Things to do in Nassau, Bahamas Without Booking an Excursion
Did you know you can explore Nassau, Bahamas on your cruise without an excursion?
Did you know you can explore Nassau, Bahamas on your cruise without an excursion? While there are a number of things to do like chilling at the beaches, exploring Nassauâs historical sites, renting a jet-ski or visiting the Atlantis Resort, you can have a great day just walking around the port area on your own, without an excursion.
Both Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean almost always include a day at Nassau on their 3 and 4 night itineraries from Florida.
Royal Caribbeanâs Liberty of the Seas (center) and Freedom of the Seas (right) are twins - both part of the Freedom Class.
Itâs perfectly ok to get off the ship for a couple of hours, walk around the port, then go back to the ship for lunch and enjoy the pool with lower crowds.
Fun fact! Nassau was Royal Caribbeanâs very first port over 50 years ago.
As soon as you leave the pier (and make your way through a few offers for a taxi ride) youâll be in Nassauâs touristy shopping district. But thatâs ok, youâre a tourist!
There are a number of t-shirt and souvenir shops, jewelry stores, bars and restaurants, an outdoor flea market and even places to get your hair braided - all within a short walk from your cruise ship.
A busy day in Nassau, Bahamas. The Disney Dream is pictured center and Anthem of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ship is on the far left.
The Disney Fantasy at Nassau, Bahamas
Straw Market - Nassau
A 5 minute walk from the pier on Bay Street, youâll find Nassauâs world-famous Straw Market.
The Straw Market - Nassau, Bahamas
Now, I donât know how âworld famousâ it is but itâs home to local, handmade Bahamian crafts, souvenirs, and items such as hand-woven straw hats, bags, mats, dolls, conch shell jewelry, and wood carvings.
Itâs also a great place to try your negotiating skills - itâs even expected. Most of the vendors inside will accept US currency and or credit cards.
The Straw Market is a 5 minute walk from the cruise port, right on Bay Street.
The Straw Market has t-shirts and apparel, but my favorite items are the wood carvings, sea shell crafts and other items made by the locals.
Before you commit to buying something, I recommend that you first walk the entire market so you can get a sense of what they offer here.
Shopping on Bay Street - Things to do in Nassau
Bay Street is a block over from the cruise port and lined with touristy shops. I like it because itâs not too far from the ship. Remember that it is a foreign country and a poor one at that. So, itâs best to stay in the well-traveled, touristy areas.
Bay Street on Nassau
Stores on one side of the street tend to be focused on inexpensive t-shirts and souvenirs while the opposite side tends to have more jewelry.
The stores have the same type of merchandise, for the most part, but thereâs enough variety to make each one interesting.
Prices vary widely from place to place too so donât from the first store you visit. Shop around a little.
Bay Street shopping at Nassau
Bay Street shopping at Nassau
Christ Church Anglican Cathedral - Things to do in Nassau
This Anglican church is over 100 years old and remarkably beautiful. Itâs actually quite small even though itâs called a cathedral but Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry have visited here over the years.
This isnât a tourist destination necessarily and thatâs exactly why I like it. In the midst of the t-shirt district, you come across a local church, beautifully maintained.
You are free to go inside, sit down, and just reflect for a moment or two.
Christ Church Anglican Cathedral is a nice break from the touristy things in the area
The church is about a 10 minute walk from the cruise port and just a few blocks up from the Straw Market and Bay Street shops.
Pirates of Nassau Museum - Things to do in Nassau
I found Pirates of Nassau by accident just walking around randomly with my son and although I was hesitant to walk in - he begged me to go inside.
Pirates of Nassau - Nassau, Bahamas
I pictured some disappointing tourist trap inside but itâs an excellent museum - one might say a real treasure here in Nassau!
This museum is one of my most recommended activities in Nassau while exploring on your own.
Pirates of Nassau - Nassau, Bahamas
Pirates were a very real part of the Bahamas including the notorious pirates you probably heard about like Black Beard.
And while they were a rough bunch, they were absolutely adored by people all over the world (except the British Navy).
