In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Background, wife and I are longtime cruiser almost exclusively with Royal Caribbean. 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. 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. The excursion usually costs around $100. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. 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. This historic Caribbean city is one of the world's most popular cruise and snorkeling destinations, and it's easy to see why. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. 2. A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeards Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. Went to the Bahamas and rode ATV's in the jungle of, The restaurants were not worth the extra cost. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. A 66-step major landmark in Nassau, it was carved out of solid limestone rock between 1793 and 1794. 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. With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridges west end. This excursion is offered by most cruise lines and offered with many different combos. Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas. The most popular tour is the Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, during which guests stop at six tasting locations around downtown Nassau to taste local foods including steamed chicken, Caribbean rice, and rum cakes. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. 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. 9:00 AM A free, short distillery tour with tastings is available. 12 Coolest Slides On Cruise Ships Long Weekend Cruises Photo Courtesy: Nassau Cruise Port. Cruise lines make a . See Fort Montagu, the Potter's Cay Dock and more! Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. New Providence Island. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. We also packed a, Other Cruise Line Cruise Reviews from Nassau. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review. 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. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) 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. 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. We're here to help you embark on a truly memorable getaway. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Modified Date: Feb 28, 2023. 10:20 AM Located on the resort is the 15-acre Baha Bay waterpark which offers a limited number of day passes. Reviewed January 18, 2013. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. 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. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. Our dining team couldn't have spent any less time with us, so much money to be so, The ship is absolutely beautiful. The museum has relics and artifacts on display, such as an extensive sample of items in a Bahamian grocery shop in 1900 to an exhibit of tools used during slavery. Whether you want to relax in a spa, golf on world-class golf courses, win big in two of the largest Caribbean casinos, or paddleboard all day, you'll be in paradise - literally and figuratively. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. The first day of the cruise was a port in Nassau. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. 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. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area. 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 . Prices for the same tours can vary across cruise lines and third-party sellers, so tours are listed below by price ranges, using the following shorthand (per adult): $= $0-50. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day. Related: Disney Cruise Line review Sailing Disney Wonder. Just a short boat ride from Nassau. Still, the impressive numbers are a great sign for Nassaus economy. 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 museum has costumes, traditional fabrics, music, and informational panels on display for guests to learn more about the festivals history and influence in the Bahamas. In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. And for a taste of local Nassau culture, we offer sightseeing island tours via powerboat, ATV, and more. 2:15 PM. 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. The AOS out of Nassau allowed us the first cruise back. 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. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views. We're pleased to provide comfortable, accessible transportation and knowledgeable, local independent experts to help you maximize your time onshore. When it comes to oceangoing vacations, the Bahamas can accurately be described as the industrys leading destination, with the capital city of Nassau being cruisings number one port of call. One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. The island has several beaches, small lagoons, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and games. 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. If you like cigars, you will love this behind-the-scenes tour of the Graycliff Cigar Company! 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. Start Times: If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. The first three ports ranked by passenger visits are all cruise ship homeports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades. WOW - this is the ultimate experience with dolphins! Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are available to rent, and the island also offers nature tours with dolphins and stingrays. Daredevil's Peak Waterslide 9. This excursion is one of the most exciting and fun activities when cruising to Nassau. You can also explore Paradise Island's popular Atlantis Resort and its legendary Aquaventure water park. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands. This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes. 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. Thrill Waterpark 4. Guests wanting to learn more about Junkanoo can do so any day of the year at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum. Bahamas. Relax and take in the quiet stretch of white sand, lined with tropical . Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts amenities for the day. As a side note as much as I lo 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. Day pass holders also have beach access. A colorful street parade with music, dance, and costumes, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day and New Years Day each year. Start Times: This is so cool. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. If you just want to relax on the beach, Junkanoo Beach is within walking distance from the cruise port. 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? 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. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine. Stuart Cove is the main diving provider on New Providence Island. However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. Pedal your way through Nassau with this unique tour that takes you along beautiful beaches, to Fort Charlotte and to the Conch Salad show. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. Read More. From private cabanas to charter rentals, there's simply something magical about this place. Sweeping views from the forts bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock. Downtown Nassau is home to several museums which can be a nice activity to do on days with poor weather or after you return to the cruise port from a shore excursion. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12. There was something available for everyone no matter the age. There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. However, if your itinerary visits several islands where you want to snorkel, it might be worth it to bring your own gear as opposed to booking excursions or gear rentals. A hybrid sea and land tour is also available, where guests start the tour on a catamaran and end with a land tour of downtown Nassau. 10+ Cruises Age 60s. Around one million travelers board Caribbean cruise ships that travel to Nassau every year! Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time. This was one of the best cruises we have been on primarily for that reason. Escape to a beautiful hotel for a traditional British afternoon tea and celebrate the finer things in life with a Bahamian twist. Pick up within walking distance of Cruise ship pier. 10:00 AM. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella. 9:00 AM. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas takes visitors on a journey from pre-historic times in the Bahamas to today. 12:40 PM. All cruise lines offer different tours and combos for the novice or experienced snorkelers. Forts Fincastle and Charlotte transport you to the Bahamas' colonial past, while our exclusive tour at Graycliff unveils Al Capone's getaway. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Pearl Island is located eight miles east of Nassau. Note the following are sample tours and may not work with your itinerary. One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is the Blue Lagoon Beach Day tour. This was our final stop to check out the Atlantis Resort, you were not able to go inside unless you actually were staying at the resort so we wandered around the outside grounds and took photos. Music only played a few hours a day. 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. Food was not much different than the dining room. Some day passes are all-inclusive, whereas others give guests a monetary voucher for food and drinks. 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. And while Nassau is best known for crystal clear beaches and world-famous resorts, the port offers plenty of activities for all interests. The swimming pool is inviting and there are quite a few different excursion to choose from including a 3-course Wine Luncheon. Dundas Centre. During this perfect day, you'll serenely glide along tropical Caribbean waters. Not to mention the remarkable historical sites, like the Queen's Staircase. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region. Splash. 12:50 PM. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice.It is advisable to confirm details with local your cruise line or local tourist information before planning your cruise, excursions and tours of Nassau.If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know. 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. 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. 8:15 AM. Guests on this tour will have the opportunity to taste dishes like conch fritters, Bahamian teas, and fresh seafood. The expansion will permit the port to welcome as many as three Oasis-class vessels simultaneously, further increasing its guest capacity. Start Times: 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. 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).