Carnival Glory becomes the second Carnival cruise ship to receive the new red, white and blue livery during a dry dock. It follows the Carnival Magic, the first ship to adorn the new look since it was first introduced on the Mardi Gras in 2020.
Carnival Glory Dry Dock Photos
How does she look? The Conquest-class vessel is now looking shiny and new with the red, white, and blue hull livery. Carnival Glory received the new design during a dry dock that is taking place in Marseilles, France.
The new design is inspired by the traditional navy blue officer uniforms and the iconic Carnival colors seen on the ship funnel. Mardi Gras was the first ship in the fleet to have the new look hull artwork during construction.
Over time, all the Carnival ships will receive the new look as they undergo scheduled dry docks. The fleet will look more fresh after being mainly white since the early founding years in the 70s. In recent years, due to the suspension of operations, many ships have not been looking so good and full of rust. The navy blue will help make the ship looks better long term.
Carnival Glory is not just receiving a new livery and having a range of general upgrades on board. Usually, during these refurbishments, the ships will get new carpeting and some minor enhancements across various departments.
The ship will be ready later in July once the dry dock is completed. Carnival Glory last underwent a dry dock in early 2017, and one of the main highlights was the newly added Carnival Waterworks aqua park. The largest upgrade was completed in 2012 when the ship received all the new FUN 2.0 enhancements, including Guys Burger Joint.
The Carnival cruise ship is currently scheduled to restart operations on September 5, 2021, out of New Orleans. The ship is scheduled to begin with a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas. Of course, with the current situation on resuming operations, that could change.
Carnival Glory is 110,000 gross tons with a guest capacity of 2,980 at double occupancy and 1,150 international crew members. She has 13 passenger decks and first entered service in 2003.
During a conference held by Credit Suisse, Disney Corporation confirmed it still plans to proceed with the line’s second private island. CEO Bob Chapek said the cruise line is excited about a “second island destination and three new ships.”
The cruise line is currently in progress to build the first of three new vessels, Disney Wish and has taken the opportunity to increase its private island acreage to coincide with the release of the Disney Wish and her sister ships.
Lighthouse Point
The new island was announced back in 2019, however during the pandemic, and when Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, who had been working on the project called Lighthouse Point, retired, news slowed down.
The comments from CEO Bob Chapek confirmed that Lighthouse Point is very much alive and well.
Environmental Impact
According to Disney Cruise Line: “Lighthouse point will create sustainable economic opportunities for Bahamians, protect and sustain the site’s natural beauty, celebrate culture, and help strengthen the community in Eleuthera.“
“The private island will complement Disney’s existing Castaway Cay, a destination located in the Abaco chain of The Bahamas. The addition allows families to enjoy the site’s beautiful beaches and explore nature, as well as enjoy the broader tourism offerings in Eleuthera.”
The company has, in fact, been busy with the private islands Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with a first draft being completed in December 2019.
Since then, Disney has been working with the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) to make many revisions and make sure the private destination remains environmentally friendly.
Visiting The Island
Disney is expected to spend anywhere between $250 million and $400 million on developing the 700-acre property and will be incorporating Bahamian themes while also donating 190 acres, including the southernmost tip of the island, to the government for a national park.
Besides the beautiful beaches, the new island destination of Eleuthera will have many other attractions for both young and old. Once guests leave the ship and make their way shoreside by the newly constructed pier, they will have the opportunity to go to an Adventure Camp, two public beaches, A Spa and Wellness center, Arts and Culture center, Cabanas, and various bars and restaurants to choose from.
Cruise lines have long been accused of doing more harm than good to the places they visit, but this is hardly the case with Lighthouse Point. The cruise line made sure that the natural habitat does not come under threat from the thousands of visitors that will make their way here each year.
The line has assembled a 500-page environmental program listing the various environmental factors surrounding the building of the various attractions. At the same time, a solar farm will also be built on-site to ensure a sufficient power supply.
In addition to its own animal and conservation experts, Disney assembled a team of highly qualified and experienced scientists and other professionals who spent three years developing the environmental program.
This is based on extensive fieldwork, robust data collection and analysis, direct engagement with those who have studied the site and the species observed there, and an exhaustive review of available literature.
Eleuthera Island (Photo Courtesy: Disney Cruise Line)
What About Castaway Cay?
Lighthouse Point will be Disney Cruise Line’s second private Island destination. The first being Castaway Cay, which will undoubtedly not be disappearing in the background.
Castaway Cay is an award-winning private island that has been popular with the many that have been here and won numerous prizes for the best private island experience.
The cruise line has been coming to Castaway since the 1990s, and lighthouse point will be an addition to what is already being offered. It will allow the cruise line to incorporate more stops in the Bahamas. The Bahamas is much closer to US ports than Caribbean Ports, offering some financial benefits to Disney.
When will we see Lighthouse Point on the itinerary for the first time? Disney has talked about the destination since 2019 with the scheduled opening date somewhere in 2021, and progress was good.
However, the pandemic will have slowed down this progress, so a final release date could well be one or two years away. Most likely, Disney will want to time this with the release of Disney Wish, or one of her sisters.
Located on the island of New Providence, Nassau, Bahamas, is the capital of this island archipelago. It’s a popular port of call for cruise ships and a top tourist destination in its own right. With white sandy beaches and warm clear waters, it’s a true tropical paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports.
We cover all you need to know when visiting Nassau, Bahamas including the cost of living, getting around, staying safe, enjoying local food and drink and spending a day (or longer) at the luxury Atlantis Resort.
Nassau is on the north coast of New Providence, between Eleuthera and Andros Islands. It is 184 miles southeast of Miami and is a popular port of call on Caribbean cruises.
Quick Overview of Nassau History
Part of the British Commonwealth, the Bahamas was a British colony until independence in 1973. It was discovered by Christopher Columbus around 1492. Known as Charles Town, Nassau was later burned to the ground by the Spanish in 1684.
Occupied by pirates for a time, it was settled in the late 17th century by British colonists who built several defensive forts that are local landmarks.
With over 250,000 residents, the bustling port city of Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas. It is located on New Providence which by far the largest and most populated island. It is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide with some swamps and lakes inland. The busy cruise port in Nassau welcomes almost 3 million cruise passengers every year.
Tourism makes up more than 50% of the economy and accounts for over half the jobs, so you’ll get a warm welcome from locals.
Climate in Nassau, Bahamas
The Bahamas has a hot, wet summer season with some short but heavy afternoon showers. Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the islands enjoy warm dry winters. It’s a popular sunshine vacation destination almost year-round with a high season from December to April.
Tropical storms and hurricanes may affect these low-lying islands in late summer/fall but direct hits are a rare occurrence.
Transport and Getting Around Nassau, Bahamas
Most visitors to Nassau arrive by cruise ship or fly into Lynden Pindling (NAS) International Airport. It is 8 miles west of Nassau in northwest New Providence.
The best way to get around in the Bahamas is using local buses known as jitneys. They are affordable and run regularly, transporting both locals and visitors around the main destinations. There are plenty of bus stops. Most local trips around Nassau cost $1.25 with longer trips outside the city costing up to $3.50.
Photo Credit: Eric Glenn / Shutterstock.com
After dark, a taxi may be a safer option, especially if you are outside the hotel zone. Official taxis have yellow license plates and most only accept cash.
For longer visits you can rent a car or motorcycle to get around the island. Don’t forget – they drive on the left in the Bahamas, being part of the British Commonwealth.
Nassau Bahamas Cost of Living
The Bahamas is listed by Numbeo as the third most expensive country to live in the world. However, if you’re visiting on a cruise or enjoying a sunshine vacation in paradise, there are some ways to save money.
The high cost of living in Nassau, and the Bahamas in general, is due to the fact that most food and resources must be imported into this island nation. The Bahamian government does not have an income tax system; it makes its money from import duties and sales tax.
Photo Credit: dnaveh / Shutterstock
When goods arrive in the Bahamas, the government adds import duty and vendors then add VAT when goods or services are sold. One exception to this is high-end luxury goods that are sold tax-free to non-Bahamian residents.
Ways to manage costs include eating onboard your cruise ship before or after visiting the sights and shops in Nassau. Cruise ships dock right in downtown Nassau so it’s easy to return to the ship for a meal or drinks.
If you’re staying longer, opt for an all-inclusive hotel package. That way you will know exactly what you will spend on accommodation, food and drink so there are no nasty surprises.
Shopping in Nassau
The best areas for shopping in Nassau, Bahamas are within easy walking distance of the cruise port.
Festival Place is an area of local shops and stalls that cruisers must walk through to get from the ship to the downtown area. Traders and taxi drivers can be persistent here.
Keep walking and you’ll quickly reach Bay Street which is lined with shops selling souvenirs, T-shirts and rum cakes. You’ll also find some familiar luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex and Tiffany. They sell duty-free goods that can represent quite a discount.
Look for stores with the Pink Flamingo symbol. This means they are government approved and only sell authentic brands.
For tax-free shopping on high-value goods (generally over $25), look for shops displaying the Global Blue Tax-Free signage where you can get an immediate refund of VAT (currently 12%).
The famous Straw Market is a great place to find local handicrafts and trinkets made from seashells. Shopkeepers are friendly and will beckon you and call out. A simple “no thank you” will work, so don’t be put off by all the attention. It’s a great shopping experience in Nassau!
Food and Drink
From gourmet chains and celebrity chef restaurants to local mom and pop eateries and US chains, there’s something for all budgets and tastes in Nassau.
Prices for eating out are generally at least 25% higher than in the USA. In some cases, you might pay double for a decent breakfast or lunch in the Bahamas.
On top of that, a 15% gratuity is added as a tip, by law! Breakfast or lunch for two will cost between $25 and $55 and a sit-down dinner for two is likely to be well over $100.
Beers range from $5-10, depending on the location, and cocktails are at least double that price. Ouch! Opting for local rum is always cheaper than top shelf brands.
Chain restaurants such as Wendy’s KFC and McDonalds will charge more than US mainland prices but are generally more affordable than hotel restaurants.
You’ll probably want to experience some local cuisine during your stay in Nassau, Bahamas. Conch (pronounced konk) fritters are a tasty local specialty, served hot with a spicy dip. Cracked Conch and Conch Salads are popular ways to serve this meaty shellfish.
Bahamian Fish Stew is a tasty alternative or try the local staple – Pigeon Peas and Rice and a side of Johnnycakes (like cornbread). For drinks, try the Yellow Bird, a fruity concoction of orange and pineapple juices, rum, apricot brandy and banana liqueur.
Why Visit Nassau?
There are several notable historic attractions in downtown Nassau, Bahamas within easy walking distance of the cruise port and waterfront. The main attractions in Nassau are the local beaches, the historic Straw Market, forts and colonial buildings. They are just a short stroll from your cruise ship!
After exploring the waterfront shops and snagging some tax-free bargains, head to nearby Junkanoo Beach for the day. Alternatively, hop across the bridge to Atlantis (you’ll need a Day Pass) and enjoy the calm kid-safe waters of Lagoon beach.
History lovers and those who appreciate colonial architecture should visit the Bahamian Parliament Building, one of several pretty pink colonial buildings in Parliament Square. Built-in 1815, it overlooks a white statue of Queen Victoria.
Take a look inside the octagonal building nearby. It’s the Public Library which was built as a jail! There’s also Government House which is also in Pink and features the Columbus monument overlooking downtown.
Further on, the Queen’s Staircase is a flight of 66 steps hand-carved by slaves out of solid limestone. The steps lead up to Fort Fincastle, built-in 1793 on Bennet’s Hill. It offers stunning views over Nassau.
Another Nassau landmark is Fort Charlotte, the largest fort on New Providence with a moat, dungeons and 44 canons. Kids will enjoy exploring this real-life “castle” along with the family-friendly Pirates of Nassau Museum.
Atlantis Resort on adjoining Paradise Island is the ultimate destination for watersports with a mega waterpark and amazing marine-life encounters.
What to Expect at Atlantis, Nassau
Atlantis, Bahamas is a mega-resort complex on well-named Paradise Island. It’s connected to Nassau Harbour and New Providence by two bridges. This luxury resort has five miles of beautiful private beaches to enjoy.
The big draw is the 140-acre water park with 11 pools, Mayan Temple Shark Lagoon Slide, Rapid River rides and unique marine attractions. Atlantis also has a huge casino, theater, shopping center, 21 restaurants and 19 bars. These include gourmet chains and celebrity chef restaurants such as Nobu, Olives, Seafire Steakhouse and Carmine’s.
Atlantis, Nassau boasts the largest open-air marine habitat in the world. It includes 14 lagoons, 8 million gallons of ocean water and more than 50,000 aquatic animals from over 250 marine species.
The viewing panels into this vast aquarium are amazing! It’s a great opportunity to see a range of marine animals and explore the Marine Habitat during your visit.
Atlantis Hotel in Nassau (Photo Credit: FotosForTheFuture / Shutterstock)
Staying at this five-star resort is the best way to enjoy all the amazing facilities. There’s a choice of six hotels including The Beach and The Cove for sand and sea lovers and Harborside Resort overlooking the Marina.
However, if you’re visiting for the day as part of a cruise, or if you are staying somewhere cheaper in Nassau, you can purchase a day pass for around $150 for adults and $50 for children aged 4-12. This includes lounge chairs, pool towels and access to Aquaventure water park, beaches, resort shops and restaurants.
There’s an additional fee for exclusive activities such as Swim in Wonder (deep-water encounters with bottlenose dolphins), Playtime with Sea Lions, Dip ‘n’ Discover interactive encounters, Kayaking with Dolphins and Trainer for a Day experiences.
Tips When Visiting Nassau, Bahamas on a Cruise
Take cash and a credit card when you go exploring. Local restaurants, buses (jitneys) and taxis all operate only on cash (US dollars are widely accepted).
Tipping is expected after a meal (15% minimum), when someone handles your bags, and if anyone gives you directions or takes your photo. Carry plenty of dollar notes!
English remains the official language in Nassau, Bahamas although you may hear locals speaking creole.
Prices are in Bahamian dollars (B$) which is currently pegged to the US$. Both currencies are widely accepted.
Take a ride on a local jitney – it’s a fun experience for a couple bucks!
Whether you’re driving or just crossing the road, remember they drive on the left in the Bahamas.
Official taxis have yellow license plates and most do not accept credit cards.
Dress in loose cotton clothing and carry sunscreen, sun glasses, a hat and a bottle of water with you when you go exploring. The heat and humidity can take their toll.