Pirates of Nassau - Nassau, Bahamas
At this museum youâll experience pirate life in a realistic setting, one that rivals Pirates of the Caribbean at Walt Disney World.
Admission is $13.50 for adults, kids ages 4-17 pay $6.75. It takes about 30 minutes to see the entire museum and itâs self-guided.
You can walk to the museum in under 10 minutes along the shops on Bay Street. Itâs also right across the street from the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral.
So, is it worth getting off the ship in Nassau? Yes! I think itâs worth getting off the ship even if you prefer to skip the excursions (aka port adventures). Exploring on your own is a great way to spend the morning. But also take advantage of lower crowds onboard the ship.
Your day in Nassau is also a great time to enjoy the water slides or other activities onboard with fewer people.
If you prefer to book an excursion at Nassau, I personally only recommend Paradise Island (Atlantis Resort). I also recommend booking this with your cruise line as they often include transportation. Itâs always best to book port adventures directly with your cruise line because they vet the tour companies and they are also responsible for you.
Iâm often asked, do I need a passport for a cruise to the Bahamas?
No. Although I recommend a passport just in case, you do not need to show any form of government ID in the Bahamas. A birth certificate is sufficient when you reenter the United States.
But, if you have an emergency and need to fly home from Nassau, you will need a passport to board a plane. Passports can be obtained in about 8-10 weeks, so if you have time, itâs worth getting.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Weekend Cruise Vacations from Florida
Power up your weekend getaway vacations with a 3-night cruise on Royal Caribbean
Book a weekend cruise vacation that includes a stop at the newly revamped Perfect Day at CocoCay, a Royal Caribbean private destination, and youâre in for game-changing ways to chill and record-breaking thrills, like the tallest water slide in North America.
Soak up all the adventure on a 2, 3, or 4-night cruise sailing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando.
You donât need a lot of days off to enjoy a short weekend getaway. Snag my best weekend deals and level up a quick vacation getaway like never before.
From laid-back beachside lounging to adrenaline-amping thrills â a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay has something for everyone.
My 10 Essential Tips for Perfect Day at CocoCay
See my article on Top 10 Tips for visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay
Weekend cruises start at around $230 per person. Most 3-night cruises depart Friday afternoon and return Monday morning.
Sample Cruise Itinerary from Orlando (Port Canaveral):
Friday Evening - Embarkation around 4 pm
Saturday - Nassau, Bahamas
Sunday - Perfect Day at CocoCay
Monday morning - off the ship around 9 am
My quick getaways are adventures designed to change the way you weekend. Whether youâre into action-packed thrills or beachside chill, youâre just one click away from vacation mode.
Cruise to the Bahamas to witness a majestic coral garden at Orange Bowl reef, hang out at ultra-luxurious resorts like Atlantis, and shop resort fashion in Paradise Island or Nassau.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Will I Get Seasick on a Cruise?
All first-time cruisers are worried about seasickness. I know where the concern comes from and I have answers.
One of the most common questions first-time cruisers have is âWhat if I get seasick on my cruise?â As someone who avoided going on a cruise vacation for this very reason, I understand where the concern comes from, and I have answers.
In this article:
Why you probably wonât get seasick at all
How to prevent seasickness
Professional advice in case it happens
Symphony of the Seas | Royal Caribbean
Why you probably wonât get seasick at all
Ships today sail with thousands of passengers onboard, most are not hearty seafaring people that can take whatever the sea throws at them. Cruising wouldnât be as popular if getting seasick was a common occurrence.
The cruise lines know this too. They want you to be loyal customers and to return for future cruise vacations.
Newer ships are built for passenger comfort and safety above all. They use innovative design and engineering technology that helps keep the ship steady, like stabilizers and sophisticated weather technology.
Royal Caribbeanâs Symphony of the Seas compared to Titanic (photo credit: The Smithsonian Channel)
The sheer size of cruise ships today means that youâre not going to be bobbing around like a cork in the ocean. Cruise ships are floating cities, it takes a lot to move them.
Most of the time, I donât even know the ship is moving unless I look out a window.
