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. While the luxurious Baha Mar resort on Nassaus Cable Beach does not offer day passes, savvy and sybaritic cruisers will reserve a room for the day for access to the propertys premium facilities and amenities, including a private beach and beach club, motorized and nonmotorized watersports, a series of pools with shaded lounge chairs, cabanas and waterfall features. 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 has it all. From private cabanas to charter rentals, there's simply something magical about this place. Most day passes range from $70-125. 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. 1 - 10 of 21 Royal Caribbean Nassau Cruise Reviews. 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. Sweeping views from the forts bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. The AOS out of Nassau allowed us the first cruise back. 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. We all tested negative, the teens multiple times but still identified them with bands to make sure we were treated accordingly. 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. 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. 8:15 AM. Hand-crafted cocktails available include the Canchera Rum, which is made with amber rum, Bahamian honey, lemon juice, and club soda, and Skylarkin, made with pale and coconut rum, coconut pulp, coconut water, and nutmeg. Todays downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier. Visitors to Nassau can choose to bring their own snorkel gear or book a snorkeling excursion through Royal Caribbean or an outside provider. Junkanoo is the most popular festival in the Bahamas. 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. WOW - this is the ultimate experience with dolphins! A snorkeling tour is also available for $15 extra and lockers can be rented for the day for $10. Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. #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 Nassau is extremely popular as a warm-weather getaway destination thats closer to the U.S. Atlantic Coast than most Caribbean basin countries. Help yourself by helping an animal friend in need. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Start Times: The first and most important that really hooked us was 2 major things, A voyager class ship that has been amped and has tons to do and 2 days at Coco Cay. This is so cool. ShoreTrips' many shore excursions in Nassau reveal its Caribbean elegance. For those looking into more active pursuits, the most popular tours invite the cruise traveler to explore the Aquaventure Water Park. Nassaus nearby Paradise Island district offers beaches, restaurants and shops as well as the Atlantis megaresort, which is among several properties offering day packages for cruisers in search of a daylong all-inclusive experience. 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. Language: English is the official language. ResortPass is currently selling day passes to the SLS Baha Mar for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $400 per Bungalow Pool Cabana or Baha Bay Beach Club Cabana that accommodates up to four people. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points. On this page, you will find the Editor's Choice of excursions organized by Cruise Lines and available onboard but also those that can be booked directly or with third-party services. Stuart Cove is the main diving provider on New Providence Island. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Here are some of the most popular and recommended beaches in Nassau: The beaches of Nassau offer varied amenities, so be sure to check what is offered or located nearby at each beach. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. 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. Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Bertas signature style and the shops collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. Take a break from the ordinary and away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the sightseeing and beachgoing tours. 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. View Excursion. About 4-4.5 hours on the island with a delicious lunch included. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. The Christmas decor was a nice touch. Once by the living coral, the excursionist will have a unique viewing. $$= $51-99. Day pass holders also have beach access. The Baha Mar is another luxury resort located on Paradise Island. Accessible Shore Excursions bring you closer to the culture and beauty of the ports we visit, no matter what your special needs. Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. This was our final stop to check out the Atlantis Resort, you were not able to go inside unless you actually were staying at the resort so we wandered around the outside grounds and took photos. Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince Georges Wharf and is accessible via taxi. Royal Caribbean and outside providers offer historical walking tours of Nassau, although the sites are all easily accessible on your own. John Watling's Distillery has been providing high-quality rum since 2003, and they do tours of their incredible distillery. and after 2 wonderful cruises on the Vista 2018 and Symphony 2019 we couldnt wait to get back. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area. The museum has relics and artifacts on display, such as an extensive sample of items in a Bahamian grocery shop in 1900 to an exhibit of tools used during slavery. Find out how great it is to swim with the fishes. The staff was friendly and helpful. The museum has a series of educational panels providing stories and descriptions of slavery in the Bahamas throughout history, and its impact on the culture and traditions seen in the Bahamas today. When you first arrive, friendly staff members will provide you with a quick orientation about the dolphin encounter and help you fill out any necessary paperwork. This could quite possibly be the most exciting two dives you will ever do, as you swim with and witness Caribbean Reef Sharks as they are fed. Located at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the staircase is within walking distance from downtown and perfect for small group tours. Enjoy a unique pirate adventure while sailing the beautiful Bahamian waters. A must-do for any wine connoisseur or even novice, become a wine maker for the day and learn to blend your own wine on one of the most unique experiences in the Bahamas. Whether it's snorkeling with dolphins, scuba diving with sharks, or simply kicking back on the beach, our wide selection of Nassau shore excursions has something for everyone. There are tours offered by outside providers as well. You know who you are, so prepare for your dreams to come true and learn how to make your own chocolates under the tutelage of a master chocolatier and indulge in tasting delicious gourmet chocolates. Introducing the new, fun Sea Lion Encounter a first in the Bahamas! The tour makes stops at Tasty Teas, the World Famous Fish Fry, Potters Cay Dock, and John Watlings Distillery. With these staggering numbers, it's easy to see that Nassau is truly a spot you won't want to miss. Your choice of fishing: deep sea, light tackle, or shark. A 66-step major landmark in Nassau, it was carved out of solid limestone rock between 1793 and 1794. This under 2-hour tour starts with a narrated cruise in Nassau's harbor before reaching the 'Sea Gardens'. Blue Lagoon Island is another small island north of downtown Nassau. 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. It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music. Still, the impressive numbers are a great sign for Nassaus economy. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. You'll spend 30 minutes up-close-and-personal with these . Baha Bay includes 24 waterslides, a lazy river, FlowRider, infinity pool, wave pool, kids-only pool and slide area, and an outdoor casino. Day 5 - Miami, Florida. 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. Most of the excursions can only be booked onboard but some can be booked with third-party on-line services or as savvy cruises like to say 'independently'. Day 3 - Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. Forts Fincastle and Charlotte transport you to the Bahamas' colonial past, while our exclusive tour at Graycliff unveils Al Capone's getaway. Guests looking for a more exclusive experience at Pearl Island can reserve a VIP Cabana. In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual. Itinerary Overview. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas takes visitors on a journey from pre-historic times in the Bahamas to today. 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. per adult. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 20102023Regal Sea Media LLC. In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance. If the problem persists, you may, Shore Excursions - City Tours - Day Activities, TAINO BAY (PUERTO PLATA) DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, EASTERN CARIBBEAN THREE PORT DISCOUNT PACKAGE. Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly. 2023 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. Bahamas. 8:00 AM Free areas to visit at the Atlantis include the casino, indoor shopping areas, and several dining venues. Its also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassaus best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods: Established in 1966 by artists Helen Astarita and Berta Sands, Bahama Hand Prints (near the corner of Ernest Street and Okra Hill) offers bold and brilliant designs across a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings. Make an impact in the lives of Nassau's children. come at an additional cost. As an independent provider of shore excursions, ShoreTrips is not affiliated with any cruise line. This is a popular spot to taste traditional Bahamian rum cake and buy a delicious souvenir for friends and family. Royal Caribbean offers the Nassau Sail & Reef Snorkeling tour, which brings guests on a sailboat to coral reefs near Spruce Cay and Athol Island. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Also in port was Carnival Cruise Lines Excel-class Mardi Gras (14th largest cruise ship in the world); Celebrity Cruise Lines Solstice-class Celebrity Reflection and Edge-class Celebrity Beyond (50th largest); and MSC Cruises Meraviglia-class MSC Meraviglia (17th largest). Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau. The same excursion can be booked through Royal Caribbean for cruisers stopping at that line's private island, CocoCay. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. Cruise lines make a . Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler. 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise. Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. This cruise includes two perfect days at CocoCay, a stop in Cozumel, and a stop in Freeport. Beautiful, relaxing, FUN. You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. There is a small fee to enter the museum. Let's dive in. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. And while Nassau is best known for crystal clear beaches and world-famous resorts, the port offers plenty of activities for all interests. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking. $$$$=$200-499. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. The huge number is largely due to expanded berths at the newly renovated port, as well as the fact that the visiting vessels included the worlds largest ship as well as larger vessels from three major cruise lines and other massive ships enjoying a day at the tropical destination. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. Kick back and relax during this amazing 6-hour cruise featuring our famous barbecue! 9:30 AM. Sail Date: July . There is a small entrance fee to visit the museum. Relax and take in the quiet stretch of white sand, lined with tropical . In that regard, this review will be primarily comparative to pre-Covid Cruising. See Fort Montagu, the Potter's Cay Dock and more! ShoreTrips.com may be temporarily down for maintainence. Snorkeling equipment is included for VIP guests. Photo Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Management 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. We're here to help you embark on a truly memorable getaway. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below). Now that's luxury! Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. Nassaus Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas. A colorful street parade with music, dance, and costumes, Junkanoo takes place on Boxing Day and New Years Day each year. Overall, we had a great time; although, we loved the Allure more. Our favorite shore excursion in Nassau is a day trip to Pearl Island. Find the right card for you. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways. All rights reserved. Day visitors have the chance to. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The translucent, crystal clear waters of The Bahamas are an invitation for snorkeling. 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. Please refresh the page and try again. No matter your style, there are plenty of activities for you to see and do on this lovely island. Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. Nassau Straw Market. And we appreciate our contry and all she has to offer. Start Times: A personally escorted tour and taste of an exclusive hotel. Stretching about 80 square miles, Bahamas' capital city of Nassau welcomes more than 1,000 cruise ships per year, located just 180 miles off the Florida coast. These museums are all walkable from the cruise port, and most are relatively small, so visiting each museum will not take too much time. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products. In addition, guests have access to water maps, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling, and a floating trampoline. Review for Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas. Enjoy a great shallow water encounter with these lovable mammals, with access to the Blue Lagoon resort. The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12. Besides being a great place to sample an authentic Bahamian lunch featuring the freshest conch fritters and local dishes, the Potters Cay shacks are a great place to interact with locals, other visitors and the chefs themselves as they chat about the days catch and argue over a game of dominoes. 1.1K. Nassaus nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home. Free samples are available as well, so you can taste several flavors before choosing your favorite. While beautiful. Watch a cigar rolling demonstration then sample a variety of delicious Caribbean rums. We offer a variety of unforgettable Bahamian experiences for every kind of traveler. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so. 7:45 AM Whether you want to relax in a spa, golf on world-class golf courses, win big in two of the largest Caribbean casinos, or paddleboard all day, you'll be in paradise - literally and figuratively. Our driver is also a guide and our vehicle handles those with mobility issues. Caribbean. 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. The first three ports ranked by passenger visits are all cruise ship homeports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Port Everglades. We caught the cruise bug after a 32 year hiatus (it's called putting kids thru school!) . Are you a chocoholic? Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. What a way to spend your day! Sat Nassau Depart 9:00, We wanted to participate in the first sailing, shame on us for assuming it would be special. Nassau Shore Excursion: Bahamas Snorkel Adventure. I never did Flowrider. Just a short boat ride from Nassau. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Carnival Cruise Line Nassau Cruise Reviews, Vantage Deluxe World Travel Nassau Cruise Reviews. The white and pink buildings that make up the lush Nassau landscape tell the story of a city at once colonial and tropical. Up, Up and Away Helium Balloon 8. Afterward, the fun of your . General admission to Baha Bay is currently $160, while junior admission (guests under 48) is $65. Remember These Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas. 9:40 AM. One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is the Blue Lagoon Beach Day tour. NO LINES! Ready? The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. Jet Skis Lining a White Sandy Beach, Nassau, Bahamas 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. Pedal your way through Nassau with this unique tour that takes you along beautiful beaches, to Fort Charlotte and to the Conch Salad show. ), to $363 Per Person Based On Your Group Size, (Includes space for one scooter/wheelchair), EASTERN CARIBBEAN THREE PORT DISCOUNT PACKAGE >. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. It's our favorite Royal Caribbean cruise excursion. A line-by-line guide. Only offered onboard by Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, this excursion to the pristine Balmoral Island (a private atoll) is an excellent way to spend the day in Nassau. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. . Nassau. Prices for the cabana usually run around $240/per adult, and online reservations are for a maximum of two guests, although larger parties may be accommodated. Enjoy a combination of a wall dive, along with a visit to a shallow reef or a shipwreck. 12:15 PM. 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. Related: Disney Cruise Line review Sailing Disney Wonder. 12 Coolest Slides On Cruise Ships Long Weekend Cruises Bahamas, has long been a favorite Caribbean vacation destination for travelers. Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel! The capital city of The Bahamas is rich in culture, history, art, watersports, marine wildlife, and other great features to appeal to a wide variety of cruise guests, and is also close to many cruise lines private islands, making it even more desirable a destination. is a cruise expert with a focus on the Caribbean and Latin America. Disney Cruises is the only cruise line that offers the Aquaventure shore excursion combined with other experiences such as kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding with Dolphins. Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles. In any of the famous beaches close to Nassau, the cruise traveler will be able to snorkel but the best places are the coral reefs offshore.