disney cruise line excursions nassau

Best Disney Cruise Excursions in Bahamas, Caribbean, & Bermuda

They’re known by many names: Port Adventures, Land Adventures, Shore Excursions, Port Excursions, or Shoreside Activities. Whatever you call them, Disney Cruise Line Port Adventures all have one thing in common: they’re a great way to experience a local adventure during cruises! Depending on the destination, you might have hundreds of possibilities to choose from. So which should you choose, and which should you let sail you by? Here are our picks for some of the Best Disney Cruise Excursions in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Jump directly to the best excursions in:

• Castaway Cay, Bahamas
• Costa Maya, Mexico
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Falmouth, Jamaica
• George Town, Grand Cayman
• King’s Wharf, Bermuda
• Nassau, Bahamas
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Or read on to find out more about Port Adventures and how to get them for free .

Get Free Help Planning Your Cruise and Port Adventures. Vacationeers are standing by!

What are Disney Cruise Port Adventures?

“Port Adventures” is the name Disney uses for organized off-ship activities. You can always leave the ship for free when it’s in port, and there’s never any charge to explore on your own. A Port Adventure is an optional paid experience that offers a bit more structure to your time on shore.

Whatever you’re looking for — invigorating or relaxing, cultural or touristy, complex or simple, short or long — odds are you’ll find it offered as a Disney Cruise Port Adventure.

How Much are Shore Excursions in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda?

There’s a Port Adventure for every budget. You can spend about $18 to rent a two-seater paddle boat at Castaway Cay — or you can charter a private fishing vessel for the day in Tortola, British Virgin Islands for $6,599.

Don’t let the priciest options scare you away. Many excursions fall well below $100 per-person and are quite reasonable.

We checked prices of all excursions Disney Cruise Line offered in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda at the time we wrote this article, and here’s what we found:

• $1 – $49: 103 options
• $50 – $99: 303 options
• $100 – $199: 186 options
• $200 and up: 110 options

There are plenty of great options at each of the price points, and you don’t certainly don’t have to spend a huge amount to have a good time.

If you don’t mind splurging just a little, we’ve found that $125-$250 per person should be enough to buy you a truly unforgettable port adventure in the area. Though you likely wouldn’t want to spend this much in every port, it’s worth considering at least once during your cruise. And you can take heart in knowing that excursion prices in this part of the world are much more affordable than, say, Disney Cruise excursions in Alaska or European cruise excursions.

How to Get Free Excursions on a Disney Cruise

Port Adventures are not included in the cost of your Disney Cruise , but you can still get them for free if you know how.

Book your cruise through a Disney travel agent to earn Onboard Credit  for excursions and other purchases during your cruise.

The Vacationeer offers up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit when you book your cruise through them.

Your cruise won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself , and they don’t charge any planning fees .

When Do You Pay for Disney Cruise Port Adventures?

In most cases, charges for your shore excursion are applied through your shipboard account; you won’t actually pay until you settle your account at the end of your cruise. That’s great news if you’re have an onboard credit from your travel agent, because it means you can use that “free money” toward your excursions.

Now, on to our list.

We’ve picked some of the best offerings at multiple ports and across different price points.

Prices shown are per person unless indicated otherwise. Some offerings may be limited to certain itineraries or times of year.

There are many more offerings and plenty of additional ports. So if you see something that looks almost perfect, you can check out the full list of Port Adventures to find similar offerings with different options, prices, and locations.

Castaway Cay — Best Port Adventures

As Disney’s own private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay offers an exclusive Bahamian hideaway that’s open only to one Disney cruise ship a day — and no one else! There’s plenty to do for free on the island, but also a wide array of optional paid activities.

Bicycle Rentals (C04)

One of the most popular and cost-effective ways to explore Castaway Cay. Enjoy a one-hour bike rental as you explore nature paths and offshore terrain. Ride along the island’s historic (and historically dubious) airstrip and wheel your way to the observation tower for an elevated view of Disney’s Private Island.

Activity Level: Active

Requirements: Ages 3+

Duration: 1.0 hour

Cost: $13 for ages 10+ $13 for ages 3-9 Rates are per bike, per hour

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure (C13)

Enter the shallow stingray lagoon for an up-close encounter. Using a specially-designed feeding ramp and tray, your guide will show you how to place food just right in your hand to allow a stingray to glide over and gobble up their meal. You’ll also have a chance to pet one of these beautiful, often misunderstood creatures. Then, grab your snorkel to observe 60+ stingrays in a beautiful lagoon. Concerned about safety? Stingrays have no teeth, and Castaway Cay keeps its captive stingrays’ barbs safely (and humanely) trimmed.

Activity Level: Moderate

Requirements: Ages 5+ (ages 5-16 with adult 18+)

Cost: $56 for ages 10+ $45 for ages 5-9

Glass Bottom Boat Scenic Voyage (C11)

Did you know Castaway Cay has a barrier reef? Board a glass bottom boat for a voyage beyond the protected lagoon out to the undeveloped north side of the island. You’ll stay dry as you look down through bottom-mounted windows to discover tropical fish, sea creatures, and the coral reefs that protect the island.

Activity Level: Mild

Requirements: Open to all ages. Limited seats; guests may be required to stand.

Cost: $59 for ages 10+ $39 for ages 3-9 $39 for ages 2 and under

Parasailing (C08)

Meet and mingle with fellow cruisers as you’re divided into groups and board separate boats. Soon, it will be your turn to experience an unforgettable beauty parasailing flight 600-800 feet in the air. You’ll enjoy about 5-7 minutes of flight time before being gently pulled back down to the boat.

Requirements: Ages 8+ (under age 13 must fly with adult age 18+). Age 13-19 must check in with parent/guardian. Must weigh 90-375 pounds. Tandem riders max 375 pounds combined. Tandem ride may be required.

Cost: $129 for ages 10+ $129 for ages 8-9

Get Free Help Booking Your Cruise to Castaway Cay

Considering on a Disney Cruise? Reach out to an Authorized Disney Vacation Planners at The Vacationeer to make sure you don’t miss anything!

You’ll have your own dedicated agent from start to finish — no massive call centers and no waiting on hold ! Not only will they book your cruise , but they’ll also handle all your Port Adventure bookings .

And best of all, their services are completely free ! Your cruise won’t cost a penny more than if you’d booked it yourself (and it might even cost less )!

So contact The Vacationeer today, and ask about their free onboard credit to spend on excursions or virtually anything else onboard the ship!

Costa Maya, Mexico — Best Excursions

Image © Disney

Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Costa Maya offers a unique mix of lush jungles and sandy beaches. With a history shaped by ancient Mayans, English pirates, and the Mexican Navy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting area of unspoiled natural beauty.

Salsa Cooking & Dancing with Beach Break (CM30)

Take a hands-on cooking class that teaches you how to make authentic Mexican salsas and guacamole. You’ll get to taste your creations afterwards (with complimentary margaritas, beers, and flavored waters) — and take recipes with you to create them again at home. Speaking of Salsa, you’ll also learn the steps of the famous dance of the same name. A bit of beach time rounds out your experience.

Activity Level: Mild, Moderate

Requirements: Ages 6+

Duration: 3.0 to 3.5 hours

Cost: $75 for ages 10+ $54 for ages 6-9

Adventure Park and Chacchoben Mayan Ruins (CM46)

Mix the ancient with the exhilarating on this multi-faceted experience. First, spend nearly two hours on an educational guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben — a renowned archaeological site. Then, move on to the purely fun-focused portion of the day at Mayá Lost Mayan Kingdom , featuring 8 water slides, a slow inner tube ride, and two zip line courses.

Requirements: Open to all ages (6+ recommended)

Advisory:  Mexico Government charges $5 USD fee for camera use in ruins. Tripod use requires a permit and payment of a fee described by Disney Cruise Line as “exorbitant.”

Duration: 6.5 to 7.0 hours

Cost: $160 for ages 10+ $155 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 2 and under

Cozumel, Mexico — Best Shore Excursions

From its earliest days of settlement by the ancient Mayans, natural beauty has drawn people to Cozumel. Over the years it has played host to everyone from pirates to refugees — and now tourists. Whether you’re seeking the stunning coral reefs or a plate of tantalizing food from one of the 100+ restaurants, Cozumel is yours to explore.

Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program (CZ48)

Take a brief ride to Sunset beach, then help a group of local nonprofit’s marine biologists restore the coral reefs of Cozumel. This activity includes hands-on restoration work, followed by recreation such as snorkeling and beach time. End the experience with a certificate of participation and a ride back to the ship.

Requirements: Ages 10+

Cost: $49 for ages 10+

A Mexican Winter Holiday and Beach Adventure (CZ92)

Set out on foot for the traditional Las Posadas nativity procession, singing carols and making decorations. Feast on sweet bread, tamales, fried codzitos, and pumpkin seed salsa. Then, spend about 90 minutes at Playa Mia Grand Beach before picking up your keepsake and returning to the ship

Requirements: Open to all ages

Duration: 4.5 to 5.0 hours

Cost: $94 for ages 10+ $79 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Dolphin and Manatee Encounter in a National Park All Inclusive (CZ04)

Visit Dolphin Discovery for a 40-minute in-water encounter with gentle and playful dolphins. Then, enjoy a brief manatee encounter along with an internationally-inspired lunch.

Requirements: Ages 3+. Ages 3-12 must book w/ adult 18+ on same CZ04. Ages 13-17 must book w/ adult 18+ on CZ04 or matching CZ25.

Advisory:  Medical restrictions apply. No cameras. No jewelry.

Cost: $114 for ages 10+ $99 for ages 3-9

Dolphin Trainer For A Day in Cozumel – All Inclusive (CZ40)

Travel to Dolphinaris to begin your dolphin training experience. Shadow professional trainers as you learn how to feed the dolphins and how to train them using hand signals. Teach your dolphin students to vocalize and jump at your request, and experience a thrilling “hang on tight” swim with one of the dolphins, followed by a flipper shake and a kiss. This experience includes lots of close contact with these amazing creatures.

Activity Level: Moderate, Active

Requirements: Ages 10+. To observe but not participate, book CZ41.

Duration: 5.0 to 5.5 hours

Cost: $255 for ages 10+

Have Questions But Don’t Want to Wait on Hold?

Falmouth, Jamaica — Top Excursions

Falmouth has come a long way from its early days as a shipment hub for sugar plantations, but still retains some of its old world charm — right down to the architecture. Its bustling days are over, but that’s just fine for a relaxing visit during your cruise. So go ahead — enjoy a plate of jerk chicken and dip your toes in the sparkling waters of this peaceful Caribbean destination.

Falmouth Dolphin Encounter (FA76)

Take a one-hour motorcoach ride along the Jamaican coastline to Dolphin Cove for an up-close encounter with friendly dolphins. Mount a shallow-water platform for a 30-minute interaction full of hands-on activity, splashes, and maybe even a dolphin “kiss” Then, enjoy the pool, whirlpool tub, or lounge chairs on the pool deck before returning to the ship.

Requirements: Open to all ages (6+ recommended). Ages 0-12 must book w/ adult 18+ on same FA76. Ages 13-17 must book w/ adult 18+ on same FA76 or matching FA78.

Advisory:  Medical restrictions apply

Duration: 5.5 to 6.0 hours

Cost: $89 for ages 10+ $69 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Sky Explorer and Dunn’s River Falls (FA11)

Travel one hour to Dunn’s River Falls — then, if you like, begin a 600-foot climb up the cascading falls (additional one hour). Then, take a short ride to Mystic Mountain where you’ll ride the Sky Explorer chairlift through dense tropical forests with stunning views of the cliffs and turquoise waters below. At the end of your 15-minute journey lies Mystic Pavilion , featuring educational and interactive history exhibits. A Jamaican-inspired lunch is included, and you can round out your visit with views from the observation tower. Take a second ride on the Sky Explorer to begin your return to the ship.

Requirements: Open to all ages (6+ recommended). Must be 36″+ tall to climb falls.

Cost: $124 for ages 10+ $69 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Bobsled Jamaica and Dunn’s River Falls (FA10)

Travel one hour to Dunn’s River Falls for an optional hike up the 600-foot falls, followed by another short ride to Mystic Mountain. Ride the Sky Explorer chairlift and explore the educational pavilion before continuing to Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica . This coaster-style attraction evokes the design of bobsleds used by the famed Jamaican Olympic team. The 3,280-foot track is specially designed to avoid disturbing the natural landscape, so expect plenty of twists and turns around ancient trees, majestic cliffs, stone outcrops, and dense rainforest canopies. You control the brakes, so your trip can be as leisurely or as thrilling as you like. Your bobsled then slowly returns back up the mountain. A Jamaican-inspired lunch is also included, and you’ll have time to take in mountaintop views from the observation tower before you head back to the ship.

Requirements: Ages 5+. Must be 42″+ tall. Must weigh 275 pounds or less.

Duration: 6.0 to 6.5 hours

Cost: $144 for ages 10+ $79 for ages 5-9

George Town, Grand Cayman — Best Port Adventures

Located on the largest of the Cayman Islands, and home to the majority of islanders, George Town is known for its lively culture. Like so much of the area, it has a rocky history of territorial disputes, hurricanes, and economic challenges. Now a British Overseas Territory, it’s a haven for tourists seeking natural beauty and great weather.

Shipwreck and Reef Snorkeling (G15)

Board a custom-built snorkeling ship and explore two different sites. First, spend about 45 minutes snorkeling the shipwreck of the Cali , a 220-foot steel schooner that sank in the 1940s. Then, snorkel a nearby reef as your guides feed the fish to bring them closer to you.

Requirements: Ages 5+

Duration: 2.0 to 2.5 hours

Cost: $54 for ages 10+ $34 for ages 5-9

North Sound Mangrove Cruise & Star Fish Point (G70)

Set out from Morgan’s Harbor, then cruise up the North Sound and the area’s Mangrove Swamp, en route to the “starfish petting zoo” at Starfish Point. You’ll have a chance to not only see — but also to touch and hold — starfish during your experience.

Activity Level: Athletic

Requirements: Ages 8+

Cost: $56 for ages 10+ $50 for ages 8-9

Atlantis Submarine Expedition (G11)

Climb down the hatch of a 65-foot, 80-ton submarine and dive 100 feet through Grand Cayman’s underwater marine park. You’ll spend about 40 minutes exploring this underwater paradise, viewing the amazing Coral Canyons through large porthole windows directly in front of your seat. A marine expert accompanies your voyage to share information and answer questions.

Requirements: Ages 4+ Must be 36″+ tall

Cost: $120 for ages 10+ $70 for ages 4-9

Find the Exact Cost of Your Dream Cruise

King’s Wharf, Bermuda — Top Port Adventures

Bermuda plays host to an eclectic mix of American, British, and West Indian culture.  Add natural attractions such as the Crystal Caves to manmade sights including the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and one can quickly understand why Bermuda draws so many tourists each year.

Bermuda Triangle Evening Cruise (BR15)

A special treat on cruises that spend the night in King’s Wharf, this unique nighttime adventure takes takes you into the heart of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Board a 50-foot glass-bottom boat for ghostly commentary about the history and legends of the area. Underwater lights and windows reveal sea life below.

Requirements: Ages 12+

Duration: 1.5 to 2.0 hours

Cost: $75 for ages 12+

Crystal Caves and Pink Flamingos (BR22)

Descend 80 feet below the surface of the earth, traveling past limestone formations and crystalized stalactites and over underground lakes. Then, visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo to explore more than 200 species of animals. View sea creatures from nearby coastal waters, flamingoes, seals, tortoises, and more.

Cost: $155 for ages 10+ $125 for ages 3-9 $85 for ages 0-2

Haunted History Tour of St. George’s (BR41)

Take a motorcoach to St. Georges, a UNESCO World Heritage town which dates back to 1609. Enjoy dinner at Fort St. Catherine before beginning a guided haunted history walking tour. Cast members bring ghost stories to life as you explore 18th-century homes, the historic cemetery of Their Majesties Chapel of St. Peter’s Church. Conclude at the land-based replica of Deliverance , a 1600s ship that was itself built from the remains the shipwrecked Sea Venture .

Cost: $199 for ages 10+ $149 for ages 5-9

Craft Your Own Pink Sand Jewelry (BR48)

Experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes jewelry-making activity at Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery . You’ll enjoy themed pink refreshments and locally-made treats, then get hands-on while customizing your very own keepsake from the region’s famed pastel sands.

Cost: $389 for ages 10+ $239 for ages 5-9

Nassau, Bahamas — Best Excursions

Arguably the most famous port in the Bahamas, Nassau’s close proximity to the United States makes it a frequent cruise destination. Far removed from — yet still shaped by — a history marked with piracy and colonialism, Nassau is now a vibrant and colorful town welcoming millions of tourists by air and sea each year.

Ardastra Gardens and Wildlife Conservation Centre (N16)

Start with a brief bus tour of the city’s architectural treasures and 200-year old pastel buildings including the Houses of Parliament and Government House. Upon arrival at the conservation center, participate in the Bahamas only authentic flamingo experience. The “Ballerinas in Pink” here have been trained to march and delight guests. Enjoy up-close and personal encounters with macaws, peacocks, snakes, turtles and more creatures in a nearly century-old stone-walled garden setting.

Cost: $69 for ages 10+ $49 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine (N42)

Take a 20-minute scenic cruise through Nassau Harbor to the marine park at Athol Island. Then, transfer to the SeaWorld Explorer for a 45-minute adventure. The vehicle remains above water but features underwater windows allowing you to view the Sea Gardens coral colony and tropical fish. Then, spend a bit of time in downtown Nassau before returning to the ship.

Cost: $69 for ages 10+ $46 for ages 3-9 $46 for ages 0-2

Graycliff Chocolatier – The Art of Chocolate Making and Factory Tour (N54)

Visit Graycliff Chocolatier for a delicious hands-on exploration of the chocolate-making process. You’ll start with a fascinating factory tour, witnessing cacao beans being ground and roasted, liquid chocolate being mixed, and molds being filled. You’ll also learn a bit about the importance of responsible farming in the chocolate trades. Afterwards, its time to dress in special hygienic clothing and try it for yourself! An expert chocolatier teaches you how to dip, glaze, and fill molds to create your own delectable chocolate treats to take home with you. And for good measure, you’ll get to sample several different kinds of chocolate during the event. Note that this is by far one of the most popular excursions in the entire region , and space is extremely limited — book as early as you can.

Cost: $69 for ages 10+ $62 for ages 5-9

Blackbeard’s Revenge Pirate Ship Adventure (N23)

Board Blackbeard’s Revenge , a replica of an 18th-century pirate ship, and sail along Nassau Harbor and Paradise Island for a pirate adventure. Your crew enacts tales from the Golden age of piracy while you learn about the area’s rich history and historic forts. Feel free to join in the pirate antics if you like. You’ll also catch glimpses of (but will kindly refrain from pillaging) celebrity mansions and super yachts throughout the tour.

Cost: $74 for ages 10+ $44 for ages 3-9 $34 for ages 0-2

Atlantis Aquaventure (N25)

Image © Atlantis

One of the more popular Nassau attractions is the renowned Aquaventure water park at Atlantis Bahamas . Your tour includes transportation for the 25-minute trip from the cruise docks to the resort and admission to its 141-are water park. Enjoy Poseidon’s Playzone, the Leap of Faith slide, Rapids River, and other water attractions during your visit. Take a self-guided tour of The Dig, view the world’s largest open-air marine habitat (home to 50,000+ sea creatures), soak up the sun on the beach, or visit the casino. Prices are a bit higher than just purchasing a day pass to the water park , in part because transportation is included.

Requirements: Open to all ages. Many attractions have height requirements.

Duration: 4.0 to 6.0 hours

Cost: $239 for ages 10+ $124 for ages 4-9 Free for ages 0-3

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San Juan, Puerto Rico — Best Port Excursions

San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital and most populated city, and the oldest city under jurisdiction of the United States. More than 3,000,000 Americans call Puerto Rico home, and many more are fortunate to visit this lush island as it hosts 500 cruise ships each year. The island’s early Spanish influence is still prevalent, not only in language but also in culture and cuisine.

Bacardi Rum and Distillery Tour — Adult Exclusive (SJ55) or Children Welcome (SJ03)

Take a 30-minute ride to the Bacardi Rum Distillery, followed by an hour-long guided tour through the facilities. Learn the history of the company and its production process. Tour the Visitor’s Center and explore the ways sugarcane is converted into molasses and rum. After the tour, enjoy free time for rum tasting in the Visitor’s Center (ages 21+) and shopping in the museum. Then either return directly to the ship or spend additional time shopping in Old San Juan.

Requirements: Ages 18+ for SJ55. Ages 3+ for SJ03. Must be 21+ to drink.

Duration: 2.5 to 3.0 hours

Cost: $46 for ages 18+ $31 for ages 10-17 $21 for ages 3-9

Horseback Riding Adventure (SJ25)

Visit Hacienda Campo Rico , where your guides will demonstrate how to ride your horse. Riders and horses will be paired by previous riding ability, size, and age for a 2-hour trail ride through a scenic 2,200-acre private ranch that was once a sugarcane plantation. Ride past lagoons, through tropical vegetation, and see the Karsts Mountains and coastal plains.

Requirements: Ages 9+. Maximum weight 250 pounds.

Duration: 3.5 to 4.0 hours

Cost: $92 for ages 9+

A Flair of Spain – Paella Cooking Demonstration and Flamenco (SJ57)

Visit a local restaurant to watch the fascinating process of making Paella. You’ll then enjoy your freshly-made meal (along with a glass of Sangria for those ages 21+) and receive the recipe to take home. During lunch, an energetic Flamenco dance performance highlights your experience.

Requirements: Open to all ages (5+ recommended)

Cost: $115 for ages 10+ $99 for ages 3-9 Free for ages 0-2

Caving and Body Rafting (SJ59)

Start with a 60-minute drive to a private nature reserve, observing the island’s karst (dissolving limestone) landscape in an area that was once the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival, don your protective gear and hike through an untouched jungle while learning about the Taíno people. Then, climb down into a cave for a hands-on geology lesson. After that, it’s time for Body Rafting, floating downstream by underground springs. Take a brief rest at a traditional mountain cottage until it’s time to head back to your Disney cruise ship.

Requirements: Ages 10+. Special clothing requirements apply.

Cost: $289 for ages 10+

Do I Have to Book Port Adventures Through Disney?

You don’t have to book your excursions through Disney Cruise Line, but you probably should.

Shore excursions are operated by outside companies which contract with Disney. And it’s true many of them offer a substantially similar experience — often at a lower price — when booked independently. And virtually every port has information booths right outside the dock where you can book experiences directly.

So why “waste money” booking through Disney? There are a few reasons:

Peace of mind

If you’ve booked through Disney, they’ll keep track of your experience from start to finish. This is critical if the excursion run late. Disney will hold the ship to allow straggling tours to return — or pay for you to catch up to the ship at the next port-of-call. If you booked on your own, then you’re on your own.

Flexible Payment and Refunds

Port Adventures booked through Disney are charged to your shipboard account and paid at the end of your cruise. Payment for privately-booked tours is often due in full at the time they’re reserved. Disney’s excursions are also usually fully refundable up until three days before your cruise. Privately-booked excursions might have stricter rules or simply be nonrefundable.

Automatic Adjustments

Excursions booked through Disney Cruises are exclusive to Disney passengers, so there’s no worry if the ship’s schedule changes. If the ship arrives in port late, the tour won’t start without you.

If the ship’s scheduled day in port changes, your tour will be automatically adjusted, too. And if the ship has to completely miss a port for some reason, you won’t have to pay for any excursions booked there.

Extra Magic

Not that it’s a crucial part of the experience, but Disney often nudges its tour providers into providing a few extra touches on their Disney Cruise excursions.

For all of these reasons, it’s often best for you or your travel agent to book your excursions directly through Disney Cruise Line.

Want FREE HELP from a Disney Cruise Expert?

Disney Cruise Port Adventure FAQs

Do disney cruises visit disney world.

It’s very rare for a Disney Cruise to directly include time at Walt Disney World. In the past, Disney Cruises from New York visited Port Canaveral and included a one-day Disney world ticket. But that hasn’t been the case for a few years.

You can, however, easily add a Disney World visit immediately before or after your Disney Cruise from Florida . It won’t be included in the cost of your cruise , but you can’t argue with the proximity and convenience.

Disney Cruise Line’s primary home port is Port Canaveral , about 60 miles from Disney World. Orlando International Airport services both destinations. The Disney Cruise shuttle service transports guests between the port, the airport, and Disney World.

Your Disney Travel Agent can help you price out the cost of adding some Disney World time to your Disney Cruise.

Can You Book Excursions Once You’re Onboard?

Port Adventures can be booked onboard the ship, subject to availability. Each ship has a Port Adventures desk.

Do Disney Cruise Excursions Sell Out?

Yes, it’s common for the more popular excursions to sell out well in advance. For the best chance at getting what you want, book as early as possible. There’s no wait list, but you can keep checking to see if space becomes available.

