If you live in North America, one of the world’s most popular, warm-weather cruise destinations is always close by: The Bahamas. This nation of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets, is sprinkled over more than 500 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the islands are less than 100 miles off the Florida coast, just north of the Caribbean.
During the
winter, Bahamian weather is clear and balmy, with daytime temperatures hovering
around 80 degrees. Summers are a bit warmer and wetter, but that doesn’t
diminish the beauty of the islands and their palm-fringed beaches.
Most
cruises to The Bahamas call on Nassau, the capital and home to about 70% of the
population. It’s one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, with plenty to see
and do.
History
buffs will find historic sites in walking distance of the cruise ship dock, Prince
George Wharf. These include buildings that date from the 17th and 18th
centuries when Nassau was home to pirates and those who wanted to capture them.
In Parliament Square, the Bahamian Assembly, Senate, and Supreme Court meet in
pink, colonial-era buildings. Climb the Queen’s Staircase to Fort Fincastle,
which offers beautiful views. Or take an excursion to the historic villages of
Adelaide, Fox Hill, and Gambier, settled by Africans who gained freedom from
slavery in the 1800s.
If you want
to enjoy the water, take an excursion in a glass-bottom boat or ride a jet ski;
go snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing; or simply enjoy a nap on a beach. Beaches
popular with cruise ship visitors include Junkanoo Beach, a leisurely walk from the
dock; Cable Beach, prized for soft sand and clear water; and Montagu Beach, which
has another historic fort. You can also take a water taxi to Paradise Island, a
beachy district where some hotels and resorts offer day packages for cruise
ship passengers.
If
souvenir shopping calls you, head to the Bay Street retail district, steps
away from Prince George Wharf. The Straw Market offers locally made crafts and
gifts, while nearby shops are filled with luxury designer goods. When you’re
ready for lunch, you can find it anywhere from an outdoor market stall to a
gourmet restaurant. Local delicacies include fresh conch fritters and peas n’
rice, made with brown pigeon peas.
Ask Anita,
your professional travel advisor, to help you select a cruise to The Bahamas
that includes a day in colorful Nassau.
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