Nassau, Bahamas is a beautiful destination for anyone looking for a tropical paradise and is a popular port for cruise ships. It is known for its dazzling turquoise waters, white sand beaches and year-round sunshine. But what is there to do? Many people are intimidated when they first arrive and depart the ship. The current gateway is under construction and is rather crowded and confusing. There are also tour vendors actively pushing their tours, along with taxi drivers asking if you want a private tour or transfer to one of the many beaches. Don’t let them scare you off….walk past them and into the town. Just be careful of the busy road. And be mindful of your belongings….as is common in many tourist locations, there are pickpockets around. Downtown Nassau has the usual shopping opportunities….beach wear, local souvenirs and the typical jewelry stores. It is only a few blocks long, so it doesn’t take much time to explore it. Have you ever gone swimming with pigs? You can in Nassau! There are many excursions available, either through the ship or on the pier. Want to do a walking tour? You have many options to choose from. There are culinary tours, rum tasting, bike tours or self-guided walking tours. Be sure to visit the Queen’s Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps. This is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 and is said to have provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901. Visit John Watling’s distillery if you like rum! John Watling’s Distillery, home to JOHN WATLING’S rum, offers complimentary tours at its home, the Buena Vista Estate, in Downtown Nassau. The historic Estate was founded in 1789 and overlooks the harbour. At the Estate, John Watling’s features a free production and museum-like tour, shopping and signature Bahamian cocktails at its tavern. It is within walking distance from the cruise ship port in Downtown Nassau. John Watling’s Distillery is located on Delancy Street and is open from 10am-6pm, seven days a week (except for National Holidays). Do you enjoy visiting breweries? Be sure to check out Rip Ty’d Bahamian Craft Beer, located an easy 20 minutes walk from the pier. They are a small batch brewery which allows them to be creative, especially with local produce. All beer styles start with the local Bahamian water. One of the most popular destinations for tourists is Atlantis Paradise Island, an ocean-themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It is built around Aquaventure, a 62-hectare waterscape. You can purchase the excursion through the cruise ship or at the port. You can also just go and walk around the resort, visit the casino, shops and dining options. How do you get to Atlantis? You can either take a taxi or the ferry. Taxis are available at the cruise port – $4 per person. You can also take a ferry from Prince George Wharf to Paradise Island – $4 per person and run every half hour. Be sure to keep your eye on the time, as you don’t want to miss the ship! Beginning December 2025, the all new Royal Caribbean’s Beach Club opens. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer cruisers an all-inclusive venue to soak up sweeping Caribbean views and powdery white sands. Pricing and details can be found here: Royal Beach Club Paradise Island Enjoy your time in Nassau. Remember to take sunscreen, water and a hat with you! And wear comfortable walking shoes. For more, check out the YouTube of our son and daughter-in-law. Follow Maddie and Ryan for more adventures at sea and on land. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3zFjOr971s Do you have travel insurance for your next cruise? The best day to buy it is the day you book so get it now. Insubuy has policies for all travelers. Have you booked your excursions yet? Check out my recommended provider. Stay up-to-date on all the Cruise News: Join me and other cruisers on Facebook at Zest4Cruising, A Celebrity Cruises Forum, A Celebrity Solstice Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Reflection Cruise Forum, A Celebrity Ascent Cruisers Forum, A Celebrity RETREAT class forum, A Celebrity River Cruises Forum and Alaska Cruise Lover Forum You can also follow me at: YouTube at Travels With Mickey Pinterest at Travels with Mickey Instagram at Travels with Mickey Please visit and follow my Amazon store for more helpful items to make your cruise and travel even more enjoyable! P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself. Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons are below). Thanks so much! Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. 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Category Archives: Bahamas
Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Cruise
