The benefit of booking with a tour as opposed to snorkeling on your own is that you do not have to pack snorkeling gear with you for the cruise. This is so cool. Day pass holders also have beach access. A must-see spot to include on a food tour is the Fish Fry, a strip of restaurants and vendors specializing in seafood including conch, grilled shrimp, fried snapper, and lobster tails. Read More. 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. Free samples are available as well, so you can taste several flavors before choosing your favorite. If that's not enough, we've also got tons of SCUBA tours, dolphin swims, and trips to the Blue Lagoon. The number of visitors is even more impressive when considering that, collectively, the six ships also brought 10,302 international crew members to the port, for a grand total of 38,856 guests in a single day. This was one of the best cruises we have been on primarily for that reason. 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. 12:00 PM. Paradise Island, positioned immediately to Nassaus north, has large hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer day packages for cruise visitors, providing access to premium golf (at the Baha Mar resort), casino gaming (at Atlantis) as well as restaurants, shops and nightlife. Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. Find the right card for you. 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. Paradise Island has something for everyone. is a cruise expert with a focus on the Caribbean and Latin America. An unknown error has occurred. Caribbean. Guests can also access the islands lighthouse at no extra cost. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. Historic sites near Prince George Wharf include Parliament Square, which houses the Bahamas House of Assembly, the Senate Building and Supreme Court in pink pastel colonial buildings. 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. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. There's no shortage of great beaches in and around Nassau. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territorys undisputed favorite dish. Jet Skis Lining a White Sandy Beach, Nassau, Bahamas Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Unlike some ports, Nassau is a port day you want to prepare for before arriving. Not to mention the remarkable historical sites, like the Queen's Staircase. Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. 2. 7. With the expansion of Nassaus docks and ship capacity, the destination is expecting as many as 1,260 cruise ship calls in 2023, for a total of nearly 4 million passengers. Whether youre looking for a beach day, hoping to try local foods, or learn about Bahamian history and culture, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from in Nassau. The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12. Whether your a conformist or no. However, if your itinerary visits several islands where you want to snorkel, it might be worth it to bring your own gear as opposed to booking excursions or gear rentals. Yesterday, Nassau Cruise Port set a new single-day record welcoming 28,554 passengers with six ships in port. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The ships in port included two of Royal Caribbean Internationals Oasis-class vessels, Wonder of The Seas and Harmony of the Seas, ranked as the first and third largest ships in the world respectively. A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so. here. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. A line-by-line guide, 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Original paintings, carvings and craftwork, Handmade garments in bright tropical colors. Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines. Visit the private island of Balmoral where you'll get to see the famous Bahamian swimming pigs, or join one of our dolphin encounters for an up-close and personal experience with dolphins and sea lions. Best Nassau, Bahamas shore . 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. We arrived at the Port of Bayonne around noon with a 1:45 pm check-in time. Peas and rice: Referred to locally as peas n rice, this traditional Caribbean dish, prepared in local Bahamian fashion, features deep brown pigeon peas and white long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, thyme, tomato paste, goat pepper and salted pork or bacon. One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is the Blue Lagoon Beach Day tour. $$$= $100-199. 7:15 AM, Start Times: 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? General admission to Baha Bay is currently $160, while junior admission (guests under 48) is $65. If you like cigars, you will love this behind-the-scenes tour of the Graycliff Cigar Company! Both cards offer hefty welcome bonuses, 130,000 and 150,000 points, respectively, after you meet the required spend of $2,000 within the first three months of account opening for the Surpass and $4,000 in the first three months of account opening for the Aspire. I never did Flowrider. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques. Many guests that try to wing it on their day in Nassau end up disappointed and unsure of the best way to spend their day. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter. You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. 9:30 AM Nassaus history is closely tied to the Caribbean pirate era of the 17th and 18th centuries, when the town served as a pirate sanctuary until 1718 when British Governor Woodes Rogers expelled the buccaneers. Breathtaking views, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, Caribbean music, full service bar. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. As an independent provider of shore excursions, ShoreTrips is not affiliated with any cruise line. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Your easy-to-ride beach cruiser is the perfect mode of transport for exploring Nassau. There was something available for everyone no matter the age. Potter's Cay. the beachs waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. What started as baskets to carry fruit and other . And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points. Food was not much different than the dining room. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. There is a small fee to enter the museum. We were the 6th time out, and the staff told us that several things that weren't allowed were starting to be added back, such as the dance party on pool deck in, My wife and I are regular cruisers on Royal Caribbean, so while I am not normally the type to write reviews, it would seem helpful to add insight to the relatively new experience of post-Covid cruising out of the Bahamas by writing about our July 2021 cruise. The museum has costumes, traditional fabrics, music, and informational panels on display for guests to learn more about the festivals history and influence in the Bahamas. One way around this is to find a nearby restaurant or bar when you need a restroom. Help yourself by helping an animal friend in need. NO LINES! Find excursions for your cruise itinerary Music only played a few hours a day. Day 4 - Cruising. As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. The highlight, however, may be the hotels five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Blue Lagoon Island is another small island north of downtown Nassau. The excursion usually costs around $100. Enjoy sailing and snorkeling in the beautiful Bahamian waters. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Nassau is also filled with historic sites and shopping opportunities. The six ships at the cruise port were Royal Caribbean's Wonder of The Seas and Harmony of the Seas, Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Reflection, and MSC Cruises' MSC Meraviglia. Our favorite shore excursion in Nassau is a day trip to Pearl Island. The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. The AOS out of Nassau allowed us the first cruise back. This convenient 90-minute cruise showcases the best attractions on the island. Short on time? Several hotels and resorts in Nassau offer day passes, which allow cruise ship guests to access the resorts amenities for the day. John Watling's Distillery has been providing high-quality rum since 2003, and they do tours of their incredible distillery. Conch fritters are bite-sized flakes of conch meat fried in batter seasoned with goat pepper, hot sauce and sea salt, plus common Bahamian vegetables. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways. Forts Fincastle and Charlotte transport you to the Bahamas' colonial past, while our exclusive tour at Graycliff unveils Al Capone's getaway. We are a young (60) year old couple that enjoy life to its fullest and were celebrating our (40) year wedding anniversary. Nassaus Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries. 8:40 AM Most day passes range from $70-125. Cycle through Nassau's downtown district to see an 18th-century limestone staircase, the Straw Market and so much more on this fun guided biking tour. With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridges west end. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. As a VIP guest on Blue Lagoon Island, guests will receive lunch as well as unlimited Bahama Mama cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Things to Do in Nassau. Learn More , The port Terminals Driving Tunnel Parking Highlights Shopping, Discover all Reviews and Travel Guides to The Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the worlds largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Explore Nassau's exciting undersea world without the need for dive certification while on this fun, half-day SNUBA tour. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home. 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. Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time. These tours were designed with you in mind. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Water sports (kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, etc.) However, if you want something more exclusive you should go on a tour to the Blue Lagoon, the Pearl Island, the Balmoral Island or the pool of the Graycliff hotel. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Pick up within walking distance of Cruise ship pier. Please follow the instructions to reset your password. All Rights ReservedDuplication in part or whole without prior written consent is prohibited by international laws. Hit all the must-see historical highlights with this fun, informative walking city tour of downtown Nassau. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. 8:30 AM Indeed, the modern cruise industrys first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami. 9:30 AM. A 15-20 minute boat ride from Nassau's port. . 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. Or relax in front of the iconic lighthouse while enjoying a frozen drink and freshly made conch salad. This makes Nassau Cruise Port especially convenient for short itineraries of just 3-4 nights, and it is also easy to add to longer itineraries as an additional port of call. You will have the opportunity to ride an underwater motorbike and enjoy the splendor of a shallow reef. You can also visit Marina Village, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment space located around the Atlantis Marina, at no extra cost. Finally a fun way to get to the beach for a great snorkel! Related: Which cruise brand is best for you? Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. (Additional volunteers after initial 2 for up to 6 total volunteers), (Additional volunteers after initial 2 for up to 5 total volunteers), (Age 3 and Under - Encounter and Beach Combo with a participating, paying adult), (Private boat for up to 4 divers with private instructor), (Private boat for up to 8 divers with private instructor), (Charter for up to 6 people, 4 fishing at a time. A kid-friendly boat tour is Blackbeards Pirate Revenge, which takes guests around Nassau in an 18th century pirate ship replica. Just 40-minute scenic boat ride away from the Cruise Port in Nassau, the Salt Cay is better known for its main feature - a Blue Lagoon where visitors can enjoy different interactions with Dolphins and Sea Lions. With a touch of luxury, enjoy the impeccable service Pearl Island is known for. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. Pearl Island - Highlights. 10:20 AM #28 of 237 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Nassau Outdoor Activities, Boat Tours & Water Sports, Tours, More East Bay Street | East Bay Shopping Centre, Nassau, New Providence Island Open today: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Save Pearl Island Escape with Snorkeling Experience and Lunch 405 Book in advance from $115.00 per adult Also, just a few minutes away from Paradise Island is Blue Lagoon Island, a private local-family owned island famous for its secluded beaches and animal encounter programs. 