Why The Bahamas Is a Top Destination for Family Cruises

Looking to book a family vacation that checks all the right boxes? There's a reason so many parents choose the Bahamas for their first big cruise adventure with the little ones.

Whether you want to book a mini-getaway over a long weekend or treat your family to a once-in-a-lifetime extended experience at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line has flexible options to fit every lifestyle. Pack your bags and get the kiddos ready, because the Bahamas are waiting for you to make some unforgettable memories. 

With multiple departure points to choose from, getting your whole family to the Bahamas couldn't be easier. If you're on the East Coast, you can set sail from New York or Philadelphia. And if you're in Florida, you're really in luck. We have ships departing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.

Don't live nearby? These cities are all amazing vacation hubs in their own right. Tack on an extra day to explore, and your family will get to enjoy two vacations instead of one.

Our itineraries are just as flexible. Squeeze in a quick two- to five-day cruise to the Bahamas over a long weekend, or treat your family to an extended Caribbean or Transatlantic getaway for spring break this year. 

The Bahamas are nothing short of paradise, especially for families. Explore several ports of call or hang out at Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, for your whole trip. Either way, you're sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Let's explore what each destination has in store so you can plan the most epic getaway.

Great Stirrup Cay should be at the top of every family's travel bucket list. Even if you've been here before, you'll want to visit again. Norwegian has been busy adding more features and attractions to make this one of the best destinations on family cruises to the Bahamas. Our all-new Splash Harbor is the perfect place to let the kids burn some energy. With a 3,000-square-foot splash pad, water toys, and shade loungers for the parents, you can easily spend an entire day here. Nearby, you'll find the new Great Life Lagoon. 

Take a dip in our cruise-ship-size heated pool while you bask in the beautiful ocean views. When you're ready to explore the rest of the island, simply hop on our new tram system. And when hunger strikes, you'll find plenty of complimentary dining options. It's our private island, so the same deals you get on our ships? You get them here, too. Swing by a classic hot dog cart, get creative at our build-your-own taco bar, or indulge at our BBQ buffet. There's something for everyone (even the picky eaters) at Great Stirrup Cay.

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you can't weave a few educational topics in for the kids. Set sail for Nassau to explore the capital of the Bahamas and bring its rich pirate history to life. After all, Blackbeard once roamed these shores. When you've had your fill of museums and cultural experiences, treat your family to an afternoon at the Atlantis Aquaventure Park.

With thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and even a unique kids' water fort, everyone is sure to have fun. Afterward, explore the nearby markets to indulge in local treats like conch fritters and jerk chicken. 

Departing from Miami? Bimini is just 50 miles away. This hidden gem is perfect for families looking for a little laid-back charm and time to reconnect. Kayak through the mangroves with the kids or snorkel through the coral reefs as you point out tropical fish and sea turtles. 

Just because school is out doesn't mean learning has to stop. Bimini was once home to Ernest Hemingway and may have even inspired his novel, "The Old Man and the Sea." Spend an afternoon at the Bimini Museum to learn all about his time here, or book a deep-sea fishing trip to see what you can reel in.

Pack even more fun into your cruise to the Bahamas with our thrilling shore excursions. Explore some of our top-rated options for families below.

Take a 40-minute scenic boat ride through the historic Nassau harbor on a high-speed ferry. Then, get ready to unwind and relax. Lounge with your partner in a double hammock while the kids play beach volleyball or soccer. Or visit the dolphin encounter to see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions. To top it all off, we'll include a complimentary lunch the whole family will love.

If there's one excursion you absolutely have to book for your family, it's The Swimming Pigs Tour. This quirky adventure kicks off with a scenic drive along the western tip of Grand Bahama Island. Once you reach Crystal Beach, you'll have the opportunity to wade into the calm azure waters where a group of friendly pigs will be eagerly waiting to splash alongside you. After this unforgettable swim, spend some free time at the Port Lucaya Marketplace. It's the largest open-air shopping venue in the Bahamas, so be prepared to stock up on duty-free treasures and souvenirs. 

