Bahamas Cruises

If you’ve ever cruised out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, or Jacksonville, you’ve likely made a stop in the Bahamas. While some Bahamas Cruises are just 2-3 day getaways, the Bahamas are also a frequent stop at the beginning or end of longer voyages.

It’s easy to understand why the Bahamas are so popular among cruise lines. The nation is made up of more than 700 coral islands, although only about 30 of them are inhabited. Bahamas natives speak English, and the national currency is tied to the U.S. dollar, so pretty much everyone takes American cash.

The Bahamas are particularly fun for those who want to snorkel or scuba dive the many shipwrecks and coral reefs, enjoy watersports, or seek a relaxing day on a sun-drenched beach. And don’t forget to try the conch– you’ll never taste fresher seafood in your life!

The best deals on cruises to the Bahamas typically occur in “wave season,” January through March. Temperatures in the Bahamas can still be balmy this time of year, with average high temperatures in the mid- to upper 70s… but during these months you could end up enduring a cold snap with highs in the low 60s.

Cruising to the Bahamas

Because the Bahamas are just a hop, skip, and a jump from some of the U.S. busiest cruise ports, they’re incredibly popular with the cruise lines. In 2019, 7.2 million visitors arrived in the Bahamas, and about 75% of them came on cruise ships. Stops in the Bahamas are so common, in fact, that many cruise passengers just stay on board the ship rather than venturing out at the port (something that doesn’t make the Bahamas tourism ministry particularly happy).

The most popular cruise port in the Bahamas is Nassau, the nation’s largest city and capital. While the city has a fascinating pirate history and quaint shopping opportunities, most folks opt to visit the Paradise Island Resort, where you can nab day passes for their waterpark. Blue Lagoon Island is also a popular destination, just a short boat ride away to a charming beach and dolphin encounters.

Freeport is also a frequent stop for cruise ships, located on Grand Bahama Island, the nation’s largest island. Freeport is a much quieter stop with beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts, a nature park, and hands down the best brewery tour we’ve ever been on. One small cruise line, Margaritaville at Sea, specializes in two-night cruises from West Palm Beach to Freeport. A handful of cruises also stop in Bimini and other smaller islands.

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Cruise Line Private Islands in the Bahamas

Because there are about 700 islands in the Bahamas, it’s probably not surprising that many of them are privately owned. Several cruise lines have purchased islands in the Bahamas to create an exclusive experience for their guests. A number of other cruise lines have built private resorts in the islands, albeit not on private islands. A Bahamas Cruise just isn’t complete without a trip to one of these islands (or “cays’).

Norwegian began leasing Great Stirrup Cay back in 1977, and purchased it outright in 1986, where it began marketing it as Pleasure Island. The island was a pirate hideaway in the 1700s. Disney Cruise Line signed a 99-year lease on Castaway Cay (formerly Gorda Cay) in 1996. Interestingly enough, Disney’s relationship with the island began in the movie “Splash,” when Tom Hanks first spots Daryl Hannah’s mermaid character, Madison. Carnival has been visiting its own private island, Half Moon Cay for more than two decades. MSC’s Ocean Cay Marine Reserve is the most recent addition to the Bahamas private island collection.

Activities on these islands include beachgoing, snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding, and sometimes more unique adventures like diving with sharks, horseback riding, or even swimming with pigs. However, the most unique and exciting private island is Royal Caribbean Group’s CocoCay. Just a stone’s throw from Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay, a “perfect day” at CocoCay is a truly original experience. Sure, it has multiple beaches and all the usual private island activities. CocoCay also hosts a freshwater pool, a zipline, a private beach club, and Thrill Waterpark, which boasts the tallest waterslide in North America. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships both visit CocoCay.

Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages both have private resorts in the Bahamas. Princess Cays, located on the island of Eleuthera, is visited by both Princess and Carnival ships. Virgin Voyages hosts a daily beach and pool party at the Beach Club at Bimini, a stop on every Virgin cruise out of Miami.

Major Cruise Lines that Visit the Bahamas:

Specialty and Luxury Bahamas Cruises:

Crystal Cruises
Margaritaville at Sea
Oceania Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Cruises
Scenic Cruises
Sea Dream Yacht Club
Silversea Cruises

Ready to Visit the Bahamas?

No matter how you choose to visit the Bahamas– on a major cruise line or on a luxury ship– Sea Vixen Voyages is excited to help you plan your adventure. Fill out our no-obligation inquiry form and let’s get started!