I like to use the water glass test - something I came up with while onboard, itâs the teacher in me.
While at dinner look at your glass of water. If the ship is rocking, you will see the water in your glass swaying back and forth, because water always tries to remain level. I have yet to see the water move, on any cruise Iâve been on.
How to prevent seasickness
Sometimes the best treatment is prevention.
Avoid excessive alcohol and overeating. Avoid reading small print as well. The only time I started to feel a little seasickness coming on was while I was trying to read a book. I put the book down and felt better right away.
âItâs best that guests who know they are prone to seasickness consult their doctor prior to departure,â says Dr. Shore, Chief Medical Advisor at Royal Caribbean.
If your personal physician thinks itâs appropriate, he or she can prescribe a patch that you can wear to prevent the onset of seasickness.
As a travel professional, I recommend a Bahamas cruise for your first journey out there. Waters between the coast of Florida and the Bahamas are known to be very calm. This is why cruising in the area is so popular.
Most Bahamian cruises are 3 or 4 nights, so itâs just the right amount of time to earn your sea legs.
What to do if you get seasick on your cruise
In the event that seasickness does develop, itâs unlikely to really interrupt your cruise.
Dr. Shore notes that there are lots of natural remedies that can help alleviate motion sickness.
âAnecdotally, ginger ale seems to be helpful, and some people find various aromas (like chamomile and peppermint) or eating dry crackers, even after the onset of seasickness, can help.â
If a few sips of ginger ale donât do the trick, he also suggests going for a short walk to the center of the ship, the most balanced area onboard and therefore least likely to produce seasickness symptoms.
For this same reason, I recommend booking a midship room on a lower deck.
Cruise ships have motion sickness medications, like meclizine, readily available at the shipâs Medical Center.
âAdditionally, for more troublesome seasickness, Royal Caribbeanâs Medical Centers also carry promethazine and metoclopramide,â Dr. Shore says.
If youâre ready to plan your cruise with the care of a professional, click here to set sail on your next vacation.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Insider Guide to Chill Island at Perfect Day at CocoCay
If your ideal beach day involves a quiet stretch of powdery shoreline, tranquil waters and plenty of rest and relaxation, youâve come to the right place. Perfect Day at Coco Cay is Royal Caribbeanâs private island in the Bahamas.
If you want to slow down, work on your tan and spend some time recharging, thereâs Chill Island. Perfect for both couples and families, this area of Perfect Day at CocoCay is the best place to relax and soak up the island vibes.
Hereâs everything you need to know before you go.
Plenty of Shade
Thereâs no need to worry about getting ashore early to claim a beach chair and umbrella on Chill Island.
This part of Perfect Day at CocoCay has an abundance of loungers and umbrellas along its shores, and theyâre all complimentary.
One of the best things to do at Chill Island if youâre visiting with a group of friends or your extended family â or if you want to upgrade your romantic getaway â is to reserve one of the Chill Island cabanas.
Each cabana accommodates up to eight guests and comes with attendant service.
Reserving a cabana on Chill Island is a great option for families who want an added level of comfort, or couples looking to elevate their day of relaxation.
Just remember they are subject to availability.
You Have the Option to Play
True to its name, Chill Island is really all about the chill factor â but that doesnât mean you wonât have the option to break up all that shoreside lounging with a bit of action.
Thereâs a shack nearby where you can rent snorkel equipment to check out some of the vibrant coral reefs located just offshore.
Keep an eye out for the friendly manta rays that call the island home â theyâre not shy and donât mind swimming up close to snorkelers.
Thereâs also a dock in this area where you can join a jet ski tour of the island.
You can book water activities ahead of your cruise on Cruise Planner, onboard the cruise ship before you arrive at Perfect Day at CocoCay, or on the island during your time ashore.
Just remember that equipment and spots on the tours are subject to availability, so itâs usually recommended to book ahead.
If youâve already booked your cruise and youâre ready to start planning your itinerary for Perfect Day at CocoCay check out Cruise Planner now.
Two Side - Two Vibes
Compared to most of the other areas on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is definitely the most tranquil spot around.