We already mentioned that the Atlantis Aquaventure is a must, so why not take the stress out of planning your afternoon by booking a shore excursion through Norwegian? We'll take care of everything so you can just show up and enjoy this one-of-a-kind, 141-acre water park. The kids will go wild for high-speed attractions like the Mayan Temple and the seven-story Power Temple. 

And if you need a little time to recoup as a parent? The mile-long river float is just the thing. Afterward, check out the marine habitat, where you'll find 50,000 different types of fish. Or stroll through the Marina Village to do a little shopping. It's your vacation. 

Whether or not you've already booked the swimming with pigs excursion, we promise you'll also want to take a dip with the dolphins. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's perfect for older kids. Visit one of the world's largest protected dolphin facilities at Sanctuary Bay, where you'll have the opportunity to interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. 

After a quick educational session, you'll get to wade into the waters with a team of professional trainers who will teach you (and your kiddos) some fun hand signals to use as you free-form swim. And the best part? Professional photographers are on stand-by to capture all the most magical moments.

Flexible departure points, itineraries, and destinations are just the beginning. You also have plenty of Norwegian ships to choose from when you book your cruise to the Bahamas. Let's help you find the best option for your family.

Norwegian's Prima Plus class includes fan favorites like Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. With futuristic aqua parks, high-tech entertainment zones, and a bunch of interactive family experiences, these are the perfect ships to build long-lasting memories with younger kiddos. Norwegian Prima is also sailing to the Bahamas, and it comes packed with jaw-dropping attractions, including a three-deck go-kart track and a ten-story dry slide.

Looking for a mega-resort at sea? Norwegian's Breakaway Plus class has you covered. Set sail on Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, or Norwegian Escape to wow your entire family with over-the-top attractions, like race car tracks, virtual reality arcades, and sprawling water slides. Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway will also be headed to the Bahamas this year. While both of these ships fall into the Breakaway class due to their slightly smaller footprint, they still deliver plenty of fun. Expect your kids to want to spend all day at the water parks and rope courses on these family-friendly cruise ships.

Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Pearl are both ready to whisk your family away to the Bahamas this year. As part of our Jewel class of ships, they're both geared toward families who want to strike the right balance between exciting on-board activities and quality time. These ships are about half the size of our Breakaway Plus options, but they still pack a punch with kid-friendly attractions like the Splash Academy. 

You'll also find over a dozen dining options ranging from steakhouses to French bistros, so there's something for everyone when it comes time for dinner. This cozy, activity-packed ship also comes with multiple pools, a spa, and theaters.

If a more relaxed voyage is what your family needs, book your cruise to the Bahamas on Norwegian Dawn. It might be a smaller ship than some of the other options we've listed, but it has something unique.

Norwegian Dawn comes with cozy family mini-suites to give you an opportunity to connect with your kids. And when the adults need a break? There's still a dedicated kids' club waiting. With a dozen dining venues, you'll also have no trouble finding meals that suit everyone's taste buds. Feeling adventurous? Rotate between our Brazilian steakhouse, French bistro, and teppanyaki. 

Norwegian Epic is in a class of its own. With endless activities for kids (and adults) of every age, families can't wait to book cruises on this massive ship. Spent all day at the Aqua Park and let the kids tire themselves out as they try to get to the top of the towering climbing wall. 

Then, escape for a little R&R at the Mandara Spa. We promise, the thermal suite is exactly what you need after a long day of parenting. With multiple splash zones and a diverse range of entertainment options, Norwegian Epic is the ultimate playground at sea.

Book a family vacation you'll remember when you cruise to the Bahamas with Norwegian. Whether you set sail on Norwegian Epic or opt for the newest class of ship like Norwegian Luna, every class and destination is sure to lead to memories your family will treasure for a lifetime.