When Can You Book Disney Shore Excursions?

For those cruising with Disney for the first time , Port Adventures can be booked 75 days prior to your sail date. The booking window opens very early — midnight Eastern Time. Your cruise must be paid in full before you can book.

Repeat passengers get an early booking advantage that varies based on Castaway Club level (the number of times they’ve cruised with Disney).

Are Port Adventures Always Guided Tours?

Port Adventures take many forms, and not all of them have tour guides. A few examples include hiring a private vehicle, renting water trikes, chartering boats, or purchasing admission to local attractions.

Are Disney Cruise Excursions Wheelchair Accessible?

Disney’s cruise ships are easily accessible to those using wheelchairs, but the accessibility of experiences offered in ports-of-call can vary. It’s easy to forget that ADA regulations apply only to the United States — it’s the Americans with Disabilities Act — so it can be a bit of a shock when you arrive in another country and find that some areas are not as accessible as one might hope.

That said, Disney now partners with Accessible Travel Solutions to offer wheelchair-accessible Port Adventures in more than 25 countries. Not every excursion will be fully accessible — and while there’s certainly room for improvement — but progress is being made.

Accessible Port Adventures typically include vehicles with wheelchair lifts/ramps, attractions and tour routes with no stairs or with elevators, bathrooms with wider doors, and guides familiar with the needs of guests with disabilities. Disney maintains a list of all its accessible Port Adventures .

Best Way to Book Disney Cruise Excursions

If you’re ready to book your Disney Cruise and all your excursions, we highly recommend contacting  The Vacationeer . As  Authorized Disney Vacation Planners , their expert agents will make sure everything on your cruise is taken care of , from rooms to dining to Port Adventures.

Worried about the cost? Don’t be!  Their planning services are completely free and they’ll make sure you get the best possible price on everything .

What’s more, they’ll give you a free onboard credit of up to $1,000 to use for excursions and other shipboard spending.

Add in the convenience of having a single, dedicated travel agent from start to finish , and it’s easy to see why using The Vacationeer is the best way to book your Disney Cruise.

We hope our article has helped you understand more about Disney Cruise excursions in the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda — and maybe inspired you to explore some of the amazing adventures offered in port during your cruise.

Bon voyage!

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Bahamian Shore Excursions

Disney Cruise Line hand picks just the right shore excursions (Disney Cruise Line calls them port adventures) to allow the guest to experience a representative selection of what each port has to offer.  Read on to see what Disney typically offers for Bahamian Shore Excursions.

Bahamian Shore Excursions on Castaway Cay

Extreme Getaway Package – This package is a 4-in-1 experience that includes the following: snorkel equipment rental, one-hour bicycle rental, float or tube rental, and Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure.

Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure – Get up close while feeding stingrays from the palm of your hand. Then, put on snorkel equipment and swim out to the lagoon to snorkel near the 60 stingrays there.

Parasailing – See Castaway Cay from the air with 5-7 minutes at 600-1000 feet.

Watercraft Ski Adventure (Available as Single Rider or Double Rider) – After a 15-minute safety orientation, you follow your guide on a WaveRunner while passing the Disney Cruise Line ship and heading out of the lagoon. At two stops (weather permitting), you will learn about the history of the local area before heading back to Boat Beach. Approximately 45 minutes.

Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure – Enjoy the nature of Castaway Cay as you experience the island in the following ways: nearly a 45-minute walk through the rural parts of the island while the guide shares some of the history of the area, an almost hour-long kayak adventure through the tidal zones and native mangroves, and a 30-minute swim on a deserted beach.

Bahamian Shore Excursions in Key West, Florida

Snorkel, Kayak, and Dolphin Watching Adventure – Enjoy a 20 minute boat ride to the Key West National Wildlife Refuge where you will begin your 45 minute kayak adventure. Next, you will spend about 45 minutes snorkeling in shallow waters where you can see tropical marine life. After your snorkeling adventure ends, the boat will take travel to the “Dolphin Playground” where a resident pod of nearly 100 bottlenose dolphins live.

Old Town Trolley or Conch Train Tour – The trolley or train will travel through the streets of Key West. The trolley or train will pass by many different sights, including Earnest Hemingway’s house, Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant, and more.

White Knuckle Thrill Boat – You will get wet! Feel the thrill as the boat makes 360-degree spins, sideways slides, and other tricks for 30 minutes.

Presidents, Pirates, and Pioneers – This is a guided 2-hour walking tour of Key West’s famous and historical sights.

Back to Nature Kayak Tour – This tour begins with a boat ride to the Wildlife Sanctuary followed by a guided 90 minute kayak adventure on “sit-on-top” kayaks. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on the boat ride back to the dock.

Bahamian Shore Excursions in Nassau, Bahamas

Blue Lagoon Island Sea Lion Encounter – This encounter begins with a 40 minute ride on a double-decker catamaran to the Blue Lagoon Island. Then, you will join your trainer on a submerged platform to interact for 30 minutes with your sea lion. After exploring the rest of Blue Lagoon Island, enjoy the boat ride back to the ship.

Discover Atlantis – The trip to the Atlantis Resort is a 25 minute narrated drive through historic Nassau. Atlantis has the world’s largest open-air marine environment with 14 exhibits and 13 lagoons filled with more than 50,000 marine animals that represents 250 species. After the 45 minute guided tour through the “ruins” of Atlantis at The Dig (detailed model of an archeological site), explore the underground passageways with large windows to view exotic marine life. After the guided tour, you can try some of the other activities at Atlantis, like gambling or shopping.

Nassau Harbor Cruise – Enjoy a fully-narrated tour of historical Nassau harbor aboard a power catamaran as you view a variety of sights: your Disney Cruise Line ship from sea, mega-yachts in the Atlantis marina, the Atlantis Resort, Fort Montagu, and others.

Graycliff Hotel Wine Luncheon – The Graycliff Hotel was built by a pirate in the 18th century. You will be met with a glass of champagne, and a Graycliffs Master Sommelier will take you on a tour of the hotel, restaurant, and wine center. The luncheon consists of a four-course gourmet meal paired with just the right wines.

*Port adventures are operated by third party contractors who are not agents of the Disney company nor are they controlled or overseen by the Disney company. All times given are approximate times.

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Nassau, Bahamas: Disney Cruise Shore Excursions

On a 3 or 4-night Disney Cruise, the first stop is at Nassau, Bahamas. Nassau is the largest city in the chain of islands that was actually home to the real Pirates of the Caribbean.

This island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. When your Disney Cruise ship pulls up the dock, you can jump off and tour the historic island from the bay, swim with sea lions, or tour the amazing Atlantis Resort on the aptly named Paradise Island.

Nassau is both the most modern and historic city in the Caribbean. It was actually burned to the ground in 1684 (yes, you read that right, 1684), rebuilt, and expanded through the years. In 1713 it was proclaimed a “pirate republic” because of the pirates that inhabited the town. Nassau is located on New Providence Island. It is the capital and center of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Atlantis, Paradise Island

The biggest attraction in Nassau is the Atlantis Resort which is located on Paradise Island. Atlantis is the largest casino in the area but it’s also much, much more. At Atlantis, there are over 1,000 hotel rooms, a water park, and the largest open-air marine habitat, including a swim with the dolphin’s experience.

At Atlantis, you can playa world championship golf course, experience some of the most incredible water slides you’ve ever imagined, try to identify the 50,000 species in the marine habitat, or just party the day and night away at one of the clubs that are almost everywhere.

Since there isn’t a casino on the cruise ship, you might want to spend some time in the 100,000-square-foot casino.

Shore Excursions

You only spend a few hours in Nassau, so shore excursions are limited. You can always jump off the ship and grab a bicycle, scooter or taxi and make up your own shore excursion. (Be very careful, there are lots of reports of crime around the docks.)

Disney offers the following excursions –

• Blue Lagoon Sea Lion Encounter
• Discover Atlantis
• Nassau Harbor Cruise
• Graycliff Wine and Cheese tasting

(There is a lot of fine print for Disney Shore Excursions.)

Book Your Cruise

Ready to book your Disney Cruise? Dad wants to help. Bop over to Dad’s Destinations to Travel page and fill out the simple form and before you know it you will be swimming in the beautiful water of Nassau Bahamas, the same water that the pirates of the Caribbean.

Dad’s Destinations to Travel page

Dad’s bottom line.

Nassau, Bahamas, is a beautiful and historic place to visit (yes, Dad and Mrs. Mom were there about 30 years ago). Don’t stray from the beaten paths and be very careful if you strike out on your own.

Disney Shore excursions offer the best of Nassau. Check them out.

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A day in Nassau, Bahamas: What to do while your cruise is in port

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The territory of the Bahamas includes 700 islands and 2,000 rocks and cays spread across 100,000 square miles of the North Atlantic Ocean. Technically, it's not part of the Caribbean region . It is, however, a warm-weather destination on the edge of the Caribbean and shares many of its cultural traditions, cuisine and music.

When it comes to oceangoing vacations, the Bahamas can accurately be described as the industry's leading destination, with the capital city of Nassau being cruising's number one port of call. In 2019, the Bahamas hosted 5.43 million cruise visitors, more than any other global cruise port, and it greeted nearly 1 million more travelers than Cozumel, Mexico, the next most-visited port. Indeed, the modern cruise industry's first itineraries in the 1970s focused on three- and four-day Bahamas sailings from Miami .

The archipelago's spectacular natural environment features brilliant blue skies, warm temperatures and exceptionally clear waters. But Nassau, located on 112-mile-long New Providence island, is also a metropolitan center full of modern amenities and impressive African, Caribbean and colonial cultural and historic sites.

Paradise Island, positioned immediately to Nassau's north, has large hotels and all-inclusive resorts that offer day packages for cruise visitors, providing access to premium golf (at the Baha Mar resort ), casino gaming (at Atlantis) as well as restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Not surprisingly, Nassau is a staple port of call for a wide variety of operators. Carnival Cruise Line , Disney Cruise Line , MSC Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean all sail here, as does luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, premium cruise operators Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises and budget operator Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. All of those lines will call at Nassau in 2021.

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3 things TPG loves about Nassau

• "Sun and fun" activities
• Historic and cultural attractions
• Distinctive cuisine

What we could do without

Nassau is on an island within a vast archipelago. Many products are necessarily imported and that means prices, including meals at restaurants, can be high. Nassau can also feel a bit "touristy" at times, as the Prince George Wharf cruise ship dock can host as many as five large cruise ships at once. On busy days, cruise travelers are ubiquitous around the downtown area.

Related: Which cruise brand is best for you?

Nassau basics

Nassau is extremely popular as a warm-weather getaway destination that's closer to the U.S. Atlantic Coast than most Caribbean basin countries. As a plus, while technically not located in the Caribbean, Nassau and the Bahamas offers the same splendid sunny skies, brilliant blue waters and amazing culture and traditions.

On the small island of New Providence, Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas archipelago. The port is normally a bustling affair, as disembarking guests walk from the pier to Bay Street, parallel to the water, and the downtown shopping area where you'll find tour guides and Jet Ski, beach and watersports excursion operators, taxis for hire, scooter rentals, craft and souvenir shops, and hair braiders.

Nassau's nearby Paradise Island district offers beaches, restaurants and shops as well as the Atlantis megaresort, which is among several properties offering day packages for cruisers in search of a daylong all-inclusive experience. The good news is that, with a little preparation, it will be easy to find the right Nassau activity to fit your personal vacation style.

Related: How to plan a cruise with points and miles

Arrival details

Cruise ships visiting Nassau dock at the Prince George Wharf within short walking distance of Bay Street and the downtown district. Passengers who are booked on excursions arranged by the cruise line will find providers staged in areas leading from the dock. Private operators, including those who booked tours with guests separate from the cruise line, will be found beyond the first group.

Time zone: The Bahamas operates on Eastern Standard Time.

Language: English is the official language.

Currency: The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar. Both are widely accepted, and generally, it's not necessary to exchange money. If you want to exchange money, you can do so aboard your ship, although you can usually obtain a better rate at a local bank or ATM. Several banks are located on Parliament Street, a short walk from the cruise terminal. Numerous ATMs are also found around downtown.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

How to get around

On foot: Many of Nassau's historic sites and the Bay Street retail district are within walking distance of the cruise ship pier and the downtown area. Bay Street is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and cruisers so inclined can spend the day strolling the area. Just put on your sneakers, disembark your ship, take a few steps and start exploring. There are also ferries to nearby attractions and it's also possible to rent a car or motor scooter.

By taxi: Taxi operators are staged around the Prince George Wharf area. Taxis are not metered, so always negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle.

By bus: Nassau's public buses are known as jitneys and offer a thrifty and convenient alternative to car rentals or taxis. The jitneys cost around $1.25 per person and stop at popular spots, including Cable Beach (see below).

Related: Disney Cruise Line review — Sailing Disney Wonder

Top sights and shore excursions

Nassau is a surprisingly diverse port. Beach lovers and travelers who enjoy water sports, diving or snorkeling will find a wide variety of excursions and activities to suit their tastes. Nassau is also filled with historic sites and shopping opportunities. Yet visitors are missing out on genuine colonial-era history if they don't also spend time exploring the historic architecture and attractions located steps from the cruise pier. You can book excursions through your cruise line or independently. And, don't forget that the Chase travel portal offers excursions bookable with cash or Ultimate Rewards points.

Here are some favorite pastimes for cruisers visiting Nassau.

Historic sites

Nassau's history is closely tied to the Caribbean pirate era of the 17th and 18th centuries, when the town served as a pirate sanctuary until 1718 when British Governor Woodes Rogers expelled the buccaneers. Today's downtown district offers 20 square blocks featuring architecture and monuments dating to this compelling era, most within walking distance of the cruise pier.

As a result, visitors can take a DIY-approach to exploring Nassau with help from the Bahamas.com website. Or, book a cruise ship excursion highlighting historic forts, Bahamian cuisine, "land and sea" programs, private island experiences and even Junkanoo-style music and dancing.

Historic sites near Prince George Wharf include Parliament Square, which houses the Bahamas' House of Assembly, the Senate Building and Supreme Court in pink pastel colonial buildings. A statue of Queen Victoria erected in the early 1900s also stands at the site.

The Queen's Staircase or "66 Steps" are framed by lush gardens and link downtown Nassau with Fort Fincastle. Ascend to the top of the staircase to reach Fort Fincastle, constructed in the late 1700s atop Bennett's Hill. Sweeping views from the fort's bluffs encompass downtown Nassau, the harbor and the cruise ship dock.

Bahamian culture was also shaped by Africans who arrived in the territory as slaves from Sierra Leone and other West African nations. Other Black people traveled to the Bahamas directly from Africa, Bermuda and Haiti, some enslaved by ex-British loyalists from Georgia and South Carolina, and others as ex-soldiers who won their freedom fighting for the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Several historic sites around Nassau recognize this influence, including Adelaide, Fox Hill and Gambier. These three historic villages were settled by liberated Africans in the 1800s and still maintain their African heritage. Cultural and sightseeing tours to these villages can be arranged. Nassau's Pompey Museum features a permanent exhibit on the African experience in the Bahamas.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Sun and fun: Water sports

Nassau offers a multitude of activities focused around the archipelago's beautiful blue waters and magnificent natural environment. Just about every conceivable water sport is available to Nassau visitors via cruise ship excursion. This includes sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing and encounters with sea lions, dolphins, stingrays and pigs (yes, swimming pigs ).

Other cruise ship tours feature glass-bottom and jet boat excursions, catamaran sailings paired with reef snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and exclusive beach days with private cabanas.

While the luxurious Baha Mar resort on Nassau's Cable Beach does not offer day passes, savvy and sybaritic cruisers will reserve a room for the day for access to the property's premium facilities and amenities, including a private beach and beach club, motorized and nonmotorized watersports, a series of pools with shaded lounge chairs, cabanas and waterfall features. You can use 20,000 World of Hyatt points to book a day at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar . Or, spend 10,000 points plus $140. You can start earning points for your next vacation with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

The British Colonial Hilton Nassau is another Nassau resort where you can use points. Spend 50,000 Hilton Honors points for a night's stay (which you'd use as a day room). You can earn points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Both cards offer hefty welcome bonuses, 130,000 and 150,000 points, respectively, after you meet the required spend of $2,000 within the first three months of account opening for the Surpass and $4,000 in the first three months of account opening for the Aspire. The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

You can also look for a resort offering day passes .

ResortPass is currently selling day passes to the SLS Baha Mar for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $400 per Bungalow Pool Cabana or Baha Bay Beach Club Cabana that accommodates up to four people. You can also book day passes at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau for $100 per adult and $50 per child or $325 for a beach cabana accommodating up to four people.

Nassau's nearby private islands offer a premium beach experience within a 15- to 20-minute ferry ride. Most cruise lines offer shore excursions to Blue Lagoon Island, but travelers can also book a visit through a travel advisor or on their own online. The excursion tends to be popular and does sell out, so be sure to reserve early in your voyage or before you leave home.

At Blue Lagoon, cruisers can swim in a calm lagoon, enjoy kayaking, water-biking or snorkeling tours, play with water toys like floats and inner tubes, or simply relax in a beach hammock under coconut palms. Blue Lagoon offers a gift shop, changing rooms, restrooms and shower facilities.

Balmoral Island, Pearl Island and Sandy Toes also offer private-island experiences near Nassau.

Cruise travelers whose ships arrive early in Nassau may want to take the approximately one-hour drive to Stuart's Cove, where they can experience snorkeling, diving and swimming with sharks.

Related: 8 cabin locations on cruise ships that you definitely should avoid

Best beaches in Nassau

There's no shortage of great beaches in and around Nassau. In addition to the nearby private-island beach experiences, there are several local beaches within walking or short driving distance.

Junkanoo Beach

Junkanoo Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, offering travelers an inexpensive and convenient way to enjoy some sun and fun. You can normally see your cruise ship from the nearby beach, and vendors selling buckets of ice-cold Kalik and Sands beer (the local favorites) can be found lining the beach. Don't forget to bring your towel; chairs are available for rent chairs from vendors. Some will package a bucket of beer with chairs and an umbrella.

Cabbage Beach

Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Nassau just over the bridge that spans the islands. While beautiful. the beach's waters can be rough at times and the beach itself does not offer many amenities. However, locals parade up and down the beach offering chairs for rent and beverages sale. A long walk down the beach will bring visitors to Atlantis, where they can pose for their prerequisite Instagram shot.

Related: 7 tips for visiting Atlantis on a budget

Cable Beach

Cable Beach is about a 20-minute drive from Prince George's Wharf and is accessible via taxi. A cheaper alternative is the No. 10 bus, which charges around $1.25 per person. The 2.5-mile-long beach is often described as Nassau's best, but it's one of hundreds across the Bahamas distinguished by bleach-white sands and remarkably clear blue waters. Cable Beach is home to several top Nassau resorts and offers a full array of watersports activities.

Other top Nassau beaches

Montague Beach is situated east of the Paradise Island Bridge and is home to a historic fort constructed in the 18th century. The beach promenade is a popular hangout on weekends and public holidays, with local vendors offering delicious local food and drinks. The beach is also a preferred spot for wading and picnicking.

Delaporte Beach is west of Cable Beach near the former plantation village of Delaporte. East of Nassau lies Saunders Beach, also popular with visitors and locals, and known for its beautiful twilight views.

The beach at Goodman's Bay features recreational facilities for children and is popular among joggers and exercise enthusiasts. Sandyport Beach is connected by a small bridge to the Venice-like resort Sandyport development near Cable Beach.

Related: The TPG guide to travel insurance for cruises

Where to eat and drink

True to its Caribbean traditions, the Bahamas' indigenous cuisine combines flavorful spices with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Whether found at a lively outdoor market or gourmet restaurant, Bahamian gastronomy is filled with island flavor.

Local favorites

Conch fritters: A Bahamian delicacy (and fortunately bountiful in local waters), the queen conch forms the basis of the territory's undisputed favorite dish. Conch fritters are bite-sized flakes of conch meat fried in batter seasoned with goat pepper, hot sauce and sea salt, plus common Bahamian vegetables.

Peas and rice: Referred to locally as "peas n' rice," this traditional Caribbean dish, prepared in local Bahamian fashion, features deep brown pigeon peas and white long-grain rice seasoned with tomatoes, onions, thyme, tomato paste, goat pepper and salted pork or bacon. The ingredients combine to provide the rice its signature brown coloring.

Johnny cake: Made of flour, milk, butter, sugar and baking powder, this breakfast food is more bread than cake, with a texture that combines dense bread with a slightly sweet cake. As with other staple dishes, Johnny cakes are found around the Caribbean, with the Bahamas version traditionally baked in a large round pan until lightly browned then sliced and served in wedges.

There are a handful of Nassau food experiences visitors should definitely target during their day in port, from the casual to the exclusive. They include:

Potter's Cay conch shacks

The Potter's Cay conch shacks can be found beneath the high-arching bridge that connects Nassau to Paradise Island. Adjacent to lively fruit markets, the brightly colored conch shacks feature nearly 40 chefs in different shacks cooking fresh conch dishes in myriad ways.

Besides being a great place to sample an authentic Bahamian lunch featuring the freshest conch fritters and local dishes, the Potter's Cay shacks are a great place to interact with locals, other visitors and the chefs themselves as they chat about the day's catch and argue over a game of dominoes.

Check first with a local or with a frequent Bahamas visitor (like a travel advisor) to determine which stall is the best for the day. With 25 years in the same location, McKenzie, a former conch fisherman turned restaurateur, is a local celebrity among Potter Cay purveyors, with a shack positioned as the first on the bridge's west end.

Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant

About a 15-minute walk or a brief taxi ride from the cruise port, Graycliff Hotel is in a historic mansion whose extensive grounds were once an 18th-century pirate's headquarters. A visitor can spend an entire day exploring the property, which features one of the world's largest private collections, chocolate-making and cigar-rolling facilities, art galleries and craft shops.

The highlight, however, may be the hotel's five-star restaurant, an elegant eatery with a menu combining continental and Bahamian traditions. The sumptuous restaurant features four air-conditioned dining rooms and a garden dining area, with each room decorated to reflect the Graycliff's origins as a private home.

In keeping with its atmosphere, the dress code is strictly enforced at Graycliff Restaurant with required lunch attire described as "elegant casual."

Related: Are drinks packages on cruise ships worth it? A line-by-line guide

Where to shop

When you're shopping in the Bahamas, look for souvenirs like:

• Original paintings, carvings and craftwork
• Handmade garments in bright tropical colors
• Wood carvings

Nassau's Bay Street retail district is steps of the cruise ship dock, but there are a few hidden shopping spots just a short taxi ride away.

Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. It's ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port.

Once an open-air affair, Nassau's long-running Straw Market is located in the center of the retail action on Bay Street and also offers Bahamian gifts, crafts and souvenirs. Bay Street also features a proliferation of high-end, designer stores selling luxury goods including apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances.

It's also possible to take a taxi to reach Nassau's best-kept secrets when it comes to hand-crafted, original art and crafts, plus apparel and home goods:

Bahama Hand Prints

Established in 1966 by artists Helen Astarita and Berta Sands, Bahama Hand Prints (near the corner of Ernest Street and Okra Hill) offers "bold and brilliant" designs across a wide range of garments, accessories and home furnishings. Many of the colorful and contemporary objects still use the duo's original designs.

Alannah and David van Onselen, who purchased the company in 2018, have retained Helen and Berta's signature style and the shop's collection of vintage designs, while new print designs have been added to the catalog. All products are developed in-house, crafted by the shop's talented sewing team and visitors are encouraged to drop in at the factory, speak with the staff and watch the printers at work.

Craft Cottage Bahamas

Craft Cottage Bahamas is the premier showcase for locally made home décor, glassware, jewelry, soaps, clothing and artwork in Nassau. On the grounds of the Doongalik Studios & Art Gallery in Eastern Nassau, the charming shop and gallery features a diverse and eclectic array of Bahamian-inspired items and emphasizes traditional crafting techniques.

The facility is housed in a traditional Bahamian-style home that shares the grounds with a variety of local Bahamian artists who also use the property to work on their own art and products. The shop offers an extensive and impressive array of handcrafted jewelry, painted glass, straw bags and accessories including homemade soaps and bath products.

Related: 12 giant ships that are packed with fun features

Bottom line

While Nassau sometimes gets a bad rap as a "touristy" port of call and is often inundated by cruise travelers, the Bahamas' capital city is actually a diverse port with an impressive array of historic attractions, a variety of beach experiences, distinctive cuisine and extensive shopping opportunities. Nassau's Caribbean flavor, warm temperatures and beautiful natural environment have made the port a staple on cruise itineraries.

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Disney Cruise Line Port Excursions – Discounts & Tips

LAST UPDATE: 2/14/24

Disney Port Adventures are not cheap, and they can add a significant amount to the total cost of your Disney Cruise. This page covers discounts, deals, and advice about port excursions at ports of call visited by Disney Cruise Line. We have collected our best tips and advice to help you save time, save money and have more fun when you get off your cruise ship. After all, sightseeing in exotic destinations is one of the primary reasons to take a cruise!

