Best Family Cruise: Disney Cruise Line
- Sails From: Port Canaveral, Florida
- Duration: 3 nights
- Ship Name: Disney Dream
- Itinerary: Nassau, Bahamas Disney Castaway Cay Port Canaveral, Florida
For families who cant get enough of Disney, a Bahamas cruise on the Disney Dream transports the magic from the theme parks to paradise. Based in Port Canaveral about an hour drive from Disney World Resort in Central Florida the 4,000-passenger Dream is perfect for families who want to visit the parks before their cruise. One highlight on Dream is the Aqua Duck Waterslide, a transparent, 4-story slide extending over the side of the ship that passengers zoom down in rafts. Favorite Disney characters will roam the decks for meet-and-greets with the kids, and the theater showcases live musical performances of classic Disney films. On the private island of Castaway Cay, theres a blue lagoon for snorkeling, a teens hideaway, game pavilion, sports courts, and more.
Things To Do In Nassau
#1 Explore the Atlantis home to the largest Caribbean water park and a center for fun and activity. On Paradise Island, across from the harbor, youll discover acres of activities to pursue from exploring the aquariums to zip-lining over beaches or enjoy a swimming experience with dolphins. They may even have a scavenger hunt.
#2 One of the Bahamas distinctive private islands is off the coast of Eleuthera a half an hour boat ride away. Spend the day in sea kayaks, trampolines, and paddle boards on this sea day.
#3 Junkanoo Beach is a free, public beach with inexpensive lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. Its a 15-minute walk from the port and provides a taste of the islands renowned blue seas and silky sand.
Caribbean Vs Bahamas Cruise Itineraries
Both Bahamas and Caribbean cruise itineraries come in short and long varieties. The main difference when it comes to Caribbean versus Bahamas sailings is that Bahamas cruises visit multiple islands within one country, whereas Caribbean cruises include a mix of island and Central American mainland ports across several countries.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter
Caribbean itineraries are broken down into Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean routes. Western Caribbean cruises depart from southern U.S. ports from Galveston, Texas, to Florida and either go to Mexico and Central America or to the islands west of Cuba and Haiti. Short cruises tend to hit one or two ports in Mexico weeklong cruises visit a mix of island and mainland destinations.
Eastern Caribbean cruises depart mainly from Florida or Caribbean destinations like San Juan or St. Thomas. These sailings include the islands east of Cuba and Haiti, such as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Martin/Maarten, and Puerto Rico. Sailings labeled Eastern Caribbean that depart from northeast ports are either longer than a week or mainly Bahamas cruises that include a visit to one Caribbean port, such as the Dominican Republic or Grand Turk.
RELATED: Bahamas vs. Bermuda cruise itineraries
Ignore the sailings name and look at the ports of call to figure out where youre actually going.
You May Like: How Long Are Cruises To Hawaii
Miami To Bahamas Ferry Day Trip
The ferry to Bimini and Freeport is the cheapest way to get to the Bahamas. The ferry from Florida to Bahamas leaves from Fort Lauderdale every Wednesday to Sunday. It takes about two hours to get to Bimini by ferry, the first port of call. From Bimini the ferry moves on to Freetown. It takes another half hour to reach the busiest port in the Bahamas.
The round-trip costs around $198 before tax. Prices change throughout the year so you will have to check the cost and availability when you plan your Bahamas excursions.
You can choose to use the ferry via Bimini or directly to Freeport. The indirect ferry trip will, of course, cost you additional time. Arrange for the ferry company to pick you up at your Miami hotel and youll drive by coach to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to board the ferry.
Most trips land at around 11 am and depart again at 6 pm. So, you have plenty of time to enjoy the sparkling beaches and coastal resorts on the islands.
Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Princess Cays takes up a nice slice of the southern portion of alluring Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, about 80 miles from Nassau. This is one of my favorite islands in the sun, with its pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters that make for great snorkeling and swimming. You can also rent aqua bikes, seaboards, paddleboats, clear-hull kayaks, sailboats or float rafts. Guests looking for pure relaxation can do some shopping, taste the island cuisine and exotic cocktails or just soak up the warm Caribbean sun. There are plenty of beach umbrellas, tiki huts and hammocks hung beneath dozens of shady trees.
Excursions at Princess Cays include:
- Tarpum Bay scenic drive
Recommended Reading: Which Cruise Line Is Best For Handicapped
Stopovers In Nassau Bahamas
The Bahamas Cruise from Miami follows a standard itinerary, across all cruiselines, with a first stop in Nassau Cruise Port New Providence Island. Believe it or not Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world!
Nassau is a convenient stop for cruises from Florida to Bahamas geographically it is the closest main port on the routes down to the Caribbean. But aside from the convenience of travel, Nassau is a very popular tourist destination. It offers something for everyone from historical landmarks to adventurous activities. Blessed with sunshine all year round, whether you want to relax on the white sands of Junkanoo Beach or enjoy the Aquaventure water park at Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, there truly is fun for all the family in Nassau Bahamas!
7 Top Rated Destinations outside of the Bahamas Islands
Cruiselines operating from Miami to Bahamas
Best European Cruise: P& O Cruises
PO Cruises
- Ship Name: Britannia
- Itinerary: Stavanger, Flam, Olden, Bergen
Families considering a cruise to Europe should consider sailing on Britannia, operated by the U.K.-based cruise line P& O. Their H20 Club is designed specifically for teens ages 13 to 17. There, theyll enjoy a pool table, retro-style arcade, game consoles, and more. Britannia also has entertainment for the entire family. Nightly shows include performances from comedy piano players to cabaret and pop music theres truly something for everyone.
You May Like: Jobs With Cruise Lines
Recommended Reading: How To Apply In Cruise Ship
Drive To Your Departure Port To Save Money
Sailing from a port close to your home can save money, and you can find Bahamas cruises departing from numerous cities around the U.S. Look at Galveston, Texas Baltimore Bayonne, New Jersey New Orleans Charleston, South Carolina Norfolk, Virginia and even New York City, as well as the popular Florida cruise ports. Just dont forget to include port parking fees in your calculations, as they may be higher than you expect.
Invest In A Cheap Digital Camera
Theres not much need to lug around expensive camera gear in the Bahamas, but an inexpensive, compact, waterproof digital camera might keep you from losing or damaging your far more expensive smartphone.
Sure, you can buy housings that allow you to take your phone underwater, but as a long-time snorkeler and diver I can tell you its incredibly easy to get caught up in an exciting moment and let go of a camera in the water. Do you really want that to happen to your new iPhone, or would the loss of a $69 camera hurt a little less?
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Travel Insurance For Disney Cruise
Bimini Ferry Mothers Day 2022
Javier
Bimini ferryMothers day 2022
Are you thinking about when is Mothers Day date 2022 and on things to do on Mothers Day 2022? The most common gifts that people give on Mothers Day are massage specials and enjoying a brunch near Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Port St Lucie, San Petersburgo, Cape Coral, Tampa or Orlando. If you are looking for ideas and special offers for Mothers Day and you want your gift to be original, we encourage you to give holidays. And what better vacation than a trip to Bimini by ferry, the paradise of the Bahamas islands closest to Florida.
If your budget is small, you can always opt for an inexpensive gift. The option of a day trip to Bimini by ferry is ideal for you. With Balearia Caribbean you can travel on the Bimini ferry from $135 + taxes per person in the month of May, for example.
If you want to enjoy Mothers day 2022 in Bimini you can take your ferry trip from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini and a two-night stay on the island. You will find the ferry tickets to Bimini on May 6th to May 8th, for example, from $225 + taxes, round trip, per person.
And if you want to turn your Mothers Day gift into the best and most original idea, give the ferry and stay package in Bimini at the Hilton Hotel at World Resorts Bimini. From $495 + taxes per person you will find a package of Bimini ferry and hotel in King bed double room .
