Review for Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas. 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. What a way to spend your day! Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. 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. Plenty of Nassaus most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 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. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. 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. Feel like a time traveler as you explore the historic side of Nassau via ATV. Our favorite shore excursion in Nassau is a day trip to Pearl Island. It's a five-star Caribbean restaurant complete with a delicious wine tasting. The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was established in 2000 and has since been named the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas. Reaffirm your love for one another on an incomparable Bahamian beach. Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. We booked a shore excursion through our cruise line Royal Caribbean to go on a tour of different places in Nassau. Port of Nassau Requirements - My Experience. Located at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the staircase is within walking distance from downtown and perfect for small group tours. In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual. This under 2-hour tour starts with a narrated cruise in Nassau's harbor before reaching the 'Sea Gardens'. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Obviously, all cruise lines also offer a basic beach day package to relax on a double hammock, participate in water activities or sip umbrella drinks. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. Come with us on this awesome sightseeing tour! Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. We caught the cruise bug after a 32 year hiatus (it's called putting kids thru school!) 9:30 AM 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. Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. It boggles my mind why someone would want to book an excursion to get a tour of a local museum when they can just walk into the museum and do it themselves. This city serves as the heart of the Bahamas and is near Paradise Island, Blue Lagoon Island, Salt Cay, Rose Island, Ardastra Gardens, Cable Beach, and Arawak Cay. Accessible Shore Excursions bring you closer to the culture and beauty of the ports we visit, no matter what your special needs. 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. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. Experience the beautiful clear waters, white-sand beaches, and warm tropical sun from this hidden gem of an island. The island has several beaches, small lagoons, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and games. here. 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. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. 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. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassaus best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. Like most, we were a bit reserved about cruising during the pandemic. All rights reserved. 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. 38. 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? Excursion Focus: Pearl Island Beach Escape in Nassau Modified Date: Feb 28, 2023. Itinerary Overview. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Blue Lagoon Island Nassau Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruise Port Shore Excursion Review Deluxe Beach BreakCRUISE ESSENTIALS:Amazon Affilate Links:Multi-Color Pa. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. We also offer plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving excursions for those who want to experience the Bahamas' exquisite marine life. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Nassau Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling Tour There's something special about the serenity of a Sail and Snorkel Cruise across the blue waters of the Bahamas. 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. General admission to Baha Bay is currently $160, while junior admission (guests under 48) is $65. Most beaches are free and open to the public, and some are located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. The activities and excursions were exciting and fun. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. Take 4 hours out of your vacation to give something back to the people of the Caribbean. Best Nassau, Bahamas shore . Whether youre 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. Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Snorkel at a combination of Nassau's famous reefs, Hollywood sites, and shipwrecks on this half day cruise snorkeling trip. The first day of the cruise was a port in Nassau. After having a blast at the water park, you'll have the experience of a lifetime interacting with dolphins in the shallow waters of Dolphin Cay. 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. John Watlings Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. The expansion will permit the port to welcome as many as three Oasis-class vessels simultaneously, further increasing its guest capacity. View Excursion. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as . 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. A private island getaway to your own private, exclusive ocean-view cabana is waiting for you on beautiful Pearl Island. We were the 6th time out, and the staff told us that several things that weren't allowed were starting to be added back, such as the dance party on pool deck in, My wife and I are regular cruisers on Royal Caribbean, so while I am not normally the type to write reviews, it would seem helpful to add insight to the relatively new experience of post-Covid cruising out of the Bahamas by writing about our July 2021 cruise. Start Times: 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. 9:30 AM. If you are cruising to Nassau with Royal Caribbean, this shore excursion to Pearl Island has to be booked onboard with the Shorex desk. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Saunders Beach: Spend free time on one of Nassau's most inviting beaches; also a popular swimming spot for the locals. 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. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. 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. Updated: September 11, 2022 The Blue Lagoon Island excursion is on of the main attractions in The Bahamas, and just a 40-minute - 3 miles (5 km) - scenic boat ride away from the cruise port in Nassau. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Start Times: In the mood for some smooth spirits? Stops include a favorite family owned "down home" eatery serving soul-warming Bahamian classics, locally sourced jams, salts, and island bush teas from a specialty spice merchant, and Nassau's best Euro-Caribbean fusion and an organic, fair trade Chocolatier featuring hand-made truffles by an award winning pastry chef will guarantee you experience a taste of Nassau. Sail Date: July . Bahamas. Cycle through Nassau's downtown district to see an 18th-century limestone staircase, the Straw Market and so much more on this fun guided biking tour. In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. 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'. Atlantis Aquaventure & Dolphin Cay Interaction. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. There were a lot of elderly people on this cruise. It seems you are not allowed to do that right now. 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. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. Afterward, the fun of your . The Christmas decor was a nice touch. 