Thousands of people take cruises in the Bahamas
every year for various reasons. Without a doubt,
two of the main reasons have to do with the
spectacular weather and the beautiful beaches.
While some people go to relax, others book a
cruise to meet new people and have fun. Whatever
your motivation is for taking a vacation from
the routine of everyday life, the Bahamas is
a great place to visit. Here are some Bahamas
cruise tips that will inform you on what ship,
time of year, and events are best for you.
Bahamas Cruise Tips: Which
one is my dream boat?
Carnival
Cruise Line and Disney
Cruise Line offer fun-filled and family
oriented vacations. With supervised activities
available for children, parents can enjoy the
getaways as much as the kids! In most cases,
the ships are huge and guests can choose from
a wide range of entertainment and dining options.
Those
looking for a luxurious experience should check
out the high-end Celebrity
Cruise Line Guests are invited to view original
works of art (often available for purchase),
enjoy fine dining and vintage wines, and be
pampered from head-to-toe in their world-famous
spas.
For a more intimate setting, Windstar
Cruises promote smaller-scale tours for
adults only. Their ships accommodate only a
few hundred people, giving them a private yacht
ambiance. Guests often appreciate the cruise's
intention for less entertainment and more peace
and quiet. An added bonus is being able to dock
in much smaller ports than larger ships.
There are many other choices of cruise lines,
some of which cater to vacationers with specific
interests. Some focus on spring break, some
provide an open bar, some boast an exciting
casino, and others are Italian-themed. The great
selection of tours is part of what makes Bahamas
cruises so popular.
When is the best time to go?
Important Bahamas cruise tips include
knowing when to travel to this tropical paradise.
With regards to weather, tourists should be
aware that hurricane season in the Caribbean
is between June 1st and November 30th. However,
many still take Caribbean cruises during that
period of the year even though they are at higher
risk of encountering bad weather.
Holidays and Cultural Events
Participating in the multiple events
celebrated in the Bahamas can make your trip
much more memorable! Of course, Christmas Holidays
and New Year's Eve/Day are great times
to visit, but there are many other cultural
events that are exciting and worthwhile.
Emancipation Day on August 1st celebrates the
freeing of slaves in the British Empire. The
first day includes a fun-filled footrace. The
world-famous Bahamas Junkanoo Festival is held
the following day in Fox Hill Village, near
Nassau. Here tourists are invited to enjoy an
outstanding feast of locally-prepared foods,
while musicians compete against one another.
Another Bahamas-specific event is July 10th
– Independence Day. Beach parties are
in full swing and fireworks are displayed all
over the Bahamas, the largest celebration being
on Paradise Island and in Nassau.
Things to do
In the water
The
natural beauty of the Caribbean islands is breathtaking
and some activities allow guests a closer look.
Scuba diving is a popular attraction
in the Bahamas; Andros Island is said to be
the best place to dive and explore.
Another exciting underwater excursion
is Hartley's Undersea Walk. Air is pumped
into lead masks that bring guests to the ocean
floor, allowing them to interact with marine
life.
Swimming with the dolphins
has become an extremely popular activity that
takes place on Blue Lagoon Island. Participants
can feed and pet the dolphins; however, visitors
should book early. Also located on Blue Lagoon
Island is Stingray City where tourists can actually
swim with these friendly fish. In all the underwater
activities, natural coral and colorful fish
abound, so do not forget your waterproof camera!
On land
For those who prefer to be on foot, the
Versailles Gardens are spectacular!
Even though they are located on hotel grounds,
they are open to all, free of charge. In addition
to exotic tropical flora, the gardens feature
French statues and art work.
Golf-enthusiasts can enjoy
some of the world's most beautiful courses
on Grand Bahama Island and Paradise Island,
while those looking for a taste of culture and
history can visit the Queens Staircase. This
is a walking tour of Nassau, featuring a 102
feet high staircase built by slaves in 1793.
Interesting sites are plentiful!
Whatever ship you choose to set sail on, your
destination should be the Bahamas - a great
spot to relax and have fun!
About the Author:
Fred Coolridge is the content manager and
author for the website Great
Exuma Island, Bahamas - www.exumabahamas.org.
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