Travels with Mickey Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About Cruises Disney Planning & Packing About More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Cruise This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products I personally use, genuinely recommend, or believe will help make your cruise travel easier and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting Travels With Mickey! You’ve booked your dream Caribbean cruise—now comes the fun part: deciding what to pack!You might think all you need to toss into your suitcase is a couple of swimsuits, a pair of sandals, and your favorite sunglasses. But packing for a Caribbean cruise involves a little more planning than that!A Caribbean cruise vacation offers so much more than pristine beaches and turquoise waters (although there are plenty of those to enjoy!). Each island has its own unique experiences, from relaxing beach days and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to zip-lining through tropical rainforests, hiking scenic mountain trails, and sailing along the coast on a catamaran.With so many exciting adventures to choose from, you’ll want to pack the right clothing, footwear, accessories, and cruise essentials to make the most of every port of call.In this ultimate Caribbean cruise packing list, I’ll share what to bring on your cruise so you’re prepared for sunny sea days, tropical excursions, elegant evenings onboard, and everything in between. Whether this is your first Caribbean cruise or you’re a seasoned cruiser, this guide will help you pack smarter and avoid forgetting those important items! Caribbean Cruise Weather: What Temperatures to Expect Each Month This chart gives you a general idea of the temperatures you can expect in the Caribbean during each month of the year. Don’t forget to factor in humidity, which can make it feel considerably warmer, especially when you’re exploring ashore or enjoying outdoor excursions.Of course, weather conditions can vary by island and season, but this chart is a helpful starting point when planning what to pack for your Caribbean cruise. I recommend choosing lightweight, breathable clothing to help you stay comfortable in the tropical heat! What Shoes to Pack for Your Caribbean Cruise rom exploring colorful port towns to relaxing on beautiful beaches, your Caribbean cruise may include a variety of activities. Packing the right footwear will help keep you comfortable and prepared for every adventure. Here are two essential types of shoes to include on your Caribbean cruise packing list. Comfortable Walking Shoes for Shore Excursions Comfortable sandals are another must-have for your Caribbean cruise packing list! They’re perfect for strolling around port towns, browsing local shops, grabbing lunch by the beach, or enjoying a casual day ashore.I’ve found a great pair of DREAM PAIRS sandals for women that I absolutely love. They fit perfectly, provide great support, and are comfortable enough for a full day of exploring. Even better, they can handle those occasional rain showers that are so common in the Caribbean!My tip: Pack sandals that are comfortable, supportive, and versatile enough to wear with several outfits. You’ll appreciate having a reliable pair when you want a break from your walking shoes but still plan to explore. Water Shoes for Caribbean Beaches Don’t forget to pack a pair of water shoes for your beach days! Some Caribbean beaches have rocky shorelines, coral, or rough surfaces that can make walking barefoot uncomfortable. I’ve been using these water shoes and find them comfortable and easy to wear. They’re a practical addition to your Caribbean cruise packing list, especially if you plan to explore different beaches or enjoy water-based activities. Essential Caribbean Cruise Accessories and Items You Don’t Want to Forget No matter how long your Caribbean cruise lasts, there are certain accessories and travel essentials you might not think to pack—but they can make a big difference in your comfort and overall cruise experience!From clever packing accessories to handy items that make life in your cabin easier, a little preparation can go a long way. For even more ideas, check out my guide to Cruise Packing 101: What Not to Forget!.Here’s a quick list of cruise essentials you won’t want to leave at home: Swimsuits and Cover-Ups A swimsuit is an absolute must for your Caribbean cruise packing list! There’s nothing worse than arriving onboard, heading to the pool deck, and realizing you forgot to pack one. With beautiful beaches, sparkling pools, and relaxing hot tubs waiting for you, you’ll want to be ready to enjoy every moment.I recommend packing at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready to wear. Don’t forget a swimsuit cover-up, either—it’s perfect for walking to the pool, grabbing lunch at the buffet, or heading back to your cabin. Shorts, T-Shirts, and Comfortable Daytime Outfits When it comes to daytime outfits on a Caribbean cruise, comfort is key! Shorts and T-shirts are perfect for warm tropical weather, whether you’re exploring a port, enjoying a casual lunch, or relaxing onboard.Personally, I prefer skorts because I’m not a fan of wearing shorts. Capris and lightweight leggings are also great options, depending on your plans for the day. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep you comfortable in the Caribbean heat.My best advice? Pack clothes that make you feel good and are easy to mix and match. You’re on vacation, so comfort should always come first! Evening Outfits and What to Wear on Formal Nights Evenings on a Caribbean cruise are the perfect opportunity to dress up a little! Dresses, skirts, and dressier slacks are all great choices for dinner, shows, and enjoying the ship’s nightlife.On formal or dressier evenings, I love wearing something sparkly! It’s one of the few occasions when I get to really dress up, so I enjoy making the most of it. Whether you prefer a little sparkle or a classic, elegant look, pack somethingContinueContinue reading “Ultimate Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring for Your Cruise”