FAQs
Is Nassau, Bahamas safe?
Nassau Bahamas is a relatively safe place for tourists to visit with a strong police presence to ensure everyone’s safety. Most serious crime is in the local “Over the Hill” area south of Shirley Street, which should be avoided.
Like all tourist destinations, visitors should take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft. After dark, officially licensed taxis (with yellow license plates) are the safest way to get around.
Do you need a visa to go to Nassau, Bahamas?
Residents/ citizens of USA, Canada, UK and other most countries of the British Commonwealth do not need a visa for tourist travel to Nassau, Bahamas. Citizens of Pakistan, Ghana, Nigeria and India, although Commonwealth residents, will need a tourist visa to enter Nassau, along with other nationalities.
Is Nassau Bahamas expensive?
The Bahamas is the third most expensive country in the world to live, according to Numbeo. As an exclusive island nation, everything has to be imported and attracts import duties as well as VAT, which leads to a higher cost of living. Expect to pay up to $10 for a beer in a hotel bar. Dining out is around 25% more expensive than mainland USA.
Even though Carnival cruise ships are not yet sailing and the first cruise ships are not expected to resume until July, the cruise line is still very busy preparing ships, including the Carnival Magic. The Dream-class vessel completed its dry dock on May 24 with a shiny new livery.
Carnival Magic Dry Dock
The Carnival cruise ship has completed a dry dock which took place in May at the shipyard in Marseilles, France. During this time, no major features were added but the Casino was expanded with a greater variety of slot machines and other games. The WaterWorks and pool areas also got some updates.
The main focus of the upgrade was the shiny new red, white and blue livery and a much-needed fresh coat of paint. During the suspension of operations over the past year, many vessels have been looking more on the rusty side. Still, now with cruises resuming this summer, Carnival Magic is looking fresh once again.
Photo Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Magic is the first ship in the fleet to follow the new livery design that Mardi Gras already features. The design follows the iconic carnival colors and the traditional navy blue colors of officer uniforms.
The livery is gradually being rolled out across the fleet, and the next ship to receive the new hull artwork will be the Carnival Glory. In fact, the Conquest-class cruise ship has already arrived at the dry dock in France and is replacing the Carnival Magic.
Carnival Cruise line ambassador John Heald posted a photo as the Carnival Glory made her way past the Carnival Magic to begin her much-awaited dry dock including the new livery:
Photo Credit: Casino Manger Thomas
Carnival Magic’s previously dry dock took place in 2016, and that was also just general upgrades with no major new features. The ship remains at a wet dock at the facility in Marseilles and now awaits departure.
The ship will remain on hold until November 2021, and as announced by Carnival back in January, her Norfolk cruises have been canceled. According to the Carnival site, she will begin sailings out of Port Canaveral, Florida, on November 14, 2021.
With the situation on resuming operations from the US remaining very fluid and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) making updates to its Conditional Sailing Order, the ship’s return is not set in stone. For now, Carnival plans on resuming cruises with just four ships in July. In the following months, even more vessels will begin to restart cruises.
Carnival Magic joined the fleet in 2011 and is part of the Dream-class at 130,000 gross tons and a guest capacity of 3,690 at double occupancy. There is also a capacity of 1,367 international crew members.
The restart of the cruise industry might be needed more than we previously thought. The pandemic has had a terrible effect on the entire industry, and while 2020 was the worst year for cruise lines in modern history, 2021 is on the way to becoming the second worst.
The cruise industry might have been building up reserves in the golden years before COVID-19, 2019, earning the three biggest cruise companies alone a record-breaking $38.4 billion. Those earnings have now been thoroughly depleted.
A 77% Drop in Revenue, Guest Numbers Drop 78%
It’s been a much talked about subject when COVID-19 hit the cruise industry, it hit hard. While the signs were there already in December of 2019, by the end of April 2020, when most cruise companies had voluntarily stopped operations, more than 50 ships had reported cases onboard. The mainstream media quickly depicted cruise lines as a petri dish, and the guest numbers went down to almost 0 for May and June.
The cruise industry generated more than $40 billion in revenue worldwide in 2019. In 2009, the global ocean cruise industry carried about 17.8 million passengers. In 2019, this figure peaked at 29.7 million.
In 2020, those numbers dropped by more than 80%, and where many thought 2021 would be the year that the cruise lines could climb out of the dark, the opposite seems to be true.
Even with the restart, the cruise lines are planning this year, it won’t be nearly enough to make up the numbers previously seen. Bookings for cruises are mainly centered for 2022, although numbers have been getting better as more and more ships started operating in Europe and the UK safely.
3.4 million people went on a cruise last year, a drop of 88% against 2019, and those were mainly in the first three months of the year, with a few hundred thousand guests sailing in Singapore and Europe in the last six months of 2020.
This year, the industry is expected to carry 6.7 million guests spread out over the UK, Asia, and the US and Caribbean. This is still a 78% drop in passenger numbers.
