carnival liberty cruise to nassau

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Carnival Liberty

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• New Orleans (Port NOLA Louisiana)
• Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida)

Carnival Liberty current position

Carnival Liberty current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 26.35162 N / -78.89319 W) cruising at speed of 11 kn (20 km/h | 13 mph) en route to USPCV>BSNAS. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty current cruise is 4 days, round-trip The Bahamas . Prices start from USD 299 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 29 Apr, 2024 and ends on 03 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Liberty

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Liberty Itineraries

Carnival liberty review, review of carnival liberty.

The 2005-built Carnival Liberty cruise ship is the 4th of all 5 Conquest-class vessels - with sisterships Conquest , Freedom , Glory , Valor . This series preceded the new Dream-class trio of newbuilds. In 2011, Liberty became the first CCL liner overhauled as part of the USD 0,5 billion "Fun Ship 2.0" drydock refurbishment project - a multi-year program centered on adding "signature" dining and entertainment venues to all older vessels in the fleet.

The vessel (IMO number 9278181) is currently Panama- flagged (MMSI 371083000) and registered in Colon .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ). 

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 3000-passenger ship Carnival Liberty and the sisterships are larger versions of earlier Destiny-class CCL liners, as well as more feature-filled. More space reveals into additional decks, more bars and lounges, an upscale steakhouse, and well-proportioned public areas.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Liberty staterooms (1489 total, in 27 grades) include 54 Suites, 521 Balcony, 330 Oceanview and 566 Inside cabins, including 29 wheelchair-accessible (in all cabin categories). The ship has no "family cabins" but instead offers connecting rooms in various categories. Most cabins are sized 170-185 ft2 (16-17 m2). Cabin balconies are sized 35-75 ft2 (3-7 m2). The ship has 3 types of suites - Captain's, Grand, Ocean. The largest are Captain's Suites (500 ft2 / 46 m2 plus 150 ft2 / 14 m2 terrace).

The boat has 13 passenger decks , of which 8 are with cabins. Over 50% of all staterooms are outside, 60% of those are with balconies.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

On Carnival Liberty, the two main dining rooms offer traditional dinner with set times and tablemates or flexible dining, via "Your Choice Dining" Carnival program. Silver Olympian Restaurant is nicer of the duo. It is located aft and framed by 3 walls of windows. Golden Olympian is positioned in a central spot, but both offer the same menu. At dinner, vegetarian and low-carb fare is served, as well as Spa Carnival choices. Cuisine often exceeds expectations, especially at Harry's Supper Club and the complimentary Guy's Burger Joint, not to mention the fish-and-chips bar, sushi station and also the dining room, where all waiters sing and dance. The casual two-level Emile's buffet offers a number of food stations with a variety of choices, including a salad bar, deli, dessert station, daily regional cuisines. The 24-hour room service provides a limited selection of items.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Liberty restaurants and food bars.