11:45 AM, Start Times: Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Thrill Waterpark 4. Peas and rice: Referred to locally as peas n rice, this traditional Caribbean dish, prepared in local Bahamian fashion, features deep brown pigeon peas and white long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, thyme, tomato paste, goat pepper and salted pork or bacon. Once an open-air affair, Nassaus long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. Visitors to Nassau can choose to bring their own snorkel gear or book a snorkeling excursion through Royal Caribbean or an outside provider. Once by the living coral, the excursionist will have a unique viewing. With a touch of luxury, enjoy the impeccable service Pearl Island is known for. Enjoy sailing and snorkeling in the beautiful Bahamian waters. This is so cool. Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines. Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all sail here, as does luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, premium cruise operators Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises and budget operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. If the problem persists, you may, Shore Excursions - City Tours - Day Activities, TAINO BAY (PUERTO PLATA) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, EASTERN CARIBBEAN THREE PORT DISCOUNT PACKAGE. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group. A snorkeling tour is also available for $15 extra and lockers can be rented for the day for $10. There is a small fee to enter the museum. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. Not to mention the remarkable historical sites, like the Queen's Staircase. There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. A free, short distillery tour with tastings is available. The staff was friendly and helpful. At Shore Excursions Group, we offer an incredible variety of Bahamian sightseeing island tours sure to impress. 39. Short on time? A specific reason we chose this cruise was the requirement that all guest, We chose this cruise for a few reasons. The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Bertas signature style and the shops collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. 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. Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises. For those that are Certified Divers, Nassau has a few very interesting sites to explore. Thats thousands of visitors exploring downtown Nassau, learning about our island and culture through our restaurants, taxis and tours, and making wonderful memories of The Bahamas that will surely drive them to return, said Maura. 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. 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. Swim with dolphins during one of our dolphin encounters, learn to scuba dive, enjoy snorkeling among stingrays and the beautiful Bahamian coral reefs, or dive down in your own personal SUB for a one-of-a-kind diving experience. worlds busiest passenger cruise port, Port Canaveral, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown. It felt like the ship was ours. You can also look for a resort offering day passes. Docked side-by-side, the vessels made an impressive sight at the port, showcasing the value of the newly expanded dock facilities in Nassau. Cabanas include sun chairs, an all-inclusive drink package, butler service, and lunch. The good news is that, with a little preparation, it will be easy to find the right Nassau activity to fit your personal vacation style. The waterscape includes lagoons, pools, and habitats for marine animals. Start Times: Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. Dundas Centre. 2023 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. 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. It's truly one of my family's favorite places in the world. Nassau Shore Excursion: Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour 903 Tour Nassau's landmarks and highlights, including a visit to the Atlantis Resort aboard a comfortable minivan. VIP guests will have a lounge chair in the adults-only VIP beach. After a 15-month pandemic pause, this was the first North American voyage for Royal Caribbean. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Carnival Cruise Line Nassau Cruise Reviews, Vantage Deluxe World Travel Nassau Cruise Reviews. Or relax in front of the iconic lighthouse while enjoying a frozen drink and freshly made conch salad. Food was not much different than the dining room. Nassau has it all. 1:00 PM. You can also visit Marina Village, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment space located around the Atlantis Marina, at no extra cost. 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. 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. 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. The tour makes stops at Tasty Teas, the World Famous Fish Fry, Potters Cay Dock, and John Watlings Distillery. Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. 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. Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. In summary, the experience is 90% still there and a, This was Royal Caribbeans grand return to cruising on the first voyage of the Adventure of the Seas from Nassau, Bahamas. In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. 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. Whether your a conformist or no. A line-by-line guide. See Nassau from above and below on this glass bottom boat cruise to the reef. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests. Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. 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. ShoreTrips' many shore excursions in Nassau reveal its Caribbean elegance. 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. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shops talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work. Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas for a Fee 3. On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. A four course meal paired with wines from the award winning wine cellar and a chance to explore this extraordinary wine collection. Dont forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. 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. Royal Theater, Running Track, Schooner Bar, SeaPlex, Shore Excursions, Sky Pad, Social 100, Solarium, Solarium Bistro, Sorrentos, Splashaway Bay, Starbucks, Suite Lounge, Swimming Pool, The Lime & Coconut, The Via, Two70, Vitality at Sea Fitness Center, Vitality at Sea Spa, Whirlpool, Windjammer Cafe . Hand-crafted cocktails available include the Canchera Rum, which is made with amber rum, Bahamian honey, lemon juice, and club soda, and Skylarkin, made with pale and coconut rum, coconut pulp, coconut water, and nutmeg. Enjoy a great shallow water encounter with these lovable mammals, with access to the Blue Lagoon resort. 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. 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. Now that's luxury! 7:15 AM, Start Times: A short, 30-minute boat ride off the coast is Pearl Island, one of the unique private islands of The Bahamas. 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. A password reset email has been sent. Waterpark guests also receive access to the Marine Habitat, a series of aquariums with over 50,000 aquatic animals. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Hit all the must-see historical highlights with this fun, informative walking city tour of downtown Nassau. We're pleased to provide comfortable, accessible transportation and knowledgeable, local independent experts to help you maximize your time onshore. Yesterday, Nassau Cruise Port set a new single-day record welcoming 28,554 passengers with six ships in port. Explore Nassau's exciting undersea world without the need for dive certification while on this fun, half-day SNUBA tour. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking.