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Caribbean - Bahamas Cruise Guide and Reviews

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Why Go?

With an average of 315 days of sunshine a year, white-sand beaches — in some places, pink ones! — and clear blue water, it’s no surprise that the Bahamas attract approximately 5 to 6 million people each year. With the closest port to this 700-island country only 55 miles off the coast of Florida, you’re just a quick cruise away from a tropical haven.

While Bahamas cruise itineraries differ based on embarkation port and cruise line, there are two ubiquitous ports of call. Nassau, located on New Providence, is often the first stop. It’s the largest city and capital of the island nation, and crowds can sometimes be overwhelming. Spending the day at Atlantis on Paradise Island is one of the most popular things to do while docked in Nassau. Many cruise lines sell day passes for the resort that grant various levels of access to the beach, dolphin experiences, water park, and restaurants. You can also scuba dive with sharks, learn about the history of Nassau at the Pirates Museum, and tour the dungeons and underground lairs of 18th-century Fort Charlotte.

Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, is the other major Bahamas cruise port. Offering an interesting blend of historical sites, natural wonders, and modern amenities, this port town may just have something for everyone. Golfers flock to the two courses: The Reef and the Lucayan; nature lovers spend time hiking and bird watching in Lucayan National Park; laid-back types soak up the rays on the soft white-sand beaches; and thrill-seekers rip through the water on personal watercraft, paddle out in kayaks, ride horses on the shore, and snorkel around coral reefs. 

When To Go

With several budget- and family-friendly cruise lines offering two- to eight-day itineraries, both mini-getaways and extended vacations to the Bahamas are possible all year long.

The trade winds ensure year-round warm weather, with winter temperatures averaging 70 degrees F, and summer temperatures consistently between 80 and 90 degrees. However, hurricane season should always be taken into consideration when booking. It officially spans June through November, with storms historically becoming more active in August and September. Hurricanes can also head toward the U.S. mainland, potentially affecting your embarkation port, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of weather alerts and consider travel insurance to protect your investment.

While the possibility of showers is a constant on any tropical island, the Bahamas have an official rainy season that runs from May through October, overlapping the hurricane season. The northern islands — Grand Bahama, New Providence, Great Abaco, and Andros — typically see twice as much rain as the southern islands. And although heavy showers often pass quickly, they still have the potential to put a damper on your day of fun in the sun.

June through September may technically be considered the low season, but it remains the most popular time for families with kids to cruise to the islands because of school vacations. The month of March is also a busy time, when rowdy spring breakers flood the area. High season is during North America’s winter months, as an influx of people look for relief from the cold weather.

Our advice: To avoid crowded ships and ports, travel between mid-April and mid-May (just before hurricane season) or mid-September (after Labor Day) through mid-November. These are also the times to find great deals, with most people at work and kids in school.  

Routes

There are three factors that will determine your Bahamas cruise route: cruise line, trip length, and embarkation port. Southern Florida ports are close enough to allow for two- and three-night cruises with one or two stops, typically in Nassau and Freeport. Leaving from New York; Baltimore; New Orleans; Norfolk, Virginia; or Charleston, South Carolina, will require a longer time at sea, so four- to eight-night trips are necessary from these cities.

Cruise lines that own private islands — including Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International —typically port in Nassau and their island on shorter sailings, and add on Key West, Florida, or Freeport on longer itineraries. 

Caribbean - Bahamas Cruise Itineraries

Caribbean - Bahamas Cruises

Ports

  • Miami, Florida
  • Nassau, Bahamas
View more ports

Ports

Miami, Florida - Nassau, Bahamas - View more ports

Carnival Conquest L

4.0
(3656 Reviews)

2024 sail dates: Dec 20,

2025 sail dates: Jan 03, Jan 17, Feb 07, Feb 14, Feb 21, Mar 14, Apr 25, May 23, Jun 06, Jun 13, Jun 20, Jun 27, Jul 04, Jul 11, More

$244*
$81/night*
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View All 599 Caribbean - Bahamas Cruises

Best Caribbean - Bahamas Cruise Excursions

Swim with the Dolphins

Swim with the Dolphins

$245/Adult

Garden of the Groves and City Tour

Garden of the Groves and City Tour

$70/Adult

Taino Beach Resort Day Pass

Taino Beach Resort Day Pass

$55/Adult

$45/Child

Lucayan National Park & Cave Tour

Lucayan National Park & Cave Tour

$110/Adult

$73/Child

Best Caribbean - Bahamas Cruise Ports

Photo of Cococay (Cruise Line's Private Island)

Cococay (Cruise Line's Private Island)

4.1
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Freeport, Grand Bahama Island

3.5
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Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas

3.9
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Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas

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Best cruise lines to Caribbean - Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line

Sails 7 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4

Virgin Voyages

Sails 4 Ships

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Celebrity Cruises

Sails 18 Ships

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Sails 8 Ships

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4.2

Royal Caribbean

Sails 29 Ships

Average rating of:

4.1

Carnival Cruise Lines

Sails 27 Ships

Average rating of:

4.0

Princess Cruises

Sails 18 Ships

Average rating of:

4.0

Norwegian Cruise Line

Sails 21 Ships

Average rating of:

3.8

MSC Cruises

Sails 23 Ships

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Expert advice about Caribbean - Bahamas

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34608 The Bahamas Reviews

Write a Review
4.3
Verified review

Great experience! by Ageless70

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Carnival Conquest

It was a refreshing experience on Carnival. We were on the Balcony room and it gave my husband and l , early morning retreat. The food got monotonous. The seafood from the sea shack was stale.

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2 Comments
4.8
Verified review

Wonderful 3 night cruise on Liberty of the Seas - Awexome Ice Skating Show! by bghunter1

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Liberty of the Seas

Just a great cruise. We would definitely sail on Liberty of the Seas again!

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Was this review helpful? 11
7 Comments
4.8
Verified review

First Time RC Cruiser!! by ljsullenberger

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (young children)
Ship: Utopia of the Seas

I've always travelled Carnival but am most definitely converting to RC. Considering this boat is labeled a "party boat", I found the entire RC staff was welcoming of my grandchildren. The high leveled cruisers were also very nice to them - they received quite a few ducks from them. I wish I caught the names of my 130 RC cruises couple because they were super informative and gave each of my grandkids a duck. My "first time cruiser" level card stuck out like a sore thumb but it attracted all the higher level people offering the best advice. Thank you, RC, for a wonderful vacation.

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Was this review helpful? 4
6 Comments
4.2
Verified review

Ultra Utopia by Tonygray0310

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Utopia of the Seas

We had a fantastic time. The service food and entertainment. Great time.

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Was this review helpful? 5
2 Comments
5.0
Verified review

Utopia of the Seas by yurkevicz123

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Utopia of the Seas

We had a great time! ♥️ The service, food, entertainment and the ship is beautiful ❤️

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Was this review helpful? 3
3 Comments

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