• Golden Olympian Restaurant (744-seat forward Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings or Your-Time Dining; offers Seuss At Sea-themed breakfasts for $5)
• Silver Olympian Restaurant (1122-seat aft Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings and open seating breakfast and lunch)
• Bluelguana Cantina (complimentary Mexican fast food bar; offers burritos, tacos)
• Guy's Burger Joint (complimentary fast food bar by Guy Fieri)
• Emile’s Lido Buffet Restaurant (1396-seat, self-service buffet restaurant with various food stations; operates as a bistro in the evenings)
• Herry’s Steakhouse (108-seat specialty restaurant for steaks and seafood; with dance floor and live music)
• Origami Sushi (complimentary)
• Sushi at Sea (Lido Bar) mini version of Bonsai Sushi, offers a la carte priced menu with rolls, sushi, sashimi, prices vary between USD 1,50-7,50.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Amongst Liberty's plethora of new offers, cruisers can find a candy shop, four signature bars and comedians approved by George Lopez. Like her Conquest-class sisters, Liberty also boasts a 3-deck theater and a series of stores. The hard-to-please teen set gets their own disco, positioned along the promenade with the rest of the "adult" fare. Carnival Liberty offers the typical Carnival experience blended with a handful of twists. The "old faithful" are also there: personal service and diverse evening entertainment ranging from Vegas floor show to jazz to the "piano man". There is also an EA Sports Bar onboard. With its video games, flat-screen TVs and beer it has to be the best man's cave at sea.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Liberty lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Venetian Palace Theatre (1400-seat main show lounge for musical productions and shows; also used for movies and bingo)
• Liberty Atrium Flowers Lobby (9-deck high open floor area; features Flowers Lobby Bar with piano and stage for live performances)
• Persian Card Room (28-seat); Satin Room Art Gallery (36-seat); Antiquarian Library (17-seat; offers board games); Photo Gallery and Shop; Tapestry Conference Room (100-seat)
• Circle C (complimentary kids club lounge with video games, parties, and planned activities)
• The Web Internet Cafe (24-hour, 6 Internet computers room)
• Cabinet Bar (147-seat cigar bar with live music)
• The Fun Shops (offers “Bon Voyage” items, duty-free liquor, jewelry, fashion boutiques, souvenirs, logo items)
• Cherry on Top (candy shop; offers branded gear, special occasions gifts and tuxedo rentals)
• EA Sports Bar; Jardin Cafe (specialty coffee bar); Taste Bar (offers complimentary appetizers); Alchemy Bar (serves made-to-order cocktails); Piano Man Bar (100-seat piano bar); The Stage bar (88-seat jazz bar)
• Czar’s Palace Casino (484-seat); The Promenade Bar (23-seat); Kiosk (S and S Card service)
• Club O2 (teens' lounge for video games, movies, karaoke, and themed parties); Without Batteries Video Games Arcade (24-hour)
• Hot and Cool Disco and Nightclub (211-seat); Victoria Lounge (425-seat; hosts Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch).
• Versailles Pool area (with two Whirlpools, Versailles Bar, Grill, and Pizzeria)
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar; RedFrog Rum Bar (offers Caribbean rums selection and ThirstyFrog Red drought beer)
• Aqua Park (Coney Island Pool area which is connected to the Twister Waterslide; with one Whirlpool, splash pools, water fountains)
• Carnival Seaside Theatre (LED screen outdoor cinema; with a stage for live performances)
• Spa Carnival complex (with Steam Rooms, Saunas, Massage Room, Beauty Salon, Spa Pool, Gymnasium)
• Sports Deck (multi-sports court/basketball, volleyball; Tennis Tables, Shuffleboard); Jogging Track; 9-hole Mini-Golf Course
• Serenity (adult-only sundeck with Serenity Bar, two Whirlpools, padded lounges)
• Camp Ocean (kids' club lounge hosting complementary programs with supervised activities, an outdoor playground). Camp Carnival's wading/paddling pool for kids is no longer available.

Itineraries

Carnival Liberty itinerary program is currently based on short breaks to The Bahamas leaving out of Port Canaveral/Orlando (Florida USA) . The roundtrips (3-4-day) visit Nassau or Nassau+ Princess Cays/Eleuthera .

Before the COVID crisis, Liberty (since March 2016) was homeported in Galveston Texas for 3-4-day Mexico itineraries visiting Cozumel and Cozumel+Progreso.

In May 2024, Carnival Liberty starts voyages from NOLA/New Orleans (Louisiana USA) replacing Carnival Glory (to be homeported in Port Canaveral). Departing on Sundays from Port NOLA, Liberty will operate 7-day Western Caribbean itineraries plus a 7-day Bahamas+Eastern Caribbean itinerary. Call ports include The Bahamas' Nassau and Freeport, Mexico's Cozumel and Costa Maya, Jamaica's Montego Bay, Honduras' Roatan Island (Mahogany Bay), Grand Cayman, Belize City.

Carnival Liberty - user reviews and comments

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Other Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships

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• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Carnival Liberty Wiki

Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade  was done in 2016. The vessel was christened by Mira Katherine Sorvino (1967-born US actress). After drydock refurbishment in 2011, Liberty became the first Carnival liner with "Fun Ship 2.0" upgrade. It is also the first Fun Ship with "Seaside Theater" - CCL's huge outdoor LED screen for movies (12x22 ft, or 3,7x6,7 m) on Lido Deck.

