The best Bahamas cruise will take you to the Bahamas, which is a beautiful destination for adventurous cruisers. On your tour to the Bahamas, you will have a wide range of amazing shore excursions to choose from, which can be challenging as you might not want to miss out on the best cruise-friendly experience.
Our exclusive guide to the island-hopping paradise will highlight the best ways to make the most of your time on the Bahamas shore. On that note, it doesn’t matter whether this is your first trip or you are a seasoned traveler; this exclusive guide has something for everyone. So, get your sunhat, immerse yourself in the island atmosphere, and prepare yourself to explore the best of the Bahamas.
Best Shore Excursions for the Bahamas Cruises
After your Bahamas cruise docks in paradise, you’ll want to make the most of every sun-drenched moment ashore. Whether you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, or Disney Cruise Line, each offers cruise-friendly Bahamas shore excursions that cater to every interest. From thrilling water sports and island adventures to rich cultural and historical tours, these experiences are designed to perfectly complement your island getaway. Here are some must-do adventures that blend excitement with a relaxing touch.
Shore Excursion: Piggy Paddle
What is better than getting off the Freeport cruises and participating in piggy-paddling activities? Imagine yourself floating in crystal-clear waters, and suddenly, you see a group of playful pigs paddling towards you. Yes, you read this right! You can actually swim with cute pigs in the Bahamas, which is essentially a quirky experience, something that you will remember many years after the cruise experience.
Nonetheless, before you dive in, you should know that with piggy paddling, you will be going on a scenic boat that will take you around the islands. The scenic boat ride will offer you plenty of time to interact with adorable creatures and take beautiful pictures.
This shore excursion is popular with couples and families.
Shore Excursion: Perfect Day at CocoCay
You should enjoy a perfect day at CocoCay, as this is a popular shore excursion for Bahamas cruise passengers. Cococay is a private island where you can enjoy a variety of activities, which is why this is a desirable destination for many cruisers. At CocoCay, you can enjoy a wide range of excursions, including relaxing beach days, water sports, and thrill rides.
CocoCay is especially popular with families as it offers amazing attractions that are well-suited for all ages. As a private island, CocoCay is instantly accessible from the cruise ships, which is why visiting the island is essentially a hassle-free experience.
Exploring Bahamas Shore Excursions – Iconic Attractions
Apart from water-based adventures, the Bahamas offers a wide variety of iconic landmarks and attractions that can increase your overall experience of the Bahamas tour.
Atlantis Water Park
You won’t enjoy your trip to the Bahamas without visiting the popular Atlantis Water Park at Atlantis Paradise Island. With that said, if you are excited about infusing a bit of excitement into the cruise-friendly Bahama vacations, there are several reasons why you should get tickets to the Atlantis Water Park.
The Atlantis Water Park comprises 141 acres with amazing spine-chilling water slides, more than twenty swimming pools, and a one-mile ride along the river. If you are into more thrill-seeking activities, you will certainly feel the adrenaline rush when you ride the slides. For a more relaxed experience, you can float down the river and also soak in the lively vibe of this water park.
Bahamas Island Hopping
If you have a bit of extra time at the port while voyaging with the best Bahamas cruises, then you should try some Bahamas Island Hopping. This activity is the perfect way to discover the best destinations in the Bahamas without sticking to one. You should know that the Bahamas comprises seven hundred different islands, all of which have their own adventure and charm waiting to be experienced by the cruisers.
Popular Bahamas Cruise Itineraries
Here are some islands that you cannot live without on the Bahamas Island getaway:
Harbour Island
Harbour Island is popular for its mesmerizing pink-sanded beaches, which appear straight out of a fairy tale. On this Island, you should walk through Dunmore Town, enjoy fresh seafood, explore charming beachside restaurants, and visit local art studios.
You might want to start the tour by taking a ferry ride to Harbour Island while embarking from Nassau. Embark on the ferry in the morning, and during midday, you can relax on the pink-sand beaches. From there, you can explore local boutiques.
In the afternoon, you can proceed to enjoy a leisurely meal at any of the beachside restaurants.
