassau offer varied amenities, so be sure to check what is offered or located nearby at each beach. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. Also, just a few minutes away from Paradise Island is Blue Lagoon Island, a private local-family owned island famous for its secluded beaches and animal encounter programs. 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. Discover the best of this Bahamian city on a walking tour, beach day excursion, or catamaran cruise line. Answers to Your Cruise Questions. 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. With a touch of luxury, enjoy the impeccable service Pearl Island is known for. Docked side-by-side, the vessels made an impressive sight at the port, showcasing the value of the newly expanded dock facilities in Nassau. 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. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. Lunch is included in the excursion to Blue Lagoon as well, where you can enjoy hamburgers, chicken, veggie burgers, Caribbean rice, and a salad bar. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. 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 pirates headquarters. Nassau, the largest city in the Zip Line 7. While the luxurious Baha Mar resort on Nassaus Cable Beach does not offer day passes, savvy and sybaritic cruisers will reserve a room for the day for access to the propertys 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. 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. Start Times:
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. Experience an unforgettable day on Pearl Island, a unique private island minutes from Nassau. . You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. There was little to no line and we circled around and unloaded our car pretty quickly, given that we had 10 pieces of luggage for two adults and one 15 mos old baby. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Find the right card for you. Baha Bay includes 24 waterslides, a lazy river, FlowRider, infinity pool, wave pool, kids-only pool and slide area, and an outdoor casino. A private island getaway to your own private, exclusive ocean-view cabana is waiting for you on beautiful Pearl Island. Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. 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. 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. Things to Do in Nassau. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum. Atlantis 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 half a dozen different tours to fully enjoy this site. You'll spend 30 minutes up-close-and-personal with these . All rights reserved. From private cabanas to charter rentals, there's simply something magical about this place. Other tours available at Blue Lagoon Island include a segway and eco nature walking tour. Editorial disclaimer: 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. This shore excursion includes a harbor cruise of Nassau on the way to Pearl Island, a welcome Cocktail (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), shaded decks, beach chairs & umbrellas (based on availability), a Bahamian served buffet lunch with soft drink, restroom facilities with fresh-water showers and Wi-Fi Internet service. 11:45 AM. About 4-4.5 hours on the island with a delicious lunch included. Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time. Thrill Waterpark 4. Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas and one of the most popular ports of call for Caribbean cruises, has set a passenger record with an astonishing 28,554 guests visiting from cruise ships in a single day on Monday, February 27, 2023. Nassau welcomed a record number of passengers in a single day this week, and by the end of May, will be welcoming even more. A four course meal paired with wines from the award winning wine cellar and a chance to explore this extraordinary wine collection. 12:40 PM. And we appreciate our contry and all she has to offer. Adventure Pool 5. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. The boat ride from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon is included in the fare, which is usually around $85-100. Your choice of fishing: deep sea, light tackle, or shark. ", Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? This assumption could not be more incorrect! We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Start Times:
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 . Nassau's best activities can be broken down into a few categories: Beaches Islands for a beach day Day passes at resorts Adventures on and in the water Food & drink History & museums Walk around downtown Nassau Beaches New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. ACCESSIBLE SHORE EXCURSIONS Explore in Comfort with Accessible Shore Excursions Immerse yourself in our destinations with Accessible Shore Excursions, unique cultural excursions that accommodate scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and more. With these staggering numbers, it's easy to see that Nassau is truly a spot you won't want to miss. 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. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau. Start Times:
Splash. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter. Nassau is a popular port of call for many reasons. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) Nassau is on an island within a vast archipelago. Nassau, Bahamas Thu 06 Mar 2025. . Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Related: 8 Perfect Cruise Line Private Islands for Every Type of Traveler Start Times:
Check here before booking an award fare. Bahamas, has long been a favorite Caribbean vacation destination for travelers. Cable Beach is home to several top Nassau resorts and offers a full array of watersports activities. Guests interested in Bahamian art and culture may want to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. One way around this is to find a nearby restaurant or bar when you need a restroom. Enjoy a day at the beach, use of fun beach toys and lunch! We offer a variety of unforgettable Bahamian experiences for every kind of traveler. Related: Which cruise brand is best for you? 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. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. However, we are both vaccinated and healthy. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day. Language: English is the official language. Ready? View the current offers here. Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers . Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. 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. Interact with the dolphins in their sea water habitat. Spend your day snorkeling, playing and relaxing. Unlike some ports, Nassau is a port day you want to prepare for before arriving. Feel like a time traveler as you explore the historic side of Nassau via ATV. Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. What a way to spend your day! Breathtaking views, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, Caribbean music, full service bar. 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. Amenities and activities at the resort are split into two categories: areas open to the general public and areas available only for guests or day pass visitors. One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot. Dive with this first-rate dive shop that was recently featured in National Geographic. come at an additional cost. 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). $$$= $100-199. Dundas Centre. The ingredients combine to provide the rice its signature brown coloring. Whether your a conformist or no. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel! Swim, play, hug, kiss, and dance with dolphins - what a cool experience! Best Nassau, Bahamas shore . A snorkeling tour is also available for $15 extra and lockers can be rented for the day for $10. Its a common port on short Caribbean cruise itineraries, offering, Odds are if you take a Royal Caribbean cruise to somewhere in the Caribbean, there is a good chance you will stop in. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home. 12:15 PM. See Nassau from above and below on this glass bottom boat cruise to the reef. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. Dont forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. On this page, you will find the Editor's Choice of excursions organized by Cruise Lines and available onboard but also those that can be booked directly or with third-party services. We are extremely pleased to report another record-setting passenger day here at Nassau Cruise Port, said Mike Maura Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. 144. With so much to do, Nassau features some of the best Bahamas tours and shore excursions that will immerse you in the traditions, culture, and marine life that are unique to the area. 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. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. 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. For some rest and relaxation, our Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day is a great opportunity to recharge. 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. Our favorite shore excursion in Nassau is a day trip to Pearl Island. 9:30 AM. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was established in 2000 and has since been named the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. 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. 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. from . Its just our experience based soon to areas. #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 Remember These Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. Your easy-to-ride beach cruiser is the perfect mode of transport for exploring Nassau. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. A must-do for any wine connoisseur or even novice, become a wine maker for the day and learn to blend your own wine on one of the most unique experiences in the Bahamas. 1 - 10 of 21 Royal Caribbean Nassau Cruise Reviews. Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau's sightseeing opportunities, crystal clear blue waters, and white sand beaches make it a truly remarkable tropical vacation destination. 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.