Bahamas Cruises
Short getaways from Florida, a day in Nassau and a beach day on a private island — the Bahamas is cruising’s easiest escape.
Get free cruise quotes »More cruise passengers visit the Bahamas than any other way in. Ships sail from Miami, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and other ports, often on three- to five-night itineraries. Most combine a call at Nassau with a day at a cruise line’s private island; some also visit Freeport, Bimini or Grand Bahama’s Celebration Key. For itineraries and deals, visit our cruise site CruisingBahamas.com.
Bahamas Cruise Ports & Private Islands
Nassau
The busiest cruise port in the Bahamas, right downtown — walk to Bay Street, the Straw Market and the forts, or take a short trip to Paradise Island. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club Paradise Island opened in December 2025.
Grand Bahama
Freeport’s cruise port and Carnival’s Celebration Key, opened July 2025. Grand Bahama guide.
Bimini
Visited on some short cruises, including by lines with beach clubs on the island. Bimini guide.
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Berry Islands.
Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island, also in the Berry Islands.
Castaway Cay & Lookout Cay
Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Abacos and its beach destination at Lighthouse Point on Eleuthera.
Half Moon Cay
The private island used by Holland America Line and Carnival (branded RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay by Carnival).
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
MSC Cruises’ island destination near Bimini.
Choosing a Bahamas Cruise
- First cruise? A 3–4 night Nassau-and-private-island sailing is an easy test run.
- Families: compare kids’ clubs and private-island water parks.
- Longer trips: 7-night Caribbean itineraries often include a Bahamas stop.
- Cruise + stay: add nights in Nassau or an Out Island before or after.
- Timing: winter and spring are popular; hurricane season (June–November) can bring itinerary changes.
- Documents: check your line’s passport policy — see travel tips.
Planning shore time? Find Nassau and island excursions at 101 Things to Do in The Bahamas, and browse cruise specialists and deals in the Official Cruise Directory.
Get free Bahamas cruise quotes
Tell our cruise specialists your dates, departure port and cruise line and compare Bahamas sailings — free and with no obligation.
Get free cruise quotes »Bahamas Cruises — FAQ
How long are Bahamas cruises?
Many are short three- to five-night sailings from Florida ports, though the Bahamas also appears on longer Caribbean itineraries from ports across the U.S. East and Gulf coasts.
Do I need a passport for a Bahamas cruise?
On closed-loop cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens may be able to sail with other proof of citizenship, but a passport is strongly recommended and cruise lines set their own rules. Check your cruise line’s documentation policy and the U.S. State Department before you sail.
What are the cruise lines’ private islands in the Bahamas?
Several major cruise lines operate private islands or beach destinations in the Bahamas, including Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay, Disney’s Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, MSC’s Ocean Cay and Carnival’s Celebration Key.
How do I get a quote for a Bahamas cruise?
Use the free cruise-quote form at the Official Cruise Directory to compare sailings and prices from cruise specialists.