Liberty is of Carnival's Conquest-class liners ( Fincantieri Monfalcone -built), with sisterships Conquest ,  Freedom ,  Glory ,  Valor . In April 2017, Carnival Cruise Line announced the names of a cruise booking record-breaking couple from Florida - Bernard and Janice Caffary. The retired couple had booked its 200th Carnival cruise on Carnival Liberty leaving out of Port Canaveral . This record was achieved in 15 years (first booking in 2002), meaning they averaged over 13 Carnival cruises a year and spending 878 days at sea with the company - the equivalent of nearly 2 1/2 years. The company honored the couple with welcoming signage throughout the Port Canaveral cruise terminal. They also were guests of honor during special onboard VIP celebrations. In 2017, the couple already had 30 more Carnival cruises booked.

Drydock 2016 was in the period December 1-16.

In 2021 (October) Carnival Liberty was drydocked at Navantia Shipyard ( Cadiz Spain ), mainly for general maintenance (technical and routine) works and also repainting (received CCL's new livery).

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.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter.

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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Carnival Liberty Overview

Break free from your routine and board the Carnival Liberty where every day is a celebration. This ship has all of the Fun Ship features including the two most popular bars at sea: the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, which serves a fiesta with every drink (make sure to try their margaritas), and the Alchemy Bar, which allows you to get creative and make your own signature cocktail. Be daring, and try, try again until you find your perfect mix. The Carnival Liberty also features amazing dance parties with DJ IRIE pumping out the jams. 

• Passenger Capacity: 2,974 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2005
• Last Refurbished: 2021

Carnival Liberty Cruise Destinations

Spanning 6 continents and countless countries ranging from Croatia to the Bahamas, Carnival Cruise Lines' list of destinations below is nothing short of inspiring. There's somewhere for the culinary enthusiast, the history buff, the beachside lounger and the rugged explorer. Destinations include, but are not limited to: the Bahamas, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera, just to name a few. You can follow the links to learn more about each particular destination.

Cruise to the Caribbean for tropical weather and splendid beach-side excursions.

Panama Canal

Mankind’s finest accomplishment sits among intriguing culture and natural splendor—cruise to the Panama Canal.

Carnival Liberty Departure Ports

Carnival has ships home ported in cities across the U.S. making sure you’re never more than a car ride away from embarking on an unforgettable vacation. You can find Carnival ships in Charleston, New York, Long Beach and New Orleans. Ready to sail, call The Cruise Web to start your trip today!

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is one of the world’s most fascinating cities and a melting pot of culture, food and music.

Carnival Liberty Deck Plans

Riviera deck, atlantic deck, promenade deck, empress deck, verandah deck, panorama deck, carnival liberty staterooms.

Balcony (8M)

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space... not to even mention some of the best stern-side views you'll find anywhere. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon Carnival Liberty's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Balcony (8N)

Balcony (BL)

Any balcony stateroom, or better, depending on availability.

Balcony (8A)

Balcony staterooms were designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, so look to a balcony if you're looking to cruise aboard Carnival Liberty. Any time you're in your room, you're just steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis, featuring the sort of sea view you can also feel.

Balcony (8B)

Balcony (8c), balcony (8d), balcony (8e), balcony (8f).

Balcony (9C)

Premium Vista Balcony staterooms were designed to wrap around the aft corners of Carnival Liberty, giving you a unique vantage point from which to enjoy luxuriously panoramic views of the sky and the sea - and yes, take in even more of that sunshine.

Balcony (9B)

Step into a Premium Balcony stateroom aboard Carnival Liberty and it's easy to see exactly what you're getting: one seriously spacious stateroom. It's about more than just the room itself, you'll find... step onto your oversized balcony and you'll find that when there's a sea breeze in your hair, there's no limit to the relaxation you can have.

Inside (1A)

A Carnival Liberty Interior Upper/Lower stateroom creatively maximizes space for a pair of cruisers. These staterooms feature all the same amenities as other Interior staterooms, with a different layout — including one Twin bed, and either an upper Pullman or sofa bed. They also feature linens from the Carnival Comfort Collection, a full private bathroom and more.

Inside (4A)

An Interior stateroom is the most affordable way to cruise, and Carnival Liberty's interiors are not just cozy, but are full of things youÂ’d expect from any Carnival stateroom: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and just-a-call-away 24-hour room service.

Inside (4B)

Inside (4c), inside (4d), inside (4e), inside (4f), inside (4g), inside (4h).

Inside (4J)

An Interior with Picture Window stateroom on Carnival Liberty gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be partially obstructed.)

Inside (IS)

Any inside stateroom, or better, dependng on availability.

Inside (PT)

Carnival Liberty's Porthole staterooms give you the classic seafarer’s view times two — a pair of round windows providing an affordable view of the ocean. If you tire of ocean-gazing, there's plenty more to do onboard, but 24-hour room service is one amenity you can enjoy as you continue to take in the view.

Oceanview (6A)

Catch a glimpse of what's going by from your Ocean View stateroom aboard Carnival Liberty, where you'll get views you won't find anywhere on land. Don't miss sunrise and sunset at sea - your comfy stateroom is the best way to experience these!

Oceanview (6B)

Oceanview (6c), oceanview (ov).

A Carnival Liberty suite is the ultimate way to cruise. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool.

A Grand Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features even more space than the standard suite - plenty of room in your room! This stateroom is loaded for an unparalleled experience: VIP check-in, a huge balcony, and even a convenient dressing area with vanity.

Any suite, depending on availability.

As you step into a Junior Suite aboard Carnival Liberty, you can't help but feel that you're stepping into full-size luxury, just in a smaller package. In a Carnival Liberty Junior Suite you'll find everything there is to love about a suite, including VIP check-in, a walk-in closet, a full-size balcony... and even a whirlpool tub for relaxing.

This is the best room you can get... without bunking up with the guy himself. A Captain's Suite aboard Carnival Liberty features tons of indoor space, and a huge balcony when you need a little more. Back inside you'll find a king-size bed, two full bathrooms (one with whirlpool tub), plus a separate living room that sleeps another three. And VIP check-in? Naturally.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship

Imagine the fun that’s waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise. The drinks, the games, the sights and the sun! Take a look at this photo gallery to help you envision your perfect vacation.

Blue Iguana Bar

Carnival Liberty

Golden Olympic Restaurant

Guys Burger Joint

Top 10 Carnival Liberty Cruises

• Carnival Liberty 7-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (May 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Liberty 7-day Western Caribbean Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Liberty 6-day Western Caribbean Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (May 2025 - Dec 2025)
• Carnival Liberty 8-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Nov 2025 - Dec 2025)
• Carnival Liberty Journeys - 14-day Panama Canal Departing From New Orleans, Louisiana (Nov 2025)

Learn More About Carnival Cruise Line

Accessibility

Learn about Carnival Cruise Lines' handicap accessible cruises and accommodations for guests with special needs or disabilities - including special staterooms, accessible elevators, dietary accommodations and more.

Savor dining aboard Carnival cruises, including Guy's Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi, the Asian Kitchen, Main Dining Room, Steakhouse, Pizzeria, Coffee Bar, Seadogs, Shake Spot and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Carnival's onboard entertainment, including stage shows, Thrill Theater, game shows, comedy clubs, live music, DJs, seaside theater, karaoke and more.

Onboard Activities

Take advantage of Carnival's onboard activities, including WaterWorks water slides, pools, sports courts, ropes course, mini-golf, video arcade, sports bars, casino, duty-free shopping, bars and lounges, art gallery and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Carnival takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services by attentive, cheerful staff. Plus, view Carnival Cruise Lines' awards.

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Relax at Carnival's Serenity Adult Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, fitness center, jogging track, beauty salon, yoga or pilates courses. Carnivals treatments include massages, body wraps, facials, thermal suites and more.

Special Events

From weddings to parties, celebrate your special events at sea with Carnival Cruise Line.

View Carnival's cruise ship staterooms, including suites, balconies, oceanviews and interior staterooms. Plus, Cloud 9 Balconies bring health and wellness to your room.

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Learn about cruising with children aboard Carnival. There's Camp Carnival for ages 2 - 11, Circle C for young teens and Club O2 for ages 15 - 17. Plus, Camp Carnival Night Owls will watch kids until 3 am.

Cruise Type

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Carnival Liberty Review, Day 1: Setting Sail From Port Canaveral

Doug Parker

• February 15, 2022

Over the next five days, we are going to highlight our cruise on Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral. Today we highlight our embarkation and interesting sail away from the Space Coast. 

You’ve heard of the proverbial “offer you can’t refuse,” right? Well, when I saw that I could jump on a four-night sailing of the Carnival Liberty for $10 a day — before taxes and gratuities — I had to jump on it.

It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a short Carnival cruise, and with the total price after taxes, gratuities, and fees coming to around $200 total, this was perfect. 

(Note: I call this price a once-in-a-lifetime deal, I have not seen it since.)

Carnival Liberty Cruise Itinerary 

• Day 1: Port Carnival
• Day 2: Fun Day at Sea
• Day 3: Nassau, Bahamas
• Day 4: Bimini, Bahamas
• Day 5: Port Canaveral

Pre-Cruise Testing 

For the past 12 sailings I’ve done since cruising resumed, I’ve done the at-home BinaxNOW testing , which is both convenient and super easy.

But because I booked this sailing at the last minute, I didn’t have time to order a test. (If you’re even thinking about doing last-minute sailings, it’s worth keeping a few on hand!) 

There’s been some confusion around whether or not this type of test is acceptable because you mostly hear about PCR and antigen tests. But yes, a NAAT molecular test is also acceptable, as outlined on Carnival’s website .

Parking Port Canaveral

With my test result, boarding pass, and luggage in hand, I headed down to Port Canaveral. Carnival Liberty was docked at Terminal 3, the new pier that was built for Carnival’s newest ship, Mardi Gras . Parking fee-wise, I paid $85 dollars (or $17 per day). 

The port’s parking garage charges on a calendar-day schedule , not by the night. For instance, because our cruise was Monday through Friday, we had to pay $17 per day x 5 days. 

If you’re looking to save some of your hard-earned cash as opposed to forking it over to the Canaveral Port Authority, there are plenty of offsite park-and-cruise lots that will charge half as much and include transportation to and from the ship.

I parked on level three of the garage, which is where you’ll find the walkway from the parking garage to the pier. Two different members of the embarkation team checked my paperwork to make sure I was good to go and then it was off to check-in.

Since my boarding pass was already printed out, all the check-in representative had to do was verify my test result and scan my boarding pass; everything else was done online. 

The time it took to get from walking into the terminal to the ship was less than 10 minutes. Trust me, a s long as you have all your paperwork in hand, the embarkation process is flawless.

According to the embarkation employee holding the manifest, there were 2,500 guests on this sailing, which put us at about 84 percent of the ship’s 2,974 capacity.

First Impressions of Carnival Liberty

Stepping onboard Carnival Liberty was like coming home for me. The first time I sailed the ship was back in December of 2011, after it received its Fun Ship 2.0 makeover. This was the first vessel in the fleet to get the makeover, which saw the addition of Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Tequila Bar, Alchemy Bar, and other enhancements. 

I’ve sailed on  Liberty  a few times since then, so I knew my way around the ship, including the layout quirk on deck three which, because of the placement of the dining room kitchen, you have to go up or down a deck if you want to walk from the front to the back of the ship.

The last time I cruised Liberty was in March 2017 when Tim McGraw performed onboard for a Carnival LIVE show, so it was nice to be back on board. It was sort of like going back in time, given that the ship looked pretty much the same, with the exception of everyone wearing masks and the signs encouraging guests to follow the current protocols. 

Carnival Liberty Inside Cabin

If you’re wondering what a $10 per-night cruise fare will get you, it’s an inside cabin on deck two (room 2402). While I do love a balcony cabin because of my space issues, the inside worked fine for this particular trip because of my work schedule.

At home, I’m typically up and in my studio pretty early, so being able to sleep in a room with no windows and cold AC was very much welcomed as I got up early on this trip as well.

My cabin was a standard inside room with two twin beds, three closets, a small fridge, vanity area, typical bathroom, and one outlet. If you get creative, you can use the razor outlet in the bathroom if you need a second one, just make sure you keep the bathroom light on or the outlet itself will turn off. 

Because this ship hasn’t had any major renovations since Fun Ship 2.0 back in 2011, there are no USB outlets in the room. That’s probably not terribly convenient for the average cruiser, let alone someone who travels with all of the equipment I use to put together the show. 

One weird thing: When we turned on the faucet, brown water poured out for about 20 seconds. It slowly cleared again, and we never really figured out what might have caused it. Maybe we were the first guests to stay in the room since the ship returned to service, or maybe there were rusty pipes. Whatever the case, it only lasted a few seconds and never happened again. 

