If you’ve never had the chance to cruise the Caribbean before, planning one is almost as fun as visiting the Bahamas and other tropical locations. Before you go, take the time to research the different kinds of things you can do on Caribbean cruises. Take some downtime while your ship is in port, however, so you can explore things you find that might not be on your must-see list.
Visit Fort Fincastle and Queen’s Staircase
The Queen’s Staircase is an attraction in Nassau that was hand-carved in celebration of Queen Victoria. There are 65 steps (one for each year of the Queen’s reign) and it is carved entirely from limestone, which took over a year to complete. While there is no official tour, there is usually a guide available to help explain the history and meaning of the staircase. This guide doesn’t really work officially, but it’s nice to tip a few dollars on your time.
Once you reach the top, take a few moments to enjoy the view. Fort Fincastle is also located here and most visitors report that it is worth paying the admission fee in dollars. The fort is small, but still steeped in history.
See the flamingos at the Ardastra Gardens Zoo
If you like animals, the Ardastra Garden Zoo is something not to be missed. Birds like flamingos and peacocks are allowed to roam free here, but the highlight is probably the flamingo show going on. The flamingos march to the beat of the music and the guests are invited to enter the arena to get to know the birds up close. The entrance fee to the zoo is $ 16 for adults and $ 8 for children ages 4-12.
Take a look at the casinos
There are a number of casinos in the Bahamas and even non-gamblers make an effort to visit at least one of them when on vacation from Caribbean cruises. Atlantis, for example, offers a number of things to do in addition to gambling, such as swimming with dolphins, diving among ruins, playing golf, climbing rocks or visiting the spa. Of course, if slot machines and table games are more your style, these casinos offer games of all kinds for players of all skill levels.
Visit the straw market
If you are looking for deals to take home as souvenirs, visit the Straw Market. Vendors here sell straw-woven crafts, carved wooden trinkets, clothing, and more. If you find something you want to take home, be sure to haggle with the vendors because they expect it! Don’t be afraid to walk away from a supplier that is priced too high because you will likely be able to find a similar product elsewhere in the Bahamas.
Caribbean cruises through the Bahamas are some of the most fun vacations you can take. However, don’t limit yourself to the activities on the boat. Before booking your cruise, take the time to research what you want to do off-ship to ensure your vacation is full of fun.