bahama cruise reviews

Bahamas cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

If you've cruised or are planning to cruise to someplace warm, it's likely the Bahamas will pop up on your itinerary -- and for good reason. Found on Bahamas-exclusive sailings and Caribbean voyages, Bahamian ports offer plenty of sun and sand, as well as opportunities for shopping, gambling and more.

The islands appeal to both new and seasoned cruisers. Their proximity to Florida makes them quick, easy and affordable to reach by ship, whether for a quick overnight trip or a call as part of a longer voyage.

Read on for all you need to know when planning a sailing that includes the Bahamas -- one of the cruise industry's most popular destinations.

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Why cruise to the Bahamas?

In the Bahamas, the people are as warm as the weather, offering greetings and friendly smiles at every turn. The main draws, however, are the beaches and bright blue waters, which offer plenty of places to snorkel and scuba dive or to work on your tan while sipping a cocktail or two.

One of the best reasons to visit is that the islands are close to Florida -- the cruise capital of the world. The Bahamas are frequented by most major cruise lines and show up on a large number of itineraries, from two-nighters to longer voyages.

The takeaway: Passengers are spoiled for choice. If you want to travel to the Bahamas by cruise ship, you can easily find a cruise line, length and price point to meet your needs.

The Bahamas is a great place to visit, as long as you set your expectations. Nassau, which is the largest port and the country's capital city, is often crowded with cruise ships. Locals will approach you with offers for everything from taxi rides to hair braiding. It can be overwhelming, so be prepared to politely decline if you're not interested.

When do cruises go to the Bahamas?

Cruise ships call on the Bahamas all year. However, midwinter is generally the best time to go. Prices are cheaper, there are fewer passengers because children are in school, and the weather isn't as sweltering as it is in the summer. Plus, wave season -- when cruise lines offer some of the best deals you'll see all year -- runs from January through March, so you could snag a last-minute bargain.

Weather in the Bahamas is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. As expected, the hottest months are found during the summer, with lower temperatures during the winter.

Related: Best time to cruise to Bahamas

Best Bahamas itineraries

Islands in the Bahamas are found on lots of itineraries, ranging from short, Bahamas-specific sailings to longer Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

Bahamas-only cruises tend to be anywhere from two to five nights, and they visit a port or two in the Bahamas, as well as a private island (see below).

Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings usually start at five nights and can run up to two weeks in length, but most usually last about a week.

On those voyages, you're likely to see a mix ports. In the Eastern Caribbean, expect to visit a combination of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix) and the French West Indies (Martinique, St. Barts, Guadeloupe and St. Martin). If you go the western route, Belize, Honduras and Jamaica are common stops.

Additionally, cruisers can find Bahamas stops on sailings that depart from non-Florida ports on the U.S. East Coast, such as New York and Baltimore. They are often seven or eight days in length and include calls on Florida and the Bahamas. Some also feature southern ports like Charleston.

Best Bahamas cruise lines

Due to the Bahamas' popularity, proximity to the U.S. East Coast and the number of ships it can accommodate at one time, most major cruise lines visit the islands there.

You'll mainly find sailings with the "big eight" brands -- Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

One unique outlier is Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which exclusively operates two-night voyages back and forth between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport, Bahamas. The cruise line also partners with a land-based resort, allowing passengers to extend their vacations on land in the Bahamas before returning on the ship several days later.

Additionally, BPCL has joined forces with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville to offer Margaritaville at Sea cruises , rebranding and renaming its sole ship -- Grand Classica -- to Paradise.

Because of how crowded and frenetic the main Bahamian ports can be, luxury lines tend to stay away. There are a few exceptions, though, such as Lindblad Expeditions. The line operates sailings to some of the Bahamas' Out Islands, which are too tiny for larger, more mainstream vessels to reach.

Things to do in the Bahamas

As you would expect from a warm-weather destination, outdoor pursuits are the most popular. Cruise passengers can walk to the nearest beach to sunbathe, swim, snorkel or scuba dive, or book a banana boat, parasailing or party boat excursion.

For fun, affordable souvenirs, shopping abounds at local shops and in Nassau's massive straw market, found on Bay Street. Just make sure you don't buy from the first vendor you see, as many stalls offer the same wares. You might find a cheaper price if you wait or if you bargain for a better deal.

If you're more the gambling type, head to Paradise Island, a quick taxi ride from Nassau, which boasts the famous Atlantis resort. Venture indoors to play table games or try your luck at the slot machines in the resort's casino, or purchase a day pass to use its outdoor pools and water slides.

For fabulous food, ask a local to point you in the direction of their favorite restaurant, and head off the beaten path to try some conch fritters (fried conch meat) and peas with rice. For dessert, don't miss the semi-sweet bread-style Johnny cakes.

Related: Best shore excursions for Bahamas cruises

Best Bahamas cruise ports

The Bahamas has two main cruise ports: Nassau on New Providence Island and Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. Nassau offers plenty to see and do within a short walking distance from the port. However, Freeport requires passengers to book a shore excursion or take a taxi to most attractions.

Other Bahamas stops include Bimini, which is less frequented, and cruise line private islands, which can only be accessed via cruise ship.

Historic Nassau , the capital of the Bahamas, is the cruise industry's most trafficked cruise port. It's bustling and busy, and it can feel overwhelming to travelers visiting for the first time, especially when there are several ships docked at the same time.

But, brightly colored buildings, expansive beaches and ample opportunities for shopping and dining quickly make up for the chaos.

Nassau is also a port teeming with culture. Formerly a haven for pirates, the city is now a history buff's dream, offering easy access to monuments and buildings that were once the stomping grounds of swashbuckling scallywags.

Freeport has a more relaxed vibe than Nassau. The slower pace of Grand Bahama Island, where Freeport is located, lends itself to lazy beach days and casual strolls through town for passengers in search of the perfect souvenir.

Water sports abound, and the clear, bright blue water is exactly what you'd expect from an island paradise.

Unfortunately, Freeport has been hit by several tropical storms and major hurricanes over the years. Although it's a lovely port to visit, you can expect to see reminders, even years later, as construction projects are abandoned and the island struggles to rebuild.

The island chain of Bimini, which is part of the Bahamas, is also home to a cruise port. Fewer ships call there than call at Nassau or Freeport. Apart from beaches and resort-style experiences, there isn't much to do.

The port was thrust into the spotlight when Virgin Voyages developed its Beach Club at Bimini on part of a property operated by Resorts World. When Virgin ships are in port, the only people who have access to the Beach Club are Virgin passengers. Cruisers who call on Bimini with other lines can purchase day passes as long as a Virgin ship is not docked that day.

Private islands

Six of the cruise industry's seven private islands are located in the Bahamas. These carefully curated swaths of land can only be visited if you're sailing on a ship that has access.

When you're ashore, you can expect clean facilities, pristine beaches, shopping opportunities, free buffet lunches (usually barbecue) and a variety of carefully controlled water-sports-centric shore excursions. Some of the larger, more developed private islands also boast water parks, horseback riding, zip lines and pools.

Private cabanas, villas and bungalows are also offered, but they come at a premium and usually book up quickly. Some are even reserved for cruisers booked in suite accommodations on their ships.

When to book a Bahamas cruise

Since the Bahamas is a year-round destination and lots of ships call there, supply is plentiful. That means prices tend to be more affordable, particularly for shorter Bahamas-only voyages.

For additional savings, consider booking your sailing in the first quarter of each year during " wave season ," when cruise lines offer fare discounts and other added-value perks like free Wi-Fi and beverage packages, discounted airfare or onboard credit for things like spa treatments, shore excursions or dining in extra-fee restaurants. Also keep an eye out for Black Friday deals toward the end of each year.

You might also be able to take advantage of resident rates (if you live in Florida), military discounts or kids sail free promotions.

What to bring on a Bahamas cruise

Wondering what to pack ? For any cruise, you can't go wrong with resort-casual clothing and something for formal night if you'd like to participate. You'll also need underwear, toiletries, pajamas and footwear, as well as any travel documents required to board and clear immigration and customs.

For the Bahamas specifically, you'll want to prepare for warm, sunny weather by bringing a bathing suit and cover-up; flip-flops or sandals; and sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself during time outdoors. For those not heading to the beach, sundresses or shorts with T-shirts or tank tops are suitable attire.

If you plan to shop while ashore, most places do accept credit cards, but you might want to bring cash. U.S. dollars are accepted in the Bahamas, so there's no need to exchange currency.

Related: Bahamas cruise packing list: What to pack for the islands

Bottom line

If you cruise, it's almost certain you'll visit the Bahamas at some point in your travels. Although it can be crowded, the experience is an enjoyable one.

If you're looking for a fun warm-weather destination that offers plenty of beach time, active diversions, history and culture, shopping, gambling and excellent food, you won't be disappointed with a call on this popular cruise region.

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REAL-LIFE WATER WORLD

Bahamas cruises.

Soak up island views and aquatic adventures with a cruise to the Bahamas.

A respite for sun and sand seekers, the Bahamas is home to light blue beaches, translucent underwater caves, a rich royal heritage and exclusive private isles. These can all be found throughout a beautifully scattered string of 700 islands (most of which are uninhabited). Cruise to the Bahamas to take a dive and witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau. The Bahamas has an island for every taste and style, and it's easy to enjoy its subtropical charm during an overnight stint or a week-long cruise. Discover the magic with a Bahamas cruise.

Save Big With These Bahamas Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Bahamas cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

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FIND YOUR SUN-DRENCHED PLAYGROUND

Home to enchanting shades of blue and deliciously warm breezes, the Bahamas is the ideal place for adventures involving the sea. The best Bahamas cruises will allow you to dive and discover underwater worlds, meet marine animals and shop for island souvenirs by the ocean. 

INTO THE BLUE

Dive and drift through warm waters to reach colorful coral reefs in Bimini like Rainbow Reef. See mysterious shipwrecks like Theo's Wreck and Sea Star Wreck in Grand Bahama. And take part in some thrilling wall diving — where you can explore deep reef edges — in New Providence.

AQUATIC ADRENALINE IN ATLANTIS

For water thrills and close encounters with marine creatures, head to lush and majestic Atlantis, the fantasy resort by the sea that boasts the world's largest open-air marine habitat and what is perhaps the most exhilarating waterpark around: Aquaventure.

SHOP SEASHELLS BY THE SEASHORE

Shop in the Bahamas with an ocean breeze blowing your way as you explore the crafts center in Bimini, the straw market in Grand Bahama and the exclusive hub that is Crystal Court in Atlantis resort.

BEYOND THE BEACH

Beyond the coasts lie more wonderful discoveries. Saunter the lively streets of Nassau, chill by a freshwater pool in Perfect Day at CocoCay, or get a history lesson at the Heritage Museum during your cruise to the Bahamas. 

ROADS LESS TRAVELED

Shake off the sand and delve deep into towns like Nassau and Freeport and the remote island of CocoCay. Take a nature walk or a Jeep adventure through the pine forests, or stretch your legs at the Rand Nature Center, which offers bird-watching and installations by local artists.

THIS IS YOUR PERFECT DAY

To take your vacation experience to an entirely new level, visit Perfect Day at CocoCay, where a perfect day is waiting. Swim in the Bahamas' largest freshwater pool, go down the tallest waterslide in North America, and chill with a book in the only private overwater cabanas in the Bahamas.

PLAY IN PASTIMES

Out of all the towns in the Bahamas, Nassau encapsulates this destination's heritage with many historical landmarks. Stop by Fort Charlotte, the Queen's Staircase, Pompey Square or the Heritage Museum of the Bahamas and get a dose of its past.

WATERSCAPES ON THE BEST BAHAMAS CRUISES

A cruise to the Bahamas is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover the Bahamas onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

DECK DEFYING DAYS

Fill your days on a short escape with Oasis Class thrills — onboard Allure of the Seas ®. Tame waves on two FlowRider® surf simulators. Zipline nine decks up. And catch jaw dropping entertainment, night after night. All while sailing to the picture-perfect shores of The Bahamas and our private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay.

EXPLORE ALLURE OF THE SEAS

EXPLORE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ISLES

If you’re craving crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and island vibes turned way, way up, these getaways check all the boxes. Each week-long sailing onboard Adventure of the Seas includes two thrill- and chill-filled days at our top-rated private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay — plus stops in Grand Bahama Island and  Cozumel . 

EXPLORE PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Bahamas Cruises Insider

As a subtropical destination, the Bahamas is blessed with year-long comfortable temperatures that range between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes packing an easy chore, with only spring and summer frocks to carry for your trip.

To get around, take the local jitneys, the buses making the rounds to Nassau and Cable Beach. Visit the Bahamas and hop on the ferry to get to Paradise Island, the home of the Atlantis resort.

For those looking to encounter some of the Bahamas famous aquatic critters, October to January is the best time to see Tiger Sharks, December to March is when Hammerhead Sharks migrate through Bimini, and you can find Oceanic Whitetips April to June.

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The best free activities and free things to do at Perfect Day at CocoCay®, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

[Infographic] Weekend Getaways: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

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Best Food in Nassau, Bahamas

A guide to the best food in Nassau, Bahamas. Discover new flavors in restaurants by the water or within the historic city of Nassau.

One Day, Three Ways At Perfect Day At Cococay

Planning your time at the new CocoCay? If you want to unwind, head to Chill Island on the east side of CocoCay. Or visit the Oasis Lagoon or the Thrill Waterpark to get on the side of adventure.

Ultimate Guide To Oasis Lagoon

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Best Cruises From Miami

Cruise from Miami and start your vacation in one of the worlds best places to visit, then set sail from the Port of Miami to The Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico and beyond on weekend getaway cruise or a longer Caribbean adventure. Here are the best cruises from Miami

Perfect Day Honeymoon Guide

Celebrate your newly-wedded bliss on a romantic Caribbean honeymoon cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, the best Caribbean destination for newly married couples. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

The Ultimate College Spring Break Cruise Vacation

If you are looking for an all-out college spring break vacation filled with beach vibes, thrilling rides and amazing parties it doesn’t get any better than a spring break cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Find cruise deals to Perfect Day at CocoCay

Top 7 Most Thrilling Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Experience the top 7 most thrilling things to do at the Perfect Day at CocoCay from sliding down the tallest waterslide in North America to zip lining across the island and much more.

Top 4 Insider Tips to Thrill Waterpark

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Best Restaurants at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Explore all the restaurants on the Perfect Day at CocoCay island and discover all the complimentary dining venues that offers loads of food and drink favorites that will fuel you up in between adventures.

Guide To Chill Island at Perfect Day

Discover Chill Island insider tips to all the relaxing things to do from renting overwater cabanas with VIP services, snorkeling with the friendly manta rays to finding the best places to unwind and soak up the island vibes.

The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Vacation to Perfect Day at CocoCay

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The 5 Most Relaxing Things to do at Perfect Day At CocoCay

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Bahamas Travel Hacks for Families

If you're taking the whole family on a Bahamas vacation, we've got some travel hacks for families to make your kid-friendly trip easier.

Quick Bahamas & Key West Vacations

Bahamas & Key West vacation getaways are perfect for travelers looking for pristine beaches, rich history, delicious food, & stunning wildlife encounters.

Look for the "Bahamahost" sticker when getting a taxi — the label identifies those belonging to a program that promotes excellent service to tourists.

If you happen to visit on the second Friday of the month, go find the Government House and witness the Changing of the Guard, a British custom that's been performed since 1958.

The Bahamian dollar is kept at the same value as the U.S. dollar, making it easy to pay, as both are used interchangeably.

LOCAL CUISINE ISLAND TWIST AND TANG 

There's a lot of similarity between the soul food of the southern U.S., and Bahamian cuisine, that blends the Caribbean tang with its very own spice, creating a trademark flavor unique to the region.

FRUITS OF THE SEA

Little-known as a culinary ingredient in the continental U.S., conch is a large mollusk (akin to clams) with a meaty texture. Locals use it to prepare conch salad, conch fritters, conch chowder and more.

PEAS N' RICE

Pigeon peas are mixed with onions, tomatoes and spices, and incorporated into cooking rice. Often simply called Peas n' Rice, but there's a lot of savory flavors thrown in, like tomato paste, fresh thyme and salted pork or bacon.

CITRUS DELIGHT

Switcha, which many locals consider the official Bahamian drink, blends lemons and limes to concoct a powerful accompaniment to dessert or a refreshing beverage on a hot sunny day.