Extra Tips for Island Hopping
If you have never been on the adventure of island hopping before, the Bahamas is a great place to start. This exquisite destination comprises seven hundred uninhabited and inhabited islands, cays, and rocks. You will definitely fall in love at first sight.
You should know that some islands in the Bahamas are incredibly remote to the point that you can feel that you have stepped into your personal paradise. All islands in the Bahamas are well-kept by the best cruise-friendly Bahamas tours. However, we recommend that you check weather forecasts and also assess the tide tables to ensure a smooth sailing experience.
Understandably, you might want to indulge in as many adventures and experiences as possible during your visit. However, you will be visiting more than one island to gain memorable experiences. With effective planning, you will be able to visit multiple islands on your Bahamian venture.
Nassau Cruises – Live the Ultimate Bahamas Experience
Nassau Cruises will take you to the Bahamas, which is one of the most visited places in the Caribbean. On any given day, it is choc-a-block with cruise ships. The port can handle six ships at a time, and as cruise ships get bigger, so does the number of people getting off. Arriving in Nassau, you will be greeted by the sparkling blue sea and sunshine. Dotted along the seafront, you will see cute little multicolored buildings.
In the last couple of years, Nassau has had a massive upgrade. The first thing you will be greeted with
at the port is a huge 3-D screen, a clearly marked stand, and tour desks. Next, you will be greeted by a lot of shops. The shops are actually inside the port area and not in town, which means that you don’t have to go out of the port gates to get to the shops.
Historic Nassau
The historic area is literally just a little bit more outside the port gates. Now, the historic area of Nassau is not too big, which is why an hour or two is perfect to cover it. You will be met by Parliament Square, which has an incredible blue look in Bay Street. You will find loads of cute shops, too. There are some bars and restaurants here. The buildings are reminiscent of many other Caribbean ports that are very colorful, and you will find your usual mix of jewelry and souvenirs. You will see loads of references to the rum cakes, too.
Straw Market and Pirates Museum
One of the main attractions is the straw market, which is literally a five-minute walk from the port. This is a handicraft center, and you can find some nice wickerware and weaving in the mix. There is also the Pirates Museum. The Bahamas were the central point of piracy back in the day, and history tells us they bribed the then-governor of the Bahamas to use it as a base, letting them operate safely.
The Pirates Museum gives you an insight into life and times of the real pirates.
Behind the Straw Market and the Museum, you are right by the Waterfront, which has a very doable walk to Junkanoo Beach, which is the nearest beach to cruise ships. On Junkanoo, you can hire some of the daft water paddle boats or kayaks. If you don’t want to go on an expensive tour, Junkanoo can be your perfect day out as you will get reasonably cost-effective drinks, and you can relax at the beach.
Just be aware that at peak times, this beach can be busy, depending on the time of year you are cruising in.
Tour Suggestion: Snorkeling
There are several tour options available to you. The first choice is snorkeling or scuba diving, especially with the turtles. Take a fast boat out, and at the right time of the year, the water can be gin clear. Snorkeling with the turtles is something that you will remember for a lifetime.
Tour Suggestion: Pearl Island, Bahamas
The tour to Pearl Island leaves right by the cruise ships. It is a thirty-minute trip, and on the way there, you actually get a free harbor tour thrown in as you go past Atlantis and the other islands. While you are en route, you can also do some celebrity house spotting, such as the two houses side-by-side belonging to Beyonce and Jay-Z.
Once you get to Pearl Island, you can use the beaches, enjoy some water sports, and go snorkeling. The water here is beautifully clear. So, an excursion out to Pearl Island is a great low-cost alternative to Atlantis and Paradise Island.
Tour Suggestion: The Blue Lagoon
Also known as Salt Cay, the island is just three miles from Nassau. Here you can swim with the dolphins. The Blue Lagoon island is privately owned, which is why the entry is regulated. So, you have to book a package or a tour to visit the island, which includes round-trip transportation via catamaran, which is a twenty-five-minute ride.
Tour Suggestion: Self-Touring
There is a doable walk from the port, and it takes you up to the historical Queen’s Staircase. This landmark is also referred to as the sixty-six steps that were carved out of solid Limestone by the slaves in the late 1700s. When you get on top of these sixty-six steps, you are rewarded with a fascinating view of Fort Fincastle.
