Visiting Nassau Bahamas While on Your Honeymoon Cruise

by Shannon Kietzman, writer for Your Wedding Place.com

A Nassau Bahamas cruise is a popular choice for warm-weather lovers. As the capital of the Bahamas, Naassau is the most visited of all of the Caribbean cruise ports. It is so popular, several cruise lines offer Bahamas-only cruises that make a stop at Nassau. Even if it is not a strictly Bahamas cruise, nearly all Eastern Caribbean cruises include a stop at Nassau.

Arriving at Nassau Bahamas On A Cruise

Most Nassau Bahamas cruises dock at Prince George Wharf. As you approach the dock, you will gain an exquisite view of New Providence Island and its many interesting buildings. To the northeast, you can view Paradise Island, which is connected by bridge to Nassau. Paradise Island is known throughout the world for its Atlantis hotel and casino.

When getting off the cruise ship, you will be right in the center of Rawson Square, which contains many of Nassau’s most popular shopping venues, such as the Straw Market. With more than one million visitors every year, Nassau Bahamas cruises are so popular that many cruise lines offer extended stays of 24 hours or more.

Things you should know before taking a Nassau Bahamas cruise include:

• The official currency is the Bahamian dollar, which is equal to a United States dollar. Both currencies are happily accepted.
• English is the official language of the island.
• Vendors can be persistent, but a polite refusal is generally enough to get them to leave you alone.

What to See and Do While on a Nassau Bahamas Cruise

Shore tours while on a Nassau Bahamas cruise are not necessarily the same from cruise line to cruise line. Scuba diving, snorkeling, historical tours, and glass-bottom boat rides, however, are favorite standbys. Other popular sites include:

• Pirates of Nassau Museum – You and your honey can learn more about Bahamian piracy.
• Hairbraider’s Centre – At Hairbraider’s Centre, which is located immediately outside of the port area, you can get your hair done in a native Bahamian style. Be sure to negotiate the price, however, as many vendors will only quote a per braid fee and fail to mention that a hairdo may require dozens of braids.
• Straw Market – Straw Marker it a shopper’s paradise and is located on a few blocks west of the dock.
• Surrey Rides – These 20-30 minute horse-drawn carriage rides are available for private tours offering views into the Bahamas’ culture and history.
• Parliament Square – Parliament Square is located near the port area and is where Nassau’s government buildings are located. The buildings are painted pink flamingo pink in honor of the official bird of the nation.
• Atlantis Resort – The Atlantis resort is a world famous casino, as well as the largest in the Caribbean. It is home to over 1,000 slot machines and other gaming tables. It is free to walk through the casino and other areas, but tours of the themed areas and of the aquarium cost an admission fee.
• Ardastra Gardens – At Ardastra Gardens, you can enjoy seeing wildlife, such as the pink flamingo, as well as a botanical preserve.
• Cable Beach – This beach is just five miles away from the port and offers white sand beaches and water sports.

A Nassau Bahamas cruise offers more possible attractions than you could possibly have time to explore. So, be sure to have a solid idea of what you want to see and do while there and you will be sure to have an unforgettable honeymoon cruise.

© 2006 Your Wedding Place.com

This article was written exclusively for Your Wedding Place.com by Shannon Kietzman.