The same excursion can be booked through Royal Caribbean for cruisers stopping at that line's private island, CocoCay. Related: Disney Cruise Line review Sailing Disney Wonder. It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music. Other tours available at Blue Lagoon Island include a segway and eco nature walking tour. We are extremely pleased to report another record-setting passenger day here at Nassau Cruise Port, said Mike Maura Jr., CEO of Nassau Cruise Port. Nassau, the Bahamas, combines the excitement of a big city with the relaxed lifestyle of a Caribbean utopia. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 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. Two the standard that RCI promotes. Amenities and activities at the resort are split into two categories: areas open to the general public and areas available only for guests or day pass visitors. In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. $$= $51-99. Atlantis Aquaventure & Dolphin Cay Interaction. 2:15 PM. 9:30 AM Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. WOW - this is the ultimate experience with dolphins! With these staggering numbers, it's easy to see that Nassau is truly a spot you won't want to miss. Updated: September 11, 2022 The Blue Lagoon Island excursion is on of the main attractions in The Bahamas, and just a 40-minute - 3 miles (5 km) - scenic boat ride away from the cruise port in Nassau. Other Black people traveled to the Bahamas directly from Africa, Bermuda and Haiti, some enslaved by ex-British loyalists from Georgia and South Carolina, and others as ex-soldiers who won their freedom fighting for the British during the American Revolutionary War. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The 10 Best Nassau Excursions & Shore Tours | Book Now A short, 30-minute boat ride off the coast is Pearl Island, one of the unique private islands of The Bahamas. Its just our experience based soon to areas. 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. Royal Caribbean offers the Island Food & Culinary Insight tour, which takes guests on an air-conditioned ride around Nassau to taste local food and drinks. Not to mention the remarkable historical sites, like the Queen's Staircase. Unlike some ports, Nassau is a port day you want to prepare for before arriving. Exceptional return to cruising. There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship. Flavors include pineapple, chocolate, caramel, Irish cream, Kentucky honey bourbon, and the original rum cake with pecans. Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. The activities and excursions were exciting and fun. 9:00 AM. Ready? The most basic shore excusion is titled "Discover Atlantis Tour", which can be combined with a day at the beach and many othe different activities. Swim with dolphins during one of our dolphin encounters, learn to scuba dive, enjoy snorkeling among stingrays and the beautiful Bahamian coral reefs, or dive down in your own personal SUB for a one-of-a-kind diving experience. Photo Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Management Splash. The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. Day pass holders also have beach access. The port is normally a bustling affair, as disembarking guests walk from the pier to Bay Street, parallel to the water, and the downtown shopping area where you'll find tour guides and Jet Ski, beach and watersports excursion operators, taxis for hire, scooter rentals, craft and souvenir shops, and hair braiders. Enjoy a unique pirate adventure while sailing the beautiful Bahamian waters. The Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine with a 5 feet under-water air conditioned observatory. Nassau is a popular port of call for many reasons. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. This shore excursion includes a harbor cruise of Nassau on the way to Pearl Island, a welcome Cocktail (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), shaded decks, beach chairs & umbrellas (based on availability), a Bahamian served buffet lunch with soft drink, restroom facilities with fresh-water showers and Wi-Fi Internet service. Top 11 Shore Excursions in Nassau Cruise Port (2023) - IQCruising 1:00 PM, Vendor claims they meet CDC Compliant Guidelines. Start Times: Answers to Your Cruise Questions. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. 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. 7:15 AM, Start Times: 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. Itinerary Overview. A free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. The swimming pool is inviting and there are quite a few different excursion to choose from including a 3-course Wine Luncheon. Aquaventure: Atlantis Aquaventure via Royal Caribbean Excursion - See 7,473 traveler reviews, 4,055 candid photos, and great deals for Nassau, New Providence Island, at Tripadvisor. I decided to check it out for myself and see what it offers. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Pearl Island Shore Excursion | Nassau Cruise Port Guide (2022) - IQCruising Watch a cigar rolling demonstration then sample a variety of delicious Caribbean rums. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. If you don't like to get wet but enjoy seeing the underwater world, this is the right shore excursion. You can also book day passes at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $325 for a beach cabana accommodating up to four people. Those looking for a VIP experience can choose to book the VIP Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day. Or relax in front of the iconic lighthouse while enjoying a frozen drink and freshly made conch salad. The next information does not in any way share how grateful we are to be alive and well. Wave Pool 6. All rights reserved. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group. 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. Its a common port on short Caribbean cruise itineraries, offering, Odds are if you take a Royal Caribbean cruise to somewhere in the Caribbean, there is a good chance you will stop in. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. Photo Courtesy: Nassau Cruise Port. Second, if you take advantage of the all-inclusive food and drinks, plus the pool and beach access, day passes can be a good deal. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. Port of Nassau is currently expanding its docking facilities and upgrading other port features, a $300 million project that began in 2019 and will be finished in just a few more weeks, in May 2023. 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. Explore Nassau's exciting undersea world without the need for dive certification while on this fun, half-day SNUBA tour. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. There was something available for everyone no matter the age. 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. 1:00 PM. 39 IDEAL Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas in 2023 - Cruise Hive Enjoy a wine lover's dream at one of the Caribbean's first Five-Star restaurants. Nassau - Bahamas Cruise Excursions By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. John Watlings Distillery is a distillery located on a historic estate founded in 1789. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau. Nassau Shore Excursion: Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour 9:00 AM Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. There were a lot of elderly people on this cruise. They include: The Potters Cay conch shacks can be found beneath the high-arching bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. Perfect Day Bahamas (7 nights) | 02 Mar 2025 | Odyssey of the Seas Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. You can also explore Paradise Island's popular Atlantis Resort and its legendary Aquaventure water park. 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. 7. A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port Start Times: One of the most popular providers is Tru Bahamian Food Tours, who offers a selection of tours geared toward discovering Bahamian cuisine. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. There are a few types of day passes available, some of which give access just to the beach whereas others have access to the beach and waterpark. Snorkeling, beach day, scuba diving, water sports, and sightseeing excursions await in the Bahamas' capital. Paradise Island has something for everyone. We also offer plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving excursions for those who want to experience the Bahamas' exquisite marine life. 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. 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise. Downtown Nassau is home to several museums which can be a nice activity to do on days with poor weather or after you return to the cruise port from a shore excursion. Reviewed January 18, 2013. Nassau and New Providence Island have a good number of attractions, landmarks, and sites to explore, which all cruise lines offer on shore excursions with different packages and all sorts of combinations. What started as baskets to carry fruit and other . During this 2.5-hour sightseeing tour, huff up the Queen Victoria staircase for spectacular photo ops and visit the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory. 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. We're here to help you embark on a truly memorable getaway. Read More. We all tested negative, the teens multiple times but still identified them with bands to make sure we were treated accordingly. Transportation, lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, beach chairs, water mats and trampolines, showers, and bathroom facilities are included in the day pass for guests. ), to $363 Per Person Based On Your Group Size, (Includes space for one scooter/wheelchair), EASTERN CARIBBEAN THREE PORT DISCOUNT PACKAGE >. Blue Lagoon Island Nassau Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruise Port Shore Excursion Review Deluxe Beach BreakCRUISE ESSENTIALS:Amazon Affilate Links:Multi-Color Pa. Port of Nassau Requirements - My Experience. Not a lot of activities unless you were 5 years old or a young, We just returned from the Quantum March 13, 2015 sailing. For some rest and relaxation, our Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day is a great opportunity to recharge. This assumption could not be more incorrect! Or, book a cruise ship excursion highlighting historic forts, Bahamian cuisine, land and sea programs, private island experiences and even Junkanoo-style music and dancing. Related: 8 Perfect Cruise Line Private Islands for Every Type of Traveler Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. The 10 Best Bahamas Excursions, Tours & Cruise Adventures But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites. 8:30 AM Several banks are located on Parliament Street, a short walk from the cruise terminal. Also, we picked this cruise line for the luxury and I actually thought Carnival is better. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. A private island getaway to your own private, exclusive ocean-view cabana is waiting for you on beautiful Pearl Island. Are you a chocoholic? Experience the best of Nassau on this interesting and exciting tour of the island including a stop at the world famous Atlantis Resort. Day 5 - Miami, Florida. Nassaus Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas. 2023 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. There is a small fee to enter the museum. Start Times: The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. If you feel like ditching the beach chairs and treating yourself to a Bahamian dining experience, you can enjoy a unique meal at Graycliff. While beautiful. Nassau Bahamas Shore Excursions & Cruise Activities | ShoreTrips 1.1K. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area. Review for Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views. This yacht, on pristine waters, in a private cove. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince Georges Wharf and is accessible via taxi. 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. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Pearl Island - Highlights. Stuart Cove is also the diving provider for Royal Caribbean shore excursions. All cruise lines offer different tours and combos for the novice or experienced snorkelers. Nassau can also feel a bit touristy at times, as the Prince George Wharf cruise ship dock can host as many as five large cruise ships at once. When it comes to oceangoing vacations, the Bahamas can accurately be described as the industrys leading destination, with the capital city of Nassau being cruisings number one port of call. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. There was little to no line and we circled around and unloaded our car pretty quickly, given that we had 10 pieces of luggage for two adults and one 15 mos old baby. 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. 39. 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. Atlantis Aquaventure via Royal Caribbean Excursion One common issue faced by those visiting public beaches is the lack of restroom facilities. While Nassau sometimes gets a bad rap as a touristy port of call and is often inundated by cruise travelers, the Bahamas capital city is actually a diverse port with an impressive array of historic attractions, a variety of beach experiences, distinctive cuisine and extensive shopping opportunities. This city serves as the heart of the Bahamas and is near Paradise Island, Blue Lagoon Island, Salt Cay, Rose Island, Ardastra Gardens, Cable Beach, and Arawak Cay. We booked a shore excursion through our cruise line Royal Caribbean to go on a tour of different places in Nassau. Saunders Beach: Spend free time on one of Nassau's most inviting beaches; also a popular swimming spot for the locals. The best and the most popular shore excursions for passengers on a cruise to Nassau port: Reviews of Atlantis, Blue Lagoon, Scuba, Seaworld Explorer, Glass Bottom Boat, and more . By: Editor-in-Chief Update: January 6, 2023. Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points. Modified Date: Feb 28, 2023. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliffs origins as a private home. Swimming Pigs Excursion on a Bahamas Cruise | Cruise Critic 12:00 PM, Start Times: Food was not much different than the dining room. Its ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port. 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. This is a quick stop with most guests in and out in fifteen minutes. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. 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. 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. They offer Discover Scuba dives for first-time divers as well as dives for certified divers to the coral reels, shipwrecks, and walls around the island. The most popular tour is the Bites of Nassau Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour, during which guests stop at six tasting locations around downtown Nassau to taste local foods including steamed chicken, Caribbean rice, and rum cakes. 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. Free samples are available as well, so you can taste several flavors before choosing your favorite. Culture, folklore, and history are demonstrated at the museum through local art. Shore Excursion through Royal Caribbean - Review of Aquaventure, Nassau Service was slow and they seemed very over worked. Accessible Shore Excursions bring you closer to the culture and beauty of the ports we visit, no matter what your special needs. Overall, we had a great time; although, we loved the Allure more. 10:00 AM. Most day passes range from $70-125. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly. Waterpark guests also receive access to the Marine Habitat, a series of aquariums with over 50,000 aquatic animals.