Thanks to Marjorie Treger and to MouseSavers.com readers Jeff Evernham and Aileen B, who contributed some great tips.

General Tips

Port safety, disney shore excursions, self-booking excursions & exploring independently, booking excursions with viator, castaway cay, lookout cay at lighthouse point, nassau, bahamas.

Other useful Disney Cruise Line information pages:

• For discounts and tips on saving money on the cruise itself , visit our Disney Cruise Discount page.
• For tips and tricks that will help you plan your cruise , visit the Planning Tips & Tricks for Disney Cruises page.
• For advice that will help you save time and get the most out of your cruise once you are onboard , visit the DCL Onboard Advice page.

If you’re not an adventurous traveler, you may want to book a Disney port excursion the first time you visit a port just to get the lay of the land, so to speak. That said, it’s pretty easy to go it alone in most of these ports, either by booking your own port adventures or just wandering. Every day in each of these ports, 3,000-18,000 cruise passengers flood the streets, so the ports are pretty good at providing services and infrastructure to travelers. And because they don’t want to risk the lucrative flow of tourism dollars, most of these places will have plenty of security in the major tourist areas. If you stay in tourist-oriented areas with lots of foot traffic during daylight hours, you may encounter vendors who are pushier than you might be used to, but safety should not be a major problem. Do read the port safety section and keep your wits about you.

A limited number of strollers are available from Guest Services while in port. They are free with a deposit. Since they are limited, don’t wait until most people have left the ship to ask for one.

Port days are a great time to take advantage of the ship’s amenities — such as the pools, spa and the AquaDuck or AquaMouse — with minimal crowds. Most people leave the ship in the morning and return in the afternoon. If you want to enjoy the ship when it’s nearly empty, reverse your schedule so you’re on the ship in the morning and in port during the afternoon. Depending on the ship’s arrival and departure times, this is easier to do at some ports than others.

If you’re wondering how busy a port will be, a great resource is CruiseTimeTables.com . Select your ship and dates, and it will show you which ships will be in port on each day of your cruise. From that, you can click on each ship name to see the details of that ship and see how many passengers it carries. Add all the passenger counts for all the ships in a particular port, and that’s the “port load” for that day. On low-load days, it will be easier to get a taxi, the tourist spots will be less crowded, etc. On high-load days, expect crowds everywhere. It’s a good idea to look at the port load on other days that month to get an idea of what’s a “normal” load. If the port usually handles 15,000 people, then a 10,000 person day might be fairly light. But in another port, their normal day might be 6,000, making 10,000 a huge crowd.

And of course, any of these ports will be busier during peak vacation times, which for the Caribbean and Bahamas is spring break (generally late March through early April) and Christmas season (the two calendar weeks that contain Christmas and New Year’s Day). During those times, you can expect major tourist destinations, beaches, resorts, restaurants, etc. to be very busy and booked up well in advance. The resorts will be full of guests, and the cruise ships will be running as full as possible. Surprisingly, summer in the Caribbean is only moderately busy, as it’s very hot, and a lot of cruise ships are in Alaska and Europe then.

If you want to get away from the tourist gloss and go a little deeper, you might ask some of the crew on the ship where they like to go when they have free time in that port. You still won’t necessarily be seeing the “real” country, but it’s a good way to find something more like a local hangout and less like a chain restaurant. Keep in mind that crew care more about things like free Wi-Fi and cheap drinks, and less about fancy décor and beautiful views.

A warning: reading this section can make you feel like it’s a mistake to leave home, which is not our intent. We don’t want people to get the impression that they’re in grave danger when they leave the ship, but it’s important to be clear-headed and travel smart. Most travelers have no real trouble, especially on organized cruise excursions and shopping in busy tourist areas. However, crime rates are quite high in some of the countries Disney Cruise Line visits, and it’s worthwhile to take some basic precautions.

In almost all developing countries, including many ports in the Caribbean, you are highly likely to encounter vendors who will call to you, ask questions, shove items in front of you, touch you to get your attention, etc. This is not a safety problem per se, it’s just much more aggressive selling than most first-world residents are used to. The vendors know that cruise ship passengers have money, and they hope to get some of that money by selling crafts, t-shirts, hair-braiding, etc. If you’re not interested in what they are selling, you should say “no thanks,” shake your head, or something equivalent, and keep walking . If you ignore them, they don’t know if you have heard them or not, and they may just get louder and closer. If you stop, they’re going to assume you’re interested. Politely making it clear that you’re not interested usually works; you want to act like someone who’s got somewhere to be. If they persist after that, stop responding and move away from them. Do not answer questions from vendors if you aren’t interested in what they’re selling. Usually these vendors are concentrated right around the cruise terminal and a few other big tourist hot spots and if you get a block or two away it gets much better. If you know that dealing with aggressive vendors is going to make you uncomfortable, you’re best off sticking with organized excursions, either through Disney, Viator or large tour operators, or hiring your own guide or driver to take you around.

We strongly recommend against doing any kind of motorized watersports excursions, such as jet-ski rental or parasailing, on a walk-up basis on any beach in the Caribbean, Mexico or Bahamas. These vendors are typically effectively unregulated, and incidents of accidents due to under-maintained equipment and/or poor safety procedures are high enough to make us uncomfortable. Any such excursions should either be purchased through Disney, Viator or some other intermediary that you trust to do reasonable vetting of the final provider. Note that the jet-ski vendors working the beaches in front of major hotels are not typically affiliated with, or recommended by, the hotels. We also recommend doing thorough research on any boat tour, fishing tour, snorkeling or scuba tours booked independently. There are plenty of good independent companies in any of the ports, but there are also lots of tiny companies that may not carry adequate insurance, may not have proper equipment maintenance, may not have proper safety certifications, etc. You should look for how long they’ve been in business, how many reviews they have on major review sites like TripAdvisor, and whether their staff have certifications from recognized organizations like PADI.

We advise not straying far from the port or other tourist areas in Nassau, Bahamas, especially at night. Violent crime against tourists is rare, but it does happen, including bold armed robberies of tour groups. Don’t just take our word for it, read the US State Department’s advisory , under Safety & Security. The vendors are also extra-aggressive here, though it dies down considerably once you get a block or two away from the cruise terminal. If you just want to shop or walk around in Nassau, we advise staying within a few blocks of Bay Street, which is the main shopping street running along the shoreline, or take a cab over to Paradise Island, where the shopping area is much less chaotic and less sketchy.

Falmouth, Jamaica  has had ongoing problems with extremely aggressive vendors near the port. While Jamaica does have serious crime problems, most of it is found in poor areas of Kingston and Montego Bay. Falmouth itself is not an especially crime-prone area. Certainly the large gated shopping area of the cruise port is completely safe to explore, as only employees and cruise-ship passengers are allowed in, and while inside the gated area you will not be accosted by sellers. However, outside the port gates there are quite a few souvenir and craft vendors on the street who buttonhole cruise passengers as they go by. Firmly and politely saying “no thanks” is generally enough to get them to leave you alone. If you ever feel unsafe, during the day there are tourist police stationed at intersections near the port, who wear white helmets, white shirts and black pants.

Crime and violence have been on the increase in Mexico for the last few years. Relatively little of the violence has been directed against tourists, but it does happen occasionally: in February 2012, a busload of people on an official excursion from a Carnival ship were robbed of all their valuables , including passports, in Puerto Vallarta. (This was a giant mess for those who lost their passports, which is why we say do not take your passport off the ship! ) Disney adjusts its port calls in response to current events and will make every effort to visit the ports that are safest. We recommend staying with a group and/or taking an official excursion when visiting Baja ports, except for Cabo San Lucas, which has had few crime problems. For Western Caribbean cruises, Cozumel is a fairly safe port.

Barcelona  is an amazing city but has a big problem with pickpockets. According to a tour guide we spoke with there, under local laws most such thefts are a hand-slapping offense (basically if the pickpocket is caught, a ticket is issued and they don’t have to worry about going to jail). Personally, we saw a lot of tourists wandering around with expensive handbags hanging open over their arms. Don’t make yourself such an obvious target and you’re likely to be fine.

Some safety tips when getting off the ship in any port:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Look on a map before leaving the ship so you know the general layout of the port and have an idea of where the ship is docked. Don’t rely exclusively on a smartphone or other electronic device for directions, since those might be stolen. Take a paper map with you so you can find your way back to the ship.
• Don’t carry your whole wallet around. We recommend getting a travelers pouch (worn inside your shirt around your neck, or around your waist inside your pants), plus a cheap wallet. Preload the wallet with a little cash and maybe one credit card, and nothing else. In the travelers pouch put more cash, a different credit card, your ID, room key, and any phone numbers you might need (see below). Don’t put the ID in the wallet, since you’ll usually need the ID to get through customs and back on the ship. If you get mugged or pickpocketed, the thieves will get some cash, a credit card (which you’ll cancel as soon as you get back to the ship), and a wallet.
• DO NOT take your passport with you when you leave the ship, unless the country requires it, or you plan to rent a car (in which case you’ll need it). If it is stolen, you will have a real problem. Very few countries require you to carry your passport around. If not having your passport with you makes you nervous, make a color photocopy of the identity page of your passport before you leave on the cruise, and carry that with you when you get off the ship.
• DO put your passport (and any other necessary documents, credit cards, etc.) in your stateroom safe when you leave the ship. If for some reason you can’t make it back to the ship, Disney will send two security officers into your stateroom, open the safe, retrieve your passport and leave it with the port agent so you can arrange to rejoin the ship or head home.
• Don’t wear expensive-looking jewelry/watches/handbags, particularly when visiting places with a lot of poverty (e.g. Mexico and the Caribbean) or that are known for pickpockets (e.g. Barcelona and Naples). It just makes you a target for thieves. Very expensive/complicated SLR cameras can also make you a target. If you have a great camera, stay in the safest areas and don’t wander too far alone.
• Write down the name and phone number of the “ship’s agent” for the port (which will be available in the Navigator app), and carry it with you. Putting it in your cell phone or other electronic device is a good backup, but put it on a piece of paper, too, in case your phone is lost or stolen. You’ll need to contact the ship’s agent if something bad happens while you’re onshore (i.e., you get sick/robbed/miss the ship’s departure, etc.) If something happens and you lose the number for the ship’s agent, call the port – they will know the agents for the various cruise lines. It would be a good idea to also have the number of the nearest US embassy or consulate and a local cab company.
• Do not take unlicensed cabs, unless the car was arranged by yourself or a trusted intermediary such as your hotel concierge or bell captain. If a random driver offers to take you somewhere, don’t take them up on it. Your best bet is to only pick up cabs at managed cab stands at ports, airports, hotels or major tourist destinations. In cities with well-regulated cab systems with clear markings, hailing a cab on the street is fine.

Disney offers a wide variety of shore excursions (which they call “port adventures”) of varying quality. In almost all cases the excursions are offered by third parties contracted by Disney. If you’re wondering whether an excursion is worthwhile, we recommend buying a guidebook that reviews them, or searching the internet for reviews on cruise sites, since nearly all shore excursions are the same ones offered to all the cruise ships. Keep in mind that there are often many tour operators offering similarly-named excursions in each port, so just because you find a fantastic review of a city tour, for example, doesn’t mean it’s the same city tour offered by Disney.

Some excursions are very popular and fill up early, so book them as early as you can . If you’re not able to get an excursion you wanted before you embark, go to Guest Services or the Excursion Desk as soon as you get onboard and see if they can add you to a waiting list. Or you can check our tips below for booking the tour on your own. Sometimes the tour or experience itself still has space, but the bus that Disney chartered is full – if  you’re willing to take a cab direct to the facility you can still do the excursion.

Booking excursions directly, instead of via Disney, can save you money and give you extra flexibility. As we mentioned earlier, the shore excursions offered at each of Disney’s ports of call are provided by third-party tour companies, with the exception of most of the Castaway Cay excursions. They are (with a few exceptions) the exact same excursions offered by every other cruise line, and are often offered directly to the public via the tour operators’ own website, or via various aggregators like Viator . In some cases the tour is cheaper when you book directly (since they don’t have to split the profit with Disney), but even if it’s the same price, booking yourself allows you to choose excursions or optional add-ons Disney doesn’t offer, or alternative times that might fit your schedule better. And of course you can choose to do tours and activities that are not offered by Disney, or just get off the ship and explore the town.

Families with kids can often save significant money booking direct! Disney Cruise Line almost always uses a standard age range for pricing port excursions: anyone 10 or older pays the adult price, ages 3-9 pay a child price and ages 2 and under are usually free (or sometimes there’s an infant price). But if you book your port excursion directly with the tour operator, you often find that they offer child discounts up to age 12 and sometimes up to age 16 or 17. Some don’t charge for kids 3 or under, or even 4 or under. That can save you a lot of money, depending on the ages of your kids. You have to book directly (or through another vendor like Viator ) to get the more generous child discounts.

Some people worry that an independent tour company might not getting them back to the ship on time. In practice, it’s extremely  rare for a tour operator to get passengers back late enough to miss their ship. Any tour company that services cruise passengers risks the wrath of a busload of incredibly angry guests if they miss their ship. You can be sure they do not want that to happen, and they will go to great lengths to avoid it. If they have a bus breakdown, they will have a contingency plan to bring in another bus or provide alternative transportation. Some third-party tour companies provide a guarantee that they’ll get you back to your boat on time or they’ll pay to get you to the next port, which tells you that they’re confident they’ll be on time. They take cruise-ship passengers around every day of the year; they’re very aware of the need to stay on schedule.

On a Disney-booked tour, the tour operator will contact the Disney ship’s agent immediately if they get into trouble, so the ship staff know what’s going on. You should do the same: if you are exploring independently or on a self-booked tour and suffer an issue that might make you late, immediately call the ship’s agent and tell them what’s happening. The name and phone number of the ship’s agent for the port is in the Navigator app, or you can call the port and ask for the name and number of the Disney port agent. The ship may wait for you if they know where you are and when you’ll be arriving; they usually won’t wait very long if they have no idea when you’ll be there.

In the very unlikely event that a tour operator doesn’t get you back to the ship before it has to leave, third-party trip insurance may cover your cost to get to the next port, via the “trip interruption,” “missed connection” or “travel delay” coverage, if the tour operator or a cab, bus, or train is delayed as a result of one of the covered events. Covered events usually include a tour operator or carrier suffering a mechanical breakdown, traffic accident or weather-related delay. Check the description of coverage of your trip insurance, or call their customer service number to see if you’re covered. Be careful; some of them only cover trip interruption or missed connections if the carrier ceases service for more than a certain amount of time, sometimes as much as 24 hours.

Most people who miss their ship departure are not on an excursion at all. They just get sidetracked while shopping or sightseeing (or drinking),  often within walking distance of the ship. When you’re close to the ship you don’t have the stress of worrying about getting a cab or whether your tour is going to leave on time, and it’s easy to stop paying attention. Another reason people miss the ship is that they mis-remember the all-aboard time. Don’t let this be you! Write down the all-aboard time, and set an alarm on your phone or watch for when you should be heading back to the ship. Something to be aware of is that if your phone connects to the local cell towers or to local Wi-Fi, it may reset its clock to local time, which might not match ship time. Make sure you know whether your all-aboard is in local time or ship’s time, and also know what time zone your watch or phone is set to. Allow 30 minutes to get through port security, plus 30 minutes for each transportation leg you have to take, in addition to estimated travel time , just in case.

Another thing to keep in mind about self-booked tours: occasionally the ship has to miss a port or arrive late because of weather or some other issue. If you have an excursion in that port that you self-booked, that tour operator’s cancellation policy applies. In our experience many tour operators will refund your money if the ship doesn’t make port, and most will wait for you or put you on a later tour if the ship is late, if they can find a way to do it. It’s definitely worth checking the “missed port” policy before you book, though. Again, your trip insurance may cover missed port excursions under “trip interruption,” “travel delay” or “missed connection;” check with your insurance provider to be sure.

No matter how you book your tour it’s a good idea to have your own contingency plan just in case. You should always have the number of a local cab company in your phone (and written on a piece of paper in case you lose your phone). And you always want to give yourself some leeway. We strongly recommend against self-booking a tour or activity that ends less than 2 hours before the ship leaves . You could make exceptions if you know the activity happens completely within walking distance of the ship, such as the lumberjack show in Ketchikan, which is literally a block and a half from the dock. Be careful though – sometimes the location given by the tour operator is just the pick-up spot; they may transport you somewhere else for the actual activity. The bottom line is that you want to have enough time to find alternative transportation back to the ship if you have to, especially if you’re just exploring on your own. When in doubt, contact the tour operator directly if you can, and ask them how much time it takes to get to and from their pick-up/drop-off points.

Viator.com is an easy, reliable way to book cruise excursions, tours and activities. Like Disney, they work with third-party operators in the various port cities. They hand-pick tour operators that meet their standards for experience, financial soundness, and customer service. They have reviews on their excursions, written by actual customers. You need to take these reviews with the same skepticism that you would with any online reviews: some people are ultra-picky, and some people love everything. But it can give you useful details about the kinds of things you’ll get to do, the kinds of problems that can arise, whether you have to take a long ride from the port to get to the tour beginning, etc.

We have been recommending Viator.com for several years and have had good feedback from readers. They often have the best prices we’ve found on shore excursions, and offer many of the popular excursions in the major ports Disney visits. In some cases they offer the exact same excursion as Disney, provided by the exact same tour company, but with a wider range of available times or more options. We have on several occasions chosen one of their excursions as an alternative to Disney’s excursions, and we’ve always been happy with the tour operators and tours.

To give an example, on our trip to Alaska on the Disney Wonder, we booked a whale-watching excursion in Juneau with Viator because it left earlier, which left us more time for sightseeing and the Mendenhall Glacier. It turns out there are about 5 big whale-watching companies in Juneau, and they all share information about whale sightings, so everyone’s boats spend most of their time in a group traveling from sighting to sighting, then occasionally splitting up to look for more whales. The boat we were on was smaller and faster than the other boats, which allowed us to reach several whale pods first, but in the end everyone saw the same whales. The bottom line: we got a basically identical (maybe a little better) whale-watching trip for about 70% of the Disney excursion price.

Here are direct links to the tours and activities pages on Viator.com for the most popular Disney Cruise Line ports, including departure ports. Note that many excellent tours that work well for cruise passengers are not necessarily listed in the “shore excursions” category. You just have to look at the start and end times of any tour you’re considering and compare to the cruise schedule. We recommend avoiding picking start times less than 30 minutes after your scheduled arrival time in port (plus any travel time needed to get from the port to the tour’s start point). And we strongly advise not picking tours with ending times less than 2 hours before the cruise’s scheduled departure time (plus any travel time needed to get from the tour’s end point to the ship).

• Nassau tours and excursions

Western Caribbean :

• Miami tours and excursions
• Cozumel tours and excursions
• Grand Cayman tours and excursions  (Remember to allow time for tendering into port)
• Falmouth, Jamaica tours and excursions

Eastern Caribbean :

• Tortola shore excursions
• St. Maarten tours and excursions
• St. Thomas/St. John shore excursions
• Vancouver, Canada tours and excursions
• Juneau tours and excursions
• Skagway tours and excursions
• Ketchikan tours and excursions

Mediterranean :

• Barcelona, Spain tours and activities
• Venice, Italy tours and activities
• Villefranche (French Riviera) tours and excursions
• Pisa, Italy tours and excursions (Note that you need to allow travel time to/from La Spezia)
• Florence, Italy tours and excursions (Note that you need to allow travel time to/from La Spezia)
• La Spezia, Italy tours and excursions
• Rome, Italy tours and excursions  (Note that you need to allow travel time to/from Civitavecchia)
• Naples, Italy tours and excursions

For other locations, go the Viator.com home page  and search for the name of the port.

Many of Disney’s Bahamian and Caribbean cruises include a day at Disney’s original private island: Castaway Cay (pronounced like “key”), which is a tiny islet in the Bahamas. For many people Castaway Cay is the best part of a Disney Cruise, as you get the wonderful white sand beaches and clear water of the Caribbean without annoying distractions like roaming vendors and hair braiders. There are plenty of beach chairs for everyone (though you may need to hike to the far end of the beach if you take your time in the morning getting off the ship), and lots of things to do or not do as you prefer.

On your Castaway Cay day, we definitely recommend getting off the ship early . Use room service to have breakfast in your cabin or head to the buffet when it opens and then get off the ship as soon after 9:00 am as you can. You’ll have your pick of chairs, no lines for character greetings and photo opportunities, and the snorkeling will be undisturbed by others stirring up the bottom.

If you’re the adventurous type and don’t want to just lie around on the beach, take advantage of the package excursions at Castaway Cay that include snorkel equipment, float/raft rental, and a one-hour bike rental. The bundle deal is not available once you leave the ship (i.e., you have to pay the individual price for each activity, which will cost more). However, MouseSavers.com reader Kelly M has this to offer: “at Castaway Cay, there is so much to do that we couldn’t get to everything. We booked four passes for the snorkel, float and bicycle package. Next time we will only book two passes and share. We ran out of time and could have easily shared two sets. We didn’t even get to pick up the bikes since we ran out of time.”

Castaway Cay has its own post office, so your stop there is a great opportunity to send postcards to your friends. All of you scrapbookers out there will want to bring an extra postcard or two to mail to yourself; they’ll receive the Castaway Cay postmark! Definitely buy your Bahamian stamps on the boat at Guest Services before you arrive at Castaway Cay, or you can buy them in Nassau if you go there first. If you do buy stamps at Castaway Cay you will need CASH to pay for the postage — it can’t be charged to your room key, and you may find that the post office has very limited hours (as in it may not open at all). If you have stamped postcards, you can drop them in the slot any time. Note that it can take quite a long time (months) for the postcard to reach home, and we have multiple reports of postcards never arriving at all.

Every visit to Castaway Cay includes a running of the Castaway Cay 5K , which is a nice way to start your day if you like running. You’ll (usually) get a souvenir medal for completing the race (though sometimes they don’t give them out, seemingly at random), a feeling of accomplishment, and an excuse to have a second helping of cookies and ice cream at lunch. Look at the Navigator app for instructions on where to meet. Usually the race gets going pretty early in the morning to avoid the heat.

Take some time to explore the public parts of the island, including the old landing strip . Disney has placed a bunch of artfully arranged flotsam and jetsam all over, including a couple of DC-3’s with Disney nose art that make a great backdrop for a group photo. Taking a walk or bike ride to the observation tower makes a nice expedition. The walkway is paved and well-marked, and there are water dispensers at regular intervals. From the top of the tower you can see the ship in the distance, the native landscape of Castaway Cay (which is admittedly pretty sparse), and some fun surprises placed here and there by Disney imagineers.

Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is Disney’s newest “private island” experience , created to take some pressure off Castaway Cay and add new private beach experiences to the Disney Cruise portfolio. It has all the same basic features as Castaway Cay: a nice private beach with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, included buffet lunch, and exclusive shore activities and excursions.

Lookout Cay is not actually a separate island, but rather a private piece of land near the southern tip of Eleuthera , one of the larger Bahamian islands. However, from a practical point of view it works the same way as a true private island. It’s just easier for the locals to come to work, since they can just drive over instead of taking a boat.

Lookout Cay has something for everyone. You can snorkel, get a spa treatment, walk the nature trails, participate in Disney shore adventures, meet characters and learn about Bahamian arts and culture. As with Castaway Cay, there are a few extra-cost experiences, but most of it is FREE.

Lookout Cay is not open yet as of this writing, so a full set of details will have to wait until June 2024, when the first Disney cruise passengers will get to see it in person.

All of Disney Cruise Line’s popular 3- and 4-day cruises stop in Nassau, which is probably the single most visited cruise destination in the world. Every day, up to 18,000 cruise passengers arrive at the Nassau cruise terminal and head out to a variety of adventures, shopping, or just to the beach. The Bahamas is a former British colony with a rich history, and traces of its Georgian heyday are visible in the lovely old buildings, some dating back to just after the American Revolution.

There is plenty here for the cruise visitor, including the amazing Atlantis mega-resort, snorkeling, scuba-diving, or just lying on the beach. You can also just get off the ship and explore, though read the Port Safety notes; the tourist areas of Nassau are quite safe during normal business hours, but it’s not recommended to wander too far on your own beyond the downtown and resort areas, especially at night.

Getting Taxis in Nassau

• Atlantis & Aquaventure
• Aquaventure Tips
• Savings Tip: Aquaventure Via Comfort Suites

Nassau Beach Options

• Other Nassau recommendations

There is quite a bit to explore within walking distance from the cruise terminal, but if you want to get to the further beach and resort areas like Paradise Island or Cable Beach you’ll want to get transportation. We generally recommend taking taxi cabs. There is a water taxi to Paradise Island near the cruise terminal, but it doesn’t have a schedule; it waits until it is full, which can take a long time. And there are jitneys, which are local buses. The #10 jitney runs back and forth along Bay street from near the cruise terminal to the far end of Cable Beach, but the waits can be long, and they can be crowded and stop semi-randomly. Be sure to take the #10, which stays on Bay Street, and not the #10A, which goes through side streets and takes forever. The fare is $1.25 each way per person, cash only, no change given. Our feeling is that you have limited time in Nassau; make the most of it and take cabs. It’s a small town and very few places will cost more than $4/person to get to in a cab. Getting from the cruise terminal to the far end of Paradise Island or Cable Beach might go as high as $6/person.