After unpacking, we stored the luggage and our carry-ons underneath the bed. That’s something I’ve always loved about most staterooms I’ve encountered on cruise ships — the ability to put the luggage in a place that’s both convenient and out of the way, unlike most hotel rooms.

New Muster Drill is a Winner! 

Our muster station was located outside on deck four and, as has been the case ever since the process was changed, it couldn’t have been easier. We checked in with the attendant who walked us through the process and then asked our room number.

Recently, Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, asked his Facebook followers if they hope to see the new muster drill process remain in place once things go back to normal. Not surprisingly, the response was an overwhelming “Yes!”

Lunch on Carnival Liberty

Remember I mentioned earlier that this was the ship on which Carnival first introduced Guy’s Burger Joint? Well, on the maiden voyage — and I’m not proud of this — I ate nine burgers over the course of the week.

Fast forward to 2022, and even the thought of eating more than one burger a day will destroy my digestive tract. Guy’s Burger Joint is definitely on the docket for this cruise, but it wasn’t on the schedule for day one.

I tried to take a semi-healthy approach with a giant fresh salad from the lido, but since I was still hungry, I went up to deck 10 and grabbed a plate of Ol’ Fashioned BBQ as well. I went with chicken and beef with a side of mac and cheese. This is the same type of BBQ that is found at Guy’s Smokehouse on the other Carnival ships, just without the branding. They do have Guy Fieri’s sauces at the condiment bar, though.

RELATED: Guy’s Burger Joint [MENU]

After lunch, we went up to Diamonds Steakhouse to confirm our reservation for night three. I like to get to know the dining team and always prefer to eat in the main dining room both the first night and last night. That leaves one of the nights in between for specialty dining. (A lot of people choose to eat in a specialty restaurant the first night in order to get the free bottle of wine offered for those who do.)

While we were exploring, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream passed us for its four-night cruise.

Exploring Carnival Liberty

After lunch, it was off to explore the ship and see how different venues had fared after being laid up for so long without guests. The ship is very ornate, featuring a lot of iron rods and dark lights. It has this really cool but at the same time slightly eerie feel to it. 

Liberty is one of the ships designed by Joe Farcus and, like the other older ships on which he was involved, the style is distinctly different than what you’ll find on more modern ships in the fleet. The public areas are almost eccentric, with bright lights and unusual statuary, as opposed to newer ships which tend to have a quieter, less extreme look.

We wandered through the Serenity area and past the aft pool deck, then wandered up to the mini-golf course. The ship seemed to be in good shape and ready to show us a great time. 

A few things we noticed right off the bat: On this sailing, smoking was forbidden in the casino. That meant if a guest wanted to smoke, they needed to do so outside (no matter the weather). Only a few days later, Carnival announced that smoking would once again be allowed in the casino as of February 14th for all sailings.

Also, there were many signs reminding people where masks were required and urging them to wash their hands. But the handwashing station at the entrance to the Lido was out of service and, judging by various photos posted in Facebook groups, has been for a while. You’d think getting that fixed would be a major priority under the current circumstances.

A Quick Fix

Carnival Liberty has been plagued with propulsion issues for years. Every time they got a grip on the thruster issue, something would happen again. The three-night cruise before ours  must have been the straw that broke the camel’s back with the propulsion issue because it returned to port 12 hours early so they could get repairs done. 

In 25 years of cruising, this was the first time I’d experienced a thruster being replaced while we were at the dock. It was a very cool sight to see involving cranes, trucks, dive vans, and cargo trailers along the pier. It was a huge undertaking with a lot of coordination between the underwater divers and the crew on the dock. 

We finally set sail around 8 p.m, and it was a chilly sail away for central Florida with temperatures in the mid-50s.

Carnival Liberty Main Dining Room

Although I usually prefer late dining, we went with the early seating this time so that nothing would interfere with the evening’s activities. We were seated at the back of the aft dining room, which gave us a great view of the work being done on the ship. I’m sure that might have made some people nervous, but I found the whole thing fascinating.

Tonight’s dinner was candied salmon for a starter and grilled salmon for the entree. Even though I was really eyeing the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake, I skipped dessert. After all, it’s not a Carnival cruise unless you have some, right? But it was only night one. There’d be plenty of time for that.

