The Bahamas is made up of hundreds of islands, and cruise ships visit a handful of them that could not be more different. One stop is a colorful capital with forts, markets and history. Another has caves, quiet beaches and fresh conch. Others are private islands built around lagoons, waterslides and calm turquoise water.
Here is a tour of the places Bahamas cruises stop, with what makes each one special, so you know what to look forward to.
Nassau: The Colorful Capital
Nassau, on New Providence Island, is the Bahamas' capital and the stop with the most to see within a short walk of the ship.
Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle: The staircase has 64 steps and is named after Queen Victoria. It leads up to Fort Fincastle, built in 1793, with views over the harbor.
Straw Market: Browse handmade straw goods and souvenirs along the way from Woodes Rodgers Walk to Bay Street. Friendly bargaining is part of the fun.
John Watling's Distillery: A 15-minute walk uphill from the port, with free rum tastings and tours on request.
Junkanoo Beach: Free to visit and close to the cruise port, so it is a favorite for a quick swim.
Quieter beaches: Caves Beach offers more space to spread out, and Jaws Beach is known as a filming location for the movie Jaws.
Across the bridge: Paradise Island
Paradise Island is home to Atlantis, about a 10-minute taxi ride from the port. A day pass opens the Aquaventure waterpark, and the resort's shops and casino are open to visitors. Margaritaville Beach Resort also offers a day pass with a lazy river and private beach.
The island is also home to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, Royal Caribbean's first Royal Beach Club, which welcomed its first guests on December 23, 2025. Day passes are available to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests, and the club features a Family Beach, a Chill Beach with the world's largest swim-up bar, and a Party Cove.
Freeport and Grand Bahama: Beaches, Caves and Conch
Ships dock at Lucayan Harbour on Grand Bahama's southwest side, and the island's best moments are a short drive away.
Beaches for every mood: Xanadu Beach, about a 10-minute drive, has calm water and water sports. Taino Beach is family-friendly with beach bars and picnic areas. Gold Rock Beach is a quieter, more local spot.
Lucayan National Park: About 30 miles from the port, it is known for one of the world's longest underwater cave systems, and Gold Rock Beach sits right next door.
Paradise Cove: A popular snorkeling spot that also offers paddleboarding and kayaking.
Port Lucaya Marketplace: Roughly 10 acres of shops, restaurants, bars and live music.
Local flavor: Try walk-up conch and seafood at Robinson's Seafood Delight or a conch dish at Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience near Taino Beach. The Bahamian Brewery offers tours and local beer.
Grand Bahama is also home to Celebration Key, Carnival's private destination, which you will find in the next section.
The Private Islands: Your Beach Day
Every major cruise line has a private island or beach destination in the Bahamas, each with its own personality. Which one you visit depends on the cruise line and the sailing.
Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean)
Part of the Berry Islands, about 55 miles northwest of Nassau. It has no cars or hotels. Thrill Waterpark has 13 waterslides and the Caribbean's largest wave pool, and Daredevil's Peak is a 135-foot slide. For a calmer day, Oasis Lagoon is a large free freshwater pool, and Chill Island and South Beach are free beach areas. Hideaway Beach is adults-only.
Celebration Key (Carnival)
On Grand Bahama, Celebration Key opened on July 19, 2025. It has a large beach area, freshwater lagoons, waterslides, swim-up bars, shopping and regular Junkanoo performances, plus the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club.
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line)
In the Berry Islands, with three beaches and an underwater sculpture garden for snorkeling. Nearby excursions let guests swim with pigs and stingrays.
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve (MSC Cruises)
A former industrial site that is now a land and sea conservation reserve. Ships dock directly at the island, there are eight beaches with loungers included, and activities include snorkeling over coral reefs, kayaking, paddleboarding and sunset catamaran sailing. A nightly light show lights up the island's lighthouse. Motorized water sports are not allowed, which keeps the water peaceful.
Half Moon Cay (Holland America Line and Carnival)
A relaxed island with horseback riding, including swimming with horses, plus nature trails, cycling and an aqua park.
Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (Disney Cruise Line)
On Eleuthera, with a family beach splash area, an adults-only retreat with cabanas, nature trails, snorkeling, kayaking and eco-tours.
Before You Go Ashore
Pack for the water. A swimsuit, sunscreen, water shoes and a light cover-up cover most island days.
Plan your favorite stop. Ask your Vacation Consultant which of these islands your sailing visits. Short 3 to 5 night cruises typically include one or two of them.
Questions? A Vacation Consultant at Expedia Cruises® is happy to help: 1 (888) 619 7447 (SHIP).