Cruises to Bahamas

What departure ports are available for a Bahamas cruise?

• Florida ports: It will come as no surprise that Florida is the most popular departure point for cruises to the Bahamas. Set sail from Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami for a 3- or 4-night adventure.
  
• Northern ports: Northeast residents rejoice—we have cruise ships leaving from New York City, Bayonne, New Jersey, and Baltimore for trips ranging from 7 to 10 days.
  
• Mid-coast ports: Ports in Norfolk, Virginia and Charleston, South Carolina make it easy for those on the middle east coast to sail away for anywhere from 4 to 7 days.
  
• Southern ports: If you live in the south or western parts of the country, you can still get great cruise deals. Consider cruising from Galveston, Texas, or New Orleans for a shorter flight to your departure port.
  

Where do cruises dock in the Bahamas?

• Grand Bahama Island: The Bahamas’ most northerly island is a wonderland of sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs, and duty-free shopping. You’ll dock in Freeport, and from there, the island is yours to explore.
• Nassau: The capital of the Bahamas, this is one of the most popular ports of call. Take a tour of the city’s pastel-colored colonial homes and visit the bustling markets for a day to remember.
• Private islands: Cruise vacations to the Bahamas frequently dock at a private island. Most of the cruise lines that operate in the Bahamas own an island or two.

What cruise lines sail to the Bahamas?

• Norwegian Cruise Line: This line offers departure ports in New York City and Miami, with tons of options for cruise length. Set sail on the Norwegian Sky from Miami for a quick 3- to 5-day adventure. Norwegian’s private island is Great Stirrup Cay.
• Royal Caribbean: The cruise line best known for tropical delight offers five different departure ports and a huge variety of cruise destinations. If you’re really short on time, you can even take a 2-day cruise. Its private island is CocoCay.
• Carnival Cruises: Everyone loves Carnival’s affordable cruises, with flexible itineraries and special offers. Plus, this line owns two private islands in the Bahamas—Princess Cay, which is used by Carnival Cruises and its sister line Princess, and Half Moon Cay.
• Disney Cruises: If you’re traveling with kids, Disney is the way to go. It owns a private island called Castaway Cay, where you’ll be greeted by costumed characters and play all day on waterslides and coral reefs.