RELATED PORTS

Laze in a beachside hammock or get your thrills at Thrill Waterpark on Perfect Day at CocoCay. Jump onboard a Bahamas cruise to stroll along the waterfront of capital city Nassau and see its distinctive pastel-colored buildings. Or explore waterfalls and botanic gardens on Grand Bahama Island.

Nassau, Bahamas

Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

Baltimore, Maryland

Charleston, South Carolina

Bimini, Bahamas

Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Miami, Florida

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Home » Cruise » Disney Cruise Line » Disney Wish » Disney Wish 3-Day Bahamas Cruise Review

Disney Wish 3-Day Bahamas Cruise Review

In our signature day-by-day Disney Wish Bahamas cruise review, we detail our 3 days onboard this new Disney Cruise Line ship.

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Ship overview.

Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s 5th ship. This 144K gross ton vessel is DCL’s first new ship in over a decade and now the largest ship in the fleet. Carrying up to 4,000 passengers, this brand new vessel features a number of new dining concepts, onboard amenities, and one-of-a-kind features that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

While the rotational dining concept remains on Disney Wish, the cruise line has reimagined the three dining venues. Each new restaurant has its own story to tell.

Named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 celebrates the golden age of animation. World of Marvel is the first Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where guests play an interactive role in an Avengers mission with the use of digital screens and special effects. Finally, there’s Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure. This dining room brings the Frozen characters to life to celebrate the engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff with plenty of music and fun.

Disney Wish also features new specialty restaurants and casual dining spots. Palo Steakhouse and Enchante are the upscale, adult-only restaurants that do come at an up-charge. The Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods is a new pool deck favorite. This open-air eatery features five themed food stalls including the new Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue and Donald’s Cantina. Disney Wish is the first in the DCL fleet to offer dedicated quick-service venues for barbeque and Mexican-inspired fare.

In terms of entertainment, there’s plenty for everyone to love. There are three Disney-themed production shows in the Walt Disney Theater along with many other activities occurring at the various lounges around the ship. From character meet & greets, to live music, to parties and games- like the Pirates Rockin’ Parlay Party on the pool deck or the Incredi-Games in the Hero Zone, it will be tough to fit it all in on these short cruises.

When it comes to the pool deck, families have more pools and more deck space than ever before. The ship features six family pools staggered among tiered decks and surrounded by lounge chairs. There’s also the new Toy Story Splash Zone for the little ones and the first of its kind water attraction at sea, the AquaMouse. As guests wind their way through the tubing suspended high above the pool deck, they will be immersed in The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse animated shorts, complete with show scenes, lighting, and special effects.  

The children’s areas on Disney Wish are spectacular too. The Disney’s Oceaneer Club features a number of well-themed play areas. These include the Fairytale Hall, Marvel Superhero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Mickey and Minnie’s Captain Deck. Here, your kids will have endless opportunities for fun. They can engage in storytelling, arts and crafts, dress-up, toys and games, watching Disney movies, and so much more.

As we mentioned before, adults will love Disney Wish too . Of course, there is the adult-only Quiet Cove. This area features an 18+ sundeck, a whirlpool, an infinity pool, a bar, and a cafe. There’s also the newly located Senses Spa. The Senses Spa features your typical beauty treatments as well as tranquil relaxation areas with plush loungers and swings, including the new outdoor space at the bow of the ship. You can also rejuvenate in the Rainforest room thermal suite. This area features a sauna, steam room, cold room, heated loungers, and more.

Of course, there’s plenty of adult-themed fun on the bar front as well. Perhaps, the most anticipated is the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge with galactically inspired drinks and scenery. There’s also the Princess and the Frog themed bar, The Bayou, with a variety of cocktails and even beignets. If that’s not enough, there’s Nightingale’s piano bar, Keg & Compass pub, and many other bars throughout the ship.

Finally, all guests sailing on Disney Wish are sure to be enchanted by the Grand Hall. The 3-story Grand Hall is truly your castle at sea. With a grand staircase, the starry chandelier, and a life-sized Cinderella statue, the décor is opulent. This area even evolves throughout the day from a gathering space to a theater through the use of special effects, culminating the evening with a special Kiss Goodnight light show.

Now, we have just returned from a sailing on this brand new ship and want to share all the Disney magic with you in our exclusive Disney Wish 3-day Bahamas cruise review.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Disney Wish Cruises!

Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review – Day 1

Against our own advice.

Due to a family obligation, we flew into Orlando on the morning of this Disney Wish Bahamas cruise review. Against our own advice, we were up at the crack of dawn to drive to the airport. Thankfully, there were no flight delays, so we arrived at the MCO airport by 8 AM.

Prior to the cruise, we completed our online check-in in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This included choosing a port arrival time. The earliest time slot available was 12:15 PM.

Since this was our first Disney cruise, and we had read that DCL is strict with these arrival times, we inquired about a cruise line transfer from the airport. We learned that the first shuttle was scheduled to depart for the cruise terminal around 9 AM for a cost of just $39 per person. Thus, we hopped on this opportunity in hopes of boarding the ship a bit earlier.

Taking the approximately hour bus ride to the Disney Cruise Line terminal in Port Canaveral, we arrived around 10 AM. Here, we waited outside for an additional 15 minutes or so before being allowed to enter the terminal.

We were through security and the check-in process quickly. We then proceeded to wait in the terminal for over an hour before any guests were allowed onto the ship. Our boarding group 2 was called at 11:50 AM.

Now, we were finally ready to get our first look at the brand new Disney Wish.

Our First Look at Disney Wish

Like usual, we started our Disney Wish ship tour all the way at the top on deck 14. For the next 2.5 hours, we tried to cover as much ground as possible before the areas became too congested with other passengers.

From the several pools and outdoor spaces, to the kids club, and the spa, we couldn’t help but love all the public spaces we had seen so far.

Around 2:30 PM, we decided it was time to take a break for some lunch. Heading to the Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods on deck 11, we opted to try some of the new offerings on Disney Wish. This outdoor food hall is the first to offer BBQ and Mexican quick-service dishes.

We both ended up sampling some tacos from Donald’s Cantina. Our selections were warm and filling. For those that have cruised on Royal Caribbean, we would say the food was a step above the similar El Loco Fresh.

Now that we were nourished, it was time for some mandatory items on our check list, like Muster Drill. This safety briefing is even easier on DCL than some other cruise lines.

First, we needed to visit our muster station, which was the Marvel dining room, where we simply scanned a QR code to check-in. Once checked in, all we had to do was watch a safety video on the app and listen to the Captain’s announcement and sounding of the emergency alarms prior to sail away.

After 3 PM at this point, we finally made our way to deck 8 to check out our stateroom. For this Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review, we booked a guarantee deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah. A couple weeks out from our sailing, we were assigned cabin 8194.

This balcony cabin was located all the way aft on the ship and was actually an accessible cabin with plenty of space. We took a few moments here to collect photos and video of this stateroom and drop off our carry on bags.

Our First Evening Onboard Disney Wish

Wanting to make the most of our short amount of time on the ship, we headed back out to continue exploring, but first coffee. Caffeine was going to be essential to get through this long day!

After checking out more of the indoor bars and lounges, we jaunted back up to the pool deck prior to 4:30 PM for the sail away party.

In typical Disney fashion, this sail away party consisted of a magical celebration with appearances by the Fairy Godmother, Captain Minnie and Mickey, and many of your other favorite characters.

With lots of singing, dancing, and the signature Disney ship horn sounding, it was time to set off on our adventure.

Staying as long as we could, we headed back to the room slightly after 5 PM. With a 5:45 PM dining time, we needed to freshen up and make a costume change before dinner.

Disney Wish continues the Disney rotational dining concept. For those unfamiliar with this concept, guests rotate between three dining venues during the cruise. The waitstaff also rotate, so you can keep the same table number and wait team each evening.

However, Disney Wish does offer three brand new restaurant concepts, each with a unique menu and story to tell. Tonight, we were assigned to 1923. This restaurant pays tribute to the golden age of Hollywood with props, sketches, and other retro decor.

