Top Things to Do on a Bahamas Cruise
If you want your next holiday to be extraordinary, consider taking a Bahamas cruise. Singles, couples, and families alike will enjoy making memories against a backdrop of white sand beaches and spectacular waters. Whether you're a thrill seeker or foodie, the Bahamas has something for everyone. Explore the following sampling of things you can do on a Bahamas cruise.
1. Interact With Local Wildlife
Animal lovers will appreciate Bahamas shore excursions that allow you to interact with local wildlife. In Nassau, for example, you can swim with dolphins as part of the Shallow Water Interaction at Dolphin Cay, part of the famous Atlantis Resort. You can also book an encounter with dolphins or southern stingrays on Balmoral Island, or you can sign up for the Stingray City excursion while your Norwegian cruise ship is docked at Great Stirrup Cay. At Ardastra Zoo in Nassau, you can hand-feed parakeets and see some flamingos up close in the Marching Flamingo Show.
2. Explore Underwater Sites
If you'd like to see tropical fish in their natural habitat, a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion could be up your alley. And fish are not all you can see. At Clifton Heritage National Park in Nassau, you can take a snorkeling tour of an underwater sculpture garden, a coral reef, and shipwreck props from movies such as “Thunderball” and “Jaws: The Revenge.”
3. Learn About Local History
History buffs will find plenty to keep them busy, too - starting with the Pirates of Nassau Museum. Located in Nassau's historic district, the museum focuses on the life and times of Blackbeard, "Calico" Jack Rackham, and other notorious pirates who plagued the Caribbean during the 1700s. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas is housed in a historic villa from the 1860s. The artwork in the gallery offers a glimpse into the culture and history of the Bahamas.
4. Shop for Gifts and Souvenirs
Of course, no cruise would be complete without a little retail therapy. You can shop for gifts and souvenirs aboard your Norwegian Cruise Line ship as well as at ports along the way. While you're in Nassau, head to Bay Street for some of the best local shopping. Shops are within easy walking distance of the port.
In the midst of the more modern shops lies the Nassau Straw Market, a place where you can find traditional straw crafts, wood carvings, and other handmade items. If you want to sharpen your haggling skills, many vendors are willing to bargain with you.
5. Schedule a Spa Day
Not every day of a cruise will bring you to a port. Fortunately, when you cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, you'll have plenty to do, even on sea days. Head to the Mandara Spa aboard your Norwegian cruise ship and schedule a day of pampering and relaxation. Choose from several massage therapies, such as the Hot Stone Heaven Massage or the Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage. Tired muscles will enjoy the soothing heat and water therapies, from herbal steam rooms to the Vitality Pool. You can also schedule a facial, body wrap, or acupuncture treatment.
6. Try a New Water Sport
Depending on which Norwegian Cruise Line ship you're on, you'll find a variety of exciting activities available, including a children's aqua park and drop slides. Adventure seekers should have no problem finding new experiences to try in ports along the way. Spend a day at the Aquaventure water park, part of the Atlantis Resort, while you're in Nassau. Try parasailing at the beach, or book a wave runner tour at Great Stirrup Cay. You can also spend a few hours deep-sea fishing off the coast of Nassau or bottom-reef fishing off the coast of Grand Bahama Island.
7. Sample Food and Drinks
One of the best parts of any cruise is the food. Every Norwegian Cruise Line ship features several restaurants for guests to enjoy, plus you can sample authentic Bahamian fare at Nassau and other ports. If you're more excited for the drinks than the food, don't miss the John Watling's Rum Distillery in Nassau. Sign up for a tour and tasting, or head straight to the Red Turtle Tavern for your favorite rum-based cocktail.
8. Soak in the Sun
Don't forget to work some beach time into your Bahamas itinerary. Blue Lagoon Island is one of the most popular spots, given its private setting and on-site opportunities to interact with dolphins and stingrays. Great Stirrup Cay, Clifton Heritage National Park, and Balmoral Island all have beaches, or you can book the Beach Hideaway - All Inclusive excursion to spend the day at the Bahamas Adventure Beach Club on Grand Bahama Island. No matter where you decide to soak in the sun, you'll enjoy the signature white sand beaches of the Caribbean.
Cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian Cruise Line and leave your worries behind. Whether you choose to relax on the ship or pack in as much sightseeing as possible, you won't run out of things to do on a Bahamas cruise.