1:00 PM. Daredevil's Peak Waterslide 9. Pearl Island is located eight miles east of Nassau. Check here before booking an award fare. The main fish fry in Nassau is conveniently located near the cruise port at Arawak Cay. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. Located 30 minutes away from the cruise port by boat, Pearl Island offers a small, turquoise beach, bar and lunch buffet, lounge chairs, watersports equipment, and more. The museum has new exhibits fairly often as well. One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes. 11:45 AM, Start Times: Feel like a time traveler as you explore the historic side of Nassau via ATV. This under 2-hour tour starts with a narrated cruise in Nassau's harbor before reaching the 'Sea Gardens'. In 2016/2017, the last time frame for which full data is available, Nassau was the fifth busiest passenger cruise port in the world with 3.5 million annual visitors. Not a lot of activities unless you were 5 years old or a young, We just returned from the Quantum March 13, 2015 sailing. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site. One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. At Shore Excursions Group, we offer an incredible variety of Bahamian sightseeing island tours sure to impress. Start Times: 12 Coolest Slides On Cruise Ships Long Weekend Cruises This excursion is one of the most exciting and fun activities when cruising to Nassau. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Day visitors have the chance to. A cheaper alternative is the No. Day 2 - Nassau, Bahamas. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable, 14 best all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Europe, From servicing bar carts to emergency landings: A day in the life of an aspiring flight attendant. Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince Georges Wharf and is accessible via taxi. Nassau was at the heart of piracy from 1690 to 1720, when Nassau was taken over by English privateers who became lawless pirates. 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. We offer a variety of unforgettable Bahamian experiences for every kind of traveler. ShoreTrips.com may be temporarily down for maintainence. Start Times: There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made. Adventure Pool 5. See Fort Montagu, the Potter's Cay Dock and more! Not all cruise lines offer this shore excursion and cruise travelers may book it directly on-line However, if cruising to Nassau with Carnival you will need to book with the onboard Shorex desk. 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. Atlantis is a world in itself with such an array of attractions - beaches, shops, water park, golf course, and casino - that all cruise lines offer at least half a dozen different tours to fully enjoy this site. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. In summary, the experience is 90% still there and a, This was Royal Caribbeans grand return to cruising on the first voyage of the Adventure of the Seas from Nassau, Bahamas. Still, the impressive numbers are a great sign for Nassaus economy. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown. And while Nassau is best known for crystal clear beaches and world-famous resorts, the port offers plenty of activities for all interests. Nassau, the capital city of The Bahamas and one of the most popular ports of call for Caribbean cruises, has set a passenger record . Spend the day on water trampolines, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. $109.00. Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles. The waterscape includes lagoons, pools, and habitats for marine animals. The ship sailed with 1100 passengers roughly. If you're looking for more excitement, check out our catamaran cruise to Paradise Island to experience the resort's famous Aquaventure water park and water slides. Escape the bustle of the Nassau waterfront for some time on the beach and take a scenic Nassau harbor cruise to idyllic Pearl Island. If you just want to relax on the beach, Junkanoo Beach is within walking distance from the cruise port. Note the following are sample tours and may not work with your itinerary. 9:40 AM. Start Times: Experience an unforgettable day on Pearl Island, a unique private island minutes from Nassau. In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. Dive with this first-rate dive shop that was recently featured in National Geographic. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennetts Hill. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. 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 . . Nassau has it all. You'll spend 30 minutes up-close-and-personal with these . Shorex Combos. This excursion is another great option for cruise travelers that do not wish to get wet and want to contemplate the stunning underwater world of The Bahamas. Nassau Cruise Port is currently undergoing . East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views. During this perfect day, you'll serenely glide along tropical Caribbean waters. There are tours offered by outside providers as well. 11:45 AM. At Blue Lagoon, cruisers can swim in a calm lagoon, enjoy kayaking, water-biking or snorkeling tours, play with water toys like floats and inner tubes, or simply relax in a beach hammock under coconut palms. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. 1. You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. Nassaus Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas. All rights reserved. Day 5 - Miami, Florida. 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. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. Chances are if you are sailing on a three or four-night cruise with Royal Caribbean you are stopping in Nassau, Bahamas, Nassau, Bahamas is one of the most common port stops on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and offers a variety of activities, Bahamian media are reporting Royal Caribbean has purchased land on the western end of Paradise Island in The Bahamas., If you are one of those people looking to do something different in Nassau, Bahamas, then perhaps flying a Boeing 737, Nassau is one of the worlds busiest cruise ports. A password reset email has been sent. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. Learn the basics of scuba diving and enjoy your first dive alongside your professional instructor in a perfect setting for those new to the sport.