You should know in advance that taxis in Nassau are not always in particularly great shape. The air conditioning may not work or the driver may not run it to save gas. The car or van itself may look well-used. The driver may stop to get gas on the way to your destination. It’s the Caribbean, and that’s pretty much the standard for cabs all over the region. Ultimately if you don’t like the look of a cab, wait for another one. If all of this sounds like it would make you uncomfortable, then don’t take cabs; book excursions with included transportation via Disney or Viator  or direct with a tour company. Disney and Viator work with large tour companies that generally use nice, clean air-conditioned vans and minibuses.

Licensed cabs say “Taxi” on the side in fancy lettering and have a taxi license plate and a meter. There are shuttles as well, mostly doing back and forth runs between the cruise terminal and Paradise Island, and they can be a perfectly reasonable option, if picked up inside the cruise terminal gates or called for you by the bell captain at a hotel. We would not recommend taking an unlicensed cab anywhere else, unless you arrange the booking yourself through a reliable transportation company. Often even if you take a licensed cab with a meter the driver will refuse to use the meter and will just quote a price, which you are free to negotiate. Just about anywhere within 15 minutes of the cruise terminal should be $4/person or less. If the driver tries to change the agreed price, just repeat the price you agreed, hand them the money and get out.

At the cruise terminal, the shuttles to Paradise Island are easy to get, but be aware that they are not organized into a well-behaved line. There is a large, chaotic area inside the cruise terminal gates with shuttle vans, van hawkers, drivers, etc. all trying to get the attention of cruise passengers. You can go to one of the counters offering shuttles, or just tell the first driver you see where you want to go. The drivers will usually want to wait until they’ve filled up their van, but that shouldn’t take long. If you want to get a personal taxi for just your party, you may want to walk outside the terminal and look for a licensed cab.

At a resort like Atlantis or the One & Only Ocean Club, just go to the bell stand out front and ask for a taxi. They’ll whistle one over, or call one if there isn’t one waiting.

If you’re somewhere else and need a ride back to the cruise terminal, if you’re near Bay Street you can just hail a taxi; there are plenty going up and down it all day. On Paradise Island, you can find taxis in any tourist spot or driving on Paradise Island Drive.

It’s normally about 15-20 minutes drive from Atlantis or other locations on Paradise Island to the cruise terminal. The far end of Cable beach is about the same driving distance from the cruise terminal in the other direction. But near the end of the day there can be significant traffic trying to get back to the terminal that can push the total travel time to 30 minutes or more, so don’t push your luck. Allow plenty of time, and remember you have to get through port security.

Atlantis & Aquaventure

Atlantis   is a truly massive resort and casino on Paradise Island, about a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminal . It’s one of the most popular destinations for cruise-ship passengers in Nassau, largely because of its massive water park, Aquaventure . It also has a very large and beautiful aquarium called The Dig, which is designed to look like you’re touring an ancient section of the mythical land of Atlantis that has been submerged and discovered centuries later by archaeologists. Atlantis is located right on Cabbage Beach, perhaps the most beautiful of all Bahamas beaches, and it has an enormous casino and lots of high-end restaurants and shopping. It’s all very impressive, but the prices are equally impressive.

Is Atlantis worth visiting while on a Bahamas cruise? It’s hard to say. Purely as a water park, we’d have to say no. If you book it through Disney, it’s about $250 for adults and $140 for kids. If you self-book and work every angle, you might be able to get access to Aquaventure for $120-$140 so per person in the peak season, or $95-$110 in the off season. Compare that to Blizzard Beach , Typhoon Lagoon or Aquatica in Orlando, all of which are $75-ish for a full-price adult ticket (even less if you use one of the many discounts available). Atlantis Aquaventure is huge and has some very neat water slides and a great rapids river called the Current, but it’s not so much better than the Orlando parks to merit the price difference. In fact, we’d say the Orlando parks are easier to navigate and better planned for practical touring. All that said, Atlantis as a whole is pretty spectacular and a unique destination. The Dig, the predator lagoons, the Aquaventure park and the art and the architecture are all unlike anything anywhere else (except maybe the other Atlantis resorts), so it’s very hard to say what it’s worth. If you have people in your party who love water parks, or love aquariums, it’s probably worth a visit. If you find the architecture intriguing, you’ll like it even better up close. But if you expect to get your money’s worth as a “theme park” experience, then it’s going to be a disappointment.

Most of Atlantis , including Aquaventure and the aquariums and other exhibits, is only open to their own hotel guests, cruise-ship guests with a day pass , or guests of the Comfort Suites next door, at least during daylight hours. Even the Royal Towers lobby is off-limits if you don’t have a wristband or the paperwork you need to get a wristband.

There are several options for visiting the paid sections of Atlantis, including several Disney-sponsored excursions. It is almost always cheaper and faster to get to Atlantis on your own. We recommend taking a cab right outside the cruise terminal, which allows you to leave immediately after docking and beat the other cruise passengers to the water slides.

You can get an Aquaventure pass on-site, when available, which includes beach and Dig access. However, when the resort is very full, such as during spring break, they may not offer walk-up Aquaventure passes, or they may sell out quickly. If you know you want to visit Aquaventure, it’s a good idea to book through Disney or use the tip below to book a hotel day room. If you just want to view the Dig or the beach, there are passes that don’t include Aquaventure available at a lower price.

These prices were correct when gathered (early 2024), but are subject to change any time, and may vary based on season and demand:

• The Atlantis Aquaventure day pass includes access to pretty much everything at Atlantis except the Dolphin adventures and the grounds and pools of the ultra-pricey Cove and Reef areas. It includes access to Aquaventure, pools, the beach, the Dig, the predator lagoons and the Royal Towers lobby. Same-day passes cost $250-275 (depending on season and whether lunch is included) for adults (13+), and $140-$160 for children (4-12). Children 3 and under are FREE with a paying adult. Note that these may sell out, especially at peak times like spring break. 
• The Discover Atlantis pass includes the Dig, the predator lagoons, and access to the Royal Towers lobby. It includes a guided tour of the Dig (which you can take or not). Same-day passes cost $55 for all ages (4+). Children 3 and under are FREE with a paying adult. We have never heard of these being sold out.
• The Atlantis Beach Day pass includes use of beach chairs and umbrellas, plus access to the Dig, predator lagoons, and the Royal Towers Lobby. Same-day passes cost $95 for all ages (4+). Lunch is not included. Children 3 and under are FREE with a paying adult. We have heard of these selling out during spring break, and possibly other times, but perhaps not as often as the Aquaventure passes.

Some (but not all) of these day passes can be purchased in advance on Atlantis’s website .

To buy a day pass in person, go to the ticket booth at the Coral Towers entrance and show your Key to the World card to prove you’re on a cruise. (They don’t want guests of other unaffiliated Bahamas hotels to be able to get access to the Atlantis facilities, which is why they need to see proof that you’re a cruise passenger.)

If you don’t want to pay for a day pass, there are a few areas of Atlantis that are free to visit , most notably the casino, shops and restaurants in and around the Coral Towers. If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, gamble, or have some lunch, you’re welcome to do so by coming in the Coral Towers entrance. You should know, though, that pretty much all of the iconic Atlantis architecture and decor is in and around the Royal Towers, which are off-limits without a pass. You can also walk outside and visit the Marina Village shopping center and the Paradise Shopping Plaza across the street, which features a local handcrafts area that is like the Straw Market in downtown Nassau, but with slightly less aggressive vendors. If you want to eat, many of the signature restaurants in Atlantis are only open for dinner, but there are quite a few restaurants open for lunch in the Marina Village, or you can walk through the conference center to the Beach Tower and eat at the Cave Grill without needing a day pass.

When you’re ready to leave Atlantis, if you have any day pass (or a room at the Comfort Suites) and thus have a wristband, just walk out the front doors of the Atlantis Royal Towers and ask them to call you a taxi or cruise terminal shuttle. There will likely be several of them waiting, and there will be a posted flat rate to the cruise terminal. If you’re just visiting with no day pass or band, you will have to pick up a taxi at the Coral Towers, Beach Tower or the Marina Village.

Aquaventure Tips & Tricks:

• Whether you book the Disney Aquaventure tour or go on your own, our advice is to ignore the guided tour of the Dig and just head straight to Aquaventure as soon as you get your wristbands. The Dig is well worth visiting, but not during prime morning hours; it stays open much later than the pools, so save your visit for later in the day when you’re tired of slides, during a mid-day break or in the last 30 minutes before you need to return. Obviously if you get there so early that they won’t let you into the Aquaventure area, congratulate yourself on your efficiency and take a turn through the Dig, or take the opportunity to check out the predator lagoons over by the Coral Tower or the murals and decorative elements in the Royal Towers lobby.
• The slides and Current usually open at 10, and the pools and Dig open at 9 . It’s a good idea to get in as early as you can to get a locker and towels and stake out some lounge chairs. If you manage to get all settled before the slides open, you can walk around and check out the lay of the land and get yourself oriented.
• In the late summer and fall, it’s not uncommon for the pools and slides to close in the mid-afternoon because of thunderstorms, and they might not open again, so it’s important to get an early start.
• The best locker and towel area is the Hospitality Center. In defiance of logic, it is in the back of the park as far as possible from the lobby and entrances. From the desk where you get the wristbands, head up the stairs to the lobby level of the Royal Towers and follow the signs to Aquaventure, and then to the Hospitality Center, or ask any staff about the most direct route. There are lockers, fresh towels, and deck chairs there, and it’s right next to a good place to enter the Current. However, we’d suggest spending the morning riding water slides, and then check out the Current once you’re tired of slides or the lines are getting long.
• The Current is not a “lazy” river. It’s a rapid river, and there are sections of it that can hurt you if you’re not paying attention, including a speed run through concrete “rocks” you could hit your head on or get a bad scrape from. If you’re paying attention, you’ll have no trouble; it’s not crazy fast. But don’t make the mistake of thinking you can just relax and float. In some sections it can look that way, but then it can speed up and start knocking you around. Think carefully before sending small children on it, or walk around and take a look at the hairier sections. There is an actual lazy river way over by the Beach Towers (which is a hike), should you want a more sedate experience.
• The concrete walkways appear to be some kind of cool-deck material, but they still can get pretty hot. Flip-flops or water shoes are highly recommended. You can wear flip-flops or water shoes on the slides, as long as they don’t have metal on them that might scratch the slide surface.
• Towels are available early in the day from big carts near the Hospitality Center. Later in the day those carts disappear but they still have towels, so if you don’t see any, just ask at the Hospitality Center desk and they’ll hand you fresh towels.
• The food and merchandise locations in Aquaventure do not accept cash. They only accept Atlantis room keys or credit cards, so make sure you bring a working credit card with you if you want to be able to get food and rent a locker.
• There is no central float and tube distribution location. Tubes are included in the price of Aquaventure , and you just grab any empty one as it floats by, or from any stack you see. There’s no point in dragging them around the park; there will be more available just about anywhere you would need one. In a few cases you have to lug your own tube up the stairs to the top of a slide, and that will be obvious, as everyone will be carrying tubes up the stairs.
• Several of the fancier tube slides can be accessed from the Current ; you just float around until you see a fork in the river, with one side leading to the “Rapids” and one to the “Power Tower.” Take the Power Tower path to get to two elaborate slides called The Drop and The Falls via a conveyor belt that carries you to the top of the Power Tower without you even having to get out of your tube. To get to the other slides in the Power Tower you have to leave the Current and walk up some stairs.
• The food from the snack bars is pretty ordinary and similar to theme-park food. If you want more exciting food, there is a full-service restaurant in the water park area called Shark Bites that serves a few Bahamian specialties like conch salad, conch chowder, and johnnycake (in addition to the usual burgers, salads and chicken strips). You could also head over to the Beach Tower and try the Cave Grill, which has a nice view of Cabbage Beach, and you could check out the sharks in the predator lagoons while you’re over there. If you have a lunch voucher it may only be good at certain restaurants, so check on that before you hike all the way over to the Beach Tower.

Savings Tip: Aquaventure Via Comfort Suites

Guests of the Comfort Suites Paradise Island   get FREE admission to the aquariums, exhibits, pools, beach and most importantly Aquaventure , just like guests of Atlantis itself. The Comfort Suites is conveniently located right next door to the Atlantis Coral Towers. Each room you book gives you up to four passes to Atlantis (one for each person in the room). The hotel has a 3:00 pm check in time, but you can “check in” early in the morning and get the paperwork you’ll need to get your Atlantis wristbands; they will be happy to tell you how to get to Atlantis. You can even check in and check out in one transaction so you don’t have to stop by on your way back to the ship, or if you’d like to use the room you can come back after 3 to shower and change before heading back to the ship.

Important note : To discourage people from waiting to book the Comfort Suites until the day their cruise ship arrives, a one-night stay booked same-day, either online or at the front desk, does not come with access to Atlantis. A one-night stay booked in advance (at least a day earlier than the arrival date), still includes access to Atlantis .  If you were thinking you’d book a room same-day because you’re worried about the ship not being able to dock, our advice would be to get travel insurance that covers trip interruption, which will reimburse any non-refundable expenses you incur if you are unable to experience part of the trip. Also, keep in mind that it’s very rare for ships to be unable to dock in Nassau. It’s the most popular cruise ship port for a reason.

In the last few years the Comfort Suites has raised the price for single-night stays considerably, and added fees that take the final price for one night to $120/person or more at times. However, if you check their web site regularly, you can sometimes snag deals in the off season, and they offer a small discount for AAA members . Kids under 16 are FREE, but anyone 16 or over is considered an adult, and there’s a $40 fee for every adult after the first one. Even at their top rates, one night at the Comfort Suites  plus cab fare is almost sure to be less expensive than getting day passes to Aquaventure or buying the Disney excursion for a family of 3 or 4, and you can book it in advance easily. For families of 5 or more, you’ll have to get two rooms unless one or more of the kids is 3 or younger ( children 3 or under don’t need a wristband to get into Aquaventure when accompanied by a paying adult, so they don’t need to be on the Comfort Suites booking ). For two adults, the Disney excursion is often the least expensive way to go, but price it out just to be sure.

You may see reports on the internet from people who were charged a bunch of surcharges at checkin, but that only happens if you book via shady online travel agencies that are booking special consolidator rates (rates for group tours) that don’t include the resort fees. If you book via the Choice Hotels web site, they are already figured into the final price you see on the final booking page. You’ll see a very large “Taxes and fees” amount added to the total, and that includes all surcharges. They will not charge you anything more when you check in to the hotel, as long as you book directly with the Choice Hotels site and list the correct number of adults and children when booking . If you see a much lower rate on another site, it probably doesn’t include the fees. As mentioned above, you don’t need to list children 3 or under if you’re only using the room to get Atlantis wristbands; you won’t need a wristband for them.

Once you check in at the Comfort Suites, ask the front desk clerks to direct you to Atlantis. The quickest way is via the back exit from the Comfort Suites. It’s about 100 yards to the entrance, and then a short walk through the shopping area to the guest services desk, where they will take your Comfort Suites paperwork and give you the wristbands you need to enter the grounds.

One nice thing about booking the Comfort Suites is that you don’t have to wait for the official Disney tour , which often leaves somewhat late in the morning. You can get off the ship immediately, get into a cab and go straight to the Comfort Suites, check in (and immediately check out, if desired) and collect your paperwork, then walk over to Atlantis and get your wristbands. If you’re off the ship at 9:30 am you can be on the water slides at 10:00 am, assuming everything goes well. It’s not hard to beat the cruise ship tour buses by 30-60 minutes. On our first trip to Aquaventure, we got off the ship 15 minutes after the ship was cleared, got a very slow cab that made several stops before getting to the Comfort Suites, got lost multiple times while walking to the guest services desk to get our wristbands, and we still beat the Disney excursion; they were arriving as we were walking away from the service desk. The second time we went, we beat the excursion bus by roughly 50 minutes, which meant almost an hour of extra water slides!

• Book a day room at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island , including full access to Atlantis and Aquaventure for up to 4 guests!

Free Beaches :

There are several public beaches in Nassau which cost nothing to visit other than transportation costs , plus of course any snacks, drinks, souvenirs, hair braiding, etc. you might purchase while you’re there. Most of the public beaches will have vendors hawking drinks, chairs, pictures, souvenirs, etc. and some of them can be pushy. Generally just politely saying “no thanks” is enough to get them to move on.

It’s very important to note that public beaches in the Bahamas do not have the same level of amenities as most public beaches in the USA . If you are used to California or Florida public beaches with bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, maybe a boardwalk, you will need to reset your expectations. In the Bahamas, as in many developing countries, there is very little public money for beaches, and (with a few exceptions mentioned below) the only infrastructure is provided by private vendors, who will charge money for access. At the more popular beaches there may be vendors who will rent you a beach chair or umbrella for a fee, or people just walking around with cold drinks for sale, but don’t expect much more than that. Also, depending on the tides and weather some of these beaches can have heavy surf and riptides, and there are no lifeguards.

• Junkanoo Beach (also called West Esplanade Beach). This is the closest beach to the cruise terminal, and is an easy walk. Just come out of the cruise terminal, turn right and follow the road along the shore (which has a few twists and turns along the way) for a few blocks past the British Colonial hotel. As the nearest public beach to the main tourism area, it’s quite busy and full of tourists and vendors. We have seen frequent reports of litter and debris, but if you can find a section that has just been cleaned and raked, it can be quite nice, and some of the vendors who have permanent shacks on the beach are very good about keeping up the area near them. The water is much calmer here than on other beaches in the area, though the view is perhaps not as nice (mostly you can see the harbor and cruise ships). There are public facilities here of varying cleanliness, again depending on how recently they were serviced. 
• Saunders Beach . This beach is just a bit further east on Bay Street from the Fish Fry area but not all the way to Cable Beach. There are fewer (often no) vendors here, and on weekdays there may not be many people here, period. There are no bathrooms or other facilities, but there are shops and some fast-food restaurants across the street. The beach has nice sand, but once you get into the water it’s a bit rocky. The surf here is not typically very strong, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so you’ll want to keep an eye on children. You could conceivably walk here, but it would be a  long walk; we’d take a taxi. If you’re trying to get away from the touristy beaches, this is the place, or Goodman’s Bay, just a bit further along Bay Street.
• Cable Beach . This is about a 15-25 minute drive from the cruise terminal, depending on which end of it you visit. Cable Beach is a beautiful beach with soft sand, but it’s hard to access the best section of the beach without paying, because that portion, while technically public up to the high-water mark, is effectively controlled by the row of hotels in front of it. The easiest public access is via Goodman’s Bay park, which is essentially part of Cable Beach. The beach at Goodman’s Bay is a less crowded beach than Junkanoo, and in fact on weekdays there may be almost no one here. On weekends there will often be some locals out and about. There are no public facilities on the beach or in the park except for restrooms that are open erratically and a children’s playground. You can walk over to the section of beach in front of Breezes, but they will shoo you away if you venture too close to the resort. At the other end of Cable Beach, near the Melia, pretty much the whole beach is deliberately designed to be inaccessible except through one of the resorts, and if you can find your way through an alley to the beach, you’ll find that essentially anything you would want to do is reserved for hotel guests. Really, if you want to spend the day at Cable Beach, a day pass is your best option.
• Cabbage Beach . This is on the north side of Paradise Island, right next to Atlantis. Cabbage Beach is a beautiful beach with a great view of the ocean, but the surf is very strong, especially in the winter, and it’s often not safe to swim. The best public beach access is about a mile away from Atlantis, next to the Paradise Island Beach Club. There are no public facilities to speak of, but there will usually be lots of private vendors around renting chairs, selling drinks, etc. The nearest public restroom is at the Marina Village, about a 25-minute walk away. You can no longer get into the Atlantis Beach Tower from the beach without an Atlantis wristband. If you decide you want a day pass, both Riu and Atlantis offer them ( see below ), but you can’t buy them at their beach entrances; they will direct you to go all the way around to the front entrance of the Riu or the front entrance of the Atlantis Coral Towers to buy one, which is about a 25-30 minute walk. The bottom line is that while the beach is technically public, the resorts in front of the beach effectively control access to most facilities and for most travelers we would suggest buying a day pass to experience this beach.

Paid Beach Day Passes :

For a more relaxing beach experience, it may be worth your while to get a day pass for one of the hotels in the area , which will generally give you access to their private beach, or to a reserved area on a public beach with beach chairs and umbrellas, plus access to the rest of their hotel including pools, bathrooms, towels, recreation equipment, etc. Lunch is sometimes included with a day pass, but be sure to read the included amenities to be sure. Note that these hotel’s websites never seem to have any information about day passes. To find out more, you must generally call the hotel directly. The Bahamas uses the US/Canada phone prefix (1), so you can direct-dial Bahamas numbers easily. It is an international call from the US or Canada, so you might want to check what your phone company is going to charge before calling. Some of these hotels also have an email address, but our experience emailing foreign hotels is hit-or-miss. Some respond immediately and some never respond. All prices below were correct when we last checked them, but are subject to change without warning.

During peak times (spring break and Christmas, most notably), the resorts will be very full and the prices may be higher. The day passes tend to sell out, so it may be hard to get one as a walk-up guest. Pre-book if possible, or get to the resort as early as you can the morning you arrive. And of course even if you get a pass during peak season, it may be harder to find an empty beach chair or snag a kayak if you don’t arrive early.

• British Colonial, Nassau is a beautiful colonial-era hotel that was renovated extensively in 2023. Its best feature is its proximity to the cruise terminal – you can easily stroll there in 10 minutes. Just exit the cruise terminal, turn right and walk along the street for about 4 blocks. They have a private beach (with a view mostly of the port and cruise ships), and a nice restaurant. They offer a beach pass for $100 for adults, $55 for children. You can buy the pass in advance from ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-605-9900
• Margaritaville Beach Resort is a new-ish resort right in downtown Nassau. It has multiple food outlets, a nice beach with a view of the cruise ships, and a small water park with a lazy river and a few water slides. It’s easy to get to – you just go out to the street, turn right, and walk along Bay Street for about 10-15 minutes. It’s just before Junkanoo Beach. A day pass is $110 for adults and $55 for children. This just includes access to the grounds, including the water park and beach area. No food or drink is included. You can buy the pass in advance from ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-603-8400
• Breezes Bahamas is on Cable Beach, and only open to ages 14+, and at times (spring break) only 18+ . This is an all-inclusive resort, so day passes include all-you-can-eat food and drink including beer, wine, and cocktails for those over 18. Walk-up day passes are $110/person, or you can buy in advance from  ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-327-5356
• Sandals Royal Bahamian is on the far end of Cable Beach, even further down than the Melia. It is an adults-only resort, so all guests must be 18+. They have by all accounts some of the nicest facilities in Nassau. This is an all-inclusive resort, so day passes include all-you-can-eat food and drink including beer, wine, and cocktails for those over 18. Walk-up day passes are at last report $115/person for 10 am – 6 pm. Direct phone: +1-242-327-6400
• Atlantis Paradise Island is on Cabbage Beach and last we checked, offers a beach day pass for $85 for all ages (4+), which includes lunch and access to the Dig aquarium (but not the pools or Aquaventure water park). Direct phone: +1-242-363-3000
• Riu Palace is also on Cabbage Beach, next to Atlantis.  It is an adults-only resort, so all guests must be 18+. This is an all-inclusive resort; day passes include all-you-can eat food and drink including beer, wine and cocktails. Day passes are available in person, or in advance for $160 through ResortForADay . Direct phone: +1-242-363-3500
• Blue Lagoon is best known for their popular Dolphin Encounter, but you can book a beach day on their private island for $94 for adults (13+), $70 for children (4-12), including lunch. Booking directly is a little cheaper than the Disney-arranged excursion, but you’ll have to take a cab to and from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal to get to the embarkation point for the ferry to the island, whereas Disney includes all transportation and leaves from a dock near the cruise ship, so for most people booking this with Disney is the better option. More information: +1-866-918-9932
• Other day passes may be available from ResortForADay . The mix of resorts offering day passes changes from time to time, so it’s worth checking out what’s available on the date you’ll be in Nassau.

Other Nassau Recommendations

• The Fish Fry is a group of colorful restaurants and bars just a few blocks from downtown Nassau. It’s a good place to get authentic local food, including the local shellfish: conch (pronounced “KONK”). You can eat conch in many forms: fritters (which are generally heavy on the batter and light on the conch), “cracked conch” which is lightly battered and fried conch strips, tangy conch salad (kind of like ceviche), or spicy conch chowder (which has both cream and tomatoes, kind of like a cross between New England and Manhattan styles). You can also get fried or grilled grouper, snapper and other local fish. There are usually at least a few non-fish items on the menu for folks who aren’t fans of seafood. You can walk to it fairly easily in about 15-20 minutes, or take a very short cab ride. Just come out of the cruise terminal, turn right, and follow the road along the shore past the British Colonial Hilton, past Junkanoo Beach, and about two more blocks through Clifford Park until you see the row of fish joints. This is not fancy eating and may not be a good choice for picky eaters or young children (though most places have simple food like fries and chicken fingers available), but it is real Bahamian food and not expensive (at least not compared to other Nassau options), and during the day the walk is safe. You can Google “fish fry Nassau” for specific restaurant recommendations, but the competition here is fierce and tends to keep the quality up, so following your nose and checking out what other people seem to be enjoying is a good strategy.
• The Ardastra Gardens & Zoo is quite nice. It’s a small private zoo with some lovely grounds and a famous (and fairly amusing) “marching flamingos” show. Exactly how much the flamingos are “marching” versus “running away from the trainer” is debatable, but it’s all in fun and the narration doesn’t take the show too seriously. You can also feed apple chunks to Australian lorys (a kind of small parrot), who will land right on your hands and shoulders to take apple pieces. They have a wide variety of other interesting animals, including rare black swans. It’s good for a few hours, and our recommendation is not to bother with the Disney excursion that includes an overlong “island tour.” Just take a taxi there, and when you’re done, ask the Ardastra folks to call you a taxi back to the ship. You can also walk to/from Ardastra; it’s very near the Fish Fry. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Fish Fry or a 20-25 minute walk from the cruise terminal, but definitely get a map at the cruise terminal; it’s tucked in among a bunch of houses and not in an obvious location. If possible, try to time your visit so you’ll be there for a lory feeding and flamingo show; the schedule is listed on the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo website .
• The Versailles Garden and Cloisters is a lovely terraced garden on Paradise Island that contains the ruins of a French monastery. The monastery was moved from France to the US by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst, and subsequently to the Bahamas by supermarket heir and developer Huntington Hartford , who thought it would look nice on the resort island he was developing. The gardens are now part of the The Four Seasons Ocean Club Resort , but a good portion is open to the public. The gardens are in a narrow strip of land that goes from the resort to the water, going down to sunken gardens and back up to the cloisters. You can easily enter the gardens from Paradise Island Drive, the main artery going east-west on the island. If you walk south from the road, you’ll pass through the cloister and eventually reach an overlook with a gazebo and beautiful view of the water. If you walk north from the road toward the resort, you’ll get to see a fair amount of the gardens, but will eventually encounter security who will turn you away if you’re not a guest of the resort. If you want to see the whole gardens including the portion near the resort, you can have lunch at the Dune restaurant (which is nice, but very pricey) at The Ocean Club, then walk out through the gardens. Keep your receipt from the restaurant just in case you walk out past a guard and then want to get back in. You can take a cab here from the cruise terminal, or walk to or from here from Atlantis, the Comfort Suites, or the Marina Village; it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the Marina Village down Paradise Island Drive on a paved pedestrian walkway. There is also a free shuttle van between Atlantis and the Ocean Club. Ask about it at the Atlantis front desk.
• John Watling’s Rum Distillery  is built around a large and lovely renovated historic house. The highlight is a FREE self-guided walk through that tells you about the history of the location and how rum is made. The actual rum production facilities are a little underwhelming, and are basically a big warehouse full of barrels with some stainless steel tanks and equipment in the back. The rum itself is perfectly fine and makes a unique souvenir, as it isn’t easily available outside the Bahamas. There is a lounge at the end of the tour where you can buy small samples of the rum for a few dollars per pour, and a gift shop where you can buy t-shirts, mugs, glasses and, of course, rum. You can bring children on the tour (though obviously they can’t buy rum), but it’s not the most exciting thing for kids. Depending on how long you care to stay, you can spend as little as 15 minutes on the tour or perhaps as long as 45 if you love learning about rum. For us at least, the house itself and the history displays were the most interesting part.

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Sailing with Disney Cruise to Nassau Bahamas Essential Guide

As Disney travel bloggers we thought we were pretty prepared for our very first cruise on the Disney Wonder. We did tons of research, looked at loads of pins, studied the checklists and after months of prep truly believed we were completely ready to maximize the best trip ever in a very short 5 days. Here are all our Disney Cruise Nassau Bahamas Tips.

We even researched  Disney’s Private Island and booked snorkeling, biking, and inner tubes.  Little did we know there happened to be whole areas of the cruising lifestyle that were completely foreign to us! And while we have shared some tips for beginners, and  what to do if you need a break from the kids or are just traveling with friends, we were completely unaware that many people just STAY ON THE BOAT! In fact, it seemed only newbie travelers actually disembark at the port of call in some destinations. Who knew? This however didn’t deter us from making the attempt to disembark at Nassau and throw caution to the wind. 

How Can You Maximize Your Half-Day at Nassau Bahamas?

Hint: Get a Map Ahead of Time for your Port of Call

Find a map of the immediate area, or better yet, take your shopping guide up on the offer to go into town with them as a group. Wandering on our own in Nassau is not the same as wandering on our own in Charleston. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Bahamas. Last time I was there we stayed at the Pink Sands on Harbour Island, which is actually about an hour outside of Nassau. While I expected the pink sand beaches and a lot of natural opportunities, instead we got something entirely different.

Start your Nassau Port of Call Day Early

We docked at port at 7:30 am and were only able to be on the island until 2:30 pm. This alone should have been our first clue that guests haven’t clamored for more time on the island on previous Disney cruises. But it wasn’t. We were still hopeful.

Should you Book Disney Nassau Excursions on your Disney Cruise?

In hindsight, we’d HIGHLY recommend booking an excursion or two if your time allows. For us, we thought we’d get to experience more without the hassle of pre-planned and times activities, but we were definitely wrong here, and found that we didn’t get to enjoy the port as much as we would have liked, had someone been there to help guide us along the way. Check out the Disney Cruise Nassau Bahamas Excursions List to see what may work for you. 

Frankly, we hadn’t booked any excursions because Atlantis would have taken the entire 7 hours we were allowed to be on the island. We had also been warned about the need to absolutely be back on the boat at 2:30- because they would leave without us if necessary as we were on a tight schedule with this new itinerary. In fact, at least one family from our cruise did get left in Nassau!

We had wanted to see the Queen’s staircase but being unfamiliar with the island didn’t want to stray too far from the boat for fear of not being back in time. And so, in classic vacation fashion, we got off the boat fairly early and entered Nassau eager to find an authentic cup of coffee, some cute souvenirs, and maybe a nice beach. If nothing else we would see the sights and history. We were ready to explore!

Beware Exploring the Island on Your Own

One of our TOP Disney Cruise Nassau Bahamas Tips would be to go into town with the guy on your cruise that brings you as part of the group. Even if you’re not interested in buying jewelry, it would have been a more productive time.  Mind you we had been warned about the persistent nature of the salespeople you have to pass just to enter the island. We weren’t however prepared for the zombie-like attack from all directions. Grasping hands heads down, and with a tunnel view of the large pink building ahead, we somehow made it through. 

Michael, our onboard shopping guide actually said this is the best strategy to clear the hoards- no eye contact. Once cleared we entered downtown Nassau. Unfortunately, because of its duty-free fame, consists of many many shops that are all very high-end, lots of jewelry shops, a few Starbucks, and some very run-down buildings. I know not all of the Bahamas is like this, so it was disappointing to see that the first impression for many was not great. Since we’re girls traveling alone with a child we tracked down things we knew would be safe. The church… the pirate museum, but even both these came without much instruction or guidance.

Junkanoo Beach… is not Castaway Cay

Get a map. Hitting a feeling of disappointment we quickly identified another Disney family who at least seemed to know where they were going ( a complete lack of maps was definitely an issue for us in Nassau). Unfortunately, the best any of our fellow Disney cruisers could do was Junkanoo Beach. Those of us brave enough to get that far literally grabbed some souvenir sand, dipped our toes lightly in questionable waters, and tried to avoid offensive phone conversations and chain smoking. Yes, we’re generalizing, but this is an honest account of our experience. Unlike Castaway Cay, lounge chairs weren’t free and the sand wasn’t clean. Yes. We are spoiled. Yes, we know. We had an ok view of this pretty lighthouse, but really, that was it. While it’s not on this list, managing your expectations is one of the most important Disney Cruise Nassau Bahamas Tips, if you hope to have a lovely vacation. 

Disney Cruise Nassau Bahamas Tips

Next, we decided to hunt down coconut water ( in a coconut) on the way back to the boat. (If you know us you’d realize how ludicrous it was that we only stayed on the beach for 10 minutes. Mind-blowing really.) As we walked we were trying to figure out what it is people do when they dock here for an afternoon besides getting their hair braided and drinking at Senor Frog. And since half our boat was at Senor Frog, that apparently was the place to be. *Sigh*

Get Back on the Boat Early

Fairly defeated we got back on the boat around 10:30 am. Crazy, we know. Thankfully, getting ready to board the boat we were once again met by the Disney standard with cucumber and lemon water, cooling moist towels, and disinfectant, especially important since we never found the authentic coffee or treats we were hoping to find.

Unfortunately, it seemed that Nassau, Bahamas didn’t get the memo regarding the Disney standard of living. No offense Nassau. We’ve visited the Bahamas at other ports without this much struggle, so were caught completely off guard by the lack of pink sand, 5-star resorts, and crystal clear waters. 

Why People Stay On the Boat at Nassau Bahamas Port of Call

So we can’t speak to all Disney Cruises, or ports. We sailed the Disney Wonder to Nassau Bahamas . But at Nassau, quite a few people never embarked. Were these unspoken Disney Cruise Nassau Bahamas Tips in disguise? Maybe. Because, once back on the boat we found what quite a few people already knew. Things don’t stop just because people get off the boat! While the shops on board did have to close everything else was still happening.

If we stayed on the boat we could have:

• had shorter lines at the waterslide and pool
• been able to attend cool programs
• taken advantage of spa services or a massage
• gotten a cup of awesome coffee at Cove Café
• had shorter lines at the character meet and greets
• watched one of the movies on the deck
• had lunch at Cabanas or Triton’s or Tiana’s Place without the crowds

We also returned to another lovely towel friend with chocolates in our cabin, which is always a nice treat. And also proved that many weren’t necessarily just confined to their cabins but doing fun things around the ship.

Should You Stay on the Boat At Nassau Bahamas?

Seriously, the more experienced cruisers seemed happy to just be on the boat. We wondered if they even cared at all where we stopped. In fact, it was at that point (courtesy of cruise Wi-Fi) that we actually started researching “cruise mindset” because…apparently it really is about the journey and not the destination.

The Disney Cruise Lifestyle Mindset

Later, as we shared dinner with our partner dining family on the Rotational Dining on a Disney Cruise schedule, they too said they just popped off the ship for an hour and then got right back on again. Very experienced cruisers, they didn’t even seem phased that they spent the day on the ship. Or rather, spend all this cruise money to the Bahamas, to not enjoy port. In general, this goes against my natural belief which would be something like “We paid to be in the Bahamas, why are we just staying on the boat?” Yet… we are learning. It’s definitely a new way of thinking for us as we usually travel to see stuff, do stuff, and try stuff. Rarely do we just hang out and soak up the sun not doing anything. But then it is Disney Cruise . So there is a ton to do besides lounging about on the deck. They still have movies, trivia, bingo, drinks, food, games, and everything you would want on a laid-back vacation. Getting off the boat? Not really necessary for us on this one.

As we become better cruise vacationers we’ll let you know if this mindset shifts. As of right now, we’ll be planning future cruises with the hopes of loving our port of call, wherever they may be. Let us know if you had similar experiences or advice!

Rochelle Mariah

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.

• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ The Complete Walt Disney World Events Calendar for 2025
• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ What Makes the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge Special?
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• Rochelle Mariah https://www.polkadotsandpixiedust.com/author/rochellemariah/ A Disney Star Wars May 4th Celebration at the Parks and Home

