Must-Know Tips for a Perfect Bahamas Cruise

Table Of Content

• What ships visit Half Moon Cay?
• Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels
• I tried the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Here’s how they compare
• Things to do in Freeport
• Photo Gallery for Carnival Cruise Line Bahamas Cruises
• Hike Canaveral Seashore’s Klondike Beach: A 13-mile trek along wild Florida coastline
• Carnival Dream, The Bahamas & Key West from Galveston, June 29, 2024

Consider a Bahamas cruise on Celebrity Reflection, which takes a more relaxed approach to island time with its peaceful sun decks, chic atmosphere and emphasis on fine dining. The clientele is a touch older overall than on some other cruise lines, but there’s still plenty for families to enjoy, making it perfect for multi-gen groups. The Family-Friendly Portal is perfect for kids and families… and that means teens too! Beach villas and floating cabanas are just a couple of options that let families make this their home base, and of course there's family dining with plenty of cuisine choices. The Bahamas is a destination synonymous with laid-back living, and it’s no wonder why. The islands are blessed with crystalline seas, soft sand and warm, gentle breezes that caress and soothe even the most stressed-out soul.

What ships visit Half Moon Cay?

On a Carnival cruise to Freeport, you can enjoy a sun-baked day of your own kind of fun. Cruise to Freeport, Bahamas, and make your island getaway fantasies come true. But what is new is that just like cruise ships themselves, cruise lines continue to go bigger and better with their private, passenger-only locales. Places like Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay and NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay continue to offer more for passengers. Carnival revealed it would announce further details and openfor sale the first itineraries on at least ten ships from multiple homeportsthat will include a visit to the private destination in late September. The company behind the "Most Magical Place on Earth" also offers an equally wondrous experience on some of the best family cruises to the Bahamas.

Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels

It’s perfect for adults, families with kids… everybody who appreciates fun and natural beauty. Traveling to The Bahamas is an exciting vacation that allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery and a vibrant local culture, all while getting the rest and relaxation you crave. When you follow these Bahamas cruise tips, it’s easy to plan the perfect trip. Carnival offers a wide range of shore excursions that get you up close and personal with the scenery and culture of The Bahamas. You’ll have your choice of activities that bring you wonderful things to eat, water sports, adventures and more. With good weather year-round, you’re free to take your own schedule into account when planning your trip.

I tried the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian. Here’s how they compare

The best cruise lines to the Bahamas load their ships with water attractions, food experiences and enough entertainment to make your short hop to the islands a trip to remember. Liberty of the Seas does all of that on a ship that is big enough to impress, without being overwhelming. Freedom cruises in the Bahamas depart from Port Canaveral on four- or five-night itineraries, stopping at Nassau, Princess Cays, Grand Turk and Bimini for a nice variety of ports. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities, including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop. Liberty sails from Fort Lauderdale, alternating three- and four-night cruises that include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, so you get the complete Bahamas experience.

Things to do in Freeport

Explore Baltimore’s rich history and culture as you visit the local neighborhoods which are home to important world changing events. The site will also have a south-facing, mile-long beachfront expanse and a massive freshwater inland lagoon that the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean. Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food. The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years. Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will welcome ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville, as well as six other U.S. ports.

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The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day. For now, it has more than 500 itineraries planned among 18 ships available to book. Calypso Lagoon falls just to the west, home to the sport court and freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks.

Hike Canaveral Seashore’s Klondike Beach: A 13-mile trek along wild Florida coastline

Ideally, you should book ahead of time, so your desired excursion does not sell out. If you purchased one of Carnival's three Wi-Fi packages, you will not be able to use it ashore; however, some guests have reported being able to access cell coverage with Bahamian cell providers. Explorethe latest travel news, advice, updates, upcoming exclusive deals and more. The premium cruise line boasts some of the best restaurants at sea, while innovative entertainment keeps the party going till late.

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A summertime cruise is ideal for families with children who are on school vacation, while winter cruises are ideal for anyone looking to escape a snowy climate. If your schedule is flexible, traveling in the spring or fall can help you beat the crowds. Celebration Key is the first port destination exclusivelydesigned for Carnival passengers, with an eventual capability of welcoming twomillion guests each year. The property’s name was chosen as a celebration ofall that Carnival and The Bahamas have to offer for a memorable vacation. Throughout most of the year you can hop on a Bahamas cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line.

About 100 miles southeast is a quiet uninhabited island, Little San Salvador, home to Carnival’s Half Moon Cay. To make the most of your day, here’s what you need to know when visiting Half Moon Cay.

Though most foreign travel requires that you have a valid passport to come back home, cruising makes it easier to enjoy your vacation without worrying about this paperwork. If you are a US citizen, you can take a “closed-loop cruise” (one that begins and ends at the same port) to The Bahamas without a passport. Instead, you’ll need to present another proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. On a Carnival cruise, every instant is a chance to create joy and lifelong memories. Delight in a wide range of dining experiences, be entertained with live shows and activities, and rejuvenate in the comfort of luxurious staterooms. Carnival’s dedication to a family-friendly atmosphere and providing numerous onboard activities guarantees a delightful and unforgettable experience for every guest, regardless of their age.

The Retail Portal, known as Lokono Cove, is a colorful showcase of Bahamian culture and shopping. And if you're seeking some sparkle, get ready for duty-free jewelry and diamond shopping. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #halfmooncay — you may see them right here.

Of course, if you have a valid passport, you are welcome to use it on your cruise as well. Just that guests can assume there will be lots of options to choose from. But remember that Carnival’s fleet continues to grow in capacity with ships like Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. Now it’s Carnival’s turn with their upcoming destination located on Grand Bahama, just about 100 miles from Miami. There is also Lookout Bar, a more tranquil spot, on the opposite side of the island from the beach.