"Why Take
a Bahamas Cruise ?"
By John Metcalfe
The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for
U.S. travelers, and is especially popular with first-time cruisers
from the U.S. Only 75kms from mainland USA, the outer islands
that make up the group can be reached within a matter of hours.
This makes the Bahamas an excellent choice of location for a short
Bahamas cruise break of two, three or four nights away from home.
Some 700 islands make up the archipelago of the Bahamas, of which
only around 50 are inhabited. Cruise lines generally focus on
just two Bahaman ports - Nassau and Freeport.
Nassau is Bahamas' capital, and is located on the island of New
Providence. It is a beautiful compact city that is easy to explore
inside a day's shore excursion. The city's charm is in its architecture
- and of course its people. Late 18th century and early 19th century
colonial buildings stand as reminders of Bahamas' British past.
Parliament Square in downtown Nassau offers a unique perspective
on the city's architecture, watched over, as always, by a grandiose
marble statue of Queen Victoria.
But Nassau is not just about history. It has a vibrant modern
side too. Quality shops, fine restaurants and golden beaches,
up onto which the inviting warm transparent waters of the Caribbean
lap, are all there to be sampled. Activities such as snorkeling,
diving and passenger submarine rides make for an exciting time
in this tropical paradise. The nightlife in Nassau is buzzing
too, with casinos and nightclubs offering the best of Bahamian
life.
A Bahamas cruise to Freeport on the island of Grand Bahama offers
tropical paradise that is very close to home. Easily accessible
on a two-night Bahamas cruise, Freeport is a city that welcomes
cruisers and tourists with open arms. Duty-free shopping is one
of the biggest draws of Freeport, and the city itself features
a 10-acre international bazaar - a real shopping paradise in the
tropics!
The nightlife in Freeport is world-renowned. Casinos, nightclubs
and live entertainment in Freeport are amongst the best in the
Caribbean, and make for a great night out when you're on a Bahamas
cruise.
For travelers looking for a Bahamas cruise of a longer duration
than four nights, some cruise lines offer special extended cruises,
several of which incorporate a port call at a private island owned
by the cruise company.
Bahamas cruises generally depart from ports in Florida. Port
Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami port are the big three which
offer cruises to the Bahamas. So, if you're looking to take a
short romantic break, or just fancy a change of scenery for the
weekend, why not get yourself down to Florida and book a Bahamas
cruise. Bahamas cruises are reasonably priced, and I guarantee
you that the experience will be one that lives long in the memory.
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