Category: Caribbean

DISCOVER NASSAU

Get to know Nassau and its surrounds on this scenic bus tour. The itinerary lasts for around two-and-a-half hours and includes a visit to a rum distillery, complete with tasting, plus key sights such as Government House.
Excursion Details

Learn more about Bahamian culture and history during this approximately two-and-a-half-hour bus tour of Nassau. Once onboard, the excursion begins with a short drive from the port to nearby Paradise Island, passing by significant spots on the way. The first of these is Rawson Square, named after a former governor and where several important local politicians are honoured with statues.

Once arrived, enjoy around 35 minutes at Atlantis Paradise Island, home to – among other things – a huge, open-air marine habitat and a waterpark themed around the sunken city. Explore and take photos before boarding the bus again and continuing the tour past Potters Cay and its fish shacks.

A short journey ends at one of the highest points on the island: Fort Fincastle Water Tower. You will get around 30 minutes of free time to admire the view and visit the Queen’s Staircase. Informally known as ‘the 66 steps’, this local landmark was cut out of limestone rock by slaves during the 1790s, providing a route from Fort Fincastle (a defensive complex which houses the steps) into the city of Nassau. The staircase was later named after the UK’s Queen Victoria, but today it acts as a reminder of Bahamian history.

A short drive then transports you to John Watling’s Distillery. During the drive, look out for Government House – official residence of the Governor General as well as Gregory’s Arch, a chiselled, stone structure built in 1852 to separate downtown Nassau from Grant’s Town. Then spend around 30 minutes exploring the distillery, located on an 18th-century estate. During your visit, you’ll learn how the distillery slowly develops sugarcane molasses into its much-loved rums some are left to age for up to eight years. You’ll also sample some of the finished goods in the form of a piña colada.

Finally, after an approximately 20-minute drive and brief stop for photos at Junkanoo Beach and its locally famous Fish Fry restaurant, a short drive returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 21 years old to consume alcohol. The driver of this tour is also the guide. This tour is considered not available for guests in wheelchairs. Guests with walking difficulty and mobility problems should consider that there is a walking distance of approximately 1 mile/1.6 km to cover form the ship to the buses. The order of stops visited may vary.

Guests can choose to enter Fort Fincastle while exploring Queen Victoria Staircase. The entrance fee to the fort is not included in the price of this tour and is to be paid at the guests own expense directly onsite. At Atlantis, there is an approximately 5-minute walk to reach the resort. Fort Fincastle will be closed for construction starting March 2025, therefore affecting access to the nearby Queen’s Staircase. As a result, the tour will be re-routed to Fort Charlotte (outdoor view only). Guests may choose to enter for an additional charge, time-permitting.

This tour is not a shopping-focused experience. While vendors may be present at select stops, shopping is at the guests discretion and the primary focus of the tour is on exploring the history and highlights of the island

SEAHORSE SAILING ADVENTURE

Excursion Details

A city surrounded by the enticing blue waters of the Atlantic, Nassau is known for its swimming spots, coral reefs and sea life. Dive into all the area has to offer during this excursion, lasting around three and a half hours.

After a short walk from the port, board your boat and spend about one hour journeying to the snorkelling site. As you glide across the ocean, there’s the option to sunbathe out on the deck or relax in a shaded bar area. During the journey, the crew will also provide snorkelling equipment and instructions the crew will also accompany you into the water to make sure you are safe and enjoying your experience.

Once arrived at the snorkelling site, spend approximately one hour swimming and snorkelling over a natural reef. Afterwards, dry off and enjoy complimentary fruit punch or water during the return boat journey, which lasts around one hour. Disembarkation and the journey back to the port takes approximately 30 minutes.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 18 years of age to consume alcohol and must be able to provide a valid proof of ID.

Alcoholic beverages will only be served after the snorkeling portion of the tour. It is advised that guests wear their bathing suit and bring a towel, sunscreen, and cash or credit cards for any additional purchases. The minimum age to participate is 5 years old. Guests should be able to swim and consider their physical fitness prior to booking this tour.

This tour is not available for guests who are pregnant or have any heart condition. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. The type of vessel used for this tour is subject to change

NASSAU BY JEEP WITH LUNCH

This approximately three-and-a-half-hour excursion is a chance to explore Nassau and its nearby attractions in a Jeep Wrangler. The itinerary includes a sightseeing tour, beach time and a lunch of local dishes.

