Inclusive Bahamas
Cruise Tips

I am thrilled to give you some useful inclusive Bahamas cruise tips, that will help your family prepare for your fun in the sun.

Yes, literally. The weather in the Bahamas is generally sunny and hot, anytime you choose to sail there.

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Having cruised to the Bahamas on three different family cruise ship vacations (My family sailed with Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International), I believe that I have enough information to give you the following useful Bahamas cruise tips. 

Inclusive Bahamas Cruise Tips
The Itineraries

One thing is certain – you will not have a difficult time finding an inclusive Bahamas cruise sailing.

All the top Caribbean cruise lines: Carnival, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean offer stops in the Bahamas.

Generally, you will find 3-day Bahamas cruises, 4-day Bahamas cruises and some 5-day and 7-day cruises as well.

Note that not all the cruise itineraries listed above are exclusively Bahamas-bound. While a 3-day or 4-day cruise may include only Bahamas ports, 5-day or 7-day Caribbean cruises will probably call at one or two Bahamas port.

Some popular U.S. cruise departure ports for inclusive Bahamas cruises are: Port Canaveral, Miami, Jacksonville and even New York.

Inclusive Bahamas Cruise Tips
Cruise Fares

Cruise ticket fares to the Bahamas can be very great, but it depends on when you book and which time of year you go.

Generally, your Bahamas cruise ticket price will be among the lowest to Caribbean destinations.

However, if you book last minute or book a fall cruise, you will find amazing cruise deals to the Bahamas. 

Bahamas Cruise Tips
Ports of Call

There are not too many different ports of call in the Bahamas. Most Caribbean cruise lines will visit Nassau. Some itineraries include a whole day in Nassau Harbor.

Additionally, some cruise lines' itineraries include a stop in Freeport, Bahamas. This port is the closest to the U.S. mainland and is popular for great beaches and snorkeling, among other things.

Besides the two main ports above, each cruise line will most likely include a stop at its private Bahamian island resort – Carnival and Holland America at Half Moon Cay; Disney at Castaway Cay; Norwegian at Great Stirrup Cay; Princess Cruises at Princess Cay; and Royal Caribbean at Coco Cay. 

Inclusive Bahamas Cruise Tips
Arriving In Port

Your cruise ship will pull right up to a pier in both the Nassau and Freeport cruise terminals.

In Nassau, there is even a shuttle bus that will take you from the ship to the gate leading outside the pier.

For calls at the private islands, you will generally ride a tender (small boat) from the “mother ship” to shore, with minor exceptions.

Bahamas Cruise Tips
Getting Around The Bahamas

When you arrive in Freeport or Nassau, you can catch a taxi to wherever you wish.

You may even rent a car from popular rental car companies like Avis, in Freeport. However, a taxi ride in Nassau is quite inexpensive. After all, the island is very small, so it does not take long or cost much to get around.

In Freeport, you will spend about $5 each way to visit the main area of Lucaya.

As for the cruise lines’ private islands, there is no need for a taxi or other means of transportation. The islands are private and very small. Your feet will do. 

Yet in some instances you may rent bikes and other means of transportation to explore the island resort.

Inclusive Bahamas Cruise Tips
Shore Excursions

If you simply wish to tour the islands, Nassau or Freeport, wait until you get off the ship and to the “gate”.

Several tour operators will offer your family an affordable package - about $20 per person - with children paying less. Just ensure that others are going with you. 

If you just wish to visit the Atlantis Resort and the beach on Paradise Island or either one, catch a cab for about $5 each way.

You do not need to pay for that on the ship as it will cost more. You will find a comfortable public beach in walking distance from the Atlantis Resort, so you can visit both places with one taxi fare each way.

However, if you plan a more elaborate shore excursion such as swimming with dolphins or going snorkeling, book that through the ship’s Shore Excursion Desk. 

Inclusive Bahamas Cruise Tips
On Shopping

You do not need to go far to find great items to buy in Nassau or Freeport. Just get off the ship in Nassau and walk to the gate where there is a marketplace full with vendors.

You may choose to go outside the enclosure to many shops with owners eager to sell.

However, we discovered that if you get on a tour of the island, it will include a stop at Fort Fincastle where you will find less expensive goods.

In Freeport, you will need to take the taxi into Lucaya for better deals.

Note that you will be able to find many duty-free items in the Bahamas.

Currency of Choice

You will not need to change your US dollars into Bahamian dollars. The exchange rate is 1:1 and so US dollars are gladly accepted. 

Booking Your Bahamas
Cruise Is Easy

You may book your Bahamas cruise ship vacation right here. However, if you already have a Travel Professional have that person complete your booking for you.

If not, use the search box below to find and book your inclusive family cruise to the Bahamas.

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My daughter & Wife in Nassau

Share Your Bahamas Cruise 
Experience With Others

Have you sailed to the Bahamas before? What other tips can you share with future visitors?

Please say your bit below. I thank you and future cruise travelers will thank you too.

There are many other things to share, but I have given you quite a bit.

If you plan to visit the beautiful Bahamian islands soon, these inclusive Bahamas cruise tips should come in handy.

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