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The Bahamas are only 50 miles from the United States. There are actually
over 700 islands in the Bahamian archipelago stretching over 100,000 square miles of sea from
the eastern coast of Florida to the northern coast of Cuba and Haiti. These islands derive their name from the Spanish
baja mar, which means shallows. Of the hundreds of islands in the group, less than 50 are
inhabited, and cruise ships usually visit only two ports--either Nassau
or Freeport.
Nassau
is a perfect combination of British heritage and colonialism along with modern resorts and picturesque
beaches. Nassau is located on the island of New Providence, which is about 21 miles long and 7 miles wide. The city
is compact and can be explored easily on foot in a few hours. Cruise ships dock at piers
on the north side of the island, a 10 minute walk from the center of the city. The modern
pier, known as Prince George Wharf,
is only one block from famous Bay Street, the main shopping street
of Nassau. When your cruise ship docks, you will find plenty
of taxis waiting to take you around the island.
If you
decide to not take an organized shore excursion, stop off at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
near Rawson Square. They can
help give you a really good sense of what to see and do in Nassau. You
can't miss it--you will see it when you exit the cruise ship pier. They can provide maps, directions,
and other information.
Nassau
is a wonderful place to visit for a short getaway cruise or as a port of call on a longer one. It's
close to the U.S., but is "foreign" enough to be very interesting. Because of the thousands
of visitors, there are many opportunities for activities, but the streets are often packed with tourists. All of the major cruise lines, along with many smaller ones and yacht charters, include Nassau
as a port of call. I think you will enjoy the colonial history, the turquoise waters, and
the many options for fun!
~ Exploring Nassau,
New providence Island - Bahamas ~
Many tourists believe that Nassau is the best of both worlds. It is modern enough to have the tourism
infrastructure work well, the economic conditions are better than much of the rest of the Caribbean,
and nothing in the city is so "unfamiliar" to make less well-traveled tourists uncomfortable.
At the same time, Nassau has just enough of the exotic side to make
you realize you're not at home anymore. When you step off the ship and see the police,
dressed in their "bobbie" uniforms and directing traffic that is driving on the left,
you will immediately realize you've left home! The old colonial sites, the lilt of the
British language influence, and the West Indian
people and festivals help make Nassau a fascinating destination.
Nassau
is stretched along the northern coast of New Providence. The city is compact and easy to leisurely explore on foot. As you stroll
the city, absorb the colonial history and allow time to look for bargains in the shops and straw markets.
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Outside of Nassau on New Providence Island ~
New
Providence Island is only 21 miles long and 7 miles wide, so it is easy to see in a few hours via bus, car, or
moped. Shore excursion tours often combine a tour of Nassau,
some sightseeing, and time at the beach. If you have spent time in Nassau
before, you might want to take an excursion outside the city.
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