Family Bahamas Cruises – What to Expect
If you’re planning the ultimate family vacation to the Bahamas, cruising with a top-rated family-friendly cruise line is one of the best ways to go. Lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and even more intimate options like Azamara offer tailored experiences that make family cruising both fun and stress-free. Of course, planning for different age groups can be a challenge, but these cruise lines are experts at creating memorable getaways for guests of all ages.
Each ship in these family-focused fleets features kid-approved dining, thrilling onboard activities, and entertainment that keeps everyone engaged. With carefully designed Bahamas cruise itineraries, you’ll visit some of the most adventure-packed shores in the world. Best of all, everything from accommodations to excursions is arranged with families in mind, so you can focus on relaxing and making lasting memories together.
Family Bahamas Cruises – The Best Getaways
Family-friendly getaways are always on the itinerary when you sail with Family Bahamas cruises. You can expect to fall in love with thrill-topping island hopping and maximize your memories by exploring the Last Frontier.
Explore the Topic Treks
If you are exploring the Bahamas with your family, you should definitely explore the sun-kissed shores. There, you can build beautiful castles on the pink beaches of Barbados. At Curacao, you and your family can splash in the beautiful turquoise water. Puerto Rico has legendary forts that you can wander through with your family. With that said, you should know that no one might offer better kid-friendly cruises than the best Bahamas cruise.
Sun Soaked Pool Fun
With the Bahamas Cruises, you and your family will enjoy endless ways to enjoy the sea days. You might want to think of epic experiences, such as plunging down the tallest sea slides and playing laser tag battles to get the adrenaline pumping. Nonetheless, sun-soaked parties and sessions at the surf simulator are just a few mentions of the unlimited fun that you get to experience on your chosen cruise.
Best Dining Experience
The best cruises will offer you delicious onboard dining options, and everyone in your family will find something to satisfy their taste buds between the adventures. You will have an endless selection of dine-in menus to choose from, including specialty Italian restaurants, Far East cuisines, and other complementary foods and drinks.
Enjoy Amazing Shows
Every night, you will leverage the opportunity to enjoy the best entertainment that you will ever get at the sea. You can expect original dazzling productions and popular favorites straight from the Broadway show. You will be mesmerized by the aerial stunts and the high dives at the Aqua shows. Rest assured, you will quickly discover that every performance is a show-stopper on the cruises.
Place for Everyone
The rooms on the best Bahamas cruise are exclusively designed for families. Rest assured, there is room for everyone. You will get to choose from the best rooms with the best ocean views or suites with amazing balconies. Nonetheless, if you want to give your family an elite cruising experience, you can book a luxurious suite, too, as these offer private patios and other perks. Luxury cruises offer unbelievable amenities, too.
Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas
If this is your first time cruising to the Bahamas, you should know that any time is the best time to explore the turquoise waters and the sun-kissed islands that are decorated with beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life, and a melodic symphony. Once you reach the Bahamas, it will be difficult for you to take your eyes off the beautiful Paradise that awaits you there. It doesn’t matter what your weather priorities are or what the crowd levels are; the diverse range of the best Bahamas cruises will have you covered.
With that said, if you are exclusively looking for ways to take advantage of the amazing outdoor ventures where you can relax on the beaches and indulge in water sports, then the best time is to cruise to the Bahamas through the months of December to April, as these are essentially dry months. This period comprises pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall, and lower humidity levels.
However, you should know that the highest number of tourists also falls under this timeframe, which is why popular islands and landmarks can be more crowded than usual. If you want to relax and enjoy a quieter Bahamas experience, you might want to visit slightly before November, when the weather will still be favorable, but the number of tourists will be smaller.
Final Thoughts
The best Bahamas Cruise offers loads of amenities for cruisers, especially those traveling with their families. For instance, you can enjoy the record-breaking slides and get a fine taste of every culture through delicious dining options. You get to enjoy grand shows, which will leave you in awe, and being on board the Bahamas cruise ships will make the journey as exciting as the destinations and islands you will visit.
To take your vacation experience to an entirely new level, book the best Bahamas cruise today, where a perfect stay, sailing experience, and loads of fun are waiting.