Nassau, Bahamas is a port Disney Cruise Line has called on every year since our inaugural sailing in 1998. Just one visit here, a city of Old World colonial charm mixed with unique Caribbean style, makes it easy to see why this tropical destination is a guest favorite.
With the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic all calling on Nassau in the early part of next year, more and more guests are inquiring about the best things to do during a day in this port. We offer dozens of great Port Adventures and narrowing them down to the best is difficult, but here’s a look at some of my favorite activities.
Dolphin Swim at Atlantis Resort
It’s likely you’ve heard about Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, home to world’s largest open-air marine habitat and tons of other unique family-friendly activities. We offer numerous tours that allow you to spend the day here, but some of the most popular are ones that include playtime with dolphins. You can choose between a shallow water interaction and a deep water swim, combined with another adventure like an afternoon at the Aquaventure water park or a stroll through the underwater tunnel to see sharks and barracudas.
Journey to Blue Lagoon Island
Dolphin and sea lion encounters are also offered at the picturesque Blue Lagoon Island, a secluded destination only accessible by boat, boasting pristine beaches and an all-natural ocean habitat. Another popular choice is to have a relaxing beach day here, soaking up the sun in a lounge chair, swimming in the clear waters, exploring the lagoon by kayak or water bike, or just laying back in a hammock under the shade of palm trees. Often a favorite part of the day for guests is the catamaran ride through turquoise waters to get to the island.
Exploration of Local Culture and History
For culture and history lovers, there are several Port Adventures that it make it more convenient for you to experience island life, with visits to quirky shops and the straw market, and to see remnants of the island’s British colonial past, like historic government buildings and old forts. One excursion combines a visit to the beautiful Ardastra Gardens with a city tour, and another Port Adventure includes two fort visits and an inside look at the National Cultural Festival of the Bahamas. Or those who want to plan their own itinerary around the island can book a private vehicle with a driver/guide for a day completely customized to your family’s tastes.
Royal Treatment at the Graycliff Hotel
Originally built as a mansion in 1740 by a famous pirate of the Caribbean, the Graycliff Hotel is now one of the must-visit historical landmarks in the Bahamas. We give Disney cruisers special opportunities to experience it uniquely and be treated like royalty at this five-star oasis. Families can relax poolside in an enchanted garden setting, adults can browse one of the largest private collections of fine and rare wines in the world and chocolate lovers can learn the art of chocolate making. No matter which Graycliff Port Adventure you choose, you’re sure to leave with a full stomach from either a gourmet, multi-course meal or your delicious hand-crafted chocolates.
If you’ve joined us at Nassau before, tell us, what’s your favorite adventure here?
Comments
Hello,
We love visiting Nassau when cruising with Disney and have on many occasions booked a room for the day at the Atlantis resort, which provides a respite from the activities of the day as well as a place of comfort when my special needs son has to unwind.
Shopping on Bay Street is a lot of fun and we always frequent the John Bull Department Store, as it carries many of the name brands and is almost a one stop shopping experience in a clean, convenient and friendly atmosphere.
We look forward to our ninth cruise aboard the Disney Magic this July, sailing out of Venice and will be booking an Adventures by Disney land tour before the cruise. I consider our family very fortunate as we’ve sailed on all four ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Thank you for this informative post, Arnaldo,
Happy Holidays,
Jackie
On our most recent trip here in November, we discovered a new rum distillery about a ten minute walk from the main tourist strip! John Watlings Distillery was the name, and it was gorgeous! Built on a plantation, it has character (and delicious drinks to boot)
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