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

  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
  • Nassau, Bahamas
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Ports

Charleston, South Carolina - Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island) - Nassau, Bahamas - View more ports

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Best cruise lines to Caribbean - Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line

Sails 6 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4

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Sails 4 Ships

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4.0

Holland America Line

Sails 11 Ships

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Norwegian Cruise Line

Sails 20 Ships

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MSC Cruises

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33981 The Bahamas Reviews

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Bahamas cruise by tamgayle

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (older children)
Ship: Freedom of the Seas

Good experience, pricey extras though especially wi-fi and excursions. We might consider another.

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2 Comments

Don't know that I'd do royal caribbean again by hollylondon

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Freedom of the Seas

I have been on princess and msc and had been planning celebrity aquaclass .. but now reconsidering celebrity. Food was not good on ship and nonalcoholic beverages were very sweet (no smoothies or creamy mocktails) Although I was not happy with food on msc ... the spa package made up for the subpar food with msc. I do not cruise to binge ... I just want good food at my meals; however waitstaff was very good and encouraged us to let rc know we were disappointed with food First night 3 of 4 of us ordered prime rib and not happy 4th ordered strip steak and seemed ok with it 2nd night I ordered the upgrade to filet mignon and ended up eating kids spaghetti marinara instead 3rd night I ordered grilled chicken breast and te most of it .... although it did not look appetizing it wasn't bad

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4 Comments

Relaxing Time by Steph3025

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

10/10 would cruise again! Especially booking it through delta was easy and we had onboard credit.

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Was this review helpful? 4
3 Comments

It was cool and I'd do it again. One thing I didn't appreciate was having to pay extra money because the free food didn't cater to my dietary needs. Currently I don't feel well because I couldn't find anything that was non-dairy, very disappointing. by hickscrownc

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

Well, well, well I had a decent time because of who I am and the person I went with. Despite the food not being to my liking and the mold we found in our bathroom. We still had a good time. I also think we should be awarded a 7 day cruise due to the mold being in our bathroom breathing it in when we took showers and just to use the bathroom. Yes we deserve a 7 day cruise on balcony to anywhere free drinks free excursion something. If you agree say GIVE IT TO HER!!!

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Was this review helpful? 1
6 Comments

3 Happy and fun days by gretpr78

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

I recommend it, for couples or family's, nice experience, love it.

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Was this review helpful? 4
6 Comments

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