The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise
destination for U.S. travelers, and is especially
popular with first-time cruisers from the U.S. Only
75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands that make
up the group can be reached within a matter of hours.
This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of
location for a short Bahamas cruise break of two,
three or four nights away from home.
Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the
Bahamas, of which only around 50 are inhabited.
Cruise lines generally focus on just two Bahaman
ports - Nassau and Freeport.
Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the
island of New Providence. It is a beautiful compact
city that is easy to explore inside a day's shore excursion.
The city's charm
is in its architecture - and of course its people. Late 18th
century and early 19th century colonial buildings stand as
reminders of Bahamas' British past. Parliament Square in
downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective on the city's
architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose marble
statue of Queen Victoria.
But Nassau is not just
about history. It has a vibrant modern side too. Quality
shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches, up onto which
the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean lap,
are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling,
diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting
time in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is
buzzing too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best
of Bahamian life.
A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand
Bahamas offers tropical paradise that is very close to
home. Easily accessible on a two-night Bahamas cruise,
Freeport is a city that welcomes cruisers and tourists
with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one of the
biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself
features a 10-acre international bazaar - a real
shopping paradise in the tropics!
The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs and live
entertainment in Freeport are
amongst the best in the Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on
a Bahamas cruise.
For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a
longer duration than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended
cruises, several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned by
the cruise company.
Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port Canaveral, Fort
Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which offer cruises to the Bahamas.
So, if you're looking to take a short romantic break, or just fancy a change of
scenery for the weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas
cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee you that the
experience will be one that lives long in the memory.
