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. Start Times: 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. 9:00 AM. Nassau Shore Excursion: Bahamas Snorkel Adventure. 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 . Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. 9:30 AM. This is a fun-tastic day! Nassau's best activities can be broken down into a few categories: Beaches Islands for a beach day Day passes at resorts Adventures on and in the water Food & drink History & museums Walk around downtown Nassau Beaches New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 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. 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. 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. Remember These Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas. The Christmas decor was a nice touch. Aquaventure Water Park Shore Excursion | Nassau Cruise Port Guide Itinerary Overview. What started as baskets to carry fruit and other . Embarkation 8:15 AM. Pearl Island Bahamas (Nassau) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. 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. is a cruise expert with a focus on the Caribbean and Latin America. The cabana also has a fully stocked cooler, complimentary towels, a power outlet, and ceiling fan. We are a young (60) year old couple that enjoy life to its fullest and were celebrating our (40) year wedding anniversary. Yesterday, Nassau Cruise Port set a new single-day record welcoming 28,554 passengers with six ships in port. Of course, not every guest would automatically debark while visiting Nassau, and not all crew members have time off in each port of call to go ashore as visitors. NO LINES! See Fort Montagu, the Potter's Cay Dock and more! 9:40 AM. 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. The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12. Do you know about when you'd like to sail? 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. Likewise, many cruise passengers skip Nassau altogether and stay on the ship, believing that there is nothing worth seeing or doing on the island. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. 9:30 AM Related: 7 tips for visiting Atlantis on a budget. Best things to do in Nassau on a cruise | Royal Caribbean Blog All rights reserved. Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Wave Pool 6. Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. Guests interested in seeing marine life can book excursions such as the Dolphin Encounter and Beach Day or Sea Lion Encounter and Beach Day. Come with us on this awesome sightseeing tour! Nassau is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. Atlantis Aquaventure via Royal Caribbean Excursion Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers . The expansion will permit the port to welcome as many as three Oasis-class vessels simultaneously, further increasing its guest capacity. Language: English is the official language. Pearl Island - Highlights. 1:30 PM. Located on New Providence Island, Nassau's sightseeing opportunities, crystal clear blue waters, and white sand beaches make it a truly remarkable tropical vacation destination. 7:15 AM, Start Times: Paradise Island & Atlantis Shore Excursion Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island, highlighted by a visit to the world-famous Atlantis Resort. Take 4 hours out of your vacation to give something back to the people of the Caribbean. Swim, play, hug, kiss, and dance with dolphins - what a cool experience! The territory of the Bahamas includes 700 islands and 2,000 rocks and cays spread across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic Ocean. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. As a side note as much as I lo Guests looking for a more exclusive experience at Pearl Island can reserve a VIP Cabana. 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. Located on the resort is the 15-acre Baha Bay waterpark which offers a limited number of day passes. Nassau, the largest city in the Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. We caught the cruise bug after a 32 year hiatus (it's called putting kids thru school!) Start Times: Lunch is included in the excursion to Blue Lagoon as well, where you can enjoy hamburgers, chicken, veggie burgers, Caribbean rice, and a salad bar. 1:00 PM 39 IDEAL Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas in 2023 - Cruise Hive 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. 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. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown. A colorful street parade with music, dance, and costumes, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day and New Years Day each year. Start Times: Most beaches are free and open to the public, and some are located just a short walk from the cruise terminal. No matter your style, there are plenty of activities for you to see and do on this lovely island. Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly. 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. Spend your day snorkeling, playing and relaxing. Thrill Waterpark 4. 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. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Other cruise ship tours feature glass-bottom and jet boat excursions, catamaran sailings paired with reef snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and exclusive beach days with private cabanas. Start Times: In addition, guests have access to water maps, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling, and a floating trampoline. Enjoy a day at the beach, use of fun beach toys and lunch! This under 2-hour tour starts with a narrated cruise in Nassau's harbor before reaching the 'Sea Gardens'. Adventure Pool 5. The AOS out of Nassau allowed us the first cruise back. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau. We also offer plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving excursions for those who want to experience the Bahamas' exquisite marine life. Caribbean. 7. Dont forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. You can also look for a resort offering day passes. Related: Which cruise brand is best for you? There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made. 11:45 AM. Also, we picked this cruise line for the luxury and I actually thought Carnival is better. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. You'll spend 30 minutes up-close-and-personal with these . True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. 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. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) Top 11 Shore Excursions in Nassau Cruise Port (2023) - IQCruising Discover the best of this Bahamian city on a walking tour, beach day excursion, or catamaran cruise line. The Half-Day Beach Break Shore Excursion can be combined with other activities such as a Dolphin Swim. However, exploring them on a Bahamas shore excursion is the best way to experience these paradise islands. Your easy-to-ride beach cruiser is the perfect mode of transport for exploring Nassau. Forts Fincastle and Charlotte transport you to the Bahamas' colonial past, while our exclusive tour at Graycliff unveils Al Capone's getaway. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. 12:15 PM. Sat Nassau Depart 9:00, We wanted to participate in the first sailing, shame on us for assuming it would be special. Pedal your way through Nassau with this unique tour that takes you along beautiful beaches, to Fort Charlotte and to the Conch Salad show. Overall, we had a great time; although, we loved the Allure more. The excursion usually costs around $100. Cruises to Nassau, Bahamas | Royal Caribbean Cruises Museum tours. We sorted through the choices to find you the best Bahamas shore excursions. Sweeping views from the forts bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock. Day 1 - Miami, Florida. Help yourself by helping an animal friend in need. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances. 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. 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? Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). 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. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach. Enjoy sailing and snorkeling in the beautiful Bahamian waters. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas takes visitors on a journey from pre-historic times in the Bahamas to today. Rose Island, Spanish Wells Pigs, Exuma Pigs, Allens Cay Iguanas and more Options. We booked a shore excursion through our cruise line Royal Caribbean to go on a tour of different places in Nassau. There is a small fee to enter the museum. New Providence Island. 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. Shore Excursion through Royal Caribbean - Review of Aquaventure, Nassau In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual. If you feel like ditching the beach chairs and treating yourself to a Bahamian dining experience, you can enjoy a unique meal at Graycliff. You can book a day pass to Pearl Island on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or Pearl Islands website. 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises Breathtaking views, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, Caribbean music, full service bar. 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. This excursion is offered by most cruise lines and offered with many different combos. John Watlings Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. During this 2.5-hour sightseeing tour, huff up the Queen Victoria staircase for spectacular photo ops and visit the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory. The first three ports ranked by passenger visits are all cruise ship homeports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades. Now that's luxury! Located at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the staircase is within walking distance from downtown and perfect for small group tours. Photo Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Management Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. With a touch of luxury, enjoy the impeccable service Pearl Island is known for. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review. 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. 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. The facility is housed in a traditional Bahamian-style home that shares the grounds with a variety of local Bahamian artists who also use the property to work on their own art and products. Enjoy a wine lover's dream at one of the Caribbean's first Five-Star restaurants. Guests interested in Bahamian art and culture may want to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. During this perfect day, you'll serenely glide along tropical Caribbean waters. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. Pearl Island is a private beach getaway filled with luxurious experiences. Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel! Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise 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. The first day of the cruise was a port in Nassau. One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. 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). ", Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? This assumption could not be more incorrect! This popular Nassau shore excursion takes the Atlantis Aquaventure to the next level! A specific reason we chose this cruise was the requirement that all guest, We chose this cruise for a few reasons. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area. worlds busiest passenger cruise port, Port Canaveral, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirates headquarters. 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. 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. 9:45 AM 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. 9:00 AM There's no shortage of great beaches in and around Nassau. Stuart Cove is also the diving provider for Royal Caribbean shore excursions. 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. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. 8:00 AM Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 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. 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. Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. Please refresh the page and try again. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine. 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 can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Blue Lagoon Island Nassau Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruise Shore