The Bahamas is a destination synonymous with laid-back living, and it’s no wonder why. The islands are blessed with crystalline seas, soft sand and warm, gentle breezes that caress and soothe even the most stressed-out soul. Whether you enjoy absorbing yourself into a new culture or have snorkeling and parasailing in mind, you’ll find plenty to do — and a cruise to The Bahamas maximizes your enjoyment of your vacation. When more than half the fun is getting there, your vacation starts the minute you step aboard ship.
Ready to plan your cruise? Here’s what you need to know:
Best Time for A Bahamas Cruise
The temperatures in The Bahamas are steadily warm year-round, so you can enjoy days in the 80s for most of the year, though wintertime temperatures may hover in the high 70s. You might see some rain during the summer, though most storms blow through quickly.
With good weather year-round, you’re free to take your own schedule into account when planning your trip. A summertime cruise is ideal for families with children who are on school vacation, while winter cruises are ideal for anyone looking to escape a snowy climate. If your schedule is flexible, traveling in the spring or fall can help you beat the crowds.
Pro Tip: Carnival cruise ships sail to this popular destination year-round, so the best time to go to on a cruise to The Bahamas is whenever it works for you!
Where Do You Want to Depart From?
There are many ports of departure to choose from when cruising to The Bahamas:
- Baltimore, MD
- Norfolk, VA
- Charleston, SC
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Jacksonville, FL
- Port Canaveral/Orlando, FL
- Miami, FL
When choosing a port, you should consider the relative ease of arrival and the possibility of extending your vacation to explore the port city before or after your trip. Look for discounts on direct flights to save, and consider arriving a day early so that you won’t be stressed about getting to the ship on time.
As you plan, make sure your itinerary includes transportation to the cruise terminal and that you arrive well ahead of time for your departure. Carnival makes things easy with airport transportation, so you can just relax and enjoy the ride.
Do You Need a Passport to Cruise to the Bahamas?
Though most foreign travel requires that you have a valid passport to come back home, cruising makes it easier to enjoy your vacation without worrying about this paperwork. If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you’ll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID.
Of course, if you have a valid passport, you are welcome to use it on your cruise as well.
Bahamas Port Highlights
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with your family or with a group of friends, you’re sure to find the perfect port of call in The Bahamas:
- Half Moon Cay: If you’ve always wanted your own private island, Half Moon Cay is the destination for you. Enjoy kayaking, horseback riding and the opportunity for private island accommodations.
- Freeport: Love nightlife? Freeport is the center of the action in The Bahamas, and you’ll find plenty of music, dancing and bars to fill your evenings. Fishing, diving and Jet Ski adventures round out the daytime activities.
- Nassau: A cruise to Nassau is the classic Caribbean vacation — and one of the best ways to experience the culture of The Bahamas, from calypso music to local fish fries. Want to swim with dolphins? You can do that, too.
- Princess Cays: This is the perfect destination for families, with a BBQ pit and designated play area for little ones. This private resort has everything you need for fun in the sun, including bikes, snorkeling equipment and more.
Wondering what to do once you get to your port of call? Carnival offers a wide range of shore excursions that get you up close and personal with the scenery and culture of The Bahamas. You’ll have your choice of activities that bring you wonderful things to eat, water sports, adventures and more.
Bahamas Itineraries
As you plan, consider how long you’d like your vacation to be. You can cruise for as short as two days or as long as a week, depending on which ports you’d like to visit. If you have limited time, you may wish to narrow your options by duration first. If you’re flexible on the timing, you have the leeway to research itineraries based on things to do and places to visit in each port of call.
What to Pack
Packing for a cruise to The Bahamas doesn’t have to be hard. The consistently warm weather means that you can leave bulky layers behind and pack for fun in the sun. We’ve compiled this Bahamas guide for packing to help you get started:
- Shorts and/or casual skirts
- Bathing suits
- T-shirts/tank tops
- Underwear
- Sandals
- Socks
- Sneakers
- Lightweight, long-sleeve shirt
- Lightweight pants
- Sun hat with a wide brim
- Formal attire for nightlife
- Pajamas
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Favorite toiletries
- Lightweight sweater for evenings
If you forget anything, you’ll be able to replace it by hitting the shops aboard ship, so go ahead and pack lightly!
Traveling to The Bahamas is an exciting vacation that allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery and a vibrant local culture, all while getting the rest and relaxation you crave. When you follow these Bahamas cruise tips, it’s easy to plan the perfect trip.
Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary byshipand destination.