Note: In the above link from StockApp, the revenue in billions is, in fact, the number of cruise passengers.
Photo: Pattie Steib / Shutterstock
When Will We See A Recovery?
The cruise industry is hard at work to bring ships back into operation, but it will take time. The slow rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations in the Philippines, India, and South America, traditionally the base for crew members on board, is not doing the cruise lines any favors.
Just this week, we saw that Norwegian Cruise Line had to cancel cruises from both the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. The reason being that the sudden opening of Alaska caught the line by surprise and had to pull crew from the two ships in the Caribbean to operate one vessel in Alaska.
Projections from Statista suggest that the cruise industry will be able to rebound to pre-pandemic numbers around 2024 or 2025. Until that time, the cruise industry will need not only to recover and restart ships; it will need to win the trust of guests once again.
The cruise industry will always have its loyal base of guests that will always enjoy their cruises and know the ships are a safe haven from what is happening ashore. The mainstream guests that were scared away by the events in March and April last year will need to be convinced once again.
Carnival Fascination, which was sold by carnival Cruise Line in 2020 due to the impact of the global pandemic, is currently undergoing a refurbishment to restart cruises out of mainland China.
Those who have cruised on the former Carnival cruise ship and follow the cruise line closely will be happy that the ship is not being scrapped and will remain in service in Asia.
Carnival Fascination Right Now
The Fantasy-class cruise ship is currently in China undergoing a refurbishment, and cruisers will be happy to know she will continue service under her new owner of Century Cruises.
Carnival Fascination recently arrived at the Zhejiang Union Repair Shipbuilding facility, which is located in Zhejiang Province. She is being refurbished as a luxury cruise vessel and is set to remain in operation. The cruise line has already been recruiting.
The Zhejiang facility is focusing on the luxury cruise market and in 2020 had complete the renovation of the Pacific World cruise ship, formerly named Sun Princess.
Photo Credit: Tony Davis (Flickr)
The ship is now named Century Harmony, as confirmed in December 2020 when the name was seen on the hull while making a port stop in Gibraltar. Before that, she had been in a cold layup in Cadiz, Spain, during the suspension of operations.
Century Harmony is owned by Century Cruises that offer Yangtze river cruises, a part of Chongqing New Century Crusie Co based in Chongqing, located in the Sichuan province.
It was previously reported that the vessel would become a floating hotel, but more recently, the ship could actually offer luxury cruises out of Xiamen, Fujian Province. The cruise line currently operates six river cruise ships, and Century Harmony will be the largest to join the fleet.
Century Harmony, formerly known as Carnival Fascination, was sold due to the impact of the global pandemic. Four Fantasy-class vessels were sold, and fortunately for Carnival Fascination, she is the only one not sold for scrap.
Sister ships, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Inspiration, and Carnival Imagination were all sent to the Aliaga ship-breaking facility in Turkey. Carnival Fantasy, the first in the class, has already been completely scrapped, and the two other vessels are not far behind.
Carnival Fascination was built for Carnival Cruise Line at the Helsinki shipyard in Finland and made its debut in 1994. The ship is 70,367 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 2,000 at double occupancy.
At the moment there are only four Fantasy-class ships that remain in the Carnival fleet, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Elation, and Carnival Paradise.
Carnival Cruise Line has provided a major update on its plan on restarting operations out of the U.S., including further cancellations across the fleet. It comes as the cruise line continues to work on a possible restart in July.
Carnival Cruise Line Update
There is no doubt that resuming operations out of the U.S. is tricky, including for “America’s Cruise Line,” Carnival Cruise Line. The Miami-based cruise line now aims to restart with just three ships from Florida and Texas in July, which was hinted at after most bookings were removed from bookings earlier in May.
The cruise line will start with Carnival Breeze on July 15 and Carnival Vista on July 3 out of Galveston in Texas, and Carnival Horizon out of PortMiami in Florida on July 4. These will be the first three Carnival ships to resume operations in July.
For Carnival Horizon, it does depend on whether sailings longer than 7-days will be permitted. If that is not the case, then 6- and 8-day sailings after and including July 10 will be modified to week-long cruises instead. Guests will be notified of any changes.
It does mean that all other departures from the U.S. are now canceled through July 2021. The other ships won’t restart until August at the very earliest and a lot does also depends on the US Centers for Disease Control and its Conditional Sailing Order.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:
“We continue to have constructive discussions with the CDC but still have many questions that remain unanswered. We are working diligently to resume sailing in the U.S. and meet the CDC guidelines.”
“We sincerely appreciate the continued patience and understanding of our guests and travel advisor partners and will share additional information as quickly as we can.”
There is still hope to save the Alaska season, and Carnival is looking for a solution for ships to visit the region. If this is the case, Carnival Miracle will assume some sailings from Carnival Freedom’s departures out of Seattle, Washington.
Is Mardi Gras Canceled Again?