Happy mothers day 2022 to all!
Bimini ferry Mothers day 2022
| Bimini ferry |
This promotion is non-refundable.
Where Do Cruise Ships Leave From In Miami
Large cruise ships will almost always be departing from the Miami Cruise Terminal. The address of the Port of Miami is 1015 North America Way, Miami, FL 33132. This port is considered one of the largest in the world boasting an impressive eight terminals capable of housing large cruise ships from any popular cruise line.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Alaska Cruise Itinerary
Top Shore Excursions On Bahamas Cruises From Miami
Dolphin Encounters
On a Bahamas cruise from Miami, you can tick off swimming with dolphins off your bucket list. Frolic in the waters with these friendly sea creatures as they come close for a cuddle at Blue Lagoon. At Aquaventure, you can combine a dolphin-filled day with a thrilling experience at the Caribbeans largest water park.
Lounge in Luxury
Some vacations call for pampering and pleasure. Head to your exclusive escape on Balmoral Island, where youll be treated to sparkling wine and gourmet treats. Cool down in the private pool or take a dip in the ocean just steps away. If its peace and quiet you yearn for, cruise to an adults-only beach on Blue Lagoon and spend the day sipping mimosas under the palm trees.
Snorkel, Scuba, Snuba
No matter how you choose to get under the sea, youre sure to run into some of the local marine life while youre here. Snorkel alongside stunning coral reefs as you swim next to gentle sea turtles. Learn how to scuba dive with an experienced instructor and plunge into the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Get the best of both worlds on a snuba adventure, where youll glide past radiant fish and coral gardens.
Is There A Shuttle From Miami Airport To Cruise Port
Yes! With Miami airport only being a short 10-15 minute drive away from the cruise port, youll find that there will almost always be a shuttle service available. Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean have a shuttle service from the airport directly to the cruise port. Alternatively, you could also seek out and find an independent shuttle which will typically come at a lower price. If youre unable to find a shuttle, there will always be the option of taking a taxi or using a rideshare app to bring you to the cruise port, however, this is generally considered to be the most expensive choice.
You May Like: What Cruise Lines Sail Out Of Boston
Helpful Tips Before You Go
As you prepare for your Bahamas cruise, theres a lot to think about, especially if youve never been on one before. Try to anticipate the needs that you and your fellow travelers will have and create a checklist of key items you need to bring. With that in mind, here are some suggestions about what to pack and make sure you do before you board one of our ships and depart on an amazing Bahamas cruise.
Remember your sunscreen, bathing suit, sunglasses, and bug repellant.
Turn on your international cellular service plan.
Have your documents protected and photocopied.
Research the ports and check the weather to pack properly.
Book Flights by Celebrity® to be protected in case there is any cancellation.
Research the shore excursions and book them in advance, pre-cruise. The popular shore excursions sell out fast.
Miami To Bahamas Day Tours
The drone aerial view of Stocking Island, Great Exuma, Bahamas.
Miami to Bahamas day tours have become increasingly popular. Its little wonder since these beautiful tropical islands offer a quick step away from the stresses of daily life. Here clear blue waters lap 2,000 miles of isolated sandy beaches. Beneath the water, marine playgrounds teem with vibrant colors and diverse marine life.
Because of their proximity, it is best to take a day tour to either Bimini or Grand Bahama.
Bahamas Air Tours also offers day tours to Exuma, Paradise Island, and the out islands of the Bahamas.
Plan a half-day cruise to the remote beaches on Rose Island or take a three-mile boat ride to Blue Lagoon Island.
Bahamas boat tours will run you around several of the islands from two hours to half a day. Its a wonderful way to see the area and you can take time out to snorkel, swim or fish.
The shallow waters around the islands offer brilliant snorkeling adventures and many of the boat tours include this in their program. Sunn Odyssey Divers in the Grand Bahamas Island is just such a company.
