Why You Should Take a Bahamas Cruise

It’s comforting to know as temperatures cool in the Northern Hemisphere that the sunny Bahamas are never too far away. Offering weekly sailings, vacationing in the Bahamas has never been easier. Quicker than you can say "cold front," you could be sunning on white sand, cocktail in hand, on a Bahamas cruise.

Once your eyes adjust to the warm sunlight, you’ll find yourself by the swimming pool, sailing toward offshore destinations including Nassau, Grand Bahama Island and Norwegian's exclusive private island Great Stirrup Cay.

The folks back home won’t be swimming with dolphins this weekend, but you can. Visit private Balmoral Island in Nassau to be kissed on the cheek by a dolphin or feed stingrays from your hand. Sip rum punch while stretched out on a hammock for two. Sail by catamaran to snorkel on an offshore reef. Visit the impressive Atlantis Resort to browse the shops or try your luck at the world-class casino. Cool off at the 140-acre Atlantis Adventure water park. Hang on as 20 million gallons of water propel you down waterslides and along a mile-long river ride with artificial rapids. Get up close and personal with 50,000 sea creatures at the Atlantis marine habitat.

You don’t have to do anything, of course, simply soak up the sun and sip on a cocktail. All the onboard drinks are free when you cruise on the Norwegian Sky.

When in doubt, do as the locals do. Bahamian islanders are known for their laid-back vibe. Nothing is so urgent that it must upset the easy flow of the day. After a day or two on the cruise, you’ll find yourself living on “island time.” Go with it. Schedules and commitments can remain at home.

Now that you’re in the groove, try some local food. Bahamian cuisine is simple and spicy, much like the culture itself. It’s difficult to leave the islands without trying some conch, the national dish of the Bahamas. This sea mollusk is served a variety of ways; raw in spicy conch ceviche, fried into conch fritters, or blended into stews. You’ll also find rock lobster, baked crab and fried grouper on the menu. Always keep a cold beer at the ready to douse the spicy flames.

All cruises through the Bahamas stop at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island paradise. Take advantage of your island home away from home by lounging on white-sand beaches, snorkeling to see colorful exotic fish or strolling the beach boardwalk. The more adventurous will brave the 1,000-foot zip line stretching 100 feet above crystal blue waters. Enjoy some quiet time by renting a private beachfront cabana for the day. Hit the taco stand or the beach buffet for lunch. Take plenty of photos for the folks back home.

Before the trip is over you’ll be planning your next escape. Over cocktails by the pool you’ll rest easy in the knowledge that the Bahamas are never too far away.