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 entertainment, news, photo updates and more. 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. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes. A specific reason we chose this cruise was the requirement that all guest, We chose this cruise for a few reasons. Blue Lagoon Island is another small island north of downtown Nassau. 2. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. 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? Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Check here before booking an award fare. Dive with this first-rate dive shop that was recently featured in National Geographic. Paradise Island has something for everyone. 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. 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. We are a young (60) year old couple that enjoy life to its fullest and were celebrating our (40) year wedding anniversary. Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. Besides being a great place to sample an authentic Bahamian lunch featuring the freshest conch fritters and local dishes, the Potters Cay shacks are a great place to interact with locals, other visitors and the chefs themselves as they chat about the days catch and argue over a game of dominoes. 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. Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. 9:00 AM Pedal your way through Nassau with this unique tour that takes you along beautiful beaches, to Fort Charlotte and to the Conch Salad show. Set sail in Bahamas' deep blue waters and learn how to catch Billfish and more on this private deep sea fishing tour in Nassau. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship. As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Nassau, the largest city in the 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. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Other cruise ship tours feature glass-bottom and jet boat excursions, catamaran sailings paired with reef snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and exclusive beach days with private cabanas. Ever dreamed about a private island getaway? 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. 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. Find the right card for you. On foot: Many of Nassaus historic sites and the Bay Street retail district are within walking distance of the cruise ship pier and the downtown area. 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. 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. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. (Additional volunteers after initial 2 for up to 6 total volunteers), (Additional volunteers after initial 2 for up to 5 total volunteers), (Age 3 and Under - Encounter and Beach Combo with a participating, paying adult), (Private boat for up to 4 divers with private instructor), (Private boat for up to 8 divers with private instructor), (Charter for up to 6 people, 4 fishing at a time. ResortPass is currently selling day passes to the SLS Baha Mar for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $400 per Bungalow Pool Cabana or Baha Bay Beach Club Cabana that accommodates up to four people. Enjoy a great shallow water encounter with these lovable mammals, with access to the Blue Lagoon resort. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. 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. Caribbean. Thanks to its island charm, state-of-the-art resorts, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, Nassau has a relaxing feel rarely present anywhere else. Nassau Straw Market. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. Like what you see? 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. A free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. 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. Passengers looking to set sail and explore Nassau from the sea have plenty of options. here. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Carnival Cruise Line Nassau Cruise Reviews, Vantage Deluxe World Travel Nassau Cruise Reviews. 8:15 AM. This popular Nassau shore excursion takes the Atlantis Aquaventure to the next level! 1. Enjoy a day at the beach, use of fun beach toys and lunch! 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 . Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable, 14 best all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Europe, From servicing bar carts to emergency landings: A day in the life of an aspiring flight attendant. If you want to get a taste of city life, take a walking tour of downtown and nearby sightseeing destinations. from . 12:50 PM. Start Times: 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. A private island getaway to your own private, exclusive ocean-view cabana is waiting for you on beautiful Pearl Island. 12:40 PM. 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. Guests on this tour will have the opportunity to taste dishes like conch fritters, Bahamian teas, and fresh seafood. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. This cruise includes two perfect days at CocoCay, a stop in Cozumel, and a stop in Freeport. 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. Admission is $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17. 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. Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel! 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. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. 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. 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. 9:30 AM 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. 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. 10:00 AM. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. It's our favorite Royal Caribbean cruise excursion. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs). All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. In addition, guests have access to water maps, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling, and a floating trampoline. Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. Sat Nassau Depart 9:00, We wanted to participate in the first sailing, shame on us for assuming it would be special. 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. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. The Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine with a 5 feet under-water air conditioned observatory. Modified Date: Feb 28, 2023. Snorkeling, beach day, scuba diving, water sports, and sightseeing excursions await in the Bahamas' capital. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. By bus: Nassaus public buses are known as jitneys and offer a thrifty and convenient alternative to car rentals or taxis. Around one million travelers board Caribbean cruise ships that travel to Nassau every year! Jet Skis Lining a White Sandy Beach, Nassau, Bahamas This is a fun-tastic day! In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. The first day of the cruise was a port in Nassau. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests. 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 kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeards Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. Many guests that try to wing it on their day in Nassau end up disappointed and unsure of the best way to spend their day. During this perfect day, you'll serenely glide along tropical Caribbean waters. 9:00 AM. 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. Excursion Focus: Pearl Island Beach Escape in Nassau Nassau Caves: Quick photo stop at the caves of New Providence, home to the Arawak or Lucayan Indians, who were the original inhabitants of the Bahamas. 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. Six ships from four different cruise lines visited Nassau Cruise Port on Monday, February 27, 2023, setting a one-day guest record for the port with an amazing 28,554 passengers. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). 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. 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. You can swim with the dolphins, interact with stingrays, snorkel with sharks, and have personal encounters with sea lions, all in their natural environment. With these staggering numbers, it's easy to see that Nassau is truly a spot you won't want to miss. ), to $363 Per Person Based On Your Group Size, (Includes space for one scooter/wheelchair), EASTERN CARIBBEAN THREE PORT DISCOUNT PACKAGE >. In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. 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 . 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. One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is the Blue Lagoon Beach Day tour. You will have the opportunity to ride an underwater motorbike and enjoy the splendor of a shallow reef. John Watling's Distillery has been providing high-quality rum since 2003, and they do tours of their incredible distillery. All cruise lines offer this type of tour with stops and photo ops in places like the Fort Charlotte, Queens staircase, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay among others. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below). The best and the most popular shore excursions for passengers on a cruise to Nassau port: Reviews of Atlantis, Blue Lagoon, Scuba, Seaworld Explorer, Glass Bottom Boat, and more . By: Editor-in-Chief Update: January 6, 2023. 1:30 PM. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. 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. Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas. Like most, we were a bit reserved about cruising during the pandemic. Stuart Cove is the main diving provider on New Providence Island. Start Times: Royal Caribbean has not released all the health protocols and changes for Adventure of the Seas restarted sailings from The Bahamas, but expect to only be able to go on cruise line shore excursions. And for a taste of local Nassau culture, we offer sightseeing island tours via powerboat, ATV, and more. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site. 12:00 PM. Or relax in front of the iconic lighthouse while enjoying a frozen drink and freshly made conch salad. 39. However, exploring them on a Bahamas shore excursion is the best way to experience these paradise islands. 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. Its just our experience based soon to areas. A 66-step major landmark in Nassau, it was carved out of solid limestone rock between 1793 and 1794. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). On this popular Nassau dolphin excursion, you'll be whisked away to a private island where you'll get to spend the day freely exploring a tropical paradise. Take 4 hours out of your vacation to give something back to the people of the Caribbean. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. We offer a variety of unforgettable Bahamian experiences for every kind of traveler. In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance. A 15-20 minute boat ride from Nassau's port. Only offered onboard by Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, this excursion to the pristine Balmoral Island (a private atoll) is an excellent way to spend the day in Nassau. Enjoy a unique pirate adventure while sailing the beautiful Bahamian waters. Day visitors have the chance to. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum. come at an additional cost. 2023 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. Our driver is also a guide and our vehicle handles those with mobility issues. Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. Nassau is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. For those not interested in water sports or beach activities of any sort, Nassau has a good number of historical landmarks that can be visited on Highlights Tours. You can also visit Marina Village, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment space located around the Atlantis Marina, at no extra cost. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). See Details. Blue Lagoon Island Nassau Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruise Port Shore Excursion Review Deluxe Beach BreakCRUISE ESSENTIALS:Amazon Affilate Links:Multi-Color Pa. Everything was wonderful from start to finish. 1:00 PM It's also close to Paradise Island, home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort. A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so. Nassaus Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries. The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. Overall, we had a great time; although, we loved the Allure more. Perfect Day Coco Cay Oasis Lagoon Aerial with Cabanas. Exceptional return to cruising. 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. Also, we picked this cruise line for the luxury and I actually thought Carnival is better. There are a few types of day passes available, some of which give access just to the beach whereas others have access to the beach and waterpark. 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. 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. NO LINES! Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. 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. The boat ride from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon is included in the fare, which is usually around $85-100. Dundas Centre. Located on the resort is the 15-acre Baha Bay waterpark which offers a limited number of day passes. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine. . 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. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. Once by the living coral, the excursionist will have a unique viewing. 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. 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. 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. Thrill Waterpark 4. Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts amenities for the day. About 4-4.5 hours on the island with a delicious lunch included.