View Excursion. Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. 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. 1.1K. #28 of 237 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Nassau Outdoor Activities, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Tours, More East Bay Street | East Bay Shopping Centre, Nassau, New Providence Island Open today: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Save Pearl Island Escape with Snorkeling Experience and Lunch 405 Book in advance from $115.00 per adult Docked side-by-side, the vessels made an impressive sight at the port, showcasing the value of the newly expanded dock facilities in Nassau. The super famous Atlantis Resort is the site that has more tours on offer but if the cruise passenger just wants to relax on the beach or enjoy active pursuits like Scuba diving there are many other tours to choose from. Rose Island, Spanish Wells Pigs, Exuma Pigs, Allens Cay Iguanas and more Options. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. A must-do for any wine connoisseur or even novice, become a wine maker for the day and learn to blend your own wine on one of the most unique experiences in the Bahamas. 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. While beautiful. You know who you are, so prepare for your dreams to come true and learn how to make your own chocolates under the tutelage of a master chocolatier and indulge in tasting delicious gourmet chocolates. Relax and take in the quiet stretch of white sand, lined with tropical . Port of Nassau Requirements - My Experience. Start Times: 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. 7:45 AM Balmoral Island is located a thirty minute boat ride from the cruise port and offers a picture-perfect beach day to guests with clear water, beach chairs and umbrellas, and two fresh-water pools. Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. Embarkation You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. And we appreciate our contry and all she has to offer. Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. Some day passes are all-inclusive, whereas others give guests a monetary voucher for food and drinks. WOW - this is the ultimate experience with dolphins! 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. Reviewed January 18, 2013. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. All rights reserved. But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites. Exceptional return to cruising. The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. Experience an unforgettable day on Pearl Island, a unique private island minutes from Nassau. Still, the impressive numbers are a great sign for Nassaus economy. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. Please refresh the page and sign in if necessary. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. You can, of course, do a food tour on your own by walking or taking a taxi to the popular bars and restaurants in Nassau. Please follow the instructions to reset your password. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. 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. Snorkeling, beach day, scuba diving, water sports, and sightseeing excursions await in the Bahamas' capital. We went in knowing there would be kinks but as a family we were treated like lepers. Nassau Cruise Port, the most visited port in The Bahamas, set a passenger record today when 28,554 passengers visited from cruise ships in one day. Discover the best of this Bahamian city on a walking tour, beach day excursion, or catamaran cruise line. Saunders Beach: Spend free time on one of Nassau's most inviting beaches; also a popular swimming spot for the locals. 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. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. 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. An island tour with history and adventure. 8:30 AM I decided to check it out for myself and see what it offers. We all tested negative, the teens multiple times but still identified them with bands to make sure we were treated accordingly. After a 15-month pandemic pause, this was the first North American voyage for Royal Caribbean. And for a taste of local Nassau culture, we offer sightseeing island tours via powerboat, ATV, and more. This popular Nassau shore excursion takes the Atlantis Aquaventure to the next level! 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. Zip Line 7. Nassau, Bahamas Thu 06 Mar 2025. . One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. Enjoy a unique pirate adventure while sailing the beautiful Bahamian waters. However, exploring them on a Bahamas shore excursion is the best way to experience these paradise islands. In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below). Language: English is the official language. Start Times: 9:00 AM. A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so. Interact with the dolphins in their sea water habitat. 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. This excursion is one of the most exciting and fun activities when cruising to Nassau. Photo Courtesy: Nassau Cruise Port. Nassau, the Bahamas, combines the excitement of a big city with the relaxed lifestyle of a Caribbean utopia. Perfect Day Coco Cay Oasis Lagoon Aerial with Cabanas. We also packed a, Other Cruise Line Cruise Reviews from Nassau. A colorful street parade with music, dance, and costumes, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day and New Years Day each year. With a touch of luxury, enjoy the impeccable service Pearl Island is known for. 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. If you just want to relax on the beach, Junkanoo Beach is within walking distance from the cruise port. Accessible Shore Excursions bring you closer to the culture and beauty of the ports we visit, no matter what your special needs. Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. However, if you want something more exclusive you should go on a tour to the Blue Lagoon, the Pearl Island, the Balmoral Island or the pool of the Graycliff hotel. With so much to do, Nassau features some of the best Bahamas tours and shore excursions that will immerse you in the traditions, culture, and marine life that are unique to the area. Just a short boat ride from Nassau. Dont forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. 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. There was something available for everyone no matter the age. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. 1 - 10 of 21 Royal Caribbean Nassau Cruise Reviews. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. This yacht, on pristine waters, in a private cove. 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 . John Watling's Distillery has been providing high-quality rum since 2003, and they do tours of their incredible distillery. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Carnival Cruise Line Nassau Cruise Reviews, Vantage Deluxe World Travel Nassau Cruise Reviews. Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are available to rent, and the island also offers nature tours with dolphins and stingrays. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. First, not all public beaches in Nassau have restrooms or cover if it starts raining. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. From private cabanas to charter rentals, there's simply something magical about this place. 144. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. 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 free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. ShoreTrips.com may be temporarily down for maintainence. You can also explore Paradise Island's popular Atlantis Resort and its legendary Aquaventure water park. Guests wanting to learn more about Junkanoo can do so any day of the year at the Educulture Junkanoo Museum. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. Guests looking for a more exclusive experience at Pearl Island can reserve a VIP Cabana. On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. 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. There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. 