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:

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33994 The Bahamas Reviews

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Enjoyed the trip but had a couple of concerns. by raemina4

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: MSC Magnifica

Overall was a wonderful cruise. Was concerned with low phone volume, and miscommunication from staff. Food was good however buffet should have been more diverse with Italian, Oriental (fried rice).

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5 Comments

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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Disney Magic Cruise is an exceptional experience worth every penny it cost. by drdeborahannmul

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (older children)
Ship: Disney Magic

I did notify Disney Cruise via survey of the fly infestation on Lighthouse Point. If you were not part of an excursion Nassau felt like an outdoor shopping mall with many persons trying to sell you something on the street. We have visited Bahamas before as part of Atlantis and were not exposed to the town market area which was heavily guarded by security. We went right back on the ship and enjoyed a fantastic day onboard. Absolutely everything else about the cruise was excellent. Could not have been more pleased.

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3 Comments

Horrible Smelly Ship by abundantlife72

Sail date: / Traveled as: Large Group
Ship: Carnival Glory

The length of the cruise was good but the smell and food was not desirable. I have traveled Carnival before and enjoyed in past but I do not think I will go back on the Glory again. It needs to b e updated and cleaned. The ability to get a soda was ridiculous and we had to compete with those buying spirit. The should have a separate bar for non alcoholic and water should be included with beverage packages.

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Great cruise by mygigi2014

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

Great cruise. It was nice they had a separate pool area for adults.

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