Two Classic Cruise Favorites in the Bahamas For A Laid-Back Attitude and Relaxing Heavenly Bliss
The Bahamas, a classic cruise destination, and favorite among cruising fans, known for its calm beaches, laid-back attitude, and relaxing ambiance.
Essentially The Bahamas is 700 sun-splashed islands dotting the blue Atlantic, with Nassau as the bustling capital of the country. You’ll often find more than one cruise ship in port. We have been several times and each time there was a Disney cruise ship, a Royal Caribbean ship, and a Carnival cruise ship in port. At times there are 5!
Most cruise lines have their own private islands in the Bahamas. These islands boast many popular shore excursions and water excursions from snorkeling to jet skiing, and sailing.
HALF MOON CAY
Truly a hidden gem!
Half Moon Cay (one of our favorite destinations) and Princess Cays are both private-destination paradise sanctuaries. The white sand and the blue, clear water is something you dream of in a fantasy dream world.
Multiple excursions include sailing, strolling pearly pink and white-sand beaches, snorkeling, and swimming through sparkling turquoise seas.
Half Moon Cay is a 2,400-acre private island retreat for passengers on Holland America Line's (HAL) Caribbean, Bahamas and Panama Canal sailings. Carnival Corporation owns HAL, so Carnival also visits Half Moon Cay.
The minute you behold Half Moon Cay, you will know why it is a tropical paradise. Your first step on the sand will bring the warm beauty of the sun and an instant smile to your face! This island experience boasts clear blue turquoise waters, and many interesting land photo ops (including a pirate ship) with the cruise ship in the background. The beach stretches for a while in a half moon crescent, hence the name, and the sand is white and soft!
There are shady hideaways to rent from cabanas to villas. Want a massage on the beach? You’ve got it. Listen for the siren’s call and you won’t be able to resist. Ride horseback on powdery white sand, or gently paddle a kayak through many acres of protected lagoon, encountering silky-smooth stingrays and so much more.
BLUE LAGOON ISLAND BEACH
Blue Lagoon, also known by its official name Salt Cay, is just 3 miles north of Nassau. We traveled for about 30-40 minutes by tender from the cruise port to Blue Lagoon and visited on several cruises because of its private hideaway and luxurious stretch of calm, hidden, protected lagoon waters. It was also the first place we swam with dolphins. Book a dolphin excursion for this special treatment. You will never forget your dolphin encounter as you’re invited into another realm. You will know how honored you are to be in their space, and you won’t forget it!
Even if you don’t book the dolphin encounter excursion, you may still walk along the boardwalk to observe the dolphins, stingrays, and animal life. Its spectacular being so close!
Snorkel right off the beach for coral reefs, and tropical fish. Swim in the hidden waters, paddleboard, rent a clear bottom kayak, water bike and snorkel (separate rentals) in this private getaway. My favorite is sunbathing on the white-sand beaches, both sides of the island. Enjoy the coconut palm trees and quiet walks along a boardwalk with luscious natural vegetation, home to nesting birds.
Another excursion is a round-trip boat transfer to Blue Lagoon Island, lunch, free access to the Inflatable Aqua Park, plus use of the facilities, beach sports and game equipment.
The secluded Blue Lagoon Island is a safe family friendly environment. You’ll feel safe with children or grandchildren because lifeguards are on duty on the beaches and the lagoon. There is a gift shop to purchase souvenirs or snacks (they are pricey). Changing rooms, showers and restrooms are located on the Island too.
We loved both Half Moon Cay and Blue Lagoon and would cruise to those destinations in a heartbeat!