When you step off your cruise ship and onto the shores of Nassau, Bahamas, you’ll be greeted with an array of exciting activities and attractions. From relaxing on world-renowned beaches to exploring historic landmarks, there’s something for every cruiser. Here are five things to see and do when your cruise stops at Nassau. Plus, a bonus tip you can do while you stop in Nassau. So be sure to read to the end! No matter what your interests may be, Nassau offers endless opportunities to make the most of your cruise vacation.
Take a Tour of Nassau
There are many tour operators that offer excursions to explore Nassau’s history, culture, and landmarks. You can visit historic forts, learn about local food and drink, and see the local wildlife.
Relax on the Beaches
Nassau has many beautiful beaches, such as Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the sun and water. Many beaches also offer water sports activities such as snorkeling, jet skiing, and parasailing. Blue Lagoon Island is a private island off the coast of Nassau that offers a variety of activities such as swimming with dolphins, kayaking, and paddle boarding. It’s also a great place for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
Visit Graycliff Hotel
The Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant in Nassau, Bahamas is a historic property that was originally built in the 1700s as a private mansion. Today, the property has been converted into a luxury hotel and features a restaurant, cigar factory, and chocolate factory where guests can learn about the art of cigar rolling and chocolate making.
Cigar rolling is a traditional craft in the Bahamas, and at the Graycliff cigar factory, visitors can see expert cigar rollers hand-rolling cigars from start to finish. The factory produces a variety of cigars using different blends of tobacco, and visitors can witness the entire process, including the selection of the tobacco leaves, the rolling and shaping of the cigars, and the final inspection and packaging.
At the Graycliff Chocolatier, visitors can witness the chocolate-making process, from roasting the beans to molding and packaging the finished chocolates. Visitors can sample chocolates made from locally sourced ingredients and learn about the history and culture of chocolate in the Bahamas. My family took this excursion back in 2019. We had so much fun learning about the different chocolate and then making our own chocolate bars.
Resort for the Day
There are several resorts in Nassau, Bahamas that offer day passes for visitors who want to enjoy their facilities for the day. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Atlantis Paradise Island: Atlantis is one of the largest and most well-known resorts in the Bahamas, and offers a variety of amenities such as a water park, aquarium, and casino. The resort offers a day pass that includes access to the beaches, pools, and other amenities.
- Baha Mar: Baha Mar is a luxury resort complex that features three hotels, a casino, a golf course, and a variety of restaurants and shopping options. Visitors can purchase a day pass that includes access to the pools, beach, and other amenities.
- Melia Nassau Beach: The Melia Nassau Beach is located on Cable Beach and offers a variety of amenities such as a pool, beach, and water sports activities. The resort offers a day pass that includes access to the facilities as well as food and drinks from the beach bar.
- SLS Baha Mar: SLS Baha Mar is a luxury hotel located within the Baha Mar complex, and offers a variety of amenities such as a pool, beach, and spa. The hotel offers a day pass that includes access to the facilities as well as food and drinks from the beach bar.
- British Colonial Hilton: The British Colonial Hilton is located in the heart of Nassau and features a private beach, pool, and other amenities. The resort offers a day pass that includes access to the facilities as well as food and drinks from the on-site restaurant.
These resorts typically offer a variety of activities such as water sports, lounging by the pool or beach, and access to restaurants and bars. Some resorts may also offer additional amenities such as spas or fitness centers for an additional fee. You can check Resort for a Day’s website for additional information on reserving a pass.
Pirate Museum in Nassau
The Pirate Museum in Nassau, Bahamas is a popular tourist attraction that showcases the history of piracy in the Caribbean. The museum is located 1 1/2 miles from the cruise port in a historic building in downtown Nassau and features exhibits and artifacts related to piracy, including authentic weapons, treasure coins, and historical documents.
Visitors to the Pirate Museum can take a guided tour of the exhibits and learn about the lives of famous pirates such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack. The exhibits are interactive and include audio and video presentations to help bring the history of piracy to life.
The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase pirate-themed souvenirs, and a replica pirate ship that can be boarded for photo opportunities.
The Pirate Museum is a great attraction for visitors who are interested in history and want to learn about the fascinating world of Caribbean piracy. It’s also a family-friendly attraction that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Bonus Tip: Spend the Day on the Ship
While it’s always exciting to explore new destinations while on a cruise, there are several advantages to staying on the ship while at port:
- Fewer crowds: When the ship is in port, many passengers disembark to explore the destination, leaving the ship relatively empty. This can be a great opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities without the crowds. You can relax by the pool, enjoy spa treatments, or take advantage of other onboard activities without having to wait in lines or fight for space.
- More personalized service: With fewer passengers onboard, the staff-to-guest ratio increases, allowing for more personalized service. You may find that the crew is more attentive and willing to go above and beyond to meet your needs.
- Cheaper prices: Many onboard services, such as spa treatments, specialty restaurants, and shops, offer discounts while the ship is in port to entice passengers to stay onboard. This can be a great way to enjoy these amenities at a lower cost.
- Opportunity to catch up: While on a cruise, there can be a lot of activities and events to participate in. Staying onboard while at port can give you the opportunity to catch up on some rest and relaxation, read a book, or simply enjoy some downtime.
- Enjoy the ship’s amenities: Cruise ships offer a variety of amenities, such as theaters, casinos, and sports facilities, that can be enjoyed while the ship is in port. With fewer passengers onboard, you may find it easier to access and enjoy these amenities without having to wait or compete for space.
Overall, staying on the ship while at port can be a great way to enjoy the ship’s amenities, relax, and avoid crowds. It can also be a good way to save money and enjoy more personalized service from the crew.
Choosing the right cruise can be a difficult decision. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I’m here to help. As a cruise specialist, I’m here to make sure you find the perfect cruise for your needs. My services are free and I’m committed to helping you find the best deal possible. With my expertise, I can help you navigate the large selection of cruises and find the one that fits your needs and budget. Let me help you make the perfect choice for your next cruise adventure! You can fill out this form to contact me today!