The further cancellations include the Mardi Gras, the first Excel-class ship in the fleet and still waiting to make her debut since being delivered towards the end of 2020. We’ve reported extensively constant setbacks for the ship, originally scheduled to start sailing on August 31, 2020.
The largest-ever ship constructed for Carnival Cruise Line was previously scheduled to kickstart her service on July 3, 2021, as one of the first ships in the fleet to resume operations. At the moment, the earliest Mardi Gras cruise is showing only for October 2 out of Port Canaveral. With the ship in huge demand, it could just be that those earlier departures are sold out.
Carnival had previously suspended all U.S. operations through June 2021. Much now depends on the CDC if the three Carnival cruise ships will actually resume in July.
Carnival Cruise Line Plans Return
This news comes as the cruise line plans its service return, and things are already starting to happen. Recently Carnival Breeze and Carnival Vista returned to Galveston to begin crew vaccinations. Even though Carnival Sensation is not among the earliest ships to resume, she’s also set to arrive in Galveston today. On Friday, she will arrive in Mobile, Alabama, for crew vaccinations.
A lot still needs to be resolved on guest requirements with the health and safety measures that have not yet been announced. Cruise lines are still working with the CDC on a safe return and the hope is that this could happen in July.
If you’re cruising from Nassau, you’ll probably want to stay in one of the Nassau Bahamas hotels close to the cruise port. Cruise lines now use popular destination as their homeport so we’ve checked out all the best hotels in Nassau to provide you with a one-stop resource to find the best accommodation to suit your needs.
Most guests arrive and depart from the island by plane. It makes sense to arrive a day or two before your cruise departs to make sure nothing can delay your boarding.
Some cruisers like to extend their Bahamas cruise by spending a few post-cruise beach days in Nassau hotels. Why not turn a 7-day luxury cruise into a 10-day vacation experience without it costing a fortune?
We cover luxury and boutique hotels in Nassau, top beach resorts with water parks, hotels near Nassau cruise port, and the best budget hotels Nassau Bahamas has to offer. We also offer tips on Nassau hotels that offer day passes for non-guests to use their waterparks and beach amenities.
To help you make quick comparisons, we provide full details of all the best Nassau hotels in an easy-to-read format. You’ll find invaluable details for each handpicked hotel including the address, proximity to the port, hotel shuttle and distance to the beach.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find all the best Nassau hotels listed below.
The capital city of the Bahamas archipelago. It is located on the island of New Providence, about 185 miles east of Miami on mainland Florida. Covering 80 square miles, it is one of the larger islands.
As well as being a popular port of call for Caribbean cruises, the island is a tourist destination in its own right so there are plenty of hotels in Nassau to choose from.
How to Get to Nassau Bahamas Hotels
The easiest way to reach Nassau Bahamas is by air from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL) Airport. The flight takes 2 hours 40 minutes and prices start from around $140. From the airport, use a hotel shuttle or taxi.
There is a car ferry from Fort Lauderdale four times a week. It sails to Freeport and then to Nassau on a 23-hour journey, but it is not a practical option for cruisers.
Why Cruise From Nassau?
While mainland US ports were still affected by Covid restrictions, many cruise lines moved their home port to Nassau, Bahamas so they could be the first to start cruising again. However, cruising from the Bahamas has many other advantages too.
Booking a post-cruise break in Nassau hotels allows you to extend your Caribbean vacation in the sun for a few more days.
While cruises offer short stops at ports of call for a few hours, staying in Nassau provides the chance to explore the island’s historic attractions, markets, beaches, and restaurants in more depth.
Nassau is 185 miles east of Miami and there are regular daily flights between the two airports at competitive prices. Flying in a small plane over the Bahamas archipelago with its clear waters and colorful reefs is a spectacular sight that adds to your Caribbean cruise experience.
Finally, many cruises from Nassau include a stay on a private island as part of the itinerary making it a great reason to book a cruise from Nassau, Bahamas.
Nassau Hotels with Day Passes
Even if you’re staying in a budget hotel, you can still enjoy the amenities provided by luxury hotels and resorts in Nassau. Paying for a day pass is much cheaper than staying overnight! Imagine a day at Atlantis Resort, swimming with dolphins, enjoying the 11 amazing pools in the water park or just relax on the beach soaking up the luxurious ambience.
Atlantis day passes start from $70 per person for a beach day, rising to $166 for a full water park experience. Other beachfront hotels in Nassau offer all-inclusive day passes including unlimited food and drink!
Best Nassau Bahamas Hotels for Cruise Visitors
Atlantis Hotel, Bahamas
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas
Journey to another world with a stay at the world-class Atlantis Resort. It is situated on Paradise Island which is joined to downtown Nassau by bridge and ferry. This luxury four-star resort in Nassau goes beyond luxury hotel rooms to include a casino, golf course, spa, and world-class restaurants.
