Eat Lunch On The Ship
You already paid for the food on your cruise, so it makes no sense to eat overpriced burgers in Nassau when you get one for free onboard. On one visit, we paid $10 for a beer and almost $20 for a burger at Atlantis. Never again.
That said, if you want to try some of the local fare, there are several fantastic joints serving up conch fritters, many with outdoor seating. Ask a local for recommendations of where to get the best Bahamian fare for the lowest price.
The Best Things To Do In Bimini Bahamas: Now You Know
From exploring the seas to lounging on sandy beaches, you wont run out of amazing things to do in Bimini.
Reel in a marlin, go scuba diving with sharks, or snorkel above the famed Bimini Road. When youre finished playing in the water for the day, relax at a luxury resort with a cold drink in your hand.
Are you ready to experience all that Bimini and other exciting destinations have to offer? Book a cruise through us and get ready to set sail!
Feel free to discuss this topic and all things cruise at our new boards. A place where readers can ask questions, help their fellow cruisers and general cruise discussions on cruise lines and ports.
And if you like, feel free to cast your vote in the 2021 Cruise Ship Awards covering a range of categories, including best cruise ship and best cruise line.
Interactive Map Near Nassau Cruise Port
Here first is an interactive map of Nassau with points of interest. Click on the image below to view the map in Google Maps. Click on any icon on the map and it will tell you whats there. Youll find a list of places of interest by name when you open up Google Maps. Click on any name from the list, and it will indicate where on the map that point of interest is located. Above the list youll find a share button to e-mail the map to your travel companions! Mobile visitors: Pin this page for later so you can play around with the map better when youre on a desktop! Mobile visitors from Pinterest: First click the open button to view this page in your browser, then click the map below. This will allow the map to open up in Google Maps if you have that app on your phone. This will then allow you to explore a little better than within the Pinterest app.
You may also consider getting this laminated map of Nassau.
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Take An Underwater Scooter To Explore The Ocean
A SUB underwater scooter is a very cool way to really appreciate the marine life of Nassau. You can take your own personal submarine into the water without ever getting your hair wet and have perfect visibility of the vibrant coral and fish. Its a 6-hour excursion in your Scenic Underwater Bubble, and its safe for any level of experience as long as you are at least 12-years-old. The scooters go to 15-foot depths and travel at 2 knots. The time underwater us only about 30-minutes, and thats been the biggest complaint about this activity.
Check out this SUB adventure here.
Nassau Public Library & Museum
What started as a prison has now become a place where visitors can go for quiet time and a place to learn. The old prison cells are now used to house books, charts, artifacts, and more.
When you explore the museum, youll also be able to find historic prints, newspapers, and even colonial documents. Admission to the Nassau Public Library and Museum is free.
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What Are Popular Activities In The Bahamas
Visitors to The Bahamas can spend a day getting in the water, taking a tour by ATV or doing a little duty-free shopping.
Interacting with the abundant marine life is a popular activity for families in The Bahamas the Blue Lagoon Dolphin Encounter in Nassau is one of the few dolphin experiences certified by the Humane Society for animal welfare standards. For a more offbeat animal encounter, look into a swimming with pigs excursion, mainly accessible from private islands Great Stirrup Cay and CocoCay.
Pirates left their mark on The Bahamas, and guided tours and museums go into the history of the golden age of piracy, including notable local legends like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.
For as much as there is to do, many guests also spend the day at a resort or on the beach.
Nassau Cruise Tips Activities And Overview
Food and Drink in Nassau
Conch Fritters Bar and Grill, located across from the British Colonial Hilton, offers a TGIF-style dining experience at very reasonable prices. There’s also a full bar.
On Paradise Island, Anthony’s Caribbean Grill is casual-chic and offers gourmet-type pizzas, topped with jerk chicken excellent ribs, doused in an awesome barbecue sauce and giant warm-weather cocktails. The per-person cost for three courses, including wine, will run about $20.
Crocodile’s Waterfront Bar & Grill offers waterside dining under thatched tiki huts and island drinks galore. Consider this place if you’re looking for funky-casual. The Bahamian-style fried chicken is excellent. The per-person cost for three courses, including wine, will run about $20.
Cafe Matisse is our favorite spot on the island for a relaxing, languid lunch. Despite being named for a French artist, the food is Italian, and it’s fresh and beautifully prepared. If it’s a nice day, ask to sit out back in the serene courtyard. It’s a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The per-person cost for three courses, including wine, will run about $32. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. This is perhaps the island’s most popular restaurant for locals, so it gets busy.