Dinner and Drinks on Disney Wish

Upon checking in at the restaurant, we were escorted to a table for six on the Roy Disney (starboard) side of the venue. Yes, Disney Cruise Line is seating guests with other parties! While we typically prefer a table to ourselves, we did not make a big deal over it as it was only for three days.

Here, we met our waitstaff of Marvin and Jhoni. This team was personable and timely with taking orders and explaining the menus. However, we did have an issue where we were charged for the entire table’s drinks. After visiting Guest Services three times, the issue never got resolved!

To start, we ordered a couple cocktails. I went with a cosmo, while the hubby ordered the signature Riverside Old Fashioned. How can you go wrong with a drink that is topped with bacon?

For appetizers, we sampled three dishes off the menu. The pear and tatsoi salad, burrata and prosciutto, and spiced ahi tuna. All three dishes were pretty average when compared to other cruise lines’ main dining room selections.

In terms of entrees, I opted for the Riverside Roasted Chicken. The chicken dish was a generous portion and was more on par with a dish from a specialty steakhouse on other cruise lines. Don ordered the Peppered Filet Mignon. This entrée was cooked to the perfect medium rare temperature and had just the right amount of seasoning.

His Apple Cheesecake dessert was also a hit. Overall, the trend was that the desserts on DCL shined over other cruise lines.

Following our approximately two hour dinner, we made a dash to the Mickey’s Main Sail shop to purchase some mandatory Disney Wish inaugural merchandise. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones as the store was packed.

Scoring a spirit jersey, inaugural t-shirt, and obligatory ship ornament, Don waited in the check out line while I headed to the theater to secure seats for tonight’s show.

The 8:30 PM show was busy, so we had to deter from our typical portside theater seats. Disney Seas the Adventure is an approximately 40 minute revue show featuring Captain Minnie, Goofy, and some of your other favorite Disney characters. This felt like a show you would see in a Disney theme park. While fun, it certainly wasn’t a Broadway quality performance.

After the show in the Walt Disney Theater, we made our way to the Bayou. This Princess and the Frog themed bar on deck 3 has dazzling décor and a specialty cocktail menu. The venue exudes a New Orleans vibe, right down to the drink menu with cocktails like a hurricane. While enjoying the atmosphere and cocktails, we listened to a set by the Wishers. This 3-piece band played a variety of Disney classics.

Wanting to see and do as much as we could during our three days onboard the ship, we moved on to the next venue around 10:15 PM.

Luna’s is a small two-story theater that hosts adult-only entertainment in the evenings. Tonight’s activity was DCL’s version of the Love and Marriage game show, Match Your Mate. This game show is always fun to watch.

Going strong since 2:30 AM, we had to call it a night when this show ended just after 11 PM.

Tomorrow was our first port of call in Nassau, Bahamas.

Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review – Day 2

Staying on the ship today.

Day 2 of this Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review was a scheduled port stop in Nassau, Bahamas. Like most of our cruises, we decided to stay on the ship today. There is a lot to see and do on the new Disney Wish, and we wanted to make the most of it.

Up at 6:30 AM, hubby made the usual morning run for photos and videos, returning to the cabin with some lattes.

The ship was cleared around 9 AM; although, it felt like very few passengers got off the ship. This meant that the outdoor decks were still very busy. In fact, the AquaMouse line was over an hour long by mid-morning.

Our first order of business for the day was to test out the Marceline Market for breakfast. This buffet on Disney Wish offers a variety of selections, as well as both indoor and outdoor seating. At the very back of the venue is an omelet station. Of course, I had to put Disney Wish to the omelet test. And, I have to say that it was better than most cruise lines. The hubby sampled some eggs, quiche, and sausage which he thought were good also.

A Busy Morning Onboard Disney Wish

After breakfast, we spent the next few hours walking around the ship, continuing to capture photos and videos. The weather was hot and sunny, so there were plenty of cruisers enjoying the pools and outdoor amenities. The nice thing about Disney Wish is that there are a number of pools and lounge spaces dispersed throughout the outdoor decks.

The Chip and Dale pool on deck 14 forward is a quieter space away from the other six main pools on decks 11 and 12. Not to mention, there is the Toy Story Splash Zone on deck 12 forward for the little ones and the adult-only Quiet Cove on deck 13.

Around noon time, we made our first drink stop of the day at Wheezy’s Freezies. Located near the kids splash zone, this venue serves up sno-cones and dole whip treats. Of course, we opted for an adult version of dole whip with some rum.

Relaxing in the shade for a bit, it was time to test out more of the stations at the Festival of Foods for lunch. Don grabbed some barbecue from Mickey’s Smokestack, while I grabbed chicken tenders and fries from Goofy’s Grill. We also sampled a slice of pizza from Daisy’s Pizza Pies.

The food items here were all served warm and freshly prepared. We really liked this casual food spot, and it was a clear winner over the buffet. Everything we sampled was good and better than many casual spots on other cruise lines when comparing the BBQ, grill, and cantina; however, Princess and Virgin definitely have better pizza.

Having enough of the heat, we made our way back inside to grab some afternoon lattes before retreating to our cabin. We spent the next couple hours working and enjoying the air conditioning until dinner time.

Worlds of Marvel for Dinner

Night 2 of this Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review took us to the Worlds of Marvel for dinner. This dining rotation is assigned to guests based on their staterooms.

Arriving on time, we were escorted to table 411 once again, with our same tablemates and waitstaff. With Avengers theming, digital screens, and even a Quantum Core on every table, we were ready for tonight’s adventure.

To begin the evening, we each ordered a drink from the specialty menu. I ordered the Stinger, and Don ordered the Widow’s Bite. Both drinks were well-balanced.

For appetizers, I started with the potato soup and iceberg wedge salad. The hubby ordered the bao bun and fried shrimp. Of the four selections, only the jumbo fried shrimp was a standout dish.

The entrees too were just average. Don ordered the ribeye steak, and I did the chicken schnitzel. Neither dish was very flavorful. However, once again, the desserts were great. We sampled the PYM doughnut sundae, key lime pie, and cheesecake byte and enjoyed all three of them.

Without giving too much of the experience away, there is a story that unfolds with Ant Man and The Wasp during dinner. The characters may even make a special appearance to thank you for helping to save the day.

While I am not a Marvel fan, even the hubby was not a fan of the interactive show as he thought it did nothing to enhance the dining experience. Personally, this was our least favorite of the three dining venues.

Let’s Make the Jump to Hyperspace

Out of dinner in about two hours again this evening, we continued our “drink around the ship”. Given the Aladdin production in the main theater was not ready for our sailing, there was no show tonight.

First up on this tour was the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. This Lounge is popular (and small), so it requires reservations. During our sailing, we made a reservation in the Triton Lounge upon boarding the ship for this evening at 8:30 PM. Of note, we have been reading that this experience is now available to book in the app once on the Disney WiFi.

A reservation allows guests to spend 45 minutes in this venue, which is plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and drinks. We sampled the Berken’s Flow and the Chancellor, which were good but on the pricey side.

Honestly, we were expecting a bit more from this venue. After seeing the elaborately themed Star Wars: Cargo Bay kids area, the Hyperspace Lounge didn’t measure up. Still, it is a fun and complimentary experience for adults to enjoy on Disney Wish (drinks will incur a charge).

Next up was Nightingale’s. This piano bar is located nearby on deck 3. Featuring a specialty menu of wines and champagne, this Cinderella-inspired bar has a modern design with a piano and large chandelier as the focal point. Unfortunately though, there was no live music when we visited this venue.

While there were plenty of nighttime activities and character meet and greets, it did feel like live music was a bit lacking.

Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life For Me

Still, we enjoyed our drinks for the next 30 minutes or so before making our way outside for the Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party at 10:15 PM. Playing some classic rock songs, the two lead singers and cast of dancers put on a good show. The short fireworks display at the end of the performance was a perfect way to close out the party.

This is a fun activity for all ages and should not be missed. If you want to step it up a notch, pack some pirate attire for the festivities.

After the party, we headed back inside to pop into one more bar, the Keg & Compass. This nautically-themed pub on deck 5 features a menu with a few craft brews available exclusively on Disney Wish. Unfortunately though, they were all sold out by the time we visited the venue. Still, it is a casual spot to relax with some friends.

The Keg & Compass also offers an a la carte food menu. During our visit, we did not see anyone order any of these food items.