9:10 AM Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. Went to the Bahamas and rode ATV's in the jungle of, The restaurants were not worth the extra cost. For some rest and relaxation, our Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day is a great opportunity to recharge. Day pass holders also have beach access. 1:00 PM. Not a lot of activities unless you were 5 years old or a young, We just returned from the Quantum March 13, 2015 sailing. Plenty of Nassaus most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port. Paradise Island is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. 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. ", Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? Also, we picked this cruise line for the luxury and I actually thought Carnival is better. Spend your day snorkeling, playing and relaxing. 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. 1:00 PM 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. Chances are if you are sailing on a three or four-night cruise with Royal Caribbean you are stopping in Nassau, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas is one of the most common port stops on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and offers a variety of activities, Bahamian media are reporting Royal Caribbean has purchased land on the western end of Paradise Island in The Bahamas., If you are one of those people looking to do something different in Nassau, Bahamas, then perhaps flying a Boeing 737, Nassau is one of the worlds busiest cruise ports. Whether your a conformist or no. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. and after 2 wonderful cruises on the Vista 2018 and Symphony 2019 we couldnt wait to get back. 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. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques. This is so cool. Yesterday, Nassau Cruise Port set a new single-day record welcoming 28,554 passengers with six ships in port. 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. Day 5 - Miami, Florida. The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12. Let's dive in. Ever dreamed about a private island getaway? The waterscape includes lagoons, pools, and habitats for marine animals. Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts amenities for the day. If you are cruising to Nassau with Royal Caribbean, this shore excursion to Pearl Island has to be booked onboard with the Shorex desk. Whether it's snorkeling with dolphins, scuba diving with sharks, or simply kicking back on the beach, our wide selection of Nassau shore excursions has something for everyone. Bahamas, has long been a favorite Caribbean vacation destination for travelers. Flavors include pineapple, chocolate, caramel, Irish cream, Kentucky honey bourbon, and the original rum cake with pecans. 9:00 AM Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. We arrived at the Port of Bayonne around noon with a 1:45 pm check-in time. 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. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. 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. It's truly one of my family's favorite places in the world. A line-by-line guide, 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Original paintings, carvings and craftwork, Handmade garments in bright tropical colors. 9:30 AM Related: Disney Cruise Line review Sailing Disney Wonder. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and its also possible to rent a car or motor scooter. 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'. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. Atlantis is a world in itself with such an array of attractions - beaches, shops, water park, golf course, and casino - that all cruise lines offer at least half a dozen different tours to fully enjoy this site. 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. Up, Up and Away Helium Balloon 8. Splash. Enjoy a great shallow water encounter with these lovable mammals, with access to the Blue Lagoon resort. 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 . 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. It felt like the ship was ours. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Like what you see? Jet Skis Lining a White Sandy Beach, Nassau, Bahamas ShoreTrips' many shore excursions in Nassau reveal its Caribbean elegance. $$$$=$200-499. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021. Pick up within walking distance of Cruise ship pier. The Bahamas Rum Cake Factory was established in 2000 and has since been named the Official Rum Cake of the Bahamas. 12:15 PM. The excursion usually costs around $100. Our favorite shore excursion in Nassau is a day trip to Pearl Island. This cruise includes two perfect days at CocoCay, a stop in Cozumel, and a stop in Freeport. Nassau offers a multitude of activities focused around the archipelagos beautiful blue waters and magnificent natural environment. Enjoy a combination of a wall dive, along with a visit to a shallow reef or a shipwreck. One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is the Blue Lagoon Beach Day tour. 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. 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. Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home dcor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Aquaventure: Atlantis Aquaventure via Royal Caribbean Excursion - See 7,473 traveler reviews, 4,055 candid photos, and great deals for Nassau, New Providence Island, at Tripadvisor. We've never seen these anywhere else! Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. 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. 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. In the mood for some smooth spirits? 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. 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. Two the standard that RCI promotes. As a plus, while technically not located in the Caribbean, Nassau and the Bahamas offers the same splendid sunny skies, brilliant blue waters and amazing culture and traditions. Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. The island has several beaches, small lagoons, hammocks, beach chairs, umbrellas, and games. Cabanas include sun chairs, an all-inclusive drink package, butler service, and lunch. A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeards Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. Explore Nassau's exciting undersea world without the need for dive certification while on this fun, half-day SNUBA tour. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. 9:40 AM. This historic Caribbean city is one of the world's most popular cruise and snorkeling destinations, and it's easy to see why. here. Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day or Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day. The six ships at the cruise port were Royal Caribbean's Wonder of The Seas and Harmony of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Reflection, and MSC Cruises' MSC Meraviglia. 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. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. At Shore Excursions Group, we offer an incredible variety of Bahamian sightseeing island tours sure to impress. Several banks are located on Parliament Street, a short walk from the cruise terminal. Many beaches are lined with hotels and resorts, but their facilities are only available to guests. Nassau welcomed a record number of passengers in a single day this week, and by the end of May, will be welcoming even more. Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel! The first and most important that really hooked us was 2 major things, A voyager class ship that has been amped and has tons to do and 2 days at Coco Cay. Our driver is also a guide and our vehicle handles those with mobility issues. The Half-Day Beach Break Shore Excursion can be combined with other activities such as a Dolphin Swim. The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Start Times: A must-see spot to include on a food tour is the Fish Fry, a strip of restaurants and vendors specializing in seafood including conch, grilled shrimp, fried snapper, and lobster tails. Pearl Island is located eight miles east of Nassau. 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. Start Times: 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.