Best Cocktail in Nassau
Beaches in Nassau
With 52 free and natural beaches around Nassau, you don’t have to pay to sunbathe in Atlantis. Junkanoo Beach is the closest to the cruise terminal.
Don’t Miss in Nassau
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Tips For Navigating Nassau Bahamas
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Nassau is a popular port found on many Bahamas cruises, but some cruisers are intimidated by the crowds and the touts. Some repeat visitors even opt to simply stay on the ship instead of enjoying the beaches, shopping, and water-based activities in port. With so much to see and do in Nassau, its a shame to miss out on all the fun. With a little bit of planning, you can have a fantastic day while the ship is docked in Nassau.
Follow these 11 tips for navigating Nassau to make the most of your day in the Bahamas.
The Bahamas Seeks Tourists Confidence
The Bahamian government seeks to instill much-needed confidence for tourists to travel to the Bahamas by cruise ship. As most cruise lines are already sailing with a large majority, or all guests, fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the extension will not cause much interference.
Tourism, Investments, and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper said this: We are taking action to extend that until 2022. We will be looking at it closely moving forward. We are actively in conversations with our various cruise partners. As you know, we welcomed Virgin Voyages cruises last week, a new ship to our shores, but we believe vaccination is the right approach to attract tourists to our shores in a balanced and responsible way.
The Bahamas government vaccination mandate requires all cruise passengers aged 12 and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Although crew, contractors, and any non-revenue passengers previously agreed upon between the government and cruise lines do not have to abide by the rule. The previous order took effect on September 3, 2021, and was due to expire on November 1, 2021.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended the Conditional Sail Order, meaning the existing policies will remain in place until January 15, 2022 there is, therefore, little reason for The Bahamas to abolish any of their policies:
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What Are Tips To Find Cruise Deals To Bahamas
Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Bahamas. If you book a guaranteed cabin , a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Bahamas. Last minute cruises deals to Bahamas appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to Bahamas in the shoulder season can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.
Excursion To Pearl Island
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Nassau is a common stop for most cruise lines and can often feel crowded. Up to seven ships are able to dock here at the same time, meaning you could be dealing with nearly 20,000 other tourists all hoping to see the same attractions. An excursion to Pearl Island takes you away from all of that and transports you to a secluded oasis just 15 minutes from the port by speedboat.
If you are looking to escape the crowds head to Pearl Island
Once there, put your feet up and relax with a beachside drink, go snorkeling with the on-site instructor and indulge in a Caribbean lunch. Kids will enjoy jumping on the trampoline in the water and all guests can take a souvenir photo before they leave. While these activities are common throughout Nassau, the sense of privacy and exclusivity that you get on Pearl Island is worth every penny or should I say, every Bahamian cent.
You can also book this tour to Pearl Island which includes lunch and leaves from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal.
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Discover Island Paradise On Award
Chart a course for the blissful Bahamas. A destination made up of 700 beautiful islands and 2400 stunning cays. Relax and recharge with the whole family in the gorgeous island paradise of the Bahamas on board the most luxurious ships at sea.
On a Bahamas cruise, youll experience a variety of exciting beach activities and in-depth shore excursions. Enjoy relaxing days lounging on white sand beaches and swimming in clear turquoise waters. Go snorkeling in the beautiful Bahamian coral reefs with extraordinary sea creatures. Or shop for hand-rolled Cuban cigars, hand-painted Bahamian art, and hand-woven straw hats at local markets.
Discover traditional Caribbean flavors and distinct cuisines like conch frittersa local favoriteand Johnnycakes . Enjoy delicious local Caribbean rumwhether its in a piña colada or in a delicious rum cake. Theres no shortage of different delicacies to sink your teeth into on a Bahamas cruise.
Whether its a quick getaway, summer vacation, or to spend quality time with family, when you vacation with us on a Bahamas cruise, youll come back completely relaxed and recharged.
National Art Gallery Of The Bahamas
When youre ready to escape the heat of Junkanoo Beach, you can access the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. Here, youll be able to find collections of historic and contemporary art.
The museum offers family programs for you and your children to learn about Bahamian art and culture, but there is also access to the public if you simply feel like roaming about the exhibits.
Whether youre simply wanting to view the art or purchase some for yourself from the gift shop, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is a must-see on any trip to Nassau.