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Nassau Excursions   Ardastra Gardens and City Tour Activity Type: Family Adventures and Nature Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 2.5 hours Adult Price: $42 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $29 (ages 3-9) Ages: All Ages Escape to the lush, tropical Ardastra Gardens — home to the world-famous marching flamingos — before discovering Nassau's fascinating history during a city tour. Behold the scenic surroundings of Nassau — where verdant flora mingles with shimmering ocean views — during a 15-minute, air-conditioned bus ride to one of Nassau's most picturesque tourist destinations: Ardastra Gardens. Located just outside the heart of Nassau's city center, Ardastra Gardens is a five-and-a-half acre zoo, garden and conservation center that is home to a vast array of mammals, reptiles and exotic birds. Upon your arrival, make your way to the home of the world-famous pink flamingos and marvel as the birds march in unison and follow orders given by the onsite "drill sergeant" trainer with military precision during a delightful show. Afterward, bask in the cool breezes and soak up the sun as you embark on a tour of the park's lush grounds. Wander along winding paths, cross over a pond via a quaint footbridge, and surrender to the burst of color — compliments of the exotic flora — and the air of tranquility that surrounds you at every turn. Snap pictures of the many animal exhibits, which include nearly 300 mammals, birds and reptiles, including jaguars, crocodiles, iguanas, snakes and monkeys, to name just a few. Children will love to spend time at the Farm Yard, where friendly goats, sheep, bunnies, geese and chickens are free to roam. Then, experience that magic of feeding a live bird during a visit to the Lory Parrot's habitat, where the brilliantly colored bird will sit quietly on your hand in anticipation of an apple treat. After your approximate hour-long visit, savor a refreshing beverage and then journey once again via motor coach back into the city center and embark on a 45-minute city tour of downtown Nassau. Lose yourself to the colonial architecture of Nassau — bedecked in "government pink" — as you drive past historic Parliament Square, the Governor's Mansion and Gregory's Arch before stopping at Fort Fincastle. Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was designed in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer to ward off possible raiders; today, it offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Ocean. Wander the quaint grounds and snap a picture of the sprawling countryside and nearby city before boarding your motor coach one last time for your quick 10-minute trip back to the pier. Additional Information A beverage (sparkling soda) is included. Additionally, snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the motor coach on their own. Additionally, there are some steps at Adastra Gardens, but most can be avoided by alternative pathways, primarily made of concrete or grass. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Service animals are not allowed on this tour due to zoological safety & health requirements. Reviews Atlantis Aquaventure Activity Type: Splashtacular Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 6 hours Adult Price: $160 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $110 (ages 3-9) Ages: All Ages Immerse yourself in the splendor of Atlantis Resort and its new 141-acre water park, Aquaventure — and experience an oasis amidst paradise. Sit back, relax and take in the sights during an approximate 25-minute, air-conditioned motor coach drive through historic Nassau as you make your way to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. Recalling the mythic lost island city in breathtaking detail, Atlantis is home to the world's largest open-air marine habitat, where 14 fascinating exhibits and 13 sparkling lagoons brim with over 50,000 sea creatures representing 250 species. A plethora of luxury shopping, fine dining and casino gaming ensures Atlantis is as much fun on land as it is in the water. Upon your arrival at the resort, explore the underwater archaeological aquarium known as The Dig during an eye-opening guided walking tour — and behold a astounding array of manta rays, sharks, jellyfish and other wonders of the sea. After your tour, dive into the magic of Atlantis' newest 141-acre treasure: Aquaventure waterscape. Featuring state-of-the-art water slides, river rapids, waterfalls, water holes and amazing special effects, Aquaventure is far from your usual water park. Just hop in your very own inner tube and sit back as you are propelled along a river to the main water attractions via a series of special escalators, waves and surges — without ever having to leave the water! Take the plunge from one of the four thrilling water slides of the 120-foot tall Power Tower. Plunge into the Abyss — a near-vertical 50 feet drop through a tumbling waterfall into total darkness — before finding yourself submerged in a deep cenote filled with Alligator Gars. Coast along the bouncy inner tube slides of The Drop, The Falls and The Surge and then catch some white-water waves at The Rapids. It's all up to you! Spectacular special effects, video technology and a lush landscape design make the journey even more thrilling. After you've taken in the thrills and spills of Aquaventure, experience even more of what Atlantis Resort has in store. Chill out and soak up the sun and surf on one of the many beaches. Surrender to the elegance of the Royal Baths Pool or take in the laidback atmosphere of the Lazy River Pool. Hit the casino — awash with decorative glass sculptures that jet into the sky — and try your luck at slots, blackjack or craps. Or spend the afternoon shopping in the Marina Village. After your approximate seven-hour visit, return from paradise with a scenic 20/30-minute, air-conditioned drive back to the ship. Additional Information A light lunch is included in this excursion. Guests must be at least 48" tall to ride all water slides. This excursion includes a 15-20 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Complimentary towels and lifejackets are provided. Lockers are available for rent. Water rentals require an additional fee. Swim diapers are required in all pools and attractions for infants and toddlers. Wheelchairs need to be collapsible and are permitted in pool and beach area, not in waterslide area. No electric wheelchairs permitted. No beach wheelchairs available. Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards (for food and souvenirs) as some vendors do not accept cash. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Last bus transportation from the Resort to the ship is 4:30 p.m. Guests with visible injuries (i.e. casts, bandages, etc) are not permitted to ride the slides. Reviews Atlantis Beach Day Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 5 hours Adult Price: $82 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $55 (ages 3-9) Ages: All Ages Soak up the fun in the sun and then some at Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Breathe in the salty ocean air as you embark on an approximate 15-minute walk from the ship to your departure point for the day's adventure. Once there, board an air-conditioned bus and enjoy a glimpse of some of Nassau's sites as you make your way through the quaint city streets to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. Recalling the mythic lost island city in breathtaking detail, Atlantis is home to the world's largest open-air marine habitat, where 14 fascinating exhibits and 13 sparkling lagoons brim with over 50,000 sea creatures representing 250 species. A plethora of luxury shopping, fine dining, and casino gaming makes this oasis under the sun even more fun. Upon your arrival, make your way inside Atlantis Resort and explore the resort's illustrious grounds. Following your exploration of the resort, embark on a self-guided tour of the "ruins" of ancient Atlantis in The Dig, which is an elaborate replica of an actual archeological site. Explore a labyrinth of underground passageways brimming with large viewing windows filled with exotic marine life — from docile sea lions and manta rays to fierce-looking piranha and mammoth lobster. Stroll through Predator Lagoon, where you can get an up-close look at such fearsome fish as sharks and barracudas from the safety of an underwater tunnel. Then, try your best to decipher the mystery of Atlantis' lost civilization as you attempt to decode the mysterious inscriptions found on the walls throughout the exhibit. After your visit of the Dig, make your way to Atlantis' beach and enjoy the rest of the day in sun-kissed bliss. Bask in the sunshine and unwind in the comfort of a beach chair and experience a tranquility you never knew existed. Swim in the crystal clear water, compete in a fun-filled game of beach volleyball, or relax with a stroll along the warm white sands. Then, savor a delicious lunch at one of several kiosks located on the property before hitting the luxurious casino—awash with decorative glass sculptures that jet into the sky — and trying your luck at slots, blackjack or craps. Before leaving, spend some time shopping in the Marina Village. Finally, after your visit, embark on a short 10-minute walk back to the motor coach before beginning the 15-minute drive back to the pier. Additional Information The use of pools and water slides is not included in this excursion. Lunch (pizza, burgers, sandwiches and salads) and beverages (sparkling sodas and bottled water) are included. Guests will be given a lunch and beverage coupon which can be exchanged at one of the designated kiosks. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the bus on their own and be able to walk across sand at the beach. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. Admission to the aquarium is a self-guided visit and can be done at the guest's leisure. Guests are also invited to visit the casino or shop at the many stores located at the resort. Bimimi tops are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests should note that only credit cards are accepted at outdoor kiosks and restaurants. Last bus transportation from the Resort to the ship is 4:30 p.m. This excursion includes an approximate 15 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Lockers are available at an additional cost. Please note, however, that only credits cards - and not cash - are required for locker rentals. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs inside the resort. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Atlantis Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 6.5 hours Adult Price: $295 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $245 (ages 3-9) Ages: 3 And Up Dive into Atlantis Resort and its new 141-acre water park, Aquaventure — and come "face-to-fins" with real live dolphins during an up-close and personal, shallow water interaction at Dolphin Cay. Sit back and relax during an approximate 25-minute, air-conditioned motor coach drive through charming Nassau as you make your way to the world-famous Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. Recalling the mythic lost island city, Atlantis is home to the world's largest open-air marine habitat, where 14 eye-opening exhibits and 13 sparkling lagoons brim with over 50,000 sea creatures. Upon your arrival, your guide will escort you to Atlantis' Dolphin Cay — an 11-acre, state-of-the-art facility home to over 20 dolphins — and prepare yourself for an unforgettable hands-on, in-water dolphin interaction. Take in an informative introduction on dolphin behavior and then don a wetsuit and immerse yourself in waist-deep water for an approximate 30-minute meet and greet with a real-live dolphin. Touch and play with this gentle creature of the sea in a relaxed setting and connect with a part of nature you've always dreamed about. After your interaction, dive into the fun of Atlantis' newest 141-acre treasure: Aquaventure waterscape. Featuring state-of-the-art water slides, river rapids, waterfalls, Mayan temple (incorporating Leap of Faith, Serpent slide and Challenger slides) a quarter-mile long wave river and more, Aquaventure is not your usual water park. Just hop in your very own inner tube and sit back as you are propelled along a river to the main attractions via a series of special escalators and surges — without ever having to leave the water! Experience four thrilling water slides at the 120-foot tall Power Tower (incorporating The Drop, The Falls, The Surge and The Abyss). Plunge down the 70-foot drop of the Abyss and find yourself submerged in a deep cenote filled with Alligator Gars. Coast along the bouncy slides of The Drop, The Falls and The Surge or catch some rip-roaring waves and white-water rapids on The Current and The Rapids. Children can immerse themselves in the fun at Splasher's children's pool, a treasure-chest themed, water playground featuring four slides, water cannons, jets, wheels, ropes, sails and more. Spectacular special effects, video technology and a lush landscape design make Aquaventure even more thrilling. After you've taken in the thrills and spills of Aquaventure, experience even more of what Atlantis Resort has in store. Soak up the sun on one of the many white-sand beaches, the lagoon and pool areas. Rent a water-bike or kayak and surround yourself in the beauty of Paradise Lagoon. Hit the casino and try your luck at slots, blackjack or craps. Or spend the afternoon shopping in the Marina Village. After your approximate eight-hour visit, return from paradise with a scenic 25-minute, air-conditioned drive back to the ship Additional Information A light lunch is included in this excursion. Wheelchairs need to be collapsible and are permitted in the pool and beach area, but not in the waterslide area. No electric wheelchairs permitted. No beach wheelchairs available. Wheelchairs are permitted at Dolphin Cay. This excursion includes a 15-20 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Guests may participate in the walking tour of The Dig at any time during their visit. The Shallow Water Interaction is approximately 2 hours long and includes time to change into swim gear, an orientation with by Marine Mammal Specialist, a 30-minute water interaction and an opportunity to view and purchase photographs. Additionally, complimentary wet suits, towels, bottled water/soft drinks, changing rooms, showers and lockers are available at Dolphin Cay only. Young children may need to be held by an adult during participation due to their height and abilities. Please note a parent or appointed guardian must participate in the program with children under the age of 10. Children ages 10 and up may participate by themselves if a parent or appointed guardian is booked on the Observer at Atlantis Dolphin Cay & Aquaventure Tour. This is not a "swim with the dolphins" experience. Wetsuits are provided and are required. Participants must wear appropriate swim suits underneath wetsuit. Guests are not permitted to wear tanning oils or excessive amounts of sunscreen during the dolphin interaction. Guests who have had contact with or been exposed to a beached or stranded marine mammal within 24 hours of the dolphin interaction are not permitted to participate. Observers of the dolphin interaction must remain on the beach and are not permitted to enter the water. Dolphin Cay will make every effort to provide the necessary assistance for persons with special needs and/or physical impairment so that they can enjoy the experience, however under the Bahamas Marine Mammal Protection Act of 2005 it is required that a primary attendant be present in the water throughout the interaction. If you are pregnant and are interested in experiencing a dolphin interaction, please consult your physician. Cameras and video recorders are allowed at Dolphin Cay, but are not allowed in the water at the Dolphin Lagoons. However, observers can take pictures and record video from the beach. Programs are not cancelled due to inclement weather. Water rides are not recommended for pregnant women, persons physically limited or persons with a history of heart, neck, back, or joint problems. Guests with injuries (casts, bandages, etc.) are not permitted. Guests must be at least 48" tall to ride all water slides. Children under 48" may participate at Splasher's — Atlantis's new children's water playground and on the Aquaventure river systems when accompanied by an adult on a double tube and wearing a life vest (provided free of charge). Children participating on the river system must be large enough to support themselves in the inner tube opening. Water rentals require an additional fee. Swim diapers are required in all pools and attractions for infants and toddlers. Guests should note that locker rentals — available at the Hospitality Center — require an additional fee. Additionally, credit cards are the only method of payment accepted. Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards (for food and souvenirs and other items) as some vendors do not accept cash. Guests are encouraged to bring water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Last bus transportation from the Resort to the ship is 4:30 p.m. Guests with visible injuries (i.e. casts, bandages, etc) are not permitted to ride the slides. Reviews Atlantis - Ocean Club Golf Course Activity Type: Action Adventures Activity Level: Active Active These excursions are considered active and may involve constant effort or extended periods of walking long distances, numerous steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces and other rough terrain throughout the excursion. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy these excursions. --> Duration: 6.5 - 7 hours Adult Price: $475 Child Price: $475 Ages: 10 And Up Take a short 10-minute drive to this 18-hole championship course—designed by Tom Weiskopf— that features meticulous seaside greens and tees, stunning fairways and breathtaking signature holes stretched over 7,100 yards. An onsite pro shop, range and handsome clubhouse complement this remarkable golfing experience. The Atlantis Resort Ocean Club Golf Course located at Paradise Island in the Bahamas is the proud home of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational—an annual golfing tournament where stars from the world of sports and entertainment compete for their favorite charities. Green fees, clubs, golf cart and shoe rentals, if needed, are included in your ticket price. Just bring your game! And at the end of your round, enjoy the unparalleled view of sand and surf during a scenic 20-minute ride to the pier. Additional Info Tour includes round-trip transportation, shared cart and green fees. Beverages and meals may be purchased at the clubhouse. Guests are encouraged to bring a credit card or cash. Wheelchairs (electric or collapsible) are not permitted. Guests are required to wear appropriate golf attire. No denim jeans; men need to wear collar shirts, ladies a shirt with sleeves or collar; no basketball or soccer shorts. Due to the limited availability of this excursion, Guests are encouraged to book early. Blackbeard's Cay Stingray and Beach Adventure Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 4.5-5 hours Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $39 (ages3-9) Ages: 3 And Up Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you hand-feed friendly stingrays on the private isle paradise known as Blackbeard's Cay. Cruise the crystal-blue waters off Nassau past the golden shores of Nassau and Paradise Island to Blackbeard's Cay, a picturesque little island named after one of the most feared pirates to ever haunt the Caribbean. Along the way, discover the history and culture of the region from your friendly guide, as you bask in the breezes that seemingly surround you at every turn. After the scenic 20-minute journey, drop anchor and take in a brief introduction to the island — which boasts sweeping pearl-white sands and crystal-blue water — before enjoying the day as you so desire. Soak up some rays on the warm sands of the beach and explore a colorful wonderland of curious fish and coral vistas below the surface of the shimmering sea during a refreshing swim. Sightsee along the captivating coastline and discover a secluded setting during a nature walk. Then, embark on a short walk to a large protected lagoon, where an encounter like no other awaits. Under the supervision of park managers, don a snorkel mask and immerse yourself in an up-close interaction with real live Southern Atlantic Stingrays. Learn about the physiology and behavioral traits common to all stingrays and then watch in wonder as these curious creatures gracefully float by and gently nudge you as if to say "hello." Experience the magic of hand-feeding these gentle creatures of the deep as you are invited to hold in the palm of your hand a piece of fish only to have it disappear from a snacking ray moments later. After your 30-minute exchange, return to the beach and compete in a fun-filled game of beach volleyball, and then savor the flavor of a tropical beverage and a mouth-watering lunch. Finally, drift off to the sounds of the gentle waves under the shade of a swaying palm tree and feel your cares melt away. Finally, after your approximate four-hour visit, embark on a 20-minute boat ride and 15-minute stroll back to the ship. Additional Information Lunch (a choice of delicacies from the grill) and beverages (sparkling sodas and bottled water) are included. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the boat on their own and be able to walk across sand. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Travel time to and from Blackbeard's Cay Stingray Adventure is 25 minutes by boat in each direction. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 when participating in the stingray encounter. The stingray encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes. Snorkel, mask and flippers are provided for the stingray encounter only. Fresh water showers and air-conditioned changing facilities and rest rooms are available. Guests should note that there is only one return trip back to the island. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as photos and souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Blue Lagoon Dolphin Swim Activity Type: Splashtacular Activity Level: Active Active These excursions are considered active and may involve constant effort or extended periods of walking long distances, numerous steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces and other rough terrain throughout the excursion. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy these excursions. --> Duration: 3.5-4 hours Adult Price: $199 Child Price: $199 Ages: 6 And Up Embark on a 30-minute cruise aboard a high-speed, double-decker catamaran through Nassau's scenic and historic harbor to the world-famous Dolphin Encounters on nearby Blue Lagoon Island. Dolphin Encounters is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainers Association. This popular attraction is celebrating 20 years of making Guests' dreams of meeting dolphins and sea lions come true. It is one of the few marine mammal centers in the world to offer people of all ages the unique opportunity for up-close and personal experiences with dolphins, and is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals. Along the way, you will pass picturesque Paradise Island and view many stately homes owned by movie stars, business tycoons and foreign dignitaries. Upon your arrival at Blue Lagoon Island, meet and greet the dolphin trainers before receiving an informative introduction to dolphins, including a discussion on their anatomy, physiology, natural history and amazing underwater communication abilities. Accompanied by a trainer, immerse yourself in an all-natural ocean lagoon for approximately 30 minutes where you can play and swim with real live Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins during this award-winning program. During the hands-on experience, examine the dolphin's smooth skin and delight in its gentle demeanor. Meet the native dolphins, stars of the Flipper movie, in their all-natural environment and discover how to feed these gentle creatures of the deep. Delight in a very special kiss and "handshake" from the dolphins, receive a hug and enjoy a "dance" with your new mammal friend. Then get ready for the highlight of your adventure as the dolphin propels you across the lagoon in a thrilling foot push! After your Dolphin Swim, visit the onsite sea lions—rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—and snap a picture of the spectacular ocean views that surround you in nearly every direction. Finally, sit back, relax and begin your 30-minute return trip back to the pier. Additional Information Guests participating on the 2:30 p.m. tour will return to the ship at approximately 6:45 p.m. Guests with a 5:45 p.m. dinner seating may choose to dine at Beach Blanket Casual Dining on this night of the cruise. The Dolphin Swim program is offered in small groups of 10 participants per platform. Guests will spend approximately 30 minutes in the water with the Dolphins. For Guests, ages 6-12: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Nassau Dolphin Excursion. For Guests, ages 13-17: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Nassau Dolphin Excursion or the corresponding Nassau Dolphin Observer excursion. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures, videos and souvenirs. Please note that the return time for the 12:45 p.m. departure time is approximately 5:00 p.m., which may affect the first seating dinner. Food is available for purchase at an additional cost. Wheelchairs must be standard size and collapsible. No electronic wheelchairs or scooters permitted. Guests must be able to transfer onto the boat. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. This excursion includes an approximate 30-minute boat transfer from the ship to the dolphin encounter and back again. There is one return trip back from the island. This excursion is not suitable for expectant mothers. Guests should note that jewelry is not allowed in the pool areas. In addition, for the continued well-being of the dolphins, Guests are not permitted to wear sunscreen in the water. Complimentary lockers for personal belongings and changing rooms are available. Wet suits are available, free of charge, during winter months. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day Activity Type: Splashtacular Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 4-7 hours Adult Price: $69 Child Price: $55 (under 3 charged child rate) Ages: All Ages Spend the day enjoying one of the most secluded beaches in the Bahamas at famous Blue Lagoon Island. Frequently called the "real" Bahamas, Blue Lagoon has been an interesting part of the Bahamas' history for centuries and is one of the most well-known of Nassau's natural attractions. Cruise on a double-decker catamaran through scenic Nassau harbor past the luxury homes on Paradise Island over to this spectacular private island to relax on its tranquil shores. Blue Lagoon Island offers breathtakingly clear turquoise waters including a hidden lagoon, hundreds of native coconut palm trees, pristine white sandy beaches, lush natural vegetation, tropical birds and beautiful marine life. Lay back and soak up the sun in a comfortable beach lounge chair, swim in the clear, turquoise waters, explore the lagoon by kayak or water bike, or just relax in a large double hammock under the shade of swaying palms. Savor a delicious lunch and cool beverages amid a relaxed and scenic island atmosphere. Enjoy games of all varieties, shopping and local music. Explore the incredible natural beauty and learn about the extraordinary history of the island on an optional guided tour (additional charge) that includes a trip to the top of the famous tower at the lagoon entrance which boasts breathtaking views. No trip to Blue Lagoon Island would be complete without a visit to Dolphin Encounters to observe the amazing native dolphins and sea lions (including the stars of the movies Flipper and Andre) in their spectacular natural ocean habitat. Previously the stomping grounds of pirates who hid their ships and culled salt in the lagoon, the island has also been the vacation paradise for royalty, political figures, famous authors, and luminaries of screen, stage, music and sports throughout history. Now it is your turn to explore, relax and enjoy this beautiful island that has remained virtually untouched maintaining its lush natural beauty. A choice of 2 return times is included giving you the flexibility to return to Nassau after spending either 3.5 hours or 6.5 hours on this beautiful private island. Return by catamaran for a 30-minute scenic ride at the end of your day. Additional Information Lunch is included (choice of 8 oz. Angus beef hamburger or cheeseburger, chicken burger, veggie burger, 1/4 lb. all beef hot dog); fresh fruit, chips and 2 non-alcoholic beverages per person. Beverages include (fruit punch, water, and soda). Additional food and beverages including, beer (local and imported), frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, tropical drinks, wine and mixed drinks and Blue Lagoon's Sky Juice may be purchased at an additional cost. Unlimited use of unsinkable float mats, inner-tubes and big boss noodles is included. The snorkeling tour and historic eco-hike are available at an additional cost. Kayaks, Paddle Boats and Aqua Cycles are available at additional cost. This excursion is stroller accessible. Fresh water showers, changing rooms and restrooms are available. Guests are encouraged to bring towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Wheelchairs must be standard size and collapsible. No electronic wheelchairs or scooters permitted. Guests must be able to transfer onto the boat. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit card to purchase optional extras such as souvenirs and photos. Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Encounter Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 4.5 - 5 hours Adult Price: $125 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $110 (ages 3-9) Ages: 3 And Up Surrender to the unspoiled splendor of Nassau and the surrounding islands as you embark on a 30-minute adventure aboard a high-speed, double-decker catamaran through Nassau's scenic and historic harbor to spectacular Dolphin Encounters on nearby Blue Lagoon Island. An accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainers Association, Dolphin Encounters is one of the few marine mammal centers in the world to offer people of all ages the unique opportunity to partake in up-close and personal experiences with dolphins—and is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals. This popular attraction is celebrating 20 years of making Guests' dreams of meeting dolphins and sea lions come true. Along the way, pass picturesque Paradise Island and New Providence Island and view the large estates of the rich and famous. Upon your arrival, meet and greet the dolphin trainers and take in an informative introduction to dolphins, including a discussion on their anatomy, physiology, and natural history. Then, accompanied by a trainer, immerse yourself in a specially designed, 4-foot deep platform in an all-natural ocean lagoon where you'll have approximately 20 minutes to touch and pet a real live Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin in this award-winning program. During the hands-on experience, examine the dolphin's smooth skin and delight in its gentle demeanor. Practice and learn some of the techniques the trainers use to communicate with the dolphins and discover how to feed these gentle creatures of the deep. Delight in a very special kiss and "handshake" from the dolphins, and enjoy a "dance" with your new mammal friend before marveling at their spectacular leaps and bows. After your interaction, spend some time with the onsite sea lions—recently rescued from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—and snap a picture of the spectacular ocean views that surround you in nearly every direction. Finally, sit back, relax and begin your 30-minute return trip back to the pier. Additional Information Guests participating on the 2:30 p.m. tour will return to the ship at approximately 6:45 p.m. Guests with a 5:45 p.m. dinner seating may choose to dine at Beach Blanket Casual Dining on this night of the cruise. Please note that the return time for the 12:45 p.m. departure time is approximately 5:00 pm, which may affect the first seating dinner. Food and frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, beer (international and local) wine and mixed drinks are available for purchase at an additional cost. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. In addition, Guests must be able to board the boat, enter the water unassisted and stand up during the duration of the program . A specially designed wheelchair is available for special needs Guests to participate in the Dolphin Encounter. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. Guests should note that this is not a "swim with the dolphins" excursion. For Guests ages 3-12: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Nassau Dolphin Excursion. For Guests ages 13-17 years: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Nassau Dolphin Excursion or the corresponding Nassau Dolphin Observer excursion. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. This excursion includes an approximate 30-minute boat transfer from the ship to the dolphin encounter and back again. There is one return trip back from the island. This excursion is not suitable for expectant mothers. Guests should note that jewelry is not allowed in the pool areas. In addition, for the continued well-being of the dolphins, Guests are not permitted to wear sunscreen in the water. Complimentary lockers for personal belongings and changing rooms are available. Wet suits are available, free of charge, during winter months. Guests are allowed to take pictures using their own cameras, at their own risk. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures, videos and souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Observer Activity Type: Family Adventures Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 4.5-5 hours Adult Price: $45 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $45 (ages 0-9) Ages: All Ages Accompany a family member or friend during their "face-to-flipper" encounter at the world-famous Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island—and enjoy it all without getting wet. Take in Nassau's historic coastline during a 30-minute ride aboard a high-speed, double-decker catamaran to Dolphin Encounters on Blue Lagoon Island. An accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainers Association, Dolphin Encounters is one of the few marine mammal centers in the world to offer people of all ages the unique opportunity to partake in up-close and personal experiences with dolphins—and is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals. During your journey through Nassau's harbor, pass picturesque Paradise Island and New Providence Island. Upon your arrival, meet and greet the dolphin trainers and take in an informative introduction to dolphins or sea lions, including a discussion on their anatomy, physiology, and natural history. Following the introduction, sit back and watch family and friends in the program—from a distance that allows you to remain dry. Under the supervision of one of the facility's experienced dolphin and sea lion trainers, watch your loved ones interact with these amazing marine mammals in their spectacular natural marine habitat. Experience the thrill of observing your friends and family members partake in the special opportunity to pet, hug, "dance" and even kiss the dolphins and sea lions during an amazing exchange. At the conclusion of your encounter, marvel as the dolphins show off their spectacular jumps and watch a young sea lion pup frolic. After their program, reunite with family and friends to enjoy the beauty of the island and snap a picture of the spectacular ocean views that surround you in nearly every direction. Finally, sit back, relax and breathe in the fresh ocean air as you embark on your 30-minute return trip back to the pier. Additional Information Guests participating on the 2:30 p.m. tour will return to the ship at approximately 6:45 p.m. Guests with a 5:45 p.m. dinner seating may choose to dine at Beach Blanket Casual Dining on this night of the cruise. This tour is available to all ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. Please note that the return time for the 12:45 p.m. departure time is approximately 5:00 p.m., which may affect the first seating dinner. This excursion should only be booked in conjunction with the Blue Lagoon Island Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Encounter or Sea Lion Encounter Port Adventures. Food and frozen daiquiris, piña coladas, beer (international and local) wine and mixed drinks are available for purchase at an additional cost. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. In addition, Guests must be able to board the boat. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. Guests do not enter the water at any time for an animal interaction. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. This excursion includes an approximate 30-minute boat transfer from the ship to the dolphin encounter and back again. There is one return trip back from the island. Complimentary lockers for personal belongings are available. Guests are allowed to take pictures using their own cameras, at their own risk. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures, videos and souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early Blue Lagoon Island Sea Lion Encounter Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: Not Specified Adult Price: $99 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $99 (ages 8-9) Ages: 8 And Up - All participants must be at least 48" tall Enjoy the scenic views of the Nassau and Paradise Island shorelines as you embark on a 30-minute cruise aboard a high-speed, double-decker catamaran through Nassau's historic harbor to the world-famous Dolphin Encounters on nearby Blue Lagoon Island. This popular attraction is celebrating 20 years of making Guests' dreams of meeting dolphins and sea lions come true. An accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the International Marine Animals Trainers Association, Dolphin Encounters is one of the few marine mammal centers in the world to offer people of all ages the unique opportunity for up-close and personal experiences with Sea Lions, and is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals. Along the way, you will pass picturesque Paradise Island and New Providence Island and view the large estates of the rich and famous. Upon your arrival, meet and greet the Sea Lion trainers and take in an informative introduction to these mammals, including the stars of the movies Andre and Slappy and the Stinkers . Then, accompanied by a trainer, immerse yourself in a specially designed platform, placed waist-deep in an all-natural ocean pool, where you will have 30 minutes to interact with a Sea Lion. This is the only program of its kind in the Bahamas. During the hands-on experience, examine the sea lion's sleek fur and delight in its gentle demeanor. Practice and learn some of the techniques the trainers use to communicate with the Sea Lions and discover how to feed these affectionate creatures. Delight in a very special kiss and "handshake" from the Sea Lion, and enjoy a "hug" with your new mammal friend. After your interaction, visit the onsite Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins including the star of the movie Flipper —and snap a picture of the spectacular ocean views that surround you in every direction. Finally, sit back, relax and enjoy your 30-minute return trip back to the pier. Additional Information Guests participating on the 2:30 p.m. tour will return to the ship at approximately 6:45 p.m. Guests with a 5:45 p.m. dinner seating may choose to dine at Beach Blanket Casual Dining on this night of the cruise. Only collapsible wheelchairs are permitted. Wheelchairs must be standard size. Motorized wheelchairs are not permitted. Guests spend approximately 30 minutes in the water with the Sea Lions. This excursion is conducted on a submerged platform approximately 3 feet deep. The maximum Guest-to-Sea Lion ratio is 10:1. For Guests, ages 8-12: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Sea Lion Encounter. For Guests, ages 13-17: An adult 18 years or older must be booked on the same Sea Lion Encounter or the corresponding Nassau Dolphin Observer excursion. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. This excursion includes an approximate 30-minute boat transfer from the ship to Blue Lagoon Island and back again. There is one return trip back from the island. Guests should note that jewelry is not allowed in the pool areas. Complimentary lockers for personal belongings and changing rooms are available. Wet suits are available, free of charge, during winter months. Cameras are not permitted in the sea lion encounter. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Food and frozen daiquiris, pina coladas, beer (international and local) wine and mixed drinks are available for purchase at an additional cost. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures, videos and souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Guests 8 years and older and 48 inches tall may participate in the Sea Lion Encounter. This program is not available to pregnant women. Guests must have the ability to go up and down steps and ramps to access the platform. Reviews Caribbean Queen Snorkel Tour Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 2.5 hours Adult Price: $37 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $27 (ages 6-9) Ages: 6 And Up Set sail for the crystal-clear waters off Athol Island for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure brimming with fantastic underwater flora and fauna. Abandon all worries as you gaze out upon the unspoiled grandeur of Nassau's sweeping shoreline — boasting sparkling seaside coves and golden stretches of sand — during a relaxing 15-minute stroll from the ship to the Caribbean Queen, a modern snorkel boat boasting a low-profile stern for easy water entry. Upon your arrival, board the boat and make your way through the bustling harbor of Nassau as you make your way to the pristine waters off nearby Athol Island. During your 30-minute journey, snap a picture of the mainland from your seaside position, and listen as your friendly guide relays the fascinating history of the region. Upon your arrival at the secluded site, don your snorkel gear and take the plunge into the breathtaking blue. Skim the ocean surface and marvel at the magnificent marine life or swim underwater and take a closer look at the extraordinary coral formations. Reach out to a curious school of colorful fish — including angelfish, damsels and parrotfish — or simply float along the gentle ocean current and bask in the warm coastal breezes that wash over you at every turn. Back on deck, soak up the sun and salty air and drift off to the gentle rocking and swaying of the boat. After approximately one hour of open water swimming and snorkeling, sit back and lose yourself to the sweeping coastal sites once again as you begin your scenic sojourn back to the pier. Additional Information Snacks, beverages and underwater cameras are available onboard for an additional cost. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Snorkel vests are included and compulsory for all Guests. Guests must be comfortable swimming in open water. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk over flat terrain to and from the pick-up point in both directions. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Catamaran Sail and Reef Snorkeling Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 3.5-4 hours Adult Price: $49 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $34 (ages 5-9) Ages: 5 And Up Marvel at the beauty of the Caribbean from above and below during a catamaran sailing and a snorkeling expedition amidst the turquoise waters off Spruce Cay or Athol Island. Cruise the crystal-blue waters off Nassau aboard a sleek catamaran boasting spacious accommodations and journey along the picture-perfect coastline amidst a backdrop of sandy white beaches to a series of reefs located off Spruce Cay or Athol Island. Situated a short distance away from the mainland, the waters off Spruce Cay and Athol Island brim with a wide variety of exotic fish and unique coral formations, and are considered to be two of the finest snorkeling spots in the Nassau area. Depending on weather conditions, the Captain will be sure to choose the best snorkel locations for your excursion. As you sail through the breathtaking blue, listen as your friendly guide relays the fascinating history of the islands and the storied history of its neighboring waters, and snap a picture of New Providence Island — the most populated island of the entire Bahamian archipelago — from your delightful seaside position. Following your sailing, anchor off the breezy coast, don snorkel gear, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable adventure below the surface of the sea. Explore an underwater wonderland teeming with colorful marine life and picturesque coral vistas at depths of up to 30 feet. Marvel at a school of curious tropical fish — including angelfish, snapper, damsels and parrotfish — swimming only inches from where you wade, or simply float along the gentle ocean current and bask in the warm coastal breezes that wash over you at every turn. Back on deck, soak up the sun and feel your cares melt away. After your 60-minute snorkel adventure, sit back, relax and take in the sprawling coastal sights once more as you begin your scenic trip back to the ship. Additional Information Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Guests should note that snorkel sites (Spruce Cay or Athol Island) are determined based on weather conditions on day of excursion. Snorkel vests are included and compulsory for all Guests. Guests must be comfortable swimming in open water. This excursion includes a 15-20 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Discover Atlantis Activity Type: Family Adventures and Nature Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 3 hours Adult Price: $52 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $35 (ages 3-9) Ages: All Ages Withdraw to a wondrous world of exotic marine life, casino gaming, world-class shopping and lush landscaped grounds at Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. Glimpse the Caribbean Sea sparkling in the distance as you embark on an approximate 15-minute stroll from the ship to your departure point for the day's adventure. Once there, board an air-conditioned bus or mini-van and behold the bustling city sites as you make your way through the small windy streets to the world-renowned Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. Recalling the mythic lost island city in breathtaking detail, Atlantis is home to the world's largest open-air marine habitat, where 14 fascinating exhibits and 13 sparkling lagoons brim with over 50,000 sea creatures representing 250 species. A plethora of luxury shopping, fine dining, and casino gaming makes this oasis under the sun even more fun. Upon your arrival, make your way inside Atlantis Resort to the mouth of the aquarium where your guided adventure will begin. Upon your arrival at the aquarium, enjoy an approximate 45-minute guided tour of the "ruins" of ancient Atlantis at The Dig, which is an elaborate replica of an archeological site. Explore a labyrinth of underground passageways where age-old hieroglyphs mingle with large viewing windows filled with exotic marine life — from docile sea lions and manta rays to fierce-looking piranha and gigantic lobsters. Stroll through Predator Lagoon, where you can get an up-close look at such fearsome fish as sharks and barracudas from the safety of an underwater tunnel and learn about the habits of these creatures of the deep from your friendly guide. Then, try your best to decipher the mystery of Atlantis' lost civilization as you attempt to decode the mysterious inscriptions found on the walls throughout the exhibit. After the tour, feel free to enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you desire. Wander the illustrious grounds or hit the casino—which is awash with decorative glass sculptures that jet into the sky—and try your luck at slots, blackjack or craps. Spend some time shopping in the Marina Village, or simply savor a refreshing beverage under the shade of a palm tree overlooking the resort's sweeping white-sand beach. After your visit, make your way back to the designated pick-up point and then sit back and relax as you begin the 15-minute drive back to the pier. Additional Information Snacks and beverages are available at the resort for an additional cost. Guests should note that only credit cards are accepted at outdoor kiosks and restaurants. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the bus or mini-van on their own. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. This is a guided tour of the Aquarium. The use of pools, water slides and beach areas is not included in this excursion. Last bus transportation from the Resort to the ship is 4:30 p.m. This excursion includes an approximate 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Dolphin Trainer For A Day in Nassau Activity Type: Sightseeing Adventures and Signature Collection and Splashtacular and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Active Active These excursions are considered active and may involve constant effort or extended periods of walking long distances, numerous steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces and other rough terrain throughout the excursion. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy these excursions. --> Duration: 5.5-6 hours Adult Price: $420 (ages 10 and up) Ages: 10 And Up Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you become a Dolphin Trainer for a Day at the stunning Atlantis Resort. This experience is reserved for a very small group, allowing participants to maximize their time with the dolphins and sea lions, while learning their training techniques from a Marine Mammal Specialist. Your day begins with the 15-minute bus ride to the Atlantis Resort, where your guide escorts you on the 10-minute walk to Dolphin Cay, a purpose-built state-of-the-art facility. Next, take the Behind the Scenes Tour and learn about food preparation as well as visiting the Vet hospital and lab. After lunch, it is time to meet the sea lions, and learn how they respond to positive reinforcement and various other training methods. Next, come face to flipper with dolphins as you experience two unique dolphin programs. Don snorkel gear and get familiar with your power scooter as you swim alongside the dolphins and witness their incredible underwater strength and agility. Finally, the ultimate ending to any Dolphin experience, a customized up-close encounter when you receive a handshake and a kiss from one of these majestic mammals. Additional Information Excursion includes a customized dolphin interaction exclusively for Trainer for a Day Guests, a Deep Water Interaction, a hands-on sea lion training session and a behind the scenes tour. Guests will spend the duration of their excursion at the dolphin facility; Guests do not have access to the pools and slides. A light lunch and beverages are included in this excursion. This excursion includes a 15-20 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Complimentary towels and lifejackets are provided. Complimentary lockers are provided. Wheelchairs (electric or collapsible) are not permitted. Guests should be in good physical condition to participate. Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards (for photos and souvenirs). Cash is not accepted. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Graycliff Cigar and Rum Experience Activity Type: Signature Collection Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 2 hours Adult Price: $189 (ages 21 and up) Child Price: N/A Ages: 21 And Up Upon arrival at the world-renowned Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant, be escorted on a short tour of the property. The Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant is located in the heart of Nassau amid lush tropical gardens, just steps away from the bustling life of the pier. The Five Star Graycliff Restaurant is recognized as one of the top dining establishments in the world and serves delicious Continental cuisine with touches of Bahamian flavor. Graycliff's Grand Award-winning wine cellar is one of largest private collections of fine and rare wines with over 250,000 bottles from more than 400 vintners in 15 countries. The Graycliff Cigar Company was established in Nassau in 1997, with Master Torcedore, Avelino Lara, once Fidel Castro's personal cigar roller, in charge of blending the tobacco for Graycliff's original blend. The award winning company now has 16 master rollers, each an expert at his craft. They create a selection of blends from the Graycliff Professionale to the G2, pleasing a variety of palates, with a range from the buttery to the smooth and silky to the powerful. Learn from the masters how to sort, clean and roll a cigar. Discover the history and secrets of where the best tobacco leaves come from and what blends of select leaves make the award- winning Graycliff Cigars. Paired with the art of world class cigar making is the appreciation of some of the Caribbean's finest rums including Mount Gay, Barbacourt, Bacardi and many more. All participants will receive a cigar and cigar cutter and are able to keep the cigar they've rolled. At the conclusion of your experience, you may choose to return directly to the pier, or stay to enjoy a meal at the restaurant at an additional cost. Additional Information This tour will not operate on weekends and Bahamian holidays. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests will travel by air-conditioned van or mini-bus. Transportation time is approximately 10 minutes each way. This excursion includes a 15 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Guests who choose to stay at the Graycliff Restaurant will be responsible for their own taxi transport back to the pier. Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards (for food and souvenirs) as some vendors do not accept cash. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Graycliff Escape Nassau Activity Type: Signature Collection and Sightseeing Adventures and Family Adventures and Splashtacular Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 5-5.5 hours Adult Price: $129 Child Price: $89 Ages: All Ages Just a short drive from the pier, discover Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant, known for being Nassau's most prestigious establishment for over 50 years. This totally relaxing and indulging experience will allow you to totally unwind for the day. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the property, including the world famous wine cellar and cigar factory, before being transported to an enchanted garden. The pool area offers two pools — a 25-meter and a smaller pool to lounge by. Enjoy a welcome drink before kicking back and relaxing. The staff will be available throughout your visit and the chef chef will prepare a delicious three course meal for you, delivered to you poolside or in the dining room. Why not take advantage of several option upgrades like a massage, glass of port and a cigar, or some chocolate covered strawberries? After approximately 4.5 hours of pure relaxation, your driver will be waiting to escort you on the short drive back to the pier. If you're already booked on a Disney Cruise Line® Caribbean Cruise, and would like to learn more about the additional upgrades for this excursion, please e-mail [email protected] . Additional Information This tour will not operate on weekends and Bahamian holidays. A full lunch and two beverages are included. Additional beverages may be purchased. Additional upgrades such as a day room, massage, cigars and cognac must be requested in advance. Wheelchairs need to be standard sized and collapsible. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Graycliff Hotel Wine and Cheese Pairing Activity Type: Signature Collection Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 1.5 hours Adult Price: $189 (ages 21 and up) Child Price: N/A Ages: 21 And Up Experience the exclusive luxury of Graycliff! What better place to experience the combinations of some of the finest wines the world produces, with the best cheeses from the old world and the new, than at the Five Star Graycliff Restaurant — recognized as one of the top dining establishments in the world. Built by a pirate in the 18th century and frequented by crowned heads and the rich and famous, Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant is a welcoming oasis of casual yet elegant tranquility where everything is Five Star. In the heart of Nassau, this beautiful, historic, colonial mansion with its lush tropical gardens is just steps away from the bustling life of the pier. Graycliff also features a collection of some of the planet's best cognacs and armagnacs, and the Graycliff Cigar Company, where torcedores create hand-made cigars with the finest tobaccos available, is famous for its creations. Graycliff's Grand Award-winning wine cellar, assembled with much care over many decades, is one of the largest private collections of fine and rare wines in the world. The cellar houses over 250,000 bottles from more than 400 vintners in 15 countries. With the restaurant's Master Sommelier in attendance, your senses will liven up as you taste the best cheeses from Italy, Spain, France, Australia, Argentina and Chile and then your palate will sing and soar as the paired wine slowly blossoms in your mouth to create heavenly flavors that mere mortals only dream of! Well known to the old world as the nectar of the gods, wine has a rich an honored history and Graycliff's cellar is home to some of the best. Graycliff's Wine & Cheese Pairings adventure takes participants through eight wine tastings — four red and four white — each paired with cheeses from around the world, along with a tour of the famed wine cellar, topped off with a wine themed souvenir for each participant. At the conclusion of your experience, you may choose to return directly to the pier, or stay to enjoy a meal at the restaurant at an additional cost. Additional Information This tour will not operate on weekends and Bahamian holidays. A minimum of eight wine and cheese pairings are included. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests will travel by air-conditioned van or mini-bus. Transportation time is approximately 10 minutes each way. This excursion includes a 15 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Guests who choose to stay at the Graycliff Restaurant will be responsible for their own taxi transport back to the pier. Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards (for food and souvenirs) as some vendors do not accept cash. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Nassau Forts and Junkanoo Discovery Activity Type: Family Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 3-3.5 hours Adult Price: $41 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $31 (ages 3-9) Ages: All Ages Explore some of the oldest sights in Nassau and learn about of one the most colorful festivals in the Caribbean: The Bahamian Junkanoo. Take in the sprawling coastal sights as you embark on a breezy 15-minute stroll from the ship to the pick-up point for the day's adventure: an illuminating city tour of Nassau's history. After your walk, board an air-conditioned van and make your way along Bay Street, passing through the heart of Nassau's shopping district to nearby Fort Fincastle. Built in 1793, Fort Fincastle was designed in the shape of a paddle-wheel steamer to ward off possible raiders; today, it offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Ocean in the distance. Make your way to the top and wander the quaint grounds, which is home to three cannons that were never used in battle but have majestically stood the test of time. Continue on to the 18th-century Queen's Staircase. Built out of solid limestone in honor of Queen Victoria, Queen's Staircase is comprised of 65 steps and stands an impressive 100 feet high. Snap a picture of the city from the panoramic perch and have the option of descending the Queen's Staircase and have your driver rendezvous with you at the bottom. Next, set off on an informative drive to a Junkanoo exhibit. There you will learn the history and different components that create this spectacular yearly National Cultural Festival of the Bahamas. Your host will demonstrate costumes, pictures and the pulsating music made from goat skin drums, cow bells and horns. Following your visit, continue your drive past historic Parliament Square, the Governor's Mansion and Gregory's Arch on your way to your final destination, Fort Charlotte. Built in the Napoleonic Era by Lord Dunmore between 1787 1789, Fort Charlotte is the largest fort in Nassau and features a dry moat, draw-bridge, ramparts and dungeons. Snap a picture in front of this relic of the past and surrender to the splendid views of Nassau Harbor in the distance. Finally, unwind during the short drive back to the pier, or have the option of being dropped off at the nearby straw market for some souvenir shopping. Additional Information Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. This excursion includes a 15 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Nassau Harbor Cruise Activity Type: Family Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 1.5 hours Adult Price: $25 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $15 (ages 0-9) Ages: All Ages Get ready to set sail on an adventure to remember. Take in the best view of Nassau when you tour the island by private catamaran! After you disembark on the pier, take a short walk to the private yacht you'll call yours for the afternoon. Board a spacious, comfortable power catamaran, "Ballyhoo," for a relaxing fully-narrated tour around historic Nassau harbor. The harbor is not only beautiful with crystal blue waters and stunning scenery, but rich in history and lore. After a chance to take a photo of your Disney Cruise Line® ship from the sea, cruise to Paradise Island and see the mega-yachts in the Atlantis marina. The Atlantis Resort complex can truly be appreciated from harbor-side views, with its incredible landscaping, lush grounds and iconic bridged towers. Cruising alongside the Paradise Island, catch a glimpse of the luxury homes of the rich and famous! This exclusive enclave boasts multi-million dollar homes, world-class golf courses and some of the most beautiful resorts in the world. Finally, journey to famous Blue Lagoon Island — yes, it's the same Blue Lagoon Island where the movie was filmed. Paradise found! Panoramic views of the north coast of New Providence island and Ft. Montagu will bring you back to the dock. At the end of your excursion, take a short stroll to the Straw Market and or the local shops downtown and pickup a souvenir, so you can take home a piece of the islands. Additional Information This tour is available to All Ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. This excursion includes a 15 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Exact route may vary and is subject to weather conditions on the day of the excursion. Guests should note that there are no restrooms available onboard the catamaran. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Reviews Observer at Atlantis Dolphin Cay & Aquaventure Activity Type: Family Adventures and Splashtacular Activity Level: Active Active These excursions are considered active and may involve constant effort or extended periods of walking long distances, numerous steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces and other rough terrain throughout the excursion. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy these excursions. --> Duration: 6.5 - 7 hours Adult Price: $175 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $125 (ages 3-9) Ages: All Ages Drive approximately 25 minutes on an air-conditioned motor coach to the Dolphin Cay facility at Atlantis. Watch your family and friends interact with dolphins at Atlantis Dolphin Cay and enjoy unlimited soft drinks while at the facility; Guests may take pictures or record video at their leisure from the beach area. Please note: Guests may not enter the water. Dive into the fun of Atlantis' newest 141-acre treasure: Aquaventure waterscape. Featuring state-of-the-art water slides, river rapids, waterfalls, Mayan temple (incorporating Leap of Faith, Serpent slide and Challenger slides), a quarter-mile long wave river and more, Aquaventure is not your usual water park. Just hop in your very own inner tube and sit back as you are propelled along a river to the main attractions via a series of special escalators and surges — without ever having to leave the water! Experience 4 thrilling water slides at the 120-foot tall Power Tower (incorporating The Drop, The Falls, The Surge and The Abyss). Enjoy a light lunch at your leisure (meal voucher included in the price of your tour). Return to the transportation pick- up point at your convenience and ride approximately 25 minutes back to the pier. Additional Information: You will not interact with Dolphins on this tour. This excursion should only be booked in conjunction with the Atlantis Dolphin Cay & Aquaventure. While at Dolphin Cay, Guests must remain on the beach and are not permitted to enter the water. Wheelchairs need to be collapsible and are permitted in the pool and beach area, but not in the waterslide area. No electric wheelchairs permitted. No beach wheelchairs are available. Wheelchairs are permitted at Dolphin Cay. This excursion includes a 15-20 minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Guests may participate in the walking tour of The Dig at any time during their visit. If you are pregnant and are interested in experiencing a dolphin interaction, please consult your physician. Programs are not cancelled due to inclement weather. Water rides are not recommended for pregnant women, persons physically limited or persons with a history of heart, neck, back, or joint problems. Guests with injuries (casts, bandages, etc.) are not permitted. Guests must be at least 48" tall to ride all water slides. Children under 48" may participate at Splasher's , Atlantis's new children's water playground, and on the Aquaventure river systems when accompanied by an adult on a double tube and wearing a life vest (provided free of charge). Children participating on the river system must be large enough to support themselves in the inner tube opening. Water rentals require an additional fee. Swim diapers are required in all pools and attractions for infants and toddlers. Guests should note that locker rentals — available at the Hospitality Center — require an additional fee. Also, credit cards are the only method of payment accepted. Guests are encouraged to bring credit cards (for additional food, souvenirs and other items) as some vendors do not accept cash. Guests are encouraged to bring water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. This excursion is stroller-accessible; however, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended. You should never feel that gratuities are expected, but it is customary to leave a tip in recognition of exceptional service in restaurants, for taxis, and for excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you to determine the amount. Scuba Dive at Stuart Cove Activity Type: Splashtacular and Action Adventures and Nature Adventures Activity Level: Active Active These excursions are considered active and may involve constant effort or extended periods of walking long distances, numerous steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces and other rough terrain throughout the excursion. Participants should be in good physical condition to fully enjoy these excursions. --> Duration: 5-5.5 hours Adult Price: $145 (ages 12 and above) Child Price: N/A Ages: 12 And Up Take the plunge and immerse yourself in a two-tank scuba dive off the coast of New Providence Island, where exotic marine life and magnificent coral formations are yours to explore. Soak up the captivating coastal scenery of Nassau as you sit back, relax and embark on a 45-minute, air-conditioned van drive from the pier to a dive center located in a quiet seaside village. Upon your arrival, receive your gear and then make your way to a sleek, 22-foot dive boat, which will be your vessel for the day's adventure. Cast off through the picturesque harbor — passing lush tropical terrain and stunning seaside vistas — and journey for approximately 15 minutes to the waters off nearby New Providence Island, where your first dive will begin. Upon your arrival at New Providence Island, take in a safety orientation and then suit up and prepare for your dive amidst the popular Tongue-of-the-Ocean sea wall. Known for a myriad exotic fish and picturesque coral reefs, the Tongue-of-the-Ocean wall begins at a depth of approximately 40 feet deep, and eventually drops to over 6000 feet. Take the plunge into the breathtaking blue and discover an underwater wonderland teeming with colorful and curious marine life at a depth of approximately 80 feet. Swim amidst an ocean wonderland brimming with angelfish, snapper, damsels and parrotfish. Following your 30-minute dive, surface and make your way to yet another dive site — a shallow reef, the filming site of a famous movie, or one of fifteen different shipwrecks, depending on weather conditions — and immerse yourself in yet another awe-inspiring world below the ocean surface. After your 30-minute dive, resurface and take in the sweeping seaside sights once more as you embark on a 15-minute boat ride back to the dive shop, followed by a 45-minute van drive back to the pier. Additional Information This excursion is for certified divers only. Guests must provide a valid certification and photo ID onboard and have completed at least one dive in the past 24 months. A beverage (iced water) is included. Additionally, food and beverages are available for purchase at a local restaurant. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. This excursion includes a 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. This excursion includes a 45-minute transfer from the ship to the dive shop. Guests under medication or with any medical conditions are not permitted to dive. Price includes BCD, regulator, tank, weight belt, mask, snorkel and fins. Wetsuits will be provided at an additional cost. Guests should note that scuba diving sites are determined based on weather conditions on day of excursion. Please note that dive knives are strictly prohibited on this excursion due to current weapons laws. Guests must be physically fit to participate. For safety reasons, expectant mothers, Guests with heart and respiratory conditions and/or those with back/neck injuries cannot participate. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Reviews Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine Activity Type: Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 1.5 hours Adult Price: $43 Child Price: $29 (under 3 charged child rate) Ages: All Ages Go below the surface without ever getting wet as you explore the Caribbean from the underwater observatory of a partially submerged semi-submarine. Experience the fascinating wonders of life below the surface of the sea aboard this narrated tour, which features unique coral formations, two spectacular shipwrecks and colorful tropical fish. Additional Information All tours in Nassau involve a 10-minute walk to the end of the pier. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. Since the tour involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. Lightweight strollers are recommended. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. See and Sea Island Tour Nassau Activity Type: Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Moderate Moderate These excursions are fairly active and involve periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone, steps and, in some cases, steep terrain. Standing for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Moderate water activities involve extended periods in a slight current, and may require climbing a ladder during beach or swimming stops. --> Duration: 2.5-3 hours Adult Price: $55 Child Price: $39 Ages: All Ages After a 10-minute walk, a transfer boat shuttles you to the marine park at Athol Island. Along the way, enjoy a scenic ride through the picturesque Nassau Harbor, past Paradise Island. Upon arrival, board the Seaworld Explorer, a unique vessel that remains above sea level at all times while its hull, the underwater observatory, is five feet below the surface. Through your own personal viewing window, observe a delicate colony of coral known as the "Sea Gardens," populated with many varieties of colorful tropical fish. Next, get your camera ready for the fish feeding session, as the captain entices hundreds of fish to the vessel in search of food. After approximately 45-minutes exploring the waters of Athol Island, you'll be returned to pier for the next portion of your tour. Upon arriving back on dry land, an air-conditioned bus and knowledgeable guide await to take you on a tour of Nassau. Sights include Bay Street, Rawson's Square, Parliament buildings and the Supreme Court. The bus also stops at Fort Fincastle, which sits atop one of the highest points on Nassau and adjacent to the Queen's Staircase. Next, drive past Fort Charlotte, the largest of the Fort complexes in Nassau; hear all about its history from your driver whilst enjoying the view. On the way back, pass by the Governor's Mansion before returning to the pier. Additional Information All tours in Nassau involve a 10-minute walk to the end of the pier. This tour is available to All Ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. This tour may run in reverse order. Wheelchairs (collapsible or electric) are not permitted. This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. Lightweight strollers are recommended. This tour is available to All Ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. Sunshine Glass Bottom Boat Tour Activity Type: Family Adventures and Nature Adventures and Sightseeing Adventures Activity Level: Mild Mild These excursions involve periods of walking for short distances over relatively level surfaces, which may include brick, cobblestone and limited steps. Standing or sitting for extended periods may also be necessary to fully enjoy these excursions. Boarding tour vehicles via gangway or steps will be required. Distance from gangway to tour vehicle will vary port by port. --> Duration: 1.5 hours Adult Price: $26 (ages 10 and up) Child Price: $17 (ages 0-9) Ages: All Ages Chart a course to the turquoise waters of the Nassau Sea Gardens during a relaxing glass bottom boat tour and immerse yourself in the wondrous world below sea level. Behold the shimmering seaside views of Nassau and its neighboring harbor during a delightful 15-minute stroll from the ship to your departure point for the day's adventure. Once there, board a 70-foot, double-decker glass bottom boat and take off across the breathtaking blue of the Caribbean Sea, basking in the warmth of the sun and the fresh sea breezes. During your sailing, discover the history of Nassau and the Bahamian way of life from your friendly guide, and snap a picture of several local landmarks and celebrity homes from your seaside position amidst Nassau harbor. Surrender to the sweeping views from the confines of the boat's comfortable air-conditioned cabin or soak up the sprawling scenery on the sundeck and experience a tranquility you never knew existed. After approximately 30 minutes, arrive at one of the Caribbean's most famous places, the Nassau Sea Gardens. Brimming with tropical fish and wondrous coral formations, the Nassau Sea Gardens is a vast underwater preserve offering the observer an eye-opening glimpse of what life is really like just below the surface of the sea. Make your way to the special viewing deck, gaze out through the large windows and marvel at the underwater kingdom before your eyes — without ever getting wet. Behold rare fish and exotic marine life as you guide points out the many species that dart back and forth. Following your undersea tour, savor a sip of rum punch or fruit punch as you make your way back to the pier. Upon your arrival, disembark the boat and take some time to shop for souvenirs and treasures at nearby Bay Street — a hub for collectibles both big and small — before beginning a leisurely 15-minute stroll back to the ship. Additional Information This tour is available to All Ages; since it involves a boat/vessel, infants under 3 years of age must have a child's ticket. A beverage (rum punch or fruit punch) is included. In addition, drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard. Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to traverse a narrow gangway on the boat unassisted and walk up/down approximately 10-12 steps to the viewing deck. Exact locations and reef visibility are subject to weather conditions on day of excursion and may vary. Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs. Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early. This excursion includes an approximate 15-minute walk to and from the pick-up point. Because of this, Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes. Reviews  