The thrilling 141-acre water park has 11 pools, water slides, cascades, river rides, dolphin encounters, kayaking, sea turtle excursions, snorkeling, diving, and the Royal Stingray and Shark Lagoon. It’s the ultimate hotel in Nassau, Bahamas for pre and post-cruise vacations and a neat place to enjoy a day pass.
Distance from port: 1.9 miles
Address: One Casino Drive, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Phone number: (242 ) 363-3000
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
Comfort Suites Paradise Island
Three-star Comfort Suites offers guests a free breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, parking, and most importantly, complimentary access to Atlantis Resort water park and amenities.
Air-conditioned rooms at this Nassau hotel are tastefully decorated and comfortably furnished, some with pool views. Onsite restaurant and exceptional staff make this chain hotel excellent value for money in a superb location.
Distance from port: 1.8 miles
Address: Paradise Island Dr, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 363 3680
Beach nearby? Yes walk
Shuttle? Yes
Melia Nassau Beach
Melia Nassau Beach is a gorgeous beach resort with a white sandy beach, blue ocean for swimming, and gorgeous pools for relaxing and working on your tan. Non-guests can purchase a day pass for $139 ($60 for children aged 5-11) and this includes beach access, towels, lounge chairs, pools, snorkel equipment, and unlimited food and drink.
It’s a great place to stay and is one of the best hotels in Nassau Bahamas to offer all-inclusive accommodation.
Distance from port: 5.2 miles
Address: West Bay Street, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 327 6000
Beach nearby? yes
Shuttle? no
Cheapest Nassau Bahamas Hotels
Golden Palm B&B
Hotels in Nassau Bahamas can be pricey but this Golden Palm B&B is a good alternative place to stay for those on a tight budget. Close to the airport (2 miles away) it offers shuttle transport for $12 each way.
Rooms are clean and comfortable and breakfast is included in the no-frills price. Restaurants are within walking distance.
Distance from port: 11.7 miles
Address: 896 West Bay Street, Palm Shores, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 327 7129
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes – walk
El Greco Hotel
Well located close to the cruise port and Straw Market, El Greco Hotel Nassau is a small private Nassau hotel with simply furnished rooms and a small pool for cooling off. This budget two-star hotel in Nassau is within easy strolling distance of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Distance from port: 0.9 miles
Address: Augusta/ West Bay St, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 325 1121
Shuttle? No
Beach nearby? No
Nassau Bahamas Hotels with Free Cruise Shuttle
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Sandals Royal Bahamian
The luxury Sandals Royal Bahamian resort Nassau is an all-inclusive couples-only resort on a beautiful white sandy beach lapped by aquamarine waters. Gourmet dining at this 5-star hideaway is served at 11 specialty restaurants. For the ultimate stay, book a Swim-Up Suite with butler service!
Distance from port: 5.8 miles
Address: West Bay St, Cable Beach
Phone number: (844 ) 871-0604
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
Seaview Boutique Inn/Hostel
Seaview Boutique Inn is a popular Nassau hotel and is one of the few to offer a free airport shuttle. It has hostel dorms with shared bathrooms and private rooms with ensuites.
It has air-con, an outdoor pool, a communal kitchen with a refrigerator, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This property offers low-cost hostel accommodation but reviews are poor.
Distance from port: 2.8 miles
Address: West Bay St, Cable Beach
Phone number: (242) 556-7360
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes – 3 mins walk
Nassau Hotels with Cruise Shuttle for a Fee
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Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar represents excellent value for money with its luxury rooms, superb beachfront location at Cable Beach, show fountains, a huge casino, fitness room, and 6 heated pools with a swim-up bar. Rooms and suites are immaculate and some have a balcony with ocean views.
Distance from port: 5.2 miles
Address: 1 Baha Mar Blvd, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 788 1234
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
Courtyard Nassau Downtown Junkanoo Beach
Courtyard Nassau Junkanoo Beach is a mid-range Nassau hotel right on the beach with spacious guest rooms and suites decorated with a Caribbean flair. On-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi, bar, and fitness center. This 3-star oceanfront hotel also offers shuttle transport for a fee.
Distance from port: 1.0 miles
Address: West Bay Street, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 302 2975
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
Best Luxury Hotels in Nassau Bahamas
Photo By: Russell Otway
The Island House
The Island House is one of the top boutique Nassau Bahamas hotels with 30 rooms, 6 private apartments, and private beach access. There is a cafe and two onsite restaurants, a wine market, Bamford Spa, fitness center, pool, and Wi-Fi, Air-conditioned rooms include a kitchenette, mini bar, and safe.
This charming four-star hotel is located just 3 miles from the airport and offers a shuttle service for guests.
Distance from port: 13.5 miles
Address: Mahogany Hill, Nassau
Phone number: (242 ) 698 6300
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island
Hotel Riu on Paradise Island is another luxury adults-only all-inclusive hotel in Nassau Bahamas. Right next to Atlantis Resort, it has 2 miles of white sandy beach, fitness center, spa, lounge bar, and infinity-edge pool with swim-up bar.
