A cruise ship leaves Port Canaveral for the Bahamas once every week and takes passengers to two ports of call. At the Nassau Port, located in the Bahamanian capital, visitors can shop, swim with dolphins and parasail over the ocean. As the island was once a haven for pirates, visitors can also take tours to discover pirate history. Another port of call is at Cococay, which is a private island in the Bahamas that is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. Guests can enjoy nature trails, aquatic parks and much more. While on board the cruise ship, passengers can participate in rock climbing, dine at restaurants and even dance at nighttime lounges. The cruises are also family friendly with activities for all ages ranging from mini-golf to ice skating. A traveler can get rates for as low as $169 per night for a three-night trip, as of 2010.
Royal Caribbean International
866-562-7625
royalcaribbean.com
This cruise line provides family friendly trips to the Bahamas with ports of call at Nassau and the private Disney-owned island, Castaway Cay. At Nassau, visitors are encouraged to tour the historic Versailles Gardens and Fort Charlotte which boasts a moat, dungeons and 42 cannons. At Castaway Cay, visitors can snorkel, kayak or receive open-air massages while overlooking the ocean. While on board, family activities like Broadway-style shows entertain young and old tourists. For grown-ups, spas, lounges and nightclubs allow for "adult time". Three-night Bahamanian cruises leave once a week, on average, except for the months of June and July when there are no departure dates. There are also four- and five-night trips and all Bahamas-destined ships leave from Orlando's Port Canaveral.
Disney Cruise Line
800-951-3532
disneycruise.disney.go.com
With ports of call in Nassau and Freeport, visitors are encouraged to enjoy all that the Bahamas has to offer. In Nassau, visitors can take the Ardastra Gardens and City Tour, enjoy the aquatic experiences at the Atlantis Resort and a host of other shore excursions. At Freeport, visitors can go snorkeling, bottom fishing, or play with dolphins. While on board, passengers can shop, visit an art gallery or gamble at the casino. Some Carnival cruise ships also offer nine holes of golf. The cruise line provides babysitting services and will even change infants' diapers. Passengers can enjoy a three-day cruise from Orlando for as little as $189, as of 2010.
Carnival
800-438-6744
carnival.com
