In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day or Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day. Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. Daredevil's Peak Waterslide 9. Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. 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. They include: The Potters Cay conch shacks can be found beneath the high-arching bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. General admission to Baha Bay is currently $160, while junior admission (guests under 48) is $65. You will have the opportunity to ride an underwater motorbike and enjoy the splendor of a shallow reef. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot. The ships in port included two of Royal Caribbean Internationals Oasis-class vessels, Wonder of The Seas and Harmony of the Seas, ranked as the first and third largest ships in the world respectively. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau. The huge number is largely due to expanded berths at the newly renovated port, as well as the fact that the visiting vessels included the worlds largest ship as well as larger vessels from three major cruise lines and other massive ships enjoying a day at the tropical destination. 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. ACCESSIBLE SHORE EXCURSIONS Explore in Comfort with Accessible Shore Excursions Immerse yourself in our destinations with Accessible Shore Excursions, unique cultural excursions that accommodate scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and more. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassaus best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. 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. Find out how great it is to swim with the fishes. Once an open-air affair, Nassaus long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. 2:15 PM. The ingredients combine to provide the rice its signature brown coloring. You can also explore Paradise Island's popular Atlantis Resort and its legendary Aquaventure water park. 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. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. Please refresh the page and try again. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points. Caribbean. Dive with this first-rate dive shop that was recently featured in National Geographic. Also in port was Carnival Cruise Lines Excel-class Mardi Gras (14th largest cruise ship in the world); Celebrity Cruise Lines Solstice-class Celebrity Reflection and Edge-class Celebrity Beyond (50th largest); and MSC Cruises Meraviglia-class MSC Meraviglia (17th largest). Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. It's truly one of my family's favorite places in the world. Interact with the dolphins in their sea water habitat. Start Times:
Splash. 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. Port of Nassau Requirements - My Experience. 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. Music only played a few hours a day. Seeing the islands from a ship is amazing on its own. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. Our carefully selected Bahamas cruise excursions are tailored to give you memorable experiences, from beautiful water activities to sun-drenched tropical beaches. A short, 30-minute boat ride off the coast is Pearl Island, one of the unique private islands of The Bahamas. The port is normally a bustling affair, as disembarking guests walk from the pier to Bay Street, parallel to the water, and the downtown shopping area where you'll find tour guides and Jet Ski, beach and watersports excursion operators, taxis for hire, scooter rentals, craft and souvenir shops, and hair braiders. You won't leave hungry on this food-oriented Nassau walking tour. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. 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? With the expansion of Nassaus docks and ship capacity, the destination is expecting as many as 1,260 cruise ship calls in 2023, for a total of nearly 4 million passengers. View Excursion. The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. The Pirates of Nassau Museum allows guests of all ages to relive history, learn about piracy, and even step foot on a replica of a historic pirate ship. Whether you choose a half-day or full-day adventure, our Nassau shore excursions are designed to give you an unforgettable experience. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. All cruise lines offer this type of tour with stops and photo ops in places like the Fort Charlotte, Queens staircase, the Fish Fry at Arawak Cay among others. An unknown error has occurred. 1:00 PM. Reviewed January 18, 2013. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. Updated: September 11, 2022 The Blue Lagoon Island excursion is on of the main attractions in The Bahamas, and just a 40-minute - 3 miles (5 km) - scenic boat ride away from the cruise port in Nassau. 39. Renowned for its wine cellar with over 250,000 bottles from over 400 vintners in 15 countries, the Graycliff Hotel is equally praised for its Cigar and Chocolate factories that are a delight to tour. Sat Nassau Depart 9:00, We wanted to participate in the first sailing, shame on us for assuming it would be special. Prices for the cabana usually run around $240/per adult, and online reservations are for a maximum of two guests, although larger parties may be accommodated. The benefit of booking with a tour as opposed to snorkeling on your own is that you do not have to pack snorkeling gear with you for the cruise. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review. 8:40 AM
As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. 7:15 AM, Start Times:
Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home dcor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. 12:00 PM, Start Times:
If you just want to relax on the beach, Junkanoo Beach is within walking distance from the cruise port. 8:15 AM
Like most, we were a bit reserved about cruising during the pandemic. This excursion is offered by most cruise lines and offered with many different combos. 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. In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. Escape to a beautiful hotel for a traditional British afternoon tea and celebrate the finer things in life with a Bahamian twist. Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines. Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Embarkation