There are 379 elegant rooms that meet the highest standards for sophisticated elegance. Dine well at themed buffet nights with live cooking stations as well as a Steakhouse, Japanese and Indian restaurants and an ice cream parlor.
Distance from port: 5.2 miles
Address: 6307 Casino Drive, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 363 3500
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
The Ocean Club
The Ocean Club is a Four Seasons Resort in Nassau with upscale service, stunning rooms and suites and a sought-after resort experience. Enjoy the restaurants, spa and children’s activities or relax at the poolside bar before dinner. There’s an infinity edge, yoga classes and tennis courts all just steps from the white sandy beach.
Distance from port: 2.1 miles
Address: One Ocean Drive, Nassau
Phone number: (242) 363 2501
Shuttle? Yes
Beach nearby? Yes
Closest Hotels to Nassau Cruise Port
Photo Credit: Yevgen Belich / Shutterstock.com
Graycliff Hotel Nassau
Upscale Graycliff Hotel is a colonial mansion located right next to Government House. It offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the old town. Four-star comforts are evident in 20 guest chambers and pool cottage suites and guests.
It is home to the Caribbean’s first 5-star restaurant with gourmet cuisine guaranteed. Rooms display a blend of old and new with quality antique furnishings and upscale bathrooms. Rooms have tea/coffee makers, refrigerators and bathrobes and include a sitting area, air-con and breakfast. Definitely one of the best luxury hotels in Nassau Bahamas.
Distance from port: 0.9 miles
Address: West Hill St, Nassau
Phone number: (242 ) 302 9150
Shuttle? No
Beach nearby? Yes – walk
British Colonial Hilton Nassau
A popular hotel for cruise visitors located in downtown Nassau, the British Colonial Hilton offers all the expected amenities. The Wi-Fi is especially popular and crew members from the nearby docked cruise ships often spend the day at the hotel not just to take advantage of the Wi-Fi but also the stunning private beach and pool with views of the port. The hotel is within walking distance from the port.
Distance from port 0.4
Address: One Bay Street
Phone number: (242) 302 9000
Beach nearby? Yes
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Nassau
Holiday Inn Express delivers its usual mid-range but comfortable family-friendly hotel accommodation in Nassau. Clean air-conditioned rooms have air-con and refrigerators and room rates include a free breakfast. This is one of the closest and best hotels in Nassau Bahamas for cruisers with a pool and fitness center in a central location.
Distance from port: 0.9 miles
Address: West Bay Street
Phone number: (242) 322 1515
Shuttle? No
Beach nearby? Yes
FAQs
Is Atlantis hotel in Nassau, Bahamas?
Yes. Atlantis Resort is on Paradise Island which is 1.9 miles from the centre of Nassau and connected to New Providence Island by a bridge and ferry.
Is Nassau a safe place to stay?
There is considerable poverty in Nassau which is reflected in the elevated crime rate. There are robberies and some violent crime on New Providence Island, but most is in the “Over the Hill” area of Nassau, away from the tourist area. It is wise to take precautions against purse snatching and petty theft. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and valuables and use a taxi to get around after dark.
What’s the best hotel near the Nassau cruise port?
Holiday Inn Express and Suites is one of the closest hotels to Nassau cruise port, just 0.9 miles away. It offers comfortable rooms and a pool, close to the port and beach.
Carnival Cruise Line has introduced a new Family Feud board game which comes in anticipation of the Family Feud Live show that will debut on the cruise line’s new Mardi Gras cruise ship later in the year.
Family Feud: Carnival Edition
The Miami-based cruise line has launched a new board game inspired by the hit television show Family Feud. The new Carnival Edition board game brings a themed version of the game that can be played at home.
The game has more than 150 questions to test the knowledge on one of the world’s largest cruise lines such as “Name a Famous Captain”. The questions also include general cruise vacations too such as “Name Something You’d Hate to Forget When Packing for a Cruise.”
Image Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
As expected, the Carnival Family Feud board game includes features like “Fast Money,” “Pass or Play,” “What Ifs” and “Face Offs.” players of the game can also download a free app from the App Store or Google Play to turn their phones into a real Family Feud buzzer.
The game can be purchased on Carnival’s online store and it currently costs $24.95. It can also be bundled along with the new Carnival Monopoly board game.
Image: Courtesy: Carnival Cruise Line
The Family Feud game show will be part of the entertainment offerings once the Mardi Gras begins sailings. The ship remains in Barcelona, Spain, until Carnival Cruise Line can resume operations in the United States. The ship has been delayed six times but hopefully, she will finally begin Caribbean cruises out of the new Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral in July 2021.
Carnival’s Family Feud Game comes after the cruise line also recently introduced its new Carnival Themed Monopoly game. It features 28 popular Carnival Cruise Line attractions and features and iconic landing spots such as Mardi Gras’ BOLT roller coast, and the Lido Marketplace.