Approaching midnight, we exited to the Grand Hall to watch the chandelier show. Given it was pirates night, the short light show featured a musical excerpt of Pirate’s Life from Peter Pan.

Exhausted from two long days, we needed to get some rest. Tomorrow was already our final day of this Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review.

Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review – Day 3

A visit to castaway cay.

Day 3 of this Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review was our second port stop of this short cruise. Today, we were visiting Disney Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas. This was our first time at Castaway Cay. Still, with so much to see and do around the ship, we decided to go ashore for only a couple hours in the morning.

We figured that we could get our remaining photos and videos of the ship minus some of the crowds in the afternoon. After all, we will be returning in October. So, we will have more time to relax and enjoy Castaway Cay then.

Up by 7 AM, we did a bit of work in the morning before heading ashore around 9 AM. We spent about 2.5 hours exploring all the island has to offer. Not realizing how far of a walk it was, we made the trek out to Serenity Bay, the adults only area of the island. Needless to say, we took the shuttle back though.

For those who are not familiar with Castaway Cay, this private retreat in the Bahamas is available only to DCL guests.

The resort has plenty of sandy beachfront, a stingray adventure, a snorkeling lagoon, a small children’s waterpark, bike rentals, beach sports, games, and more. There is also Scuttle’s Cove, the kid’s programming on the island.

Not to mention, there are cabanas available to rent, plenty of bars to quench your thirst, shops, and two BBQ lunch spots. The island lunch is complimentary and includes grill items like hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and ribs, along with sides and desserts.

While the food looked tempting, we wanted to fully test out the options on the ship. Thus, we made our way back onboard around noon time.

Checking Out the AquaMouse

After dropping off some gear and getting our air conditioning fix in the cabin, we decided to test out the offerings at Marceline Market for lunch. In general, we are not big fans of buffets, and that held true for this lunch buffet on Disney Wish.

While there was a seafood section in the back, the rest of the stations included many heavier options that we don’t typically eat at lunchtime. Further, there were no real options to customize salads or sandwiches as much of the selections were pre-made. Even the chicken tenders at the kid’s section of the buffet were not as fresh as those at the outdoor Festival of Foods.

Feeling a bit overheated from the island, I decided to go back to the cabin to rest up while the hubby took on the AquaMouse. The quoted wait time was 30 minutes; though, he ended up waiting close to an hour as the ride broke down for a 15-minute period.

The AquaMouse is another signature feature that did not live up to our expectations. More than half of the ride was the conveyor belt lift to the top, and even the rest of the experience was not all that exciting. In our opinion, some of the waterslides on other contemporary cruise lines surpass the AquaMouse on the fun scale.

For the First Time in Forever

Back in the stateroom, we did some work for a couple hours before getting ready for our final dinner of the cruise. Tonight, we were experiencing Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

While the food in 1923 was better, we would say this was the best overall dining experience.

Of course, we started our dining adventure with some cocktails. I went with the Frozen Fractals, and Don went with the Ice Harvester. While some tablemates thought the drinks were too sweet, we enjoyed them.

For starters, we sampled the ham and cheese tart, koldtbord (seafood board), and fields of greens salad between the two of us. The ham and cheese tart was the winner in this category. Many other cruisers raved about the baked scallops, but Don is allergic so wasn’t able to try it.

Our entrees consisted of the juniper spiced chicken and the Arendelle kjottkake (Norwegian meatballs and gravy). Both of these dishes were pretty average main dining room selections.

Finally, our dessert selections were the apple cake, Norwegian pancake roulade, and Elsa’s Coronation sundae. The apple cake was the best, as the Norwegian pancake had a very odd presentation.

The premise of the show is that guests are attending an engagement party for Anna and Kristoff. Thus, there’ll be music, there’ll be fun. There is even a special appearance by Olaf! We would liken this to a character dining experience in the Disney parks, with the characters walking around to the tables for photos during dinner.

In comparison to the Marvel show, this one felt more appropriately paired with dinner to provide a bit of fun without being overly distracting.

Our Final Night on Disney Wish

Following dinner, it was on to the final show of the cruise in the main theater. The Little Mermaid is a 60-minute, Broadway-style adaptation of the original film. The singing, dancing, and stage set made for a great performance, even if we thought the ending deviated a bit too much from the original film.

This is definitely a show that you won’t want to miss when cruising on Disney Wish.

After the show, we ascended up to the Rose to complete our drink around the ship. This elegant bar is situated on deck 12 near the two specialty restaurants. The venue also features a signature cocktail menu. I tried Plant & Fleurs while hubby ordered Mrs. Tea on the recommendation of the waitress. Overall, the drinks on Disney Wish were always well-balanced and expertly prepared.

It’s too bad Disney Cruise Line does not offer a drink package though, as the costs can add up pretty quickly.

While we had made another reservation for the Hyperspace Lounge at 11 PM tonight, we decided to close out the evening at our favorite bar on the ship instead, The Bayou.

Here, we enjoyed two espresso martinis while listening to the pianist, Alex, perform an 80’s set. While I enjoyed all the Disney theming throughout the cruise, Don was glad to hear something other than Disney music tonight.

When the set ended at 11:30 PM, we finished up our drinks and headed to the Grand Hall to watch the Kiss Goodnight lightshow at midnight. This was a magical way to end our Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review.

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Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review – Disembarkation

Sea ya real soon.

Alas, our Disney Wish 3-Day Bahamas Cruise Review was already over. However, that didn’t mean our Disney fun was ending just yet. Today, we would be disembarking the ship and heading back to Orlando. We would be spending the next few days at the theme parks.

We were able to score a great deal on the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel, one on my bucket list for a while. So, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

Up at 5:45 AM, we got showered and ready then finished up our packing.

After pricing out Ubers, we decided to book a transfer through the cruise line to our Disney hotel as it was going to be the cheaper option. We were told that we needed to disembark the ship by 7:45 AM. So, we skipped breakfast and completed self-assist disembarkation.

Exiting our stateroom, we were able to score an empty elevator down to the Grand Hall without any issues. It then took about 30 minutes to go from scanning off the ship, through CBP, and loaded onto a bus.

Actually, we were mislead when booking this transfer, as we were under the assumption that there would be multiple buses with the last one departing the cruise terminal at 9 AM. However, we proceeded to sit on the bus for the next hour along with some other unhappy guests.

Finally, we were en route at 9 AM. We arrived at the Animal Kingdom Lodge around 11 AM as we made stops at three other hotels first.

Being our first Disney cruise, we really enjoyed the Disney Wish and can’t wait to get back onboard to experience even more of what this new cruise ship has to offer. In fact, we have another trip already booked for October!

In the meantime, we have a couple busy and exciting months ahead. Stay tuned as we set sail on Oceania Marina, Norwegian Prima, and Valiant Lady this summer.

Did you enjoy our Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review? Do you have plans to sail on this brand new Disney Cruise Line ship? Drop us an anchor below to share your DCL cruise reviews!

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Cruise to Bahamas - Nassau

• Caribbean    
• Bahamas    
• New Providence Island    

“Cruise to Bahamas” Review of Nassau

I just came back from a cruise to Nassau Bahamas and I had an awesome time. The food and people were great. I went on Norwegian Jewel ship. The beaches were beautiful.

Nassau is a lovely city that still maintains a friendly warm atmosphere. We went on a short (3 day) cruise out of Port Canaveral, Florida on one of the Carnival boats which I'll have to detail in another post (overall it was "good"!) Nassau is a completely walkable town to most areas of interest for most travellers. We walked to Ft. Findlay and then behind the fort is the queen's staircase that leads you down into an open area with some of the standard local fare (read t-shirts and beads). We enjoyed the fort very much- later, we went to Atlantis- be forewarned! The taxi drivers charge you $6-$9 ea. way and WONT tell you that Atlantis now charges for a "vistior" pass of $20- which is really sad on their part- as it is a lovely hotel that they should show off to others and maybe garner some needed business? . I refused to pay for this pass andsimply walked in from the outside- avoiding the "security" guards posted up near the front. The aquarium in the lobby is really something- but not worth a "visitor" fee. The beaches near Atlantis are top notch and free- a little walking however is required. I'd also tell you to just avoid the straw market- located near the cruise ship entry / exit point. They all sell the same stuff, and personally- I dont want to haggle and argue the price of a t-shirt while on vacation. Nassau is a great place to buy rum and other spirits, just be sure to look around and compare a little bit and buy BEFORE you get back on the ship - makes for less weight lugging around a bunch of hooch- Also ask for some free samples- there is alot of variety in Bahama rum!