But the north end is the calmer and more secluded side, and a preferred pick among couples.
The south end has more activity, since thatâs where youâll find the Snorkel Shack and the dock for jet ski rentals and tours.
Lunch and Lounge
One of the best things at Chill Island is that you donât really have to leave the area for anything if you donât want to.
Chill Island boasts the largest restaurant on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Grill, serving a wide range of delicious options tailored to any kind of diet or preference.
Youâll find crisp salads, tasty sandwiches, build-your-own tacos, fresh fruit, and grilled favorites like BBQ chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and more.
For dessert, thereâs soft-serve ice cream, cookies and brownies.
The food is free at Chill Island so make sure you save room for seconds.
Thereâs also a towel station nearby, in case you forgot to grab one on your way off the cruise ship.
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Sip In Serenity
When you feel itâs time to unwind with an ice-cold brew or your favorite summertime cocktail, you have plenty of options right on Chill Island.
On either end of the beach youâll find the Wacky Seagull and Wacky Seagull Jr. bars, both serving adult beverages.
And just offshore, the fan-favorite Floating Bar is easy to spot.
All you have to do is swim out to the gently-bobbing tiki hut to enjoy your Coco Loco with a side of sea views.
Beverage packages purchased on the cruise ship or via Cruise Planner app on Perfect Day at CocoCay, so all you need to bring is your SeaPass card.
No matter how chill you want to go while visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay, Chill Island is the ultimate go-to spot for laid-back beach vibes.
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Insider Tips to Oasis Lagoon pool at CocoCay
Have questions about planning your cruise vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Snapshot of Royal Caribbean's Testing Requirments
Royal Caribbean is making it easier for families to cruise together. Hereâs the updated list of healthy saiding protocols
Thereâs been a change to Royal Caribbeanâs Pre-Cruise and Embark testing requirements for unvaccinated guests age 2 - 11 for sailings departing on or after December 17, 2021.
RCCL will now accept a negative PCR test result to satisfy the Pre-Cruise testing requirement for this age group.
Additionally, instead of taking a PCR test at embarkation, unvaccinated guests age 2 - 11 will receive a complimentary antigen test.
This change will allow for a smoother start to your young cruisers sailing and embarkation. These protocols are subject to change.
Whatâs the difference between a PCR test and an antigen test?
The antigen test is used to quickly determine if you are at risk of spreading the virus. Rapid antigen tests are often used at places of work and for travel. Results are ready in 15 minutes.
PCR tests are considered the most accurate and can detect the virus even in those not experiencing symptoms. Results can take a bit longer. If taking a PCR test at home, be sure to follow the directions carefully.
Snapshot of Royal Caribbeanâs Testing Requirements.
All guests 12 and older must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days before sailing. Guests under the age of 12, who are considered fully vaccinated, should follow the guidance for vaccinated guests below. Children with one dose of a vaccine do not count as fully vaccinated for the purpose of sailing. Click here to learn more.
Testing
Pre-Cruise: All guests 2 years and older must present a negative COVID-19 test result.
Vaccinated guests ages 12 and over: PCR or antigen test must be taken no more than 2 days prior to sailing.
UPDATED! Unvaccinated children ages 2 to 11: PCR test must be taken no more than 3 days prior to sailing â but not on boarding day. Antigen tests are not accepted for unvaccinated guests.
No testing required for guests under age 2.
Pre-cruise testing costs and scheduling are the guest's responsibility.
UPDATED! Embarkation Day: Unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 will take a complimentary antigen test for COVID-19 during check-in. Registration details will be sent via email in advance.
Onboard: For sailings that are 5 nights or longer, unvaccinated guests ages 2 to 11 will take a complimentary antigen test prior to debark. Sailings longer than 10 nights may have additional onboard testing requirements. Registration details will be provided onboard.
Need help with planning your cruise? Have more questions about cruising in 2022? Contact me today! I can help.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Plan a smooth visit to Universal Orlando with this helpful accessibility guide for guests using wheelchairs and mobility devices. Learn how ride transfer requirements work, what to expect in queues, and how to navigate the parks confidently in 2025.