Excursion Details

Turn your Nassau sightseeing into a self-drive adventure. Take the wheel of a Jeep Wrangler during this approximately three-and-a-half-hour excursion. After allowing approximately 15 minutes for a shuttle ride to the vehicles and boarding them, strap into your Jeep and hit the road.

The first 30 minutes or so are spent driving around the Bahamian capital on a sightseeing tour of downtown Nassau, before making a stop at Nassau Caves. You ‘ll have around 15 minutes to explore and photograph these limestone grottoes, which date back millions of years and were once inhabited by the indigenous Lucayan people.

Another drive of approximately 30 minutes transports you to Saunders Beach. Stroll along the sand, paddle and take photos of the beach for about 45 minutes, then jump back in your Jeep for an approximately 15-minute drive to the colourful Bahama Grill.

Fill up for around 30 minutes on local dishes such as BBQ pork ribs, peas and rice, and Bahamian-style baked macaroni and cheese. After lunch, spend approximately 30 minutes driving back to the tour ‘s starting point. The final 15 minutes or so is then spent leaving your Jeep and taking a shuttle back to the port.

Important Information: Tour is priced per person, not per vehicle, you may be paired with other guests, maximum 4 guests per vehicle. If you wish to have your own jeep, you will be required to pay for its full capacity of 4 guests.

Please inquire with the shore excursions desk onboard should this be the case so that the remaining spaces can be charged to your onboard stateroom account. The minimum age to drive is 25 years with a valid driver ‘s license. There are 3 stops on the tour where you will be able to switch drivers. Maximum weight limit is 300 lbs. per person. Maximum Height is 6 feet 2 inches. Guests must be at least 5 years of age to take part.

Chairs and umbrellas are not available at the beach. The tour price includes CDW (collision damage waiver) insurance with a deductible. The deductible is fully or partially charged to the driver ‘s credit card in the event the jeep is returned damaged. This is a self-driving tour

ATLANTIS AQUAVENTURE

Enjoy a visit to Atlantis and one of the largest water parks in the Bahamas during this excursion, lasting approximately four hours. More than a water park, your pass includes access to resort pools, aquariums, a mile-long rapids river, and white sandy beaches

Discover Atlantis during this excursion where you’ll explore all that this signature resort has to offer for day, including Aquaventure, a multifaceted water park themed around the mythical sunken city. After a drive to the Atlantis Paradise Island resort followed by check in – approximately 45 minutes in total – it’s time to begin your experience at Aquaventure.

Explore the 141-acre Aquaventure complex, which features more than 20 swimming areas, consisting of swimming pools, waterfalls, Atlantis-themed rides, high-speed slides and rolling rapids. Your pass even includes access to the resort’s beaches and marine habitats, adding yet another dimension to the day.

Those thrilled by the Atlantis theme can take a self-guided tour of The Dig aquarium, designed to imitate an archaeological dig of the ancient underwater city. Try your luck at Atlantis’casino, indulge in some retail therapy at the resort’s luxury shops and boutiques at the Crystal Court or Marina Village, or grab food and drink at one of the many restaurants (for an additional fee).

After the three hours of fun, a transfer of approximately 15 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: Please note: There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour and guests must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the water slides. Poseidon’s Play Zone water play fort and slides are accessible for children under 48 inches tall. Lounge chairs, towels and life jackets are provided.

Non-motorized water sports are available for rent. Lockers available at extra cost.  No cash, only credit card at outdoor facilities. Return to the ship is on a shuttle basis. Shuttle bus timetable will be communicated upon arrival at Atlantis. This tour includes full access to the water park, aquariums, pools & beaches. This tour lasts a minimum of 4 hours. However, depending on your ship timing in port and daylight hours, it is subject to be extended further.

Final tour duration for your call will be confirmed once onboard. Tour price stays unchanged as Atlantis currently only offers one set of rates. There is no differentiation between half and full day rates. Part of the proceeds for this tour will be donated nonprofit Atlantis Blue Project Foundation for ocean conservation. For this tour, the adult price applies for guests who are 13 years and older. Guests who are 12 years old and under will pay the child price.

Certain water slides and pools at the resort may be closed without prior notice due to unexpected maintenance or weather conditions. Cover ups and shoes are required to be worn inside Atlantis Resort