We recently went on a cruise that took us back to Nassau. We have been there many times, and since we don't do water sports or gamble, we decided to at least get off the ship and walk the town. They still haven;t cleaned up the mess from the fire, so it still looks very bad. We walked to the Queens staircase, and were saddend to see that the waterfall has been "turned off" due to low water pressure. All the beautiful flowers and fauna that used to be there are also gone. What has replaced it is tacky souveniers and hairbraiding. We then walked to the water tower as we were told it was now open, and for 50 cents you could take the elevator to the top. Nope, Padlocked shut since the last time like 5 years ago. We also were going to visit fort fincastle (which used to be free, and you could walk around for photo opportunity. Now it costs $1 (not much) , but they seem to rush you along if you're not on a group tour. Headed back down Bay Street, and then back to the ship. Unless you are a shopper, gambler, ar water person.. skip this port, you'll enjoy the ship more.

This was truly a disappointing destination. It appeared that the main attractions were either going to Atlantis Resort or a "cultural" tour with cab drivers. I opted out of going to the resort, as I like to learn about the country that I'm visiting and I decided to go to the landmarks on our own. Once we made it up to the historical landmarks, the condition of the area was quite disappointing. The landscape was uncared for, the hardscape was uncared for, and I was unsure which guides were providing the correct information, as I heard two give distinct information about the same landmark. It's sad to know that tourists provide so much to the local economy, yet the money is not used to preserve the richness of the island. If I were to return, I would not get off the ship.

I did not stay at a fancy high end hotel on my first visit to the Bahamas. I stayed with the locals in a section known as "Over-the-Hill. It's what Americans might call "the other side of the tracks." Believe me when I tell you I couldn't have gotten better service, from a better host had I rented a room at the Atlantis on Paradise Island. That said, let me tell you about my trip. I arrived on Sunday May 15, 2011. My reason for going was to spend my birthday in a place other than home for a change. I had never been out of the country for my birthday. I felt turning 53 was a milestone and it deserved special recognition. Bay Street is to the Bahamas what 5th Avenue is to NYC. Yep, all the major designers have stores on that street. David Yurman, MAC, Cartier, and the list goes on. To me Bay Street looks like New Orleans and once a Junkanoo got started there, it also felt like New Orleans. A Junkanoo took place while I was there for an artist who'd passed away recently Jackson Burnside III was his name and he was affectionately known as the Father of Junkanoo. I was on a bus on my way to the zoo when the driver informed me of the Junkanoo about to take place. I literally jumped off the bus so that I would not miss it and I am so glad I did. Far be it from me to miss a party and a Junkanoo aint nothing but a party and a celebration. The Bahamas has a strong Jamaican influence, so there was at least one Jamaican bakery where I stayed that I frequented to get my Jamaican beef patties, Cod-Fish Fritters, Bahamas Goombah Punch and cakes before heading over to Paradise Island where the prices for everything is outrageous; including bottled water. I was vacationing on a budget and could not afford Paradise Island prices for much. I would freeze my bottled water, where it would melt slowly and I could sip on it throughout day. The one night I stayed on Paradise Island, I spent it on the beach and I kept my spending to a minimum. Although I did pay $12. for a large salad - it was worth it. I looked at the menus for a few of the restaurants where some entrees started at $55. A slice of pizza at the Marina Pizzeria was over $5. There are several places in NYC, today, where you can get a cheese slice for 99 cents. And, I remember when a cheese slice was 20 cents. I was on my own for my entire visit and I went about exploring Downtown Nassau solo and I had the best time. I learned which buses to take to get me back and forth "over-the-hill." I even made my way to the Bahamas Historical Society where I met the President Jim Lawlor. When I met him he didn't ask me where I was from,. Instead what he asked me was, "What part of South Carolina are you from?" Which I thought was odd because I was born in Bronx, NY., but both my parents are from South Carolina. Noticing the perplexed look on my face he informed me that he is also a linguist and we had a little fun with that. Just so you know - the public buses stop running at 6p which is way too early for me. The cost, $1.25 each way and can be hot and crowded. But they run often and I didn't have any problem with overcrowding. The buses aren't large like NYC buses, they're more like large vans. For after- hours there are taxis running, but of course they were way too expensive. Like $30, to get me from downtown to over-the-hill. I never paid it. I simply made sure I was where I needed to be to get me back over-the-hill in time. I walked over the Paradise Island Bridge just to experience it, plus I had to get my daily walk in, so it fit in perfectly. The weather in the Bahamas really is perfect. When I first laid eyes on Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island, it nearly took my breath away. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. And I've been to Negril, Jamaica and I don't remember the water being that beautiful. I was on the beach 5 out of the 7 days I spent there. I simply spread my white sheet on the sand and laid in the sun, relaxed, napped, and swam in the ocean for hours on end. I really enjoyed myself relaxing on Cabbage Beach. There was something therapeutic about swimming in the ocean that soothed my body and my soul. I can't give all the details about my trip in this review, but I'd be happy to elaborate on anything in particular if you care to know. Perhaps I should simply write a book about my Bahamas experience because it really was the perfect vacation.

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was once good but nowadays its just…

was once good but nowadays its just your average tourist trap..

Date of experience : April 30, 2022

Paradise Celebration it’s Not!!!!

Paradise Celebration it’s Not!!!! Well we have been going on this cruise line for about 7 years and it’s was always wonderful. But that has all changed. Today was My GF Birthday and we decided to go on a cruise on this cruise line that we trusted and always had a great time. The website says live shows in the 800 seat theater and full spa and game rooms. When we got to the ship we got tested by waiting on a long line then we get swabbed to see if we are negative and then we headed upstairs to the checkin area. We got our room number and headed up the Gangway and no greeting like years before. I almost tripped and the person on the ship laughed and never offered any assistance. The only assistance was to tell us where they were serving the buffet. They talk about social distance and nobody on the ship wears masks. But in the terminal you must wear a mask. The food buffet was minimal and the staff was pleasant but no masks. How do we know if they are vaccinated but they know we are vaccinated? We eat our meal and head down to our room. On the website it says large screen tvs. The tv was a 13 inch tv and no 110 plugs to charge your phone. In the past 7 years there was always an agenda of the day’s activities. But there was nothing in our room. That should have been our first clue. We went upstairs to the pool and had to find where to get towels and there was a clipboard and towels. It’s was on the honor system. So anybody could have wrote some fictional name and cruise line couldn’t care at all. Poor management. We then went to see if they had a card room. Years before there was a card room with games and cards when the ship goes to Freeport and you didn’t want to go there and it was there to do something. Then I asked a worker and he didn’t speak English and then asked another person what time is the live shows. He said there are no live shows since the pandemic but the website still says live shows. False advertising and misleading the public!!!!! My GF and I look forward to shows in the 800 seat theater but because of the pandemic they force you to sit in the bar and listen to music and drink. As per website “PREPARE TO BE AMAZED NIGHTLY SHOWS A whole world of entertainment awaits on board your 2-night cruise. Transport yourself to the glitz and glamour of a Vegas-style extravaganza, laugh your heart out at a comedy show, channel your inner diva at karaoke, or slow dance to live jazz music. Sunrise to sunset, every moment is a chance for excitement, awe, and wonder.” THEATRICAL JOURNEY Celebration Nights Show Kick off your cruise with a spectacular variety of shows. Witness the talents of an array of performers, including The Grand Classica Singers & Dancers, well-known comedians, and astounding magicians. Not happening as per pandemic!!!! Then change the website!!!! The Spa is also closed due to the fact they are merging with Margaritaville Sea Paradise and are doing construction. So we are paying to eat and cruise to Freeport and have no activities except a pool and hot tub. We don’t drink and gamble. We went to the front desk and demanded; we want off the ship and want our money back. They said we have to call a customer service number to get a refund and the staff asked what they could do for us. We said nothing and we got off the ship and drove home!!!! Website is a big con job; lies after lies to get people to come on cruise ship. They use the pandemic when they need to justify their way that they do business. They say they follow social distancing but in the buffet; everyone sat next to each other. Food area in places had no people behind the counter and bread baskets were open to anybody to touch food. The staff throughout the ship was minimal!!!