We were seated at a long table that could seat 12, but only four showed up. There’s always that awkward thing under these circumstances when you’re sitting with strangers and waiting for someone to break the ice. Fortunately, within a couple of minutes, we were all chatting and getting to know one another.

I’ll admit that at first, part of me just wanted to sit with my friends, which is what I normally do. But in hindsight, I’m glad we wound up joining others. We met some new people who I was sure we’d wind up palling around with over the next few days.

Welcome Aboard Show

Typically, the Welcome Aboard show is done twice on the first night. But since the ship was operating at limited capacity, it was only being offered once, at 9:30, giving the folks who had late dining time to wrap up and catch the performances.

The Cruise Director, Dustin, walked us through the entertainment we’d be experiencing throughout the cruise, followed by the Playlist Production team giving us a small sampling of the shows they’d be putting on. The first Playlist show, Flick, is being staged tomorrow night.

This is where the first day ends because I woke up at 4 am this morning, worked until 10:30, then drove down to Port Canaveral.

T omorrow is our one and only Fun Day at Sea this voyage, and if you know me, that means we’ll be hitting the Seaday Brunch!

We’ll save you a seat.

Don’t miss my other  Carnival Liberty  trip reports:

• Day 2: The Perfect Sea Day
• Day 3: Nassau and a Subpar Steakhouse Experience

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Carnival Liberty Deck Plans & Reviews

Carnival Liberty

Activities & entertainment

• Antiquarian Library
• Art Auction *
• Beauty Salon *
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Hot and Cool Nightclub
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes *
• Czars Palace Casino *
• Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast *
• Groove For St Jude *
• Ice Carving Demonstrations
• Jogging Track
• Lip Sync Battle
• Massage Room *
• Photo Portraits *
• Whirlpools (8)
• Seuss_A_Palooza Parade and Storytime
• Retail Shops *
• Spa Carnival *
• Spa Parties *
• Sports Deck
• Steam Room *
• Video Arcade *
• White Party
• Wine Tasting *
• Waterslides
• Serenity _ Adults_Only
• Circle C _ Tweens Club
• Camp Ocean _ Kids Club
• Club O2 _ Teens Club
• Carnival Seaside Theater
• Comedy Shows
• Live Nightly Music
• Outdoor Movies
• Venetian Palace Main Lounge
• Victoria Aft Lounge
• Golden Olympian Restaurant - Main
• Silver Olympian Restaurant - Main
• Cherry On Top - Candies *
• Promenade Bar - Casino Bar *
• Emiles Lido Restaurant - Buffet
• The Cabinet Bar - Clubby Bar *
• Jardin Cafe - Coffee & Pastries *
• Guys Burger Joint - Pool Grill
• Seafood Shack - Seafood *
• The Stage Bar - Jazz Bar *
• Taste Bar - Light Bites
• Alchemy Bar - Martini Bar *
• BlueIguana Cantina - Mexican
• Piano Man Bar - Piano Bar *
• Pizzeria - Pizza
• RedFrog Rum Bar - Pool Bar *
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar - Pool Bar *
• SkyBox Sports Bar - Sports Bar *
• Diamonds Steakhouse - Steakhouse *
• Room Service *
• Excellent 53
• Very Good 36
• Terrible 27
• All languages ( 158 )
• English ( 158 )

Upcoming itineraries

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival liberty.

We warmly welcome all Carnival Liberty Cruise Ship Passengers to the Port of Nassau and the Port of Freeport, Bahamas. We hope you enjoy your visit to Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas.

The Bahamas 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, the Bahamas 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 Carnival Liberty to choose from.

Bahamas Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for your visit to Nassau and Freeport 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 Carnival Liberty. 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

• Nassau Private Charters for up to 12 passengers on a 38ft Private Boat with Triple 300HP Engines
• Nassau 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.