Disney Bahamas Cruises to Nassau

By: Author Kristi

If you are taking one of the Disney Bahamas cruises to Nassau, you may be wondering what you will get to do. Disney Cruise has plenty of cruise excursions that you can book, but don’t feel like you have to spend a ton of money to enjoy your time in the Bahamas.

What is there to do on a Disney Bahamas Cruises to Nassau?

While you can certainly book an excursion through the cruise line, there are also several things you can do on your own while in Nassau.

Here are a few things you should consider experiencing while in Nassau:

Atlantis Bahamas Resort

One of the most popular things to do in Nassau is going out to Atlantis Resort for the day.

You can get an Atlantis day pass to experience all that they park has to offer.

There are a few different options from touring the world’s largest open-air marine habitat to spending the day at Aquaventure, their 141-acre water park.

Atlantis Day Passes

• Aquaventure Day Pass allows you to visit the 141-acre Aquaventure Water Park.
• Atlantis Beach Day Pass allows you to use the beaches of Atlantis and includes the use of lounge chairs and towels. You can visit some other areas of the resort, but it DOES NOT include Aquaventure Water Park.

Atlantis Day Trip Cruise Excursions

• Discover Atlantis: Take a 45 minute guided tour of the resort & visit the aquarium.
• Swim in Wonder: Swim with Bottlenose dolphins.
• Serenity Snorkel with Dolphins : Swim with Bottlenose dolphins and snorkel!
• Snorkel the Ruins at Atlantis: 30 minute snorkel tour of the Ruins Lagoon.
• Playtime with Sea Lions: Get some hands on learning about sea lions.
• Stingray Experience : Spend some time up close with Cownose stingrays.

Nassau Beaches

If you just want to walk to the beach, then the closet beach is Junkanoo Beach.

This is a small beach but has plenty of foods, drinks and public bathrooms.

Locals will offer to rent you beach chairs or you can just find an open spot on the beach to claim as your own.

If you want a larger beach, then you should grab a taxi driver and split the fare with others to Cabbage Beach.

This beach is larger than Junkanoo, offers some food options and plenty of drinks.

If you are looking for a family friendly beach in Nassau, than get a day pass to go to the private resort beaches at Cable Beach.

Most of the resorts have rates to use their beach and some even have a package deal that includes lunch.

Nassau Beaches that have day passes:

• Hilton – British Colonial Hilton
• Breezes Resort and Spa
• Warwick Paradise Island Bahamas

Snorkeling in Nassau

There are several great spots to snorkel in Nassau and your best bet would be to book an excursion that includes snorkeling.

We’ve taken a few that stop at Pearl Island after snorkeling in a nearby reef that we’ve enjoyed.

Nassau has some beautiful coral reefs where you can see colorful fish and even sea turtles.

Nassau Pirate Museum

You will notice that much of Nassau contains a pirate theme. There is a reason for this, Nassau taken over by English privateers in the 1700’s, and eventually these privateers turned into lawless pirates.

You can learn all about Nassau’s pirate history in their Pirates of Nassau museum.

Tickets are available for discount online or onsite.

Shopping in Nassau

Nassau is known for its shopping. You will find cheap trinkets, hand made goods and high end shopping all just blocks away from the cruise port in Nassau.

One of the more popular shops for those who are fans of Disney is Del Sol. Del Sol sells items that change color (or add color) when out in the sun. They usually have quite a few Disney themed items in the Nassau store.

If you like to barter, you will find that nearly all the t-shirt shops and stalls in the straw market will work with you.

Don’t take the first price they offer you and always ask for their best price. You will walk away saving if you do.

Nearly all of the Disney fleet of ships go to the Bahamas. Depending on how many nights you want to cruise (3, 4, 5, & 6 nights) and where you want to port out of will determine what ship you will be able to take to the Nasau, Bahamas.

• Traveling out of Port Miami: Disney Magic , Disney Dream
• Traveling out of Port Canaveral : Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , Disney Wish

Do you have any favorite things to do on a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas?

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BELOW ARE SOME NON-DISNEY NASSAU EXCURSIONS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER

Living a Disney Life

Empty nesting with pixie dust.

Disney Cruise Excursions – Nassau Scuba Diving Adventure

I highly recommend two things for your first (or next) Disney Cruise to the Bahamas.  Get your open water scuba certification and give the Stuart Cove Scuba excursion a go!  It ranks up there with some of the best fun we’ve ever had on a Disney cruise.

