The Bahamas is made up of 700 islands scattered throughout roughly 100,000 square miles of ocean. Considered the clearest water in the world, the Bahamas also houses the world’s third longest barrier reef, and approximately 14.5% of the world’s coral.
With crystal clear waters, and a super-friendly (and laid-back) population of around 305, 000, its no wonder the Islands of the Bahamas are among the most visited islands in the world. While the Bahamas is made up of hundreds of islands, there are 14 main islands serving as a hub for the other 686. The 14 main islands include the popular Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, as well as “The Out Islands.� The Out Islands include: The Abacos, Acklins/Crooked Island, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera/Harbour Island, The Exumas, Inagua, Long Island, Mayaguana, and San Salvador.
You can always travel to the Bahamas by air, but one of the best ways to enjoy the islands is by sea. A Bahamas Cruise offers more than just a way to reach the Bahamas — passengers have the privilege of becoming part of the magnificent scenery of the Bahamas, and becoming one with nature.
Currently, you’ll find several cruise lines that offer the highest number of cruises to the Islands of the Bahamas including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Discovery Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean International. The great thing about cruises to the Bahamas is that they are never out of reach financially – especially for families. A Bahamas cruise can start at as little as $239 for a three-day cruise!
While Bahamas cruises tend to fit a wide variety of budgets, they also come in all shapes and sizes. Typical Bahamas cruise itineraries include three, five, and seven-night cruises. Longer cruises are usually 10-day Caribbean/Bahamas cruises. Excursions run the gamut from scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, and sunning to bird watching, cave exploration, sailing, fishing, and golfing. The Islands of the Bahamas are also popular for festivals, shopping, nightlife, dining, and even weddings!
Before choosing a Bahamas Cruise, there are a few things to consider. One of the most important things to consider is the weather as this can make or break your trip.
The climate in the Islands of The Bahamas is warm year around. The best time to visit is September through May, when temperatures average 70-75 degrees. During other times of the year, the temperatures are warmer, averaging roughly 80-85 degrees. During the summer months it can become very humid, but at night temperatures may drop 5-7 degrees. Keep in mind that June to November is considered hurricane season, and May through October is considered the rainy season.
Another thing to consider is how to pack for your Bahamas cruise vacation. The best types of clothing to pack is casual summer clothing to wear during the day, and a jacket or sweater to wear at night — especially if you’re visiting anytime between December and February. In the more cosmopolitan areas such as Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya, the majority of hotels, restaurants, and casinos will require jackets for men in the evening.
Unlike most cities across the U.S. where it’s perfectly ok to strap on a pair of inline skates and roll down the boardwalk or bike path in nothing more than a bikini, this is not the case in certain areas in the Bahamas. Beach clothing is highly inappropriate on the streets, in churches, restaurants, and casinos. In a nutshell, it should only be worn on the beach. If you find yourself in a remote area, the dress codes are much more relaxed.
Now that you know when to go, what to pack, and which cruise line is best, it’s time to book your cruise. Simply contact any of the cruise lines listed above, or give your local cruise travel specialist a call. Good Luck!