Date of experience : April 15, 2022

I didn't even get a chance to take a…

I didn't even get a chance to take a cruise. With vaccine mandates in place, I will never be able to cruise with this CL. Wake up BPCL. Not everyone is a candidate for the poison you are requiring people to put in their bodies. I'm sure your company will feel the strain of such stupidity on your part.

Date of experience : November 05, 2021

DO NOT BOOK THIS CRUISE

DO NOT BOOK THIS CRUISE. It is a trip from hell. Tons of hidden fees that make you wish you went with Carnival or another more civil company. These people give absolutely zero damns about you. They are hurting so much from the pandemic anyone booking with them will be an easy target. Lies after lies, stealing money from you, the much anticipated dinner etc not going to happen and they will make you take countless COVID test even if you have negative results from minutes ago and a vaccine lol!!! Not sure where they are headquartered but it’s certainly a third world nation. Beware you have been warned. This old worn out antiquated ship is not worth your time or money. FACTS!!

Date of experience : August 06, 2021

Our trip was canceled 4/1/2020 due to COVID to date 9/14/2020 no refund. So upset and people need to be warned. I have lost all hope they will return our money. Customer Service Representatives have no empathy and do not care. They blame accounting. Every time you call they give you several months later to expect your money.

Date of experience : September 14, 2020

Sweet deal to Swindled

My fiance bought this quick get away to propose to me in the Bahamas. When we arrived to the port in Miami (after 8 hours of travel) they notified me that the cruise had been canceled (July 23th, 2021). I asked to be refunded to the tune of $1,000 and here was are, SEVEN MONTHS LATER with no refund. They stole our money and will not reply. I have called, written, and reported them with NO response. They will take your money. Be warned.

Date of experience : January 10, 2022

Everyone lies

Everyone lies, we were lied to by everyone. From showing up and surprise you need to go get a covid test, to the casino voucher and how they work. We had issues with the blinds at dinner at the nice restaurant..and noone would fix them we had to beg to be moved. The internet is worthless in ur cabin. The cabin AC is horrible!!..they came and fixed it like so many other things that were never really fixed..alot of surprise costs and bait and switch

Date of experience : August 04, 2021

Our trip was canceled in March due to…

Our trip was canceled in March due to COVID. I have made dozen of calls to inquire of my family's refund and each time get excuse after excuse..when speaking to the supervisor she continues to give misleading and FALSE hope of just throwing dates up in the air as to when to expect it...called today 9/14/2020. I honestly do not feel they have any honorable intention of giving our money back at all!!! I am told it can be as late as December. Beyond furious. I will continue to call because this cruise line is nothing more than a scam. Customer Service Representatives are unprofessional and rude and could care less and the supervisors are just as rude and uncaring. Please if you want to book a cruise I would suggest a more reputable cruise line with better customer service and a much higher level of professionalism.

Date of experience : September 15, 2020

RIP OFF RIP OFF!ANYONE IN FAVOR OF…

RIP OFF RIP OFF!ANYONE IN FAVOR OF JOINING ME WITH A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THESE PEOPLE. I booked a cruise for July 10th 2021. They cancelled A couple of days before. I USED their rip off partner uplift to pay for the cruise. SO UPLIFT IS NOW CHARGING ME EVERY MONTH TO COVER THE CRUISE THAT I DIDNOT USE! I WENT TO MY BANK AND CANCELLED THE CARD AND T MY BANK GAVE ME MY THREE MONTHS OF PAYMENTS!!!

Date of experience : September 01, 2021

THIS CRUISE LINE IS A RIP OFF

THIS CRUISE LINE IS A RIP OFF . THEY GET YOUR MONEY IN A SECOND BUT IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL BECAUSE OF COVID. THEY SAID IF TAKE 90 DAYS FOR A REFUND. ALSO TAKE HALF OF YOUR MONEY.AFTER THE 90 DAY PASS ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WENT UP TO 120. THEY CONNECT YOU OVER TO ACCOUNT FOR INFORMATIOM AND SHE NEVER CALL BACK. I HAVE CALLED EVERYDAY AND IT IS LIE AFTER LIE. NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHEN OR IF I GETTING MY REFUND BACK.

Date of experience : November 02, 2021

Greedy ship and a rip off

I’m completely done! This was my first and LAST TIME traveling with paradise cruise lines. They are using covid as a business. I’m fully vaccinated had prof of vaccination and was told that I had to pay 25$ for a covid test right when I got there no email was sent prior to this nor when I called I was informed of this. They tried to butter it up by giving the 25 back in a voucher. But the food was terrible the water is even gross. And not to mention when I was trying to board back on the ship they again tell me I need another test done to board the ship. And AGAIN NOT EMAIL OR TEXT WAS SENT! I had to pay a total of 70 extra 20 for a taxi and 50 for a covid test and was NOT REIMBURSED IN ANY WAY!!. I then complain to the front seat and they lady said she will write a stupid note so they can “ do better” if you won a trip or just wanna go to the Bahamas DONT TAKE THIS SHIP just fly

Date of experience : August 03, 2021

Horrible, terrible, worst vacation experience ever

Pay for a cruise, travel 4 hours to get to the cruise, and find out it is not going that day. Buyer beware, if you book a cruise with this cruise line they may cancel it and never tell you until you show up to go on the cruise. That was our experience. We were given a phone number and sorry folks, no cruise today.

Date of experience : October 28, 2018

Feel ripped off !!!

After having cruises cancelled by other cruise lines due to covid, we were assured by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line that they met all the criteria from the CDC to sail in Dec 2020. They had 2 ships going to 2 different destinations. We booked them back to back requiring a 1-night hotel stay between cruises. We booked on 7/23/2020 with sailing dates of 12/14 and 12/17. We paid a total deposit of $200 for both cruises. The 12/17 cruise was cancelled by them. We cancelled the 12/14 cruise on 10/20 as it was not worth the trip. This cruise was later totally cancelled by them. We were told we would have a refund by 12/29. Never happened. Then we were told we would have a refund by March. Then we were given some garbage about having to wait 90 days, not counting weekends and holidays. Really???? This has more than exceeded 90 days. Taking our money under false pretenses??? Could this be considered fraud? Tired of the run around.

Date of experience : March 16, 2021

I gave BPCL one star only because zero…

I gave BPCL one star only because zero stars was not an option. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line are a bunch of criminals and liars. Their web sales staff tell blatant lies and use bait and switch techniques to get a sale, take payment, and then refuse to honor what was agreed in the sale when you arrive at the terminal. I booked a Cruise and Stay package for our wedding anniversary at very short notice. As it turned out, they had resumed the selling of ‘Cruise and Stay’ packages to a devastated Island after Hurricane Dorian, without even bothering to tell any of their own staff at the terminal. Nobody on staff there knew, and they thought we were making it up. It took 30 minutes and a fully boarded ship before it was accepted that we were even booked on a Cruise and Stay. After resolving the Cruise and Stay dilemma, they then tried to change the previously agreed terms of sale. On the web chat, we had bought a fully inclusive on both the ship and at the resort hotel, we had very clearly clarified that the AI was for both locations, and were even told the only thing we would need to spend on the whole trip was on souvenirs. They told as at the terminal that they don’t sell all inclusive packages for the ship. Even though the entire conversation was re-confirmed as being available in black and white, and was reviewed by their staff whilst we were stood in the terminal – actually proving that they had sold us a fully all inclusive package for the ship, they refused to honor it. Instead, they tried to palm us off with five free drinks per person for the round trip (so 2.5 drinks each per leg) after we had paid for fully all inclusive on the ship – quite the difference. They were actually under the illusion that they were offering us a concession at that. When I argued about this at the terminal, the booking was cancelled. They destroyed their customers vacation and wedding anniversary and left us stranded in the Cruise Terminal, having wasted limited vacation time off work, and already paid their ridiculous $75 valet fee to take our car away – no they don’t even offer self park at West Palm – you have no choice but to be ripped off on valet parking. So basically, we had taken time off work, completed a round trip journey from Melbourne to West Palm Beach for nothing. My wife was in tears. You will see that what BPCL do on the website bookings, is to take your email address at the very start of the web chat. Most reputable companies do that so that you get a clear copy of what is agreed at the end – but BHCL don’t send it out. They even now still refuse to provide copies of what was very clearly agreed in my sale on their own website chat session - despite admitting it is still available, and had been reviewed to confirm that all of my points were accurate. I tried to contact BPCL after returning home to express my discontent and be properly compensated for my horrible experience. Their Customer Service is a joke. Their standard action is to just ignore you. I ended up having to email half the company to get a response. The senior Customer service representative, who then called me to follow up, was just pure slime. No apology, just extremely dismissive and rude. Stating that there is no point going over the same old ground about how I was sold something which they then did not honor. What they offered me was a free cruise, to try and compensate for my bad experience, stating ‘we want a chance to put it right and show you how great we are’ Point of fact. I would not take it. I told them clearly that I will not give them opportunity to spoil more of my limited vacation time, and I would rather take the equivalent value as cash. This is not something they can write off for their screw up – so they refused point blank. I opened a case with Better Business Bureau to state the facts, much as appears here, and BBB published it on their site. Then BPCL, not liking the truth appearing out there it seems, pressured BBB into removing the case from their website. I don’t actually want anything at all from BPCL now. I certainly would not recommend them to anyone, and I am happy to share my experiences here so that people can draw their own conclusions.

