Cruises to the Bahamas: The Ultimate Getaway

A cruise to the Bahamas is a tempting vacation treat—so close by, and yet so sunny, warm, and different from the mainland United States. The allure of white sand as soft as powdered sugar and the appeal of pale-blue waters is undeniable. Once there, you can snorkel, dive, and admire the fish-filled reefs that are common in this region. Lucky for U.S. residents, these semi-tropical destinations are fairly easy to reach from Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando), Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), and even New York City, all popular embarkation points for Bahamas cruises. However, if you leave from Manhattan’s West Side cruise ship terminal, you might end up adding several days of boat time onto your adventure.

Moreover, one unique appeal of the Bahamas, compared to other warm and beachy cruise destinations, is the presence of private islands. These “islands”—often just peninsulas or gated-off plots—serve as hotel-less resort areas exclusively for cruise ship visitors. Visitors can find a range of amenities, including cabana rentals, water sports, 5K challenges, BBQ cookouts, adults-only beaches, and even attractions like water slides, splash parks, swimming pools, zip lines, and roller coasters. When visiting one of these private islands, you can also join shore excursions like snorkeling and boat rides. Best of all, if you wish to simply relax on the sand while sipping frozen drinks, it’s often as easy as waving an arm in the air.

Continue reading for some of the best Bahamas cruises currently available.

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas

This is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s standout Quantum class, accommodating 4,180 passengers. On a six- to eight-night cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, to the Bahamas, you can enjoy some of the ship’s luxurious amenities, such as a skydiving simulator, the North Star view capsule extending over the sea, and bumper cars at the expansive Seaplex. Once in the Bahamas, you will visit CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, where you can snorkel, Jet Ski, or simply lounge under the sun.

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line’s 4,000-passenger ship offers three- to six-night cruises departing from Port Canaveral, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Most itineraries include Nassau, the Bahamian capital, and Castaway Cay, the line’s spectacular private island. Even though some sailings are short, Disney packs its itineraries full of activities and amenities, including a kids club, spa, pub, several pools, and teen-centric dance parties. Young passengers will especially love spending time with beloved Disney characters.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky

Experience the sunset up at the Pinnacle Lounge while dining on delicious sushi rolls aboard the Norwegian Sky. This ship accommodates 2,004 passengers, featuring a pool, spa, casino, theater, and ten dining options as it travels year-round between Miami and the Bahamas. Three- and four-day sailings typically include stops at Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, where guests can relax in oceanfront cabanas or snorkel in the Silver Cove lagoon.

MSC Cruise Line’s MSC Divina

This ship was the first in MSC Cruise Line’s fleet to cater specifically to North American travelers. Still, it maintains a European flair with upscale Italian ristoranti, a stone piazza, and a gelato bar. Cruises from Miami to the Bahamas offer mini three-night sailings and extended trips of up to 18 days around the entire Western Caribbean. Basic itineraries stop at Nassau and Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island reserve. Guests, numbering up to 4,345, can enjoy various entertainment options, including a casino, Broadway-style shows, and inviting deck parties.

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic

Disney Magic is the original Disney cruise ship, now offering three- to five-night Bahamian itineraries from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. Young cruisers will revel in dining at the “Tangled”-themed Rapunzel’s Royal Table or grabbing a slice at Pinocchio’s Pizza. They’ll learn from characters like Spider-Man at the Marvel Super Hero Academy, experience fireworks at sea, and get the opportunity to transform into princes and princesses at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Adults can escape to the kid-free piano bar, Keys, or indulge in treatments at Senses Spa & Salon.

Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess

Princess Cruises extends an invitation to explore seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, stopping at Princess Cays, the line’s Bahamian Island, which departs from Fort Lauderdale. Passengers can also enjoy sights of either Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; or even Falmouth, Jamaica. Alternatively, explore St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, and St. Kitts during these adventures. For those with 14 days to spare, an east/west grand tour is an option. On the 3,560-passenger ship, you’ll discover a vibrant piazza with entertaining street performers, a cocktail bar and club for adults, as well as theaters and sports courts. Be sure to plan ahead; these cruises fill up quickly.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway

This ship sails from New York City to the Bahamas, with stops at Orlando, Port Canaveral, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay, and either Nassau or Bermuda, depending on your selected eight-day itinerary. The Norwegian Getaway, accommodating a maximum of 3,963 guests, features an open-air promenade for breezy strolls, Broadway musicals, a water park with thrilling water slides, and a pirate ship-style plank that extends eight feet over the side of the ship.

Holland America’s Eurodam

This 2,104-passenger Holland America ship attracts music lovers, food enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike. Between stops, you can enjoy venue hopping along the Music Walk, featuring Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, and Billboard Onboard. Participate in cooking demonstrations or indulge in food and wine tastings. Offering nearly a dozen dining choices, from New York-style pizza to sushi and authentic Italian and Asian cuisine, Eurodam embarks from Fort Lauderdale on Caribbean cruises, many of which stop at Half Moon Cay or Nassau, or both, lasting from seven to 21 days.