• Cruise Destinations
• The Bahamas
• Princess-Cays-Cruises

Princess Cays, The Bahamas

• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine

* Coming Soon

• Things To Do
• Past Guest Photos

Cruise to Princess Cays and you’ll come ashore in Love Boat Marina — a sign that this private resort on the island of Eleuthera, Bahamas was designed to be classic cruising perfection. Make landfall and discover an island’s worth of vacation fun and amenities. You’ll find a BBQ pit already fired up for lunch, and a supervised kids’ area ready to receive the little ones. Somewhere among the palm trees you might spy the exclusive adult-only retreat. By now it’s clear that Princess Cays is good for more than just a beach day, but plan on fitting one in anyway — this wouldn’t be a prime cruise destination without great things to do, and great ways to get wet, like swimming, kayaking and sailing.

• Rent a private beach bungalow and enjoy your stay in air-conditioned comfort.
• Browse the shops for authentic, handmade Bahamian crafts.
• Tour Princess Cays by dune buggy and sailboat to get the best views from all angles.

Things to do in Princess Cays

Gotta see princess cays.

We have a few ideas for you.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

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Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #princesscays — you may see them right here.

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The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
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• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
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Carnival Cruise Line pushes back on controversial onboard issue

C ruise lines operate each cruise as its own business more or less. The cruise operators track their costs and balance that against the value of the tickets sold, the various onboard extras people pay for, and any other revenue that comes in.

Some costs are fixed. You can't really change the size of the crew on a cruise-by-cruise basis. The same goes for fuel and onboard entertainment. Royal Caribbean has to pay the pub guitarist even if the pub is empty, and Carnival Cruise Line ( CCL ) has to pay its singalong piano bar players whether or not that venue draws a crowd.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line confirms ban on a popular cabin hack

There are, however, some costs the cruise lines have choices about. Before the pandemic, Royal Caribbean ( RCL ) showed movies all day on the big screen on ships that have a screen on the pool deck. It showed the movies that played in that spot at night more as background content.

Since the Covid restart, the cruise line now only shows movies at select times. That's a budget-saving measure that likely has not annoyed many passengers because it still offers recently-in-theaters films, at night, just not all the time.

The same logic applies to sports programming. Royal Caribbean and Carnival, on their namesake brands, generally have the big games and the playoffs, but they might not have every game customers wish to see.

That's because they're making choices as to which networks they license and that may leave them with coverage holes. Both cruise lines also have a fairly limited selection of television channels offered in passenger cabins and that's something some cruisers have complained about.

Carnival pushed for more TV choices  

Some cruise ship passengers never use the television in their cabin while others like to use it to watch the in-house programming. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have channels devoted to on-ship programming which often includes a daily show featuring the cruise director, as well as channels dedicated the excursions and booking future cruises.

There are, however, passengers who like to keep track of the real world while at sea, and one of those cruisers reached out to Carnival Brand Ambassador John Heald.

"John Heald. Talk to the beards as you call them and tell them this. We need the main networks plus Fox News in this election year in the states. Plus we want USA Network, HBO, FX. As you guys are too cheap to pay for it make it known there should be an option of say $20-$100 Increase in the cost of the cruise. And add on like the internet or Cheers. That kind of thing. 90% would pay for an add-on like this," M wrote.

It's worth noting that the cruise lines generally do not have the ability to license television networks on a per-person basis. They either pay to have the channel on the ship, or they don't.

Selection, however, can vary by ship. Royal Caribbean ships, for example, that don't have the Playmakers Sports Bar have a thinner selection of sports channels offered in-cabin.

Carnival's Heald gives an answer, asks a question

"Well as I have mentioned many times before, the cost of these kinds of channels is massive," Heald wrote.

He then posed a question to his followers and got over 3,400 responses.

"Do you agree? Would you ever want to pay an extra fee for these kind of stations?" he added.

The results were mixed, but nobody seemed to like the idea of paying more for a bigger selection of channels. 

"No! Vacation is disconnected time," Colleen Halleran Coon answered. 

That was a very popular answer, but it was not universal.

"Yes, I would like more channels on the TV. I like to watch a little TV before bed," Beth McDonald wrote.

Barbara Thibault shared a practical approach.

"I would record everything I wanna watch. I'll watch it when I get home," she shared.

A few people did like "M's" idea.

"Yes, I would pay extra to have extra channels as I like to watch the news while having coffee and my travel partner is a late sleeper," wrote Shirley Abts.

"Yes, I sure would. Vacation is whatever you make of it and enjoy. I don't drink but I don't care that you have all the bars. I do enjoy lounging letting my mind rest and watching TV in the morning and evening," Travis Lester added.