The midnight buffet line isn’t the only crowded place you’ll find on a Caribbean cruise. Wait until you step off the gangway into the ports of call, including Nassau in the Bahamas, one of the most popular stops.
The islands’ five most-visited ports (beyond San Juan, Puerto Rico where many cruises start) are Nassau in the Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; the Cayman Islands; and St. Maarten. They get more than 11 million cruise passengers a year , flooding off the ships for shopping, organized excursions or self-guided wandering, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
With so many people on the prowl, how do you decide what to do if your ship includes a port-of-call at Nassau? Here are some suggestions on where to eat and what to do. And keep in mind that ship-sponsored shore excursions can be expensive: Many outings can be arranged on your own in advance or at dockside kiosks once you get off the ship.
Port info: Nassau, Bahamas, tourism information: 800-224-2627 or www.bahamas.com
Number of visitors: Nassau gets 3.4 million cruise passengers a year (includes some to Freeport), making it one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean
Nassau shopping: The duty-free shopping on Nassau’s Bay Street is known for luxury goods like crystal, perfume, leather and liquor. For hand-woven hats, baskets and dolls, visit the Straw Market.
Where to eat: Bahamian Kitchen (Trinity Place off Market Street) is considered one of downtown Nassau’s top eateries, especially for local dishes like peas and rice and spiced grouper fish. Visit the market at Potter’s Cay (at the bridge to Paradise Island) for conch soup and conch fritters. For a splurge, choose a rare vintage at the luxe Graycliff hotel/restaurant (West Hill Street).
Ship excursions: Among the shore tours most cruise lines offer:
– Half-day trips to Blue Lagoon Island ﾗ a small, private oasis with water sports ﾗ include beach lounging, live music and dining. Some tours stop at a dolphin interaction center .
– Nab a much-desired tee time at par-72 Cable Beach Golf Course .
– View sea life without getting wet on a glass-bottom boat tour.
Do-It-yourself excursions: Many Nassau day-trippers head to attractions at the behemoth Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, which include marine habitats and a casino. Or you may be able to get a day pass, or rent a day room, to use the many pools. Check out what’s available at kiosks near the dock or at the Atlantis casino. Or for a different high-rolling scene, go to Cable Beach’s Crystal Palace Casino.
By The Washington Post
