The archipelago includes both the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos and is quickly accessed from Florida. There are both private resort islands and local towns and villages to explore, each with their own unique excursions on offer. Below, we have discussed the definitive list of ports visited from the major cruise companies to help you decide upon your next Caribbean itinerary.
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The Bahamas
Bimini Islands
This tiny island may only be nine square miles, but, for numerous reasons, it's an excellent addition to any cruise itinerary. Firstly, it's the closest place in the Caribbean to the cruise hub of Miami, making it perfect for a mini cruise or the first day of a Caribbean adventure. Secondly, the food and drink is fresh and delicious. Highlights include spiny lobster and conch salad, plus plenty of rum cocktails, such as a Rum Runner with fruit juices, banana liqueur, grenadine and, most importantly, lots of rum! Finally, there really is something for everyone to do on the island. Due to its location on the Gulf Stream, it's a haven for fans of fishing who want to get their best ever catch. Those who love to snorkel will be excited to see the Bimini Road - half a mile of straight rocks with their own mystery and legends, plus, of course, there's miles of pristine beaches with plenty of opportunity for water sports or pure relaxation.
Freeport
The Bahama's second largest city welcomes tourists with open arms and provides everything needed for the perfect Caribbean escape. Most tourists head straight for Port Lucaya Marketplace - a shopping and cultural hub where you can pick up local crafts and sip a drink watching the street entertainment. The easily accessible Rand Nature Centre offers 100 acres of native trees and wildlife, accessible via the 2,000 foot trail, whilst the Garden of the Groves is twelve tropical acres of jungle and waterfalls. Another popular site is Gold Rock Beach, the setting for Pirates of the Caribbean, where low tide creates gorgeous, unique patterns across the sand.
Nassau
The capital of the Bahamas is a classic cruise destination and it's easy to see why. Kids will love visiting the largest waterpark in the Caribbean - Atlantis Resort's Aquaventure. It's possible to spend the whole day on the island in just this one resort, with its 14 pools and 141 metres of slides, including the film set-worthy Mayan Temple and the 50-foot high mega slide - The Drop. A contrasting way to spend the day would be taking the thirty minute boat ride to the private Pearl Island, where relaxed watersports and excellent service will make your holiday that extra special. The town of Nassau itself is beautiful. Colourful, pastel georgian houses line the streets, with the sparkling sea and impressive towering hotels as their backdrop. There are several nature reserves nearby, where it's possible to see mangroves, caverns, palm forests and coral reefs all in one day, perfect for those who love exploring on a hike or with their scuba diving gear.
Check out our guide to private islands in the Bahamas. These are run by the cruise companies and offer a day of adventure, often with the benefits of all-inclusive catering, pools and adventure activities.
Turks and Caicos
Grand Turk
Grand Turk is a small island in the country of Turks and Caicos. It's popular with cruisers for its easy accessibility and range of excursions. There are so many beaches to explore, each one as perfect as the next. Governor's Beach, Cruise Center Beach and Cockburn Town Beach all come highly recommended. Along the coast, there are several amazing scuba diving sites very close to the shore, offering sightings of turtles, stingrays and sharks. For those looking for a sense of the island's culture, there are a surprising number of historical sites on this small island: the H.M. Prison shows a fascinating side to the island's past; the lighthouse stands proudly on the northern tip of the island and is a great base for a hike; and the old salinas are a sight to behold, giving a glimpse of how important salt production once was on Grand Turk.
Still unsure which island is for you? Explore more island insights here.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals . Search for your perfect Caribbean cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
