Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas.  It is located on the 21-mile-long-island of New Providence and is connected, via a bridge, to Paradise Island.  Nassau is a popular stop for cruises because it is located less than 200 miles from South Florida and has an abundance of attractions.  Three million cruises passengers visit Nassau annually. Up to seven cruise ships can dock at the port at the same time.

The Bahamas are a world-class liveaboard destination, famous for ultra crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and thrilling shark and wreck dives. The islands are easy to reach in just one day, with direct flights from many US cities. And, most liveaboards offer activities for non-divers and a full range of PADI courses, too. So, this region is perfect for family dive holidays, first-timers, and groups that include snorkelers.

Following our trip to the Exumas, I had many intrigued people send me messages on Instagram asking how exactly to get to the Exumas. It’s a valid question if you haven’t been and the natural consideration is flying into Nassau, the Bahamas’ most popular point of entry. Unless you’re planning on spending time in Nassau though, your options for flying direct into the Exuma island chain are likely a better bet. Great Exuma (GGT) has a great airport for accessing the region, and direct flights from FLL, ATL, MIA and CLT .....are available. If you’re on an early flight like us, you’ll be able to check into your accommodations by mid-day, giving you the afternoon to settle into beach life with a Goombay Smash in hand. Show less

My first impression of Nassau is that it doesn’t really exemplify the Bahamas that you picture in your mind, certainly not in the way that Castaway Cay did. In fact, I question why it is on the cruise route at all since it didn’t really feel like there is a whole lot to do there unless you have hundreds to drop at the Atlantis Casino and water park.

I don’t mean Nassau or Freeport, though the big cruise ports can be a certain kind of fun. I’m talking about the Out Islands… Exuma, Eleuthera, Andros, Abaco, Long Island, Bimini and others. Most folks don’t realize that there’s a long list of inhabited islands that aren’t Paradise Island or Grand Bahama, and that’s a crying shame because it’s some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

If there is one thing that Freeport, Bahamas has in abundance its beautiful beaches. Beaches that perfect for commercials. Beaches that make it really hard to leave, and beaches where you’ll find yourself as the only one there.

On the one hand, this beach bar fits perfectly in this environment; on the other hand, the food is delicious. It’s located near Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma.

I don’t mean Nassau or Freeport, though the big cruise ports can be a certain kind of fun. I’m talking about the Out Islands… Exuma, Eleuthera, Andros, Abaco, Long Island, Bimini and others. Most folks don’t realize that there’s a long list of inhabited islands that aren’t Paradise Island or Grand Bahama, and that’s a crying shame because it’s some of the most stunning scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world. 

Nassau is a great destination to do some shopping. You will find cheap trinkets and high end shopping all just blocks away from the cruise port in Nassau.

Our second port and another new place for me — St. Thomas. A combination of lush green rolling hills and beaches so perfect they belong on a calendar. I would seriously consider moving here.

There are thousands of amazing spots to snag a sunset in The Bahamas, but one of my top picks is Pink Sands Beach on compact, stylish Harbour Island. There’s nothing more dazzling than the pink sand reflecting a fiery sunset and deep jade water. Explore accommodations in Harbour Island.

Bay Street is Nassau’s Prime shopping street and by far the city’s busiest. If you want to do a shopping spree this is definitely the place to do it. One reason many people like to cruise or visit the Caribbean is for tax-free and duty-free shopping.

The grotto got it’s name from the 1965 James Bond movie “Thunderball” that was actually filmed there. The bar at Staniel Cay Yacht Club is full of pictures from the filming there. Plan your trip to the Grotto during low tide so you can safely snorkel inside the cave. You’ll just be amazed at all the fish you’ll see. There’s also an opening on the top of the cave so it’s not as dark as you may expect. On our 2nd visit we were fortunate enough to see a manta .....ray swim into the grotto and then quickly swim right back out. Show less

In addition to the external ambiance, passion can also be enhanced by your internal well-being. In other words, relaxation and doing right by your spirit can open you up romantically — and what better way to do so than with a couples visit to the spa?

This self-proclaimed most unique and artistic structure on Bimini is a weird but wonderful mix of museum, art gallery, sculpture and home. Local visionary artist Ashley Saunders built this spectacular abode himself, and uses his beach-combed finds and practically anything he can get his hands on to decorate both the interior and exterior. Beside the art however, the convivial host is always happy to share his encyclopaedic knowledge of the islands with his visitors, giving a vivid, graphic and above all else, interesting and local perspective that you won’t find in guide books.

A beautiful example of colonial architecture in the Bahamas, Parliament Square features a bright pink building with statue of Queen Victoria in front. 

Ok so the famous Atlantis hotel is really pricey for a day trip and I wouldn’t say it’s completely worth the money, but when in Rome, right? We made sure we had saved up lots of spending money before we went so that we didn’t miss out on anything while we were there. At the Atlantis hotel, you can go on all the terrifying water slides which seem to drop 90 degrees and are called things like “The Abyss” – I gave these a miss, I think I had enough .....thrills in Orlando. There’s also the aquarium, full of creatures like sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, etc. I adore aquariums, I could look at fish all day! Add to this beautiful beaches and lovely swimming pools and you can definitely have a full day trip here. Oh, and did I mention the shops? It’s designer after designer with everyone from Gucci to Cartier. I bought a Michael Kors bag, and let me tell you – it was way cheaper than in the UK. Show less

During our second boat day, we stopped at Chat n’ Chill for lunch on Stocking Island but we wanted a fully dedicated day to enjoy the beach bar and neighboring island. For our final full day, we took Elvis’ Water Taxi to Stocking Island ($15pp round trip) where we spent the day from about 11AM until 4PM, soaking up the sun, swimming with stingrays and enjoying fresh conch on the beach. If you’re not based on Stocking Island a day trip there is worth putting on your calendar! For those .....that aren’t as big on the beach bar vibes, check out the restaurant at Lumina Point, also located on Stocking Island. Show less

Ardastra Gardens was actually the first zoo in the Bahamas, which is interesting considering just how lush and tropical the landscape is.

There are beaches and then there are Bahamian beaches - beautiful coastal stretches that feature everything from bars with thatched rooves on Cat Island to rose-coloured sand on Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island. For many, this and their resort’s pool is enough to keep them occupied for endless relaxing hours. For others, there’s the deepest known salt water hole to explore at Dean’s Blue Hole, the Pirates of Nassau Museum for a unique history lesson and the Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis Paradise Island to keep all ages entertained. There’s .....even an island famed for its swimming swine nicknamed ‘Pig Island.’ Yes there’s much more to the Bahamas than a couple of beaches – for more ideas talk to our team of travel Experts. Show less

Atlantis and Paradise Island are world famous. It is an aqua adventure park and luxury hotel site on the gorgeous Paradise Island. It features a casino, water rides and adventures, a beautiful beach and golf course. Located on Paradise Island are also the island homes of the rich and famous. 

The Disney Wonder will begin 2017 by finishing up her time in Galveston, Texas with two 7-night Bahamian voyages to Key West, Castaway Cay and Nassau.

Head over to the man-made island of Arawak Cay (known to the locals as “Fish Fry”), a local beach dusted with pastel-colored shacks, incredibly fresh conch from vendors cracking the mollusks right before your eyes, fried fish and grits, lime-marinated conch and plenty of coconut milk laced with gin. It’s very popular, especially with the locals, and very crowded, especially on weekend evenings from 5 p.m. until midnight. It’s on the harbor, across from Fort Charlotte.