With these staggering numbers, it's easy to see that Nassau is truly a spot you won't want to miss. A password reset email has been sent. 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. 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. 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. No matter your style, there are plenty of activities for you to see and do on this lovely island. Snorkeling, beach day, scuba diving, water sports, and sightseeing excursions await in the Bahamas' capital. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs). After a 15-month pandemic pause, this was the first North American voyage for Royal Caribbean. You can swim with the dolphins, interact with stingrays, snorkel with sharks, and have personal encounters with sea lions, all in their natural environment. 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. Nassau is on an island within a vast archipelago. Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Bertas signature style and the shops collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. Not to mention the remarkable historical sites, like the Queen's Staircase. Located at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the staircase is within walking distance from downtown and perfect for small group tours. Junkanoo is the most popular festival in the Bahamas. Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territorys undisputed favorite dish. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. Perfect Day Coco Cay Oasis Lagoon Aerial with Cabanas. You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. The Queens Staircase or 66 Steps are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. ShoreTrips.com may be temporarily down for maintainence. A 15-20 minute boat ride from Nassau's port. 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. Admission is $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17. Adventure Tours. The next information does not in any way share how grateful we are to be alive and well. . CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. 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. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Start Times:
Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Cruise lines make a . 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. Cabanas include sun chairs, an all-inclusive drink package, butler service, and lunch. The highlight, however, may be the hotels five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. Todays downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier. All cruise lines offer Scuba Diving shore excursions to different sites, options and combos - the James Bond wreck and the Jaws Cessna are two top film set-dives not to be missed. Still, the impressive numbers are a great sign for Nassaus economy. Docked side-by-side, the vessels made an impressive sight at the port, showcasing the value of the newly expanded dock facilities in Nassau. They offer Discover Scuba dives for first-time divers as well as dives for certified divers to the coral reels, shipwrecks, and walls around the island. Wave Pool 6. Obviously, all cruise lines also offer a basic beach day package to relax on a double hammock, participate in water activities or sip umbrella drinks. 12 Coolest Slides On Cruise Ships Long Weekend Cruises It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music. Not all cruise lines offer this shore excursion and cruise travelers may book it directly on-line However, if cruising to Nassau with Carnival you will need to book with the onboard Shorex desk. Watch a cigar rolling demonstration then sample a variety of delicious Caribbean rums. $$$$=$200-499. Sail Date: July . In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance. 1:00 PM
Some day passes are all-inclusive, whereas others give guests a monetary voucher for food and drinks. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021. 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. Pedal your way through Nassau with this unique tour that takes you along beautiful beaches, to Fort Charlotte and to the Conch Salad show. Visit the private island of Balmoral where you'll get to see the famous Bahamian swimming pigs, or join one of our dolphin encounters for an up-close and personal experience with dolphins and sea lions. Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time. We caught the cruise bug after a 32 year hiatus (it's called putting kids thru school!) See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Conch fritters are bite-sized flakes of conch meat fried in batter seasoned with goat pepper, hot sauce and sea salt, plus common Bahamian vegetables. Please follow the instructions to reset your password. Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas and one of the most popular ports of call for Caribbean cruises, has set a passenger record . If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Start Times:
Bahamas, has long been a favorite Caribbean vacation destination for travelers. 2. A line-by-line guide. While beautiful. Stuart Cove is the main diving provider on New Providence Island. The museum has new exhibits fairly often as well. 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. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. Nassau Straw Market. 144. 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. 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. 8:30 AM
Learn the basics of scuba diving and enjoy your first dive alongside your professional instructor in a perfect setting for those new to the sport. We've never seen these anywhere else! Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas for a Fee 3. 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. Start Times:
Many beaches are lined with hotels and resorts, but their facilities are only available to guests. 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 . At Shore Excursions Group, we offer an incredible variety of Bahamian sightseeing island tours sure to impress. Take 4 hours out of your vacation to give something back to the people of the Caribbean. Day pass holders also have beach access. 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. It felt like the ship was ours. 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. Swim, play, hug, kiss, and dance with dolphins - what a cool experience! 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. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. A free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. 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. Went to the Bahamas and rode ATV's in the jungle of, The restaurants were not worth the extra cost. Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly. Johnny cake: Made of flour, milk, butter, sugar and baking powder, this breakfast food is more bread than cake, with a texture that combines dense bread with a slightly sweet cake. Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear are available to rent, and the island also offers nature tours with dolphins and stingrays. Plenty of Nassaus most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 9:00 AM. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual. 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. As an independent provider of shore excursions, ShoreTrips is not affiliated with any cruise line. Around one million travelers board Caribbean cruise ships that travel to Nassau every year!