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For cruise travelers, witnessing Junkanoo is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in an authentic local celebration, deeply rooted in the country’s African heritage. If you cruise, it's almost certain you'll visit the Bahamas at some point in your travels. Since the Bahamas is a year-round destination and lots of ships call there, supply is plentiful. That means prices tend to be more affordable, particularly for shorter Bahamas-only voyages. The port was thrust into the spotlight when Virgin Voyages developed its Beach Club at Bimini on part of a property operated by Resorts World.
Best Times to Visit The Bahamas for Swimming and Diving
Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.
Best Bahamas cruise ports
Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas: A Month-by-Month Guide - Cruise Critic
Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas: A Month-by-Month Guide.
Posted: Mon, 01 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Both the three- and four-night cruises have stops at Nassau and Royal Caribbean's massive private island — Perfect Day at CocoCay. Those two stops combined give cruisers the opportunity to enjoy water sports, spend some time at the beach and experience a bit of Bahamian culture. The Bahamas enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but there's a distinct difference in weather patterns throughout the year. The best weather is typically found from December to April, when the climate is cooler and drier. During this period, daytime temperatures average between 70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C), creating an ideal environment for beach outings and outdoor explorations. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowded attractions.
Best time to cruise based on weather
While short sailings are still the most popular Bahamas itineraries, you can find options for almost every cruising style. The key is identifying the cruise that fits your style, preferred activities and vacation budget. Family-friendly lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, offer cruises focused on the Bahamas all year. So do newcomers Virgin Voyages, with its adults-only sailings, and Margaritaville at Sea, offering short two-night hops and longer cruise-and-stay packages. The winter and early spring seasons bring a handful of itineraries on premium lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America.
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The total rainfall is only about 2.6 inches in March and April, so you won’t need to pack your rain gear. Instead, you should pack sun protection and other beach gear to enjoy the best beaches in Nassau. These are months between the holiday parties and spring break, so you can usually sit back and enjoy smaller, quieter crowds. October tends to be the lowest-priced month to cruise to the Bahamas, with inside cabins averaging around $60 per person, per night. Ocean-view cabins are yours for an average of $75 per night, while balcony cabins are a bit higher, at around $85 per person per night. October sailings do not usually include very many children or college-age partiers, but the lower fares do attract working folks looking to let off steam, especially on three-night sailings.
This period attracts fewer tourists, resulting in more serene beaches and shorter lines at popular sites. Yet, it's important to note the trade-offs, such as the increased likelihood of encountering rough seas and the occasional need for itinerary changes due to weather. Fall can be a really good time to cruise, particularly if you are prepared to sail during hurricane season (see below for why you should really consider doing this). September and October see decent weather and less demand so prices are generally lower than peak times.
Everything You Need to Plan a Perfect Day at Cococay
If you notice that the fare does drop, you can either consult your travel agent or call Royal Caribbean, and they will honor the lower price. If you book after a price increase, however, there is no way for you to get price that you missed out on. March and April see an increase in pricing due to spring break, while three day weekends (i.e., Presidents' Day) are popular since they require one less day off of work. If cruising in the winter -- think December and January -- you might be subject to colder temperatures due to the possibility of a cold front.
Carnival has many onboard activities to ensure that your kids have the time of their lives. You’ll love the fresh trade winds that give the islands an agreeable climate all year round. The weather can be compared to Miami, Florida, which means you’ll see mostly sunny days with some clouds.
Best Bahamas cruise lines
This means that the period from June to November, particularly August, September, and October, experiences both increased rainfall and a higher likelihood of tropical storms and hurricanes. Travelers visiting the Bahamas during the rainy season should be prepared for showers and potential weather-related disruptions. While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, you are most likely to encounter storms in August and September. Do not let this stop you from booking a cruise during this time, though. If a storm does pop up, the cruise ship captain will do everything they can to ensure smooth sailing, meaning that it is more common for itineraries to be changed instead of being flat out cancelled.
Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings usually start at five nights and can run up to two weeks in length, but most usually last about a week. Regardless of your intended activities, certainly pack plenty of reef-friendly sunscreen to combat the strong sun. August is wet in the Bahamas, so there's a chance that your ship-operated shore excursion might get rained out. Summer cruises are a great way to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy much-needed relaxation. The Bahamas continue to be a dry, warm paradise in February, with low chances of rain.
Additionally, cruisers can find Bahamas stops on sailings that depart from non-Florida ports on the U.S. They are often seven or eight days in length and include calls on Florida and the Bahamas. Bahamas-only cruises tend to be anywhere from two to five nights, and they visit a port or two in the Bahamas, as well as a private island (see below).
Of course, be careful to book your springtime sailing after any school breaks but before graduation season. Junkanoo is a celebration of the history of the islands that features people in colorful masks, elaborate costumes, a variety of musicians, and dancers. Hundreds of islanders dance through the streets to music made with drums, cowbells, trumpets, and whistles between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Families, couples and friend groups will appreciate the unstructured nature of a Norwegian cruise.
The line's "freestyle cruising" mantra — cruising without rigid dining schedules, dress codes and formal nights — is perfectly suited for short sailings. With a wide range of eateries and no assigned seating times, passengers have lots of flexibility for their limited time at sea. This an ideal cruise for older travelers who are new to cruising and want to sample one or frequent cruisers who might prefer a shorter time at sea. Although Celebrity doesn't draw many families with young children, the shorter Bahamas itineraries are also perfect for multigenerational family groups seeking an affordable cruise that appeals to all ages. When Royal Caribbean's giant Utopia of the Seas debuts in July 2024, it will offer a bevy of short sailings, including three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida. The 236,860-ton, 5,669-passenger vessel will be the second-largest cruise ship in the world and offer more exciting amenities than any other cruise ship sailing short itineraries in North America.
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