CRUISES
Bahamas cruises: short trips from Florida and how to choose
Bahamas cruises are the classic short sailing from Florida. See typical stops, the private islands, the best ports to leave from and how to compare options.
The Bahamas is where most people take their first cruise. The islands are close to Florida, so sailings are short, often three to five nights, and the flights and costs involved are small. That makes them one of the easiest ways to try cruising, or to get a quick break.
What a Bahamas cruise looks like
- Length. Usually three to five nights, with one or two ports and a sea day.
- Nassau. The capital and most common stop, with beaches, shopping and tours. Several ships can dock at once.
- Private islands. Some lines have their own island or beach destination in the Bahamas, such as Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay, MSC's Ocean Cay and Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay. They are set up for a day of beach, pools and food.
- Freeport. On Grand Bahama island, a quieter alternative to Nassau.
Where to leave from
| Port | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Miami | One of the busiest cruise ports in the world. Close to Miami International Airport and the city. |
| Fort Lauderdale | Port Everglades is very close to Fort Lauderdale airport. |
| Port Canaveral | About an hour from Orlando airport, so it works well with a theme-park trip. See cruises from Florida. |
Is a short cruise worth it?
For many people yes, as a first cruise or a long weekend. The ship is the main attraction, and the ports are a bonus. If you want to see several islands, a longer Caribbean sailing may suit you better. Read our Caribbean guide. CruiseDirect also has a page of weekend and one- to two-night cruises and its MSC page and Norwegian page both list Bahamas sailings.
Tips
- Book a hotel near the port the night before, or drive in early, and read our parking guide.
- If you plan to travel to Nassau excursions, compare ship-run tours with independent ones, and keep time to get back.
- Bring a passport. See the first-time cruise guide for what documents to carry.
- Hurricane season runs from June to November, so check the weather and consider insurance.
- Phone data at sea is costly. A travel eSIM or aeroplane mode keeps bills down.
To keep costs low, see cheap cruises, last-minute cruises and cruise deals.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Bahamas cruise?
Most are three to five nights, though some longer itineraries include the Bahamas as one stop.
What is the cheapest way to cruise to the Bahamas?
Short sailings in an interior cabin, outside school holidays, from a port you can drive to. See cheap cruises.
Do I need a passport for the Bahamas?
A passport is strongly recommended. It is the simplest document, and it helps if you miss the ship and must fly home.
Which port is best?
The one you can reach easily. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are close to airports, and Port Canaveral works well with Orlando.
Is it worth buying an excursion?
If you have a specific plan, yes. Otherwise a beach day or a walk around town costs less.
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