Also Check: Where Does Norwegian Cruise Leave From Nyc
Caribbean Vs Bahamas Ports Of Call
The main Bahamian ports are Nassau on New Providence Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Some ships have recently started calling on Bimini as well. Beaches and water sports are the main activities. Most cruise line private islands Royal Caribbeans Perfect Day at CocoCay, Carnival Corp.s Half Moon Cay, Disney Cruise Lines Castaway Cay, Princess Cruises Princess Cays and Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay are in the Bahamas and make for a great beach day.
Western Caribbean cruise ports include several ports in Jamaica and Mexico, as well as Grand Cayman, Roatan and Belize City. If you want to explore the ruins of ancient Mayan cities, youll want to choose an itinerary that visits Mexico and/or Belize.
Big-ship cruise lines call at the bigger Eastern Caribbean ports, such as San Juan , Grand Turk, the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas and St. Maarten/Martin. Smaller and more upscale ships will head for the more intimate Virgin Islands, such as St. John, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda. Most of these islands are beach and water sport destinations, though St. Thomas and St. Martin have a reputation for shopping. San Juan mixes old-city charm with modern restaurants and boutiques.
Bimini And Grand Bahama Ferry Travel Requeriments And Covid Restrictions
Javier
Bimini and Grand Bahama ferry Travel Requirements and covid restrictions
New requirements effective on June 19th, 2022.
Every passenger that is fully vaccinated WILL NO LONGER NEED A TEST.
All unvaccinated travelers ages 2 and older will be required to obtain either a negative RT-PCR test or a Rapid Antigen test taken no more than three days prior to travel and present the negative test results at check-in before travel to The Bahamas.
Passengers will be required to bring Covid test result, proof of vaccinations on travel day. This is a mandatory request by The Bahamas government. The embarkation may be denied due to failure of facilitating the proper travel documents.
Children under the age of 2 are exempt from testing requirements.
* Currently, no Covid test or vaccination is required to enter Florida when traveling by ferry.
May 31, 2022: LATEST UPDATE from the Bahamian authorities regarding passengers traveling to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale on the day trip. Although those passengers who come to the Bahamas for one day trip do not need to present the Health Visa upon arrival at the port of the Bahamas, it is mandatory that they present a negative result of a rapid antigen test upon arrival.
All other passengers who spend at least one night in the Bahamas must present the Health Visa upon arrival in the country.
Requirements to travel to Bimini and Grand Bahama for VACCINATED passengers:
Travel with CHILDREN and BABIES to Grand Bahama and Bimini by ferry
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Month To Cruise To Bermuda
Enjoying The Private Islands On A Bahamas Cruise From Miami
Each of the main cruiseline brands have their own private islands in the Bahamas archipelago. Often the highlight of a Bahamas cruise from Miami itinerary the allure of enjoying a private island for the day is the main attraction of a Bahamas cruise. And rightly so, for an archipelago nation like the Bahamas with over 700 different islands to enjoy, its the picture perfect vacation experience enjoying a tropical island oasis with your family and friends.
Exploring Coco Cay, private island on a Bahamas Cruise from Miami
Cococay Royal Caribbean Cruiseline, in the Berry Islands. Read more in our Guide to Cococay.
Halfmoon Cay – Holland America Cruiseline, between Eleuthera and Cat Island. Read more in our Guide to Halfmoon Cay
Great Stirrup Cay Noreweigan Cruiseline, in the Berry Islands. Read more in our Guide to Great Stirrup Cay.
Whilst each island is different geographically, they all have very similar setups. Surrounding the main white sand beach are full service beach clubs, sun loungers, pilapas and drinks bars. Activities include kayaking, jetskiing, sailing, snorkeling and banana boat rides.
The one thing that a Bahamas Cruise from Miami misses, is the opportunity to experience the authentic Bahamas. The authentic small island experience which is both cultural and scenic.