Have you sailed with Disney?   What were your favorite port adventures?

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3 thoughts on “ Disney Cruise Excursions – Nassau Scuba Diving Adventure ”

lisa you are so much like me ! the father & daughter didn’t know what they were missing. were they from America ? reason being some people from ” across the pond ” can be very shy & just want to stay away from the bad old americans.regards your kayak trip in Norway refund say I or at least a cabin credit.

They were American. She was about 13 and clearly full of teen angst. They were on the cruise alone & the dad seemed to be trying really hard to get along with her. She was just at that age – so difficult. The kayak thing really was awful but we still had a good time that day.

outstanding

Comments are closed.

Disney Dream

Disney cruise lines.

We warmly welcome all Disney Dream Cruise Ship Passengers to the Port of Nassau Bahamas. We hope you enjoy your visit to Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Nassau offers an abundance of excursions and activities to delight cruisers of all ages. From snorkeling, beach breaks, ATV’s, All Inclusive Resorts, scuba diving, shopping, water sports, parasailing, Island tours and sailing, Nassau has it all!!

Bahamas Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Our rates are direct rates from the operators which allow you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions for the Disney Dream to choose from.

Bahamas Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for your visit to Nassau based on the arrival times, departure time of your cruise ship as well as the length of your visit out our Island. We also take into account the number of cruise ships arriving on the same day your ship comes to port. We then can provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate.

Please have a look at our Recommended Excursions and Itineraries for the Disney Dream. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions or click on LIVE HELP to chat with a Bahamas Excursion Expert.

Recommended Shore Excursions:

We are diligently working to bring you the best tours available in Bahamas.

Bahamas is uniquely situated in in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land adventures.

We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Excursions International Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need.

Bahamas Cruise Excursions are tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in the Bahamas. We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you. That’s the Excursions International Ltd. difference !

Recommended Excursions

Nassau Private Charters – Exuma, Spanish Wells Swimming Pigs, Rose Island – From $1,100us

• Private Charter for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines
• Rose Island, Spanish Wells Pigs, Exuma Pigs, Allens Cay Iguanas and more Options
• Pick up within walking distance of Cruise ship pier

Nassau Breezes All Inclusive Resort Day Pass – $100us

• Unlimited Drinks ( alcoholic and non).
• All You Can Eat Buffet and Snack Cafe.
• Seaside and Poolside Seating + Towels.

Nassau Island Tours – $40us

• Nassau 2.5hr Historical Island Tour
• Nassau Rum Cake Factory Tour and John Watling's Distillery
• Queen Staircase, Fort Fincastle, shopping and more!

Nassau Sailing and Snorkeling Tours – From $90us

• Private Sailing and Snorkeling Tours
• Full Day and Half Day Tours
• Private and non-private tours available

RIU Palace Adults Only All Inclusive Day Pass – $150us

• Free Open Bar With Tropical Drinks
• Delicious Lunch Buffet and snacks from the Sports bar
• Luxury Resort with Seaside pool with swim up bar and Beach Chairs

Nassau Private Custom Island Tours – From $180us

• Private Air Conditioned Vans all to yourself with Professional Guide.
• 4 hours or 2.5 hours Tour Options.
• Visit Historical Landmarks, Beaches, Local Attractions, Bars, Restaurants and More.

Nassau Ultimate Snorkeling Adventure – $99us

• 2 Snorkeling Stops : Explore a Wreck and a Stunning Coral Reef
• Full snorkeling gear and professional instruction are provided
• Round trip transfers from your Resort and your cruise ship port

Nassau Private Boat Charters – Swim with the Nassau Pigs, Rose Island, and Fishing! – From $750us

• Choice of Nassau Beach Pigs, Private Snorkeling, Secluded Beaches at Rose Island, Turtle Swim, Sight Seeing and fishing
• Snorkeling Gear, snorkeling vests
• Ice, bottled water, sodas and chips included

Nassau Discover Scuba Diving – $181us

• Instruction and Assistance with all aspects of SCUBA gear and safety
• All SCUBA required equipment
• 1 tank dive on a shallow reef

Nassau Shark Scuba Diving Adventure – $202us

• Two Tank Dive with Shark Encounters at both Locations
• Professional experienced Shark Feeders
• Tanks + weights included. Additional equipment is available at an additional cost

Freeport Peterson Cay Kayak Snorkeling Tours – $69us

• Kayak and Snorkel in Pristine Peterson Cay National Park
• Kayaks and Full snorkel gear/ snorkeling vest
• Round trip transfers from the Cruise Ship Terminal or Resort/Hotel

Freeport Grand Bahamas Beach Horseback Riding – $165us

• 2 hour Trail and Beach Horseback Riding
• Ride into the Sea with your Horse on this Magical Tour
• No previous horseback riding experience required

Freeport Private Boat Charter – From $950us

• 4 Hour / 6 Hour Private Custom Boat Charters
• Options Include snorkeling at Treasure Reef, Peterson Cay and Fishing
• Snorkel gear, soda and water included

Other Destinations

Bahamas Excursions

Barbados Excursions

Belize Excursions

Cabo San Lucas Excursions

Costa Maya Excursions

Cozumel Excursions

Grand Cayman Excusions

Jamaica Excursions

Puerto Rico Excursions

Roatan Excursions

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Thomas Excursions

We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of Nassau and/or Freeport, Bahamas.

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I am a mom who loves all things Disney, but especially Disney Cruises! I enjoy sharing everything I have learned and hope that it will help others plan their own vacations.

Trip Report Day 4: Blue Lagoon Beach Day Nassau

November 2, 2016 by Disney Cruise Mom 14 Comments

If you would like to start this trip report from the beginning, you can do so by clicking here .

We were scheduled for the Blue Lagoon Beach day excursion through DCL and were supposed to meet in the Buena Vista Theater at 9:15.  We woke up, put on swim suits, packed our excursion bags with the necessities (we took a backpack and our new KYSS lockable bag ) and headed to Cabanas for breakfast.  I do not particularly care for breakfast in Cabanas (or any buffet for that matter) because it can be hard to find a table and there are just so many people all trying to get to the same food at the same time.  It can be quite chaotic.  But, we needed a quick breakfast and it would get the job done.  I later realized that one of the main dining rooms is also open for breakfast with a buffet, so we did that the next morning and I liked it much better as we were practically the only ones there.

We walked through the atrium on our way to Cabanas and noticed that the Pumpkin Tree had “bloomed” overnight.

We actually found a table for all 6 of us pretty easily, thank goodness, and had a good, although noisy and crowded, breakfast.  We were sailing into Nassau at this point (and the seas were much calmer as promised), so I stepped outside to take a few pictures of our arrival.  Here is the Atlantis resort:

After breakfast we went to the Buena Vista Theater to meet our excursion group.  We were a few minutes early and some of the first ones there.  I was impressed with how organized it was.  There was a cruise staff member near the door who greeted us and told us to go check in with another staff member down at the front of the theater.  That staff member checked our excursion tickets and gave us Peter Pan stickers to wear that would identify us as part of the Blue Lagoon Beach day group.  Then we sat down to wait.

This is a good time for me to fill you in on why I chose this excursion and my thoughts of ship-sponsored excursions vs. booking excursions on your own directly with tour operators.  I actually have an entire blog post dedicated to this subject ( click here to read ), as well as a post about how I choose excursions ( click here to read ).  We have been to Nassau several times before on cruises and have always stayed on the ship.  My husband and I have been to the Atlantis Resort before and don’t feel like it is worth the high price and large crowds.  I know some people love going there, but it is not something I have ever wanted to do, having been there before.  We would have stayed on the ship this day as well (and enjoyed brunch at Palo !) except for the fact that my niece was with us.  This was her first cruise, and first beach vacation, ever, and we wanted to make sure that she got at least one good beach day in on this trip.  We would be at Castaway Cay the next day, but having been there several times, I know that occasionally the ship is unable to dock due to high winds/seas and that even if you dock, the weather doesn’t always cooperate.  So, we decided to book this excursion through DCL and just deal with all of the cons (i.e. lots of waiting around) that often comes with a ship-sponsored port adventure.

We waited in the theater for maybe 15-20 minutes.  During this time we decided to purchase one of the DCL coolers with 6 bottles of water for $20 that they were selling.  I had some water with us, but I really wanted that cooler!  You will see it in a picture later.  Soon we were instructed to leave the theater and disembark the ship.  There were people handing out towels as we left the theater, so we each took one.

We left the ship and proceeded to wait some more.  We stood in a line on the pier for another 15-20 minutes.  I think we were waiting for a tour operator to come get us and lead us to the ferry that would take us to the island.  At least it wasn’t too hot and there was a nice breeze.  During this time, someone came around and passed out wristbands to everyone.  I took some photos while we waited.

This is a view of the tourist/market area:

I think there were 3 other ships in port that day.

Eventually we were led to the ferry.

Hurricane Matthew had come through 1 week prior, and we saw a lot of roof damage to many of the buildings in the port area.  Overall, I thought it looked pretty good considering how bad the storm had been.  When we got the the docking area, the ferry wasn’t there yet so we waited some more.  Anyone notice a common theme here?  Tons of waiting!  While we waited, a tour operator walked around helping people put on their wristbands.  They were a little bit tricky to figure out, so we appreciated the help.

The ferry finally arrived, and I forgot to take a picture of it.  It was nothing fancy, with 2 levels and bench seating.  There was a primitive bathroom onboard, and I think they may have been selling some snacks and drinks.  We took a seat and waited for everyone else to board.  Someone walked around and passed out food & drink tickets at this point, as they were included in the cost of the excursion.  I took a picture of my watch to note the time:

It had been 1 hour since our scheduled meeting in the Buena Vista Theater, and we still had a 45 minute ferry ride to the island before our beach day would officially start.  Here we are waiting…..

We eventually started moving.  On the ride, we had a great view of the Atlantis resort and a lot of beautiful homes.

It appeared that Atlantis had suffered some damage from Hurricane Matthew the week before:

After about 30-45 minutes we approached Blue Lagoon Island.

Blue Lagoon is a pretty island with a nice sheltered beach and swimming area (including an area with inflatables that costs $16 per person extra), a gift shop, an area for dolphin and sea lion encounters, and a covered area that serves food at lunch time.  We exited the ferry about 11:00 (now almost 2 hours after our meeting time) and walked to the beach area, only to find that all of the chairs were already taken.  I don’t know if it was because there were 4 ships in port that day or this is the norm, but they really need to add more chairs.  The girls were anxious to swim so we went old school and just threw our stuff on the sand.  This was our pathetic set up:

Above you can see the DCL cooler on the left and our KYSS bag on the right, next to the backpack.

The girls had a great time playing in the water and sand.  The little cove area is nicely protected from the open ocean and is a safe, shallow place for kids to play.  We didn’t see any sea life while we were there.

I walked out into the water and took these pictures of the beach area:

There was a lifeguard on duty which was a total joke.  The ENTIRE time this girl was up there, she was looking at her phone.

My husband said the guy up there before her was doing the same thing.  Blue Lagoon should save themselves some money and do away with the lifeguards, or better yet, insist that the guards actually look out at the water.  Rant over.

We played on the beach for about 2 hours and then it suddenly looked like it was going to storm, so we decided to pack up our stuff and go eat lunch as the food area was covered.  Unlike beach chairs, there were plenty of picnic tables to choose from.  For lunch, you walk through a line, drop your ticket in a cup, and choose from a few items.  I think our choices were a hamburger, hot dog, or chicken sandwich, with french fries, rice, or fried plantains on the side.  There may have been a few more choices but I can’t be sure.  There is a station with toppings for the burgers, as well as a drink station and cookie station.  The food was acceptable but not great.  It got the job done.

It never did end up raining.  After we ate we decided to go look at the dolphins and sea lions, which are on the other side of the island.  We saw some stingrays too, so I think they may also have a stingray encounter.  Here is the dolphin area:

And some sea lions:

By this time we decided we were ready to go back to the ship.  I think it was about 1:40.  When we had arrived at the island, we were told that there would be a return ferry at 1:00, 2:00, and 4:00. Well, at 1:40 the 1:00 ferry had still not arrived and there was a very long line of people waiting to get on it.  We didn’t think we would be able to fit on the ferry as we weren’t even in line yet, but we started walking towards the line anyway.  The ferry arrived a few minutes later.  We walked up to the boarding area and at first they told us the ferry was full and we would have to wait for the next one.  We were ok with that, but then a minute later they said they could add 15 more people, so we jumped on.  I think it turned out to be a very good thing that we got on this ferry as I would expect that the 2:00 ferry was going to be severely delayed as well.  The only bad thing was that all of the seats were full, so we had to stand at the back of the boat the whole way back breathing in exhaust fumes.  We eventually sat on our towels on the floor.  Here we are sailing away from the island.

We saw some people parasailing which was cool to see.  We had booked parasailing the next day at Castaway Cay but kept it a surprise from the girls, so they didn’t know yet.

The boat crew was trying to keep everyone entertained on the journey back.  They were making some jokes and trying to get the crowd to interact but they weren’t having much luck.  We were so far back that we couldn’t hear very well.  They announced that we were going to first stop at Atlantis to let some people off.  We stopped and 1 person got off.  One.  At this point it felt like we were never going to get back to the ship, but the girls were being very patient and for that I was grateful.

We eventually pulled up to the cruise ship area.

The place they dropped us off was much farther from the ship than the place where we had boarded, which is frustrating.  It really was quite a far walk, and we had to go through the tourist area where locals are selling stuff and shouting at you.  I had heard that they are pushy so I told everyone to walk quickly and not make eye contact.  People still shouted at us to buy stuff, but overall the strategy worked pretty well and we were for the most part left alone.  After what felt like walking for forever, we were back on the ship.

Here are my overall thoughts on this excursion:

The beach was clean, pretty, and nicely sheltered from the open ocean

We got to see dolphins and sea lions

I thought the price was fair

You spend just as much time, if not more, going to and from the island than you do on the island.  We spent a total of 3 hours waiting and in transit and a little over 2.5 hours there.  I think they did they best they could under the circumstances, but this will always be an issue when you are moving such a large number of people at a time.  My kids were fine, but I think some might have a hard time with all of the waiting.

Not enough seating on the beach

Ferry boats returning to the ship were way off schedule

They drop you off too far from the ship upon returning

If this is your only chance for a beach day on your cruise and that is important for you, then I say go for it.  It will accomplish that goal.  But, Castaway Cay is just so much better, even with inclement weather (spoiler alert!).  In hindsight, knowing that we were indeed able to dock at Castaway Cay the next day, I wish we had stayed on the ship and gone to Palo brunch .

We got back to our rooms and found our pirate bandanas waiting for us.  I had forgotten that it was pirate night!  We all showered and got dressed in our pirate outfits and then watched movies until dinner at 5:45.  It was nice to have some down time.  We also ordered a cheese platter from room service, which I forgot to photograph.  I love the cheese platter and try to order one several times each cruise.

On our way to Royal Palace, we took some pictures in the atrium.  I’m not sure what is up with the girls wearing the bandanas cowboy style.  They had been on their heads earlier.  My husband recycled his Smee outfit and I just work red, black and white stuff that I already had.  The girls’ outfits were all from previous cruises .

We got to our table in Royal Palace and I was delighted to see that we were next to a window!  I love it when our table is next to a window.

I kept our family tradition of taking a pirate photo of this girl wearing the kids menu pirate hat:

Dinner was lovely but, no pictures.  While eating we decided that we were going to skip dessert in the dining room and instead go to Vanellope’s later for a treat.  I later regretted this once I found out that everyone in the dining room got the Halloween dessert this night.  We had it a few years ago and loved it.  Here is a picture from a previous cruise:

Since we skipped dessert, we were the first ones to leave the dining room and then headed to the gift shops which were deserted at this point.  I checked out the Dooney selection.  There seemed to be a lot more variety than I remember seeing on previous cruises.  I really like the striped one on the bottom.

I also like the Mickey & Minnie on on the top right:

My girls went crazy over these goggles .  I have to admit they were really cute.  We didn’t buy any on the ship, but I found them on Amazon ( click here to see selection and pricing ) once we got home and they may be making an appearance at our house on Christmas morning.  They also have some for boys.

There were SO many cute ones, but here are close-ups of 2 of them:

This was the first time I remember seeing Castaway Club merchandise for sale:

I don’t think we bought anything this night, and now it was time to go to Vanellope’s for dessert.  We were the only ones there.  We told the girls they could each pick out 1 thing.  The older 2 chose jelly beans and chocolate almonds.  I got some mango gelato which was FANTASTIC!  The younger 2 and my husband all wanted ice cream, so Andres behind the counter talked them into this, since it came with 3 scoops:

Here he is making it:

After dessert it was time for the show, which was Villain’s Tonight.  I know a lot of people aren’t crazy about this show, but our family loves it so we were really looking forward to it.  I thought that this Hades (the host) wasn’t as good as others we have seen, but we still enjoyed it.

After the show, we went back to the room and found our towel animals.  I’m not sure what this is but we thought it was awesome!

The monkey is always one of our favorites!

Now we started talking about the pirate deck party and fireworks.  It was about 9:15 at this point, and the show and fireworks weren’t until 10:30.  Can you believe that none of the girls wanted to go???  They wanted to go to bed instead!  My girls have seen it several times, but my niece hadn’t.  Once she assured me that she didn’t mind missing it, we decided to call it a night and skip the pirate party.  I felt so lame.  I mean, I was really tired so it didn’t take a lot of convincing, but I never, ever thought we would skip the pirate party and go to bed.  I guess there is a first time for everything!

These were also waiting for us on our bed:

Booo!  I hate it when the tip envelopes arrive because it means the cruise is almost over (if you want all of the details about the tipping process, click here ).

Up next:   Day 5 – Castaway Cay

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November 2, 2016 at 8:54 pm

Which restaurant also had a buffet lunch besides cabanas?

November 3, 2016 at 7:56 am

There was no other buffet at lunch besides Cabanas, but there was for breakfast. The morning we went it was in Enchanted Garden. I can’t be 100% sure but I think it is always there.

November 3, 2016 at 10:01 pm

Enchanted Gardens is usually where they have the morning buffet (at least that was how it was always whenever we went on our cruises too), it was always good and much less busy. We also liked to ask our server where they were for the next day to get to know them better and they would then give us tips on things to try or request. We have had some amazing things over the years and as an added bonus they would even bring us extra dessert or special items for us to eat or take home (origami and free glass of wine to taste).

November 4, 2016 at 5:45 am

I wish we had known about Enchanted Garden the first day. You’re right, it was much less busy – in fact, we were almost the only ones there!

March 22, 2017 at 8:21 pm

When we stop in Nassau we just walk to the nearby beach. If I remember correctly it’s a short walk, something about 15 minutes, and there is a bit of sightseeing along the way.

On our most recent cruise we booked a Disney Port Adventure to Virgin Gorda from Tortola in BVI. It was excellent and well worth the DCL charges! We had no issues at all with the shore excursion logistics and I highly recommend this option if Tortola is part of your DCL itinerary.

March 23, 2017 at 7:18 am

Thanks for the recommendation for Tortola! Since it is a relatively new port for DCL, I think a lot of people want more information about the excursion choices. Thank you for your feedback.

September 15, 2017 at 1:43 am

Hello! I’ve been considering booking some excursions for my upcoming Bahamian cruise, and I wondered what the procedure was if an excursion is cancelled due to bad weather? Are refunds given at all? I’ve enjoyed reading your blog! And thank you 🙂

September 15, 2017 at 8:49 am

Hi Molly! As far as bad weather goes, it really is a case by case situation. Are you talking about booking them through DCL or private vendors? Through DCL, they will decide if it will be cancelled or not and if so, you will not be charged. Through private vendors, it just depends on that particular vendor’s weather policy. Most reputable vendors are very eager to please and will work with you on the weather. But, just make sure you know ahead of time what their weather policy is and it might even help to have it in writing. I have never heard of anyone not getting a refund if the vendor cancelled, but if the weather is iffy, and they don’t want to cancel but you do, then that is where it is important to know ahead of time what their policy is. I will tell you that even if rain is forecast in the Bahamas, it is usually short lived and passes quickly (except for hurricanes obviously, but DCL does a pretty good shop of steering clear of those). Hope this helps!

September 15, 2017 at 12:17 pm

Hello! Thank you for your response! It is an excursion booked through Disney cruise line and not a private vendor. So they don’t charge if it’s cancelled for bad weather? 🙂

September 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm

No, if DCL cancels the excursion then they will automatically refund your onboard account. This is one of the advantages of booking through DCL!

October 22, 2017 at 11:03 am

Hello! I am so grateful I found your blog!! I’ve read every post ?. Based on your experience, would you recommend Blue Lagoon or is the local beach just as good? I’ll be traveling with a 3 yo and a 9 yo. Thank you!

October 22, 2017 at 4:12 pm

Thank you Lauren! So glad you’re enjoying the blog! I really don’t know anything about the local beach in Nassau. I think the beach at Blue Lagoon is great for kids, but getting there and back takes some patience. We had a lot of waiting around: on the ship, then off the ship, then on the ferry, then waiting for a ferry for the return trip, etc. If your kids don’t do well with lots of waiting, then you may find this port adventure a challenge and maybe the local beach would be better. I just don’t know anything about that beach or how easy/hard it is to get to.

April 5, 2018 at 10:54 pm

Not sure where to post this question but here goes. How does one go about finding excursions not reserved through DCL? My granddaughter wants to swim with dolphins in Nassau. Can you tell me how to go about finding a good company? Thanks

April 6, 2018 at 9:02 am

Hi Susan! I have always used TripAdvisor to book our excursions outside of DCL. I have a post about it here which provides more details:

http://www.disneycruisemomblog.com/choose-shore-excursions/

I hope this helps!

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I only book a Disney cruise if it's going to the company's private island, Castaway Cay

• I've taken eight Disney cruises, and I always book a sailing that stops at  Castaway Cay .
• Castaway Cay is the company's private island and I love its adults-only beach area.
• You can buy exclusive merch on the island and see Disney characters in special themed costumes.

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record highs this year, but not all itineraries are created equally — especially if you're looking to sail with Disney Cruise Line.

Over the past decade, I've taken eight Disney cruises with my family and friends. When I book, I always make sure Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, is on the port of call.

Here's why you might want to do the same.

I love that the ship docks right at the island, so there are no tender ships involved

One of the biggest perks of Castaway Cay is that the ship docks right at the island.

Some other cruise line's private islands, like Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay, don't have a dock, so cruisers must take tender ships (small boats) from the cruise ship to the island.

I hate taking tender ships, which can feel like a bit of a time sink, so this is a big bonus to me.

Getting around the island is easy with the complimentary tram

Castaway Cay is about 1,000 acres — though not all of it's developed — so it can take a while to talk to and from the ship to different spots on the island.

Fortunately, the island has a complimentary tram that I always use to get around the island.

The tram takes cruisers from a station near the ship to two other tram stops for the family beaches, and one tram stop at the adults-only beach .

This makes getting around the island with all of my beach gear easy.

Related stories

Speaking of gear, at Castaway Cay, cruisegoers can borrow free towels as soon as they get off of the ship. There are plenty of towel-return stations around the island, so I also never have to carry wet, sandy towels back on the ship.

I always stop to see the Disney characters in their cute beachwear

I enjoy seeing the Disney characters on the ship, but love seeing Mickey and his pals even more at Castaway Cay.

Characters usually meet in the morning from around 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., but exact times can always be found on the Disney Cruise Line app.

The best part about seeing the characters is that the lines to take pictures with them are never long. On a recent sailing, I saw Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto all in 30 minutes. That would never happen in a Disney park.

And if you're a fellow character hunter like me, Mickey and the gang all have Castaway Cay exclusive outfits, which are adorable and make for great family photos.

I always take advantage of every chance to hang out at the adults-only beach

One thing I love about Disney Cruise Line and Castaway Cay is that there are plenty of adults-only spaces where kids are strictly not allowed. On the island, that spot is Serenity Bay Beach.

This peaceful chair-lined beach is a quiet spot away from the family beach, where I can sit back and enjoy the view or take a chair down to the water and let the waves crash over me.

Plus, just off Serenity Bay Beach is a fun beachside bar serving up drinks and snacks.

There's also the adults-only lunch spot where I always enjoy a beachside barbecue. My favorite things on the lunch menu are the ribs and macaroni salad .

Before returning to the ship, I send a postcard from the island and check out the special merchandise

I always make a point to stop in at the various shops near the family beach to see the Castaway Cay merchandise. On a recent trip, the shops had everything from spirit jerseys and T-shirts to Christmas ornaments and swimsuits.

And, before I head back to the ship, I stop at the Castaway Cay post office to send postcards back home.

The postcards I use can be found in the desk drawer of Disney Cruise Line staterooms, and are free to take. If you don't want to send the cute postcards off, you can also keep them as souvenirs.

Watch: Cruise ship captain breaks down 8 cruise ship disasters in movies and TV

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