Date of experience : January 11, 2020

According to their ad, the 3 day Bahamas cruise was $199. The first day all you do is get on the ship, the cruise starts late on the first day. The last day they try to get you off the ship as early as possible, so there is only 1 full day. We chose the cruise because it featured snorkeling. I put our snorkeling gear in a guitar case. When we checked in we were told we'd be charged $25 extra for bringing snorkeling gear. Then we found out there was NO snorkeling on the cruise. We were not refunded the $25 charge. We took this cruise because it had snorkeling. We SHOULD have been refunded the entire cost since the cruise was MISREPRESENTED. Speaking of cost, the $199 turned into about $500 after the "taxes and fees" were applied. I won't be using Groupon anymore after this rip-off. It's a scam. Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is a scam, a rip-off. The cruise was very sub-par, at a very premium price. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

Date of experience : April 17, 2019

Very Disappointing & NEVER again

I have NEVER been so happy for a vacation to be over!! Booked this 4 day Cruise & Stay for myself and my daughter as a graduation celebration for her and birthday celebration for me. On the ship...Only thing Good was the Food (Restaurant not the Buffet) and the Comedian (Loose Canon) There was lots of musical entertainment but it was strictly for the young twerking crowd or Hispanic... meaning the music was either raunchy rap / twerk music or Hispanic. Fortunately, for me I do like Cumbia, Salsa, Reggae (which they did not play) but would have loved to hear some good R&B or decent Hip Hop. They actually had 2 Parties going on at the same time and they were both Rap & Hip Hop and not the good Hip Hop either. I got into a conversation with a couple who looked to be in their late 40s and they said the same thing...”what are we supposed to do if we want to dance and enjoy music”. When I booked, the Rep put in an order for birthday cake on my birthday. When I mentioned this on the ship, they looked at me like I was crazy; they had NO idea what I was talking about yet “Birthday Cake” it was clearly noted on my Travel Confirmation. But I didn’t press the issue and I just let it go. I was looking forward to a better time on the island. Uh….Nope...not happening. So on the Island…. We left the ship around 10:30am and arrived on the island around 11am. Room checkin wasn’t til 3pm so we had to hang out on the beach til 3pm. So we ate and walked around and walked around and walked around some more in 101 degree weather. So, comes time to check in. We check in and get our luggage. We trek our way down 4 buildings, of course we were in the farthest building. We get to the room and the room key doesn’t work. I asked one of the Housekeepers if she could open it and she said it’s not the key, it’s the door. Apparently she had mentioned this to someone before but it was ignored. So we trek back past these 4 buildings again to Guest Services, stand in line to explain to them the key is not working and mention what the Housekeeper had told me. Guy swipes the key and said it should be working now. S0...we trek our way back down past these 4 buildings AGAIN to our room and try the key AGAIN. Key STILL not working!! So Housekeeper says they’re sending Maintenance down. So, we’re just standing outside the room and by now it feels like it’s 150 degrees. We’re sitting on our luggage waiting for Maintenance who NEVER showed up. Housekeeper said that I could get another room if I went back to Guest Services and I told her NO! I’m not walking all the way back up there again! She said she would do it for me so she took my key and returned about 40 minutes later with the key to a new room. The room they gave us was one they were still cleaning, so we have to wait until they were finished cleaning it. So Housekeeping is rushing trying to get it ready. Finally they let us in and floor is still wet and all we could smell was a super strong overwhelming chemical smell. Kid you not, this smell was so bad it made my eyes water and nose burn and that was with the keeping the balcony door open (and it lasted the whole time we were there). But at least we had a room; close to 2 HOURS later! Now it’s close to 5pm and we’re in the room waiting for towels and pillow cases which took another hour. I just went ahead and took a shower and dried off with the face towel. Finally, we had a room BUT the room they switched us to DID NOT have ocean view as advertised….”All rooms with Oceanview” Yea, if you get an Ocean View on the ship! The view was of a little dirt road that lead to the beach. No beach could be seen from that room / balcony. Entertainment was a DJ that closed up shop at 9pm; 9pm!! WTH! So when the music stopped, you were basically on your own for entertainment….go get another watered down drink and that’s it NEVER AGAIN!!!!

Date of experience : July 30, 2019

Excellent Cruise To Bahamas

Just got back from an excellent visit to Freeport Bahamas. The trip was tremendous and really enjoyed the food options. With these cruises, it's a hidden gem to find the HQ food. But first thing I did when getting on the ship was ask the staff their tips, sure enough, we found our selves in the dining room with speciality menu and best steak I've had in months! Incredible options. I probably ate more value then what I paid :) Ha! Great staff. Clean.

Date of experience : October 27, 2021

Great short cruise!!!

My wife and I just returned from our very first cruise, and we have nothing but good things to say. The accommodations were fabulous. My wife has a gluten allergy and the chefs went above and beyond to ensure she was well taken care of, including making her a special desert on her birthday. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. Greg our cabin attendant, was so nice and ensured are stay was the best. He attended to our every need, and was always such a pleasure.

Date of experience : May 02, 2018

Bermuda Yacht Charter

Bermuda Yacht Charter Bermuda Vs Bahamas Both Are Mixed Up. Both Island Chains Have A Shared British Heritage And Are Located In The Atlantic Ocean, Not The Caribbean. Bermuda Yacht Charter Both Are Easily Accessible From The East Coast. Website: http://bahamasyachtchartersdotcom/

Date of experience : April 25, 2019

All they want is your money and then…

All they want is your money and then then the hell with you. We will never cruise with you again.

Date of experience : May 10, 2018

Carnival Freedom cruise ship catches fire near Bahamas

TAMPA, Fla. ( WFLA ) — A Carnival Cruise ship’s funnel caught on fire during their voyage near the Bahamas on Saturday.

Carnival said that at 3:15 p.m., the Carnival Freedom reported a fire on the port side from the ship’s exhaust funnel.

In a statement from Carnival, the team said, “The ship’s fire response team was quickly activated, and the ship’s captain also turned the vessel towards the heavy rain in the area to maximize the efforts to put out the flames. Eyewitnesses reported the possibility of a lightning strike and that is being investigated but cannot yet be confirmed.”

A portion of the funnel on the port side fell onto Deck 10.

Crews were able to extinguish the fire at 5:20 p.m. All aboard were asked to stay away from balconies and open decks for their safety.

Two crew members fighting the fire were treat for minor smoke inhalation, according to Carnival. As of this report, there are no reported injuries for guests.

The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted and has activated their response team. The cruise is expected to continue sailing to Freeport and arrive on Sunday morning.

The ship was around 20 miles from Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, heading to Freeport. The ship departed from Port Canaveral on Thursday for a four-day trip.

On May 26, 2022, the same ship caught on fire while docked in Grand Turk . The inside of the Freedom’s funnel erupted in smoke and flames. The trip that was scheduled following the voyage had to be canceled.

The cruise does not expect the fire to impact the next voyage scheduled for Monday.

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