OVERVIEW
The 700 islands of Bahamas (only 30 of which are inhabited) are located
at a distance of only 100 miles from the coast
of Florida. Proximity of the Bahamas to the main US
ports makes cruises to the island attractive to anyone who prefers a
short and affordable cruise
vacation. There two main ports of call for Bahamas cruises: Nassau (the
capital city) and Freeport. All-year-round consistent warm weather,
political stability, developed tourist infrastructure, beautiful
landscapes made Bahamas a favorite destination for many vacationers
including cruisers.
BAHAMAS
CRUISE LINES
Many cruise lines offer cruises to Bahamas
islands. We recommend you
Carnival
Cruise Lines,
Celebrity
Cruises,
Royal
Caribbean Cruises, and
Disney
Cruise Line of which two last lines
own private islands in the Bahamas and make them exclusive
ports of call. Also check out our
Cruise
Lines and
Cruise
Reviews pages.
SEARCH
BAHAMAS CRUISE DEALS
WHAT TO SEE ON BAHAMAS
CRUISES
In either one of the Bahamas'
ports of call you can take a tour organized by your cruise ship, or
book an excursion by yourself at a local travel agency, or explore the
city on
your own, on foot or in a taxi cab. There are plenty of choices for
anyone.
Boat
and small
submarine
coastal journeys,
sea
kayaking,
watching
dolphins, "sunset dinners", nice opportunities for
golf, casino
gambling, or just
sun tanning
on a beautiful white-sand beach. Combination of shallow and deep water
surrounding the Bahamas and many reefs create ideal conditions
for
diving and
snorkelling.
Nassau is a small city, stretched along the coast. You can
easily walk through it in a couple of hours. On the way you can visit
small
shops and open-air markets for exotic souvenirs. Nassau still keeps old
flavor, you can see many historical building in the city streets.
BAHAMAS
CRUISE LENGTH
Bahamas cruises are usually
3
to 7 nights
long. 3 or 4-night long cruises leaving from Florida coast. 7-night
long Bahamas cruises are common for travel from New York.
WHEN
TO CRUISE
Dry winter season from December
to April, with average temperatures about +25°C (77°F),
is the peak tourist season for
Bahamas. During these months cruise prices are higher by up to 25%.
Hurricane season
is August to October, but most of them bypass Bahamas to the south.
Best season for bargain seekers is May-July, when the temperature is at
its maximum, averaging +32 °C (~90°F).
BAHAMAS
CRUISE TIPS
While in the streets of Nassau and
Freeport, stay alert, beware of petty
crimes like
pickpocketing; do not walk alone after dark. Be cautious in Nassau
after dark, and avoid suburban areas where crimes situation is worse
due to the drug trade. The emergency phone number is 911.
Shops
are open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm; banks- Monday to Thursday
9am-3pm and Friday 9am-5pm.
In the Bahamas you can enjoy duty-free
shopping
to buy jewellery, perfume, watches, china, crystal and liquor at price
up to 50% lower than regular retail prices. Open-air Straw Market
offers hand-made art and crafts, batik items, and some clothes at
bargain prices.
Vibrantl national
festival of Junkanoo is celebrated twice- on Dec. 26 and
Jan. 01, with overnight street parades. Last week of April marks the
Bahamas Family Island Regatta at George Town. Emancipation Day with
cultural parades is celebrated in the first week of August. Parades and
fireworks of the Independence Week peak on July 10.
USEFUL
LINKS