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Things To Do In Nassau Bahamas Cruise Port
Looking for things to do in Nassau Bahamas cruise port? Look no further. In the turquoise waters of Junkanoo Beach Nassau, you can see another cruise ship arriving in your paradise. Your eyes look at the big boat that they are slowly anchoring in the harbor. The cool sea breeze glides over your face and you can enjoy sea salt on your tongue.
Everyone enjoys relaxing on the beaches in Nassau, but what else is there to do?
Ideal Things To Do In Bimini Bahamas
Heres your visitors guide with things to do in Bimini, Bahamas. Learn what to do in Bimini while your cruise ship is at the port.
If youre dreaming of a tropical vacation, make sure that Bimini, Bahamas is on your cruise itinerary.
Bimini island was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and, according to some, a possible location of the lost city of Atlantis. Miles of white sand beaches and clear blue-green turquoise waters await you, along with endless opportunities for fishing, diving, and water sports.
In this post, well reveal the best things to do in Bimini when your ship pulls into port. Keep reading for everything you need to know about Bimini!
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Enjoy Some Bahamian Art
The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is located in the historic colonial house of Villa Doyle built in 1860. Any art enthusiast will appreciate the life and work of these Bahamian artists as their struggle and fight for independence can be seen in their works. Each room has a theme that is reflected in the paintings and murals throughout. It will take a good hour to explore the art inside the building and there are sculptures outside as well. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 are free.
Day Pass At The Hilton Colonial Hotel With Beach Services
Enjoy a Day Pass at the Hilton Colonial, one of the top things to do in Nassau Bahamas on a cruise
The closest strip of beach to Nassau Cruise port is the beach at the downtown Hilton Colonial Hotel. Guest will require a paid for day pass to access the beach and swimming pool. The Hilton offers sun loungers and day beds aswell as restaurant and beach service as part of the day pass package.
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Enjoy A Dolphin Excursion
If you want to have a magical experience with these fascinating mammals there are plenty of places to choose from in Nassau. Keep in mind there is a difference between swimming with dolphins and dolphin encounters. Encounters are usually cheaper and in more shallow water. Swimming with dolphins can involve deeper water and life vests.
Get a picture of a dolphin giving you a kiss, shake the dolphins fin, and even enjoy a foot-push across the water, also known as dolphin water-skiing.
Here are some places that offer dolphin excursions around Nassau. All of the below places have both swims and encounters with dolphins.
Take On A Nice Change Of Pace At John Watlings Distillery
Overlooking the harbor, the Spirit of the Bahamas awaits you. Whether youre into rum or Red Turtle vodka, a guided tour of the John Watling distillery is worth a break from the sun and air conditioning. Besides the Nassau beach scene, Watlings Distillery is a good change. It is one of the top things to see in Nassau Bahamas.
Thousands of visitors arrive in Nassaus cruise port every day, pictured at Junkanoo Beach in July.
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The Bahamas Extends Vaccination Mandate For Cruise Visitors
The Bahamas is set to extend its vaccination mandate for cruise ship visitors until 2022. The current order was in place until November 1, 2021.
The Bahamian government announced an extension to the countrys vaccination mandate for cruise ships seeing entry to the Bahamas. The extension is set to remain until 2022 from November 1, 2021, which is when the current order ends.
The Bahamas was one of the first cruise destinations to implement the mandate for cruise ships earlier this year, which caused several cruise lines to change their onboard policies from COVID-19 vaccine optional to COVID-19 vaccine mandatory.
Dive With Sharks At Stuart Cove
If youre seeking thrills, look no further than Stuart Cove.
Stuart Cove offers multiple packages, but the most eye-catching is the Shark Feeder program. While you do have to meet a list of pre-requisites , its all worth it.
Accompanied by a professional and experienced shark feeder, participants are taken on a two-day adventure to prepare themselves for the ultimate event hand-feeding wild sharks.
The package also comes with snacks, ice, and water to drink while you take your private boat to the feeding spot. Once youre there, a photographer will accompany you to document the entire experience.
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Top Sights And Shore Excursions
Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. 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. 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. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. And, dont forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points.
Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau.
Never Pay Full Price In Shops
The same way you negotiated with vendors trying to sell you on a land tour, youll want to haggle for the best price in Nassaus shops. The merchants expect it, and set their prices accordingly. Sure, they hope that naive tourists will walk in and simply plop down their money, but they know that most people will try to get a bargain.
If someone offers you a t-shirt for $15, ask if theyll take $20 for two. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, and you go make the same deal at the next shop.
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