nassau, bahamas shore excursions royal caribbean

Up, Up and Away Helium Balloon 8. Or relax in front of the iconic lighthouse while enjoying a frozen drink and freshly made conch salad. You won't leave hungry on this food-oriented Nassau walking tour. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Start Times: Nassau is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Bahamas and one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. ShoreTrips' many shore excursions in Nassau reveal its Caribbean elegance. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! . Take a break from the ordinary and away from the noisy hustle and bustle of the sightseeing and beachgoing tours. The waterscape includes lagoons, pools, and habitats for marine animals. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennetts Hill. I decided to check it out for myself and see what it offers. Dive with this first-rate dive shop that was recently featured in National Geographic. 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. Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features. Nassau welcomed a record number of passengers in a single day this week, and by the end of May, will be welcoming even more. Balmoral Island is located a thirty minute boat ride from the cruise port and offers a picture-perfect beach day to guests with clear water, beach chairs and umbrellas, and two fresh-water pools. 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. Thats thousands of visitors exploring downtown Nassau, learning about our island and culture through our restaurants, taxis and tours, and making wonderful memories of The Bahamas that will surely drive them to return, said Maura. Nassau Shore Excursion: Bahamas Snorkel Adventure. 7:45 AM You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card. Two the standard that RCI promotes. 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. 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. Sweeping views from the forts bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock. 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. Thanks to its island charm, state-of-the-art resorts, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, Nassau has a relaxing feel rarely present anywhere else. 38. Museum tours. Rose Island, Spanish Wells Pigs, Exuma Pigs, Allens Cay Iguanas and more Options. 2. Whether you choose a half-day or full-day adventure, our Nassau shore excursions are designed to give you an unforgettable experience. About 4-4.5 hours on the island with a delicious lunch included. Nassau has it all. Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home dcor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). 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. Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territorys undisputed favorite dish. The Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine with a 5 feet under-water air conditioned observatory. There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. One of the most popular shore excursions in Nassau, Bahamas is the Blue Lagoon Beach Day tour. On foot: Many of Nassaus historic sites and the Bay Street retail district are within walking distance of the cruise ship pier and the downtown area. 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. Those looking to experience the rest of the resort can purchase day passes. Unlike some ports, Nassau is a port day you want to prepare for before arriving. 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. The Heritage Museum of the Bahamas takes visitors on a journey from pre-historic times in the Bahamas to today. This is a fun-tastic day! Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle. Tropical beach bars, food, and a Starbucks are available on the island for an extra cost. An island tour with history and adventure. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. Best Nassau, Bahamas shore . Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown. Enjoy a day at the beach, use of fun beach toys and lunch! Jet Skis Lining a White Sandy Beach, Nassau, Bahamas 8:15 AM. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassaus best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. Start Times: (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. Remember These Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Located at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex, the staircase is within walking distance from downtown and perfect for small group tours. Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuarts Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks. 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. 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Blue Lagoon Island Nassau Bahamas Royal Caribbean Cruise Port Shore Excursion Review Deluxe Beach BreakCRUISE ESSENTIALS:Amazon Affilate Links:Multi-Color Pa. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Carnival Cruise Line Nassau Cruise Reviews, Vantage Deluxe World Travel Nassau Cruise Reviews. Around one million travelers board Caribbean cruise ships that travel to Nassau every year! Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Day visitors have the chance to. 1 - 10 of 21 Royal Caribbean Nassau Cruise Reviews. Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. 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). About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirates headquarters. This is a 141-acre waterpark with pools, waterslides, river rapids, and splash pads for kids. Have our travel agency partner get you a free quote for a Royal Caribbean cruise. per adult. Start Times: Day pass holders also have beach access. Your choice of fishing: deep sea, light tackle, or shark. See Fort Montagu, the Potter's Cay Dock and more! These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise. As an independent provider of shore excursions, ShoreTrips is not affiliated with any cruise line. Start Times: For some rest and relaxation, our Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day is a great opportunity to recharge. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site. 12:50 PM. The white and pink buildings that make up the lush Nassau landscape tell the story of a city at once colonial and tropical. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. There is a small window inside so guests can see how rum cakes are made. The same excursion can be booked through Royal Caribbean for cruisers stopping at that line's private island, CocoCay. 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. It's a five-star Caribbean restaurant complete with a delicious wine tasting. 11:45 AM. Start Times: is a cruise expert with a focus on the Caribbean and Latin America. The tour makes stops at Tasty Teas, the World Famous Fish Fry, Potters Cay Dock, and John Watlings Distillery. Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. It's also close to Paradise Island, home to the world-famous Atlantis Resort. If you feel like ditching the beach chairs and treating yourself to a Bahamian dining experience, you can enjoy a unique meal at Graycliff. 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. Our driver is also a guide and our vehicle handles those with mobility issues. The highlight, however, may be the hotels five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. 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. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. Those looking for an exhilarating day may want to reserve a day pass to the Aquaventure Oasis Waterpark at The Atlantis. Obviously, all cruise lines also offer a basic beach day package to relax on a double hammock, participate in water activities or sip umbrella drinks. 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. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella. Admission is $13.50 for adults and $6.75 for children 4-17. You'll spend 30 minutes up-close-and-personal with these . Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Please refresh the page and try again. On this popular Nassau dolphin excursion, you'll be whisked away to a private island where you'll get to spend the day freely exploring a tropical paradise. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Indeed, the modern cruise industrys first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Nassaus Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries. My most recent conference was cruising on the Independence of the Seas with Royal Caribbean. 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. 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. Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. There are several hotels and resorts offering day passes in Nassau: There are a few advantages to a day pass as opposed to going to a beach on your own. NO LINES! Guests interested in Bahamian art and culture may want to visit the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. 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. Spend your day snorkeling, playing and relaxing. 2:15 PM. The entrance fee is $10 for guests and free for children under 12. During this 2.5-hour sightseeing tour, huff up the Queen Victoria staircase for spectacular photo ops and visit the Bahamas Rum Cake Factory. Visitors to Nassau can choose to bring their own snorkel gear or book a snorkeling excursion through Royal Caribbean or an outside provider. During these excursions, guests can get up close and personal with animals to observe them in their natural habitat. Things to Do at Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas for a Fee 3. In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Nassau, Bahamas Thu 06 Mar 2025. . Waterpark guests also receive access to the Marine Habitat, a series of aquariums with over 50,000 aquatic animals. The Pirates of Nassau Museum allows guests of all ages to relive history, learn about piracy, and even step foot on a replica of a historic pirate ship. Port of Nassau Requirements - My Experience. It's truly one of my family's favorite places in the world. 8:00 AM The boat ride from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon is included in the fare, which is usually around $85-100. And for a taste of local Nassau culture, we offer sightseeing island tours via powerboat, ATV, and more. Set sail in Bahamas' deep blue waters and learn how to catch Billfish and more on this private deep sea fishing tour in Nassau. A line-by-line guide. For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below). 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. A free activity to do in port is walk around downtown Nassau. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. To find out more about all the shore excursions in the Atlantis Resort and how to explore on your own Read the full review. 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'. Adventure Pool 5. The information on this page was accurate when last updated and published but changes may have occurred without notice. Yet visitors are missing out on genuine colonial-era history if they dont also spend time exploring the historic architecture and attractions located steps from the cruise pier. 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. Discover the best of this Bahamian city on a walking tour, beach day excursion, or catamaran cruise line. 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. Hit all the must-see historical highlights with this fun, informative walking city tour of downtown Nassau. Cabanas include sun chairs, an all-inclusive drink package, butler service, and lunch. $$$= $100-199. Nassau's best activities can be broken down into a few categories: Beaches Islands for a beach day Day passes at resorts Adventures on and in the water Food & drink History & museums Walk around downtown Nassau Beaches New Providence Island, where Nassau is located, has plenty of beaches to choose from. Check first with a local or with a frequent Bahamas visitor (like a travel advisor) to determine which stall is the best for the day. For those not interested in water sports or beach activities of any sort, Nassau has a good number of historical landmarks that can be visited on Highlights Tours. As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. In total, the upgraded capacity is expected to be approximately 33,000 per day. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities. Finally a fun way to get to the beach for a great snorkel! Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises. Of course, not every guest would automatically debark while visiting Nassau, and not all crew members have time off in each port of call to go ashore as visitors. 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. In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual. Discover Nassau for an introduction to the Bahamas' best and most beautiful highlights, including downtown Nassau, Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort, Junkanoo Beach, Arawak Cay, and Nassau Harbor. Excursion Focus: Pearl Island Beach Escape in Nassau Nassau Shore Excursion: Island Highlights Sightseeing Tour 903 Tour Nassau's landmarks and highlights, including a visit to the Atlantis Resort aboard a comfortable minivan. 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. Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time. Disney Cruises also offers a 6.5 to 7 Hour experience at the Ocean Club Golf Course for $599.00 including Green fees, clubs, golf cart and shoe rentals . Find the right card for you. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. Its time to cruise the Bahamas and the Caribbean again! 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. 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. But all other cruise travelers can book a beach break tour, including lunch, directly (on-line). No matter your style, there are plenty of activities for you to see and do on this lovely island. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region. Passengers looking to set sail and explore Nassau from the sea have plenty of options. There are plenty of scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities in Nassau. The good news is that, with a little preparation, it will be easy to find the right Nassau activity to fit your personal vacation style. Nassau Private Charters - Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island. 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. Start Times: Royal Caribbean has not released all the health protocols and changes for Adventure of the Seas restarted sailings from The Bahamas, but expect to only be able to go on cruise line shore excursions. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach. 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 . Caribbean. As with other staple dishes, Johnny cakes are found around the Caribbean, with the Bahamas version traditionally baked in a large round pan until lightly browned then sliced and served in wedges. Reviewed January 18, 2013. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. 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. 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. 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. A huge aspect of discovering new cultures is trying new foods, and Nassau offers plenty of opportunities to do so. The factory is a short walk from the cruise port. Introducing the new, fun Sea Lion Encounter a first in the Bahamas! Shorex Combos. Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers . 39. You can book a day pass to Pearl Island on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner or Pearl Islands website. View Excursion. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot. Spend the day on water trampolines, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. 9:10 AM The Half-Day Beach Break Shore Excursion can be combined with other activities such as a Dolphin Swim. 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. The expansion will permit the port to welcome as many as three Oasis-class vessels simultaneously, further increasing its guest capacity. 2023 INDEPENDENT QUEST LLC Florida - USA. the beachs waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Review for .css-nczv9q{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:inherit;font-weight:500;}.css-nczv9q:hover,.css-nczv9q[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-nczv9q:focus-visible,.css-nczv9q[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas, Review for Adventure of the Seas to Bahamas, .css-1v3efdk{font-style:normal;font-weight:400;}.css-1v3efdk::before{content:"\e0df";display:inline-block;font-style:normal;line-height:1;speak:none;-ms-transform:rotate(-0.001deg);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;} Traveled with children, Review for Adventure of the Seas to Caribbean - All, Review for Oasis of the Seas to Caribbean - Eastern, Cabin Type: Superior Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony, Review for Quantum of the Seas to Bahamas. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs. Cruise Travelers can book this shore excursion directly. For those that are Certified Divers, Nassau has a few very interesting sites to explore. True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and its also possible to rent a car or motor scooter. And while Nassau is best known for crystal clear beaches and world-famous resorts, the port offers plenty of activities for all interests. 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. If you don't like to get wet but enjoy seeing the underwater world, this is the right shore excursion. This was one of the best cruises we have been on primarily for that reason. A delicious lunch and swim is also on the itinerary. Come with us on this awesome sightseeing tour! Zip Line 7. Plenty of Nassaus most historic sites are located just a 5 or 10 minute walk from the cruise port. 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. The staff was friendly and helpful. It's possible that you have been signed out due to inactivity. During this perfect day, you'll serenely glide along tropical Caribbean waters. The boats crew are dressed as pirates who tell pirate tales, share history, and provide an immersive experience for guests onboard. Also, we picked this cruise line for the luxury and I actually thought Carnival is better. 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.