When is the best time for a cruise to the Bahamas?
While the Bahamas is a blissful and rewarding place to visit at any time of the year, many people often choose to take a Bahamas cruise between December and April.
Travelling to the Bahamas during these months (or to put it another way, during winter and mid-spring) will afford you the most temperate climates, and you'll encounter temperatures ranging between 18°C and 27°C. With clear, rain-free days and plenty of sunshine, this period is an understandably popular time for cruises to the Bahamas locations, as the conditions are ideal for a variety of activities.
Whether you're exploring the bustling port towns of Nassau or Little San Salvador, you'll appreciate the cool trade winds breaking the day's heat. This pleasant climate is also beneficial when visiting nearby hotspots, including MSC Cruises' exclusive private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Here, you'll be able to enjoy a personalised vendor service and numerous watersports options.
What is the weather like in the Bahamas?
The Bahamas has a tropical climate, with frequent blue skies and plenty of sunshine. While it's very much possible and enjoyable to take cruises to the Bahamas destinations year-round, a lot of visitors prefer the premium weather conditions that arrive during the December to April period.
In these months the temperatures usually range between 18°C and 27°C, and the glorious sunshine is complemented with gentle winds, creating a thoroughly pleasant climate that makes outdoor activities, from hiking to watersports, even more rewarding. Essentially, the weather during this period elevates holidays to the Bahamas to new heights and can often help visitors get the most from their explorations and excursions.
Which ports do MSC Cruises visit in the Bahamas?
Our Bahamas cruises visit a range of exciting ports on many different itineraries. Each of our Bahamas cruise ports are carefully chosen to ensure visitors get the ideal blend of cultural and historical insights, outdoor activities, beaches, dining and other Bahamas' essentials.
From our main embarkation point in Miami, MSC Cruises' itineraries sail between a range of fantastic places, stopping off at the likes of Great Stirrup Cay, Little San Salvador and Nassau, the Bahamian capital.
Frequently visited as part of a Bahamas cruise is Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises' private and exclusive island in the region. This dreamy locale features vendors offering beachside massages, delicious cuisine and watersports for those seeking high-octane thrills.
How much is a cruise to the Bahamas?
To make life a little easier, MSC Cruises proudly offers packages to suit all budgets and schedules. Explore our Bahamas cruise deals to find your perfect Caribbean retreat at a great price. Whatever you're planning on spending, there's a cruise waiting for you.
What to pack for a cruise to the Bahamas?
Having chosen your ideal trip from our range of Bahamas cruise deals, the next task is to make sure your packing stays as efficient as possible. When packing for your Bahamian cruise, special attention should be given to the region's tropical climate. Prioritise lightweight layers in breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, for your daytime activities.
If visiting religious sites, choose more modest attire, like trousers, that will cover your knees. Comfortable footwear such as trainers or sandals should be worn for excursions to keep things comfortable, and a few items of swimwear are essential for sunbathing and taking a dip, whether that's in a pool onboard your ship or when you're at the beach - for example, when visiting the idyllic beach stretches on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
Pack some casual sportswear if you're planning on using the onboard sports and fitness facilities, and some more elevated outfits are also recommended for evenings onboard, such as mealtimes or during gala nights.
What is the currency in the Bahamas?
Since 1966, the official currency of the Bahamas has been the Bahamian dollar. The US dollar is also accepted by some venues around the Bahamas, although it's best not to rely on this, so make sure you have some local currency if possible.
What is the time zone in the Bahamas?
Understanding different time zones is key to making the most of trips abroad, and Bahamas holidays are no different. When on a Bahamas cruise, remember you'll be on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) when observing Daylight Saving
Time. This means that local time in the Bahamas will be five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the UK.
What other countries are included in a cruise that goes to the Bahamas?
There's no doubt the Bahamas is a bucket list holiday destination, if ever there was one - but the fun doesn't have to stop there, as there are lots of other incredible places to visit on a Bahamas cruise.
Expand your Caribbean adventure by choosing an itinerary that includes the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, as both countries offer luscious scenery and swathes of rainforest. Further Caribbean bliss awaits in the idyllic Cayman Islands, as well as the magnificent landscapes and cultural endeavours on offer in Jamaica.
For a change of scene, opt for an itinerary that includes stunning Cozumel and Costa Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast.
Where do the Bahamas cruises depart from?
Bahamas cruises can depart from a number of different ports, helping to keep options open and offering different pre-boarding experiences in various exciting cities. Miami, in Florida, is the main embarkation point for cruises to the Bahamas and other Caribbean countries - in fact, if you're looking to board a Bahamas cruise from Miami, you're not alone, as Miami's port is recognised as one of the world's busiest cruise ports. Ease of access, coupled with Miami's undeniable charisma, make it an appealing departure choice for many people.
Our Bahamas cruises also depart from Port Canaveral in Orlando. Choose Port Canaveral for an itinerary that stops off at Cozumel, a picture-perfect Mexican island located on the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Famed for its world-class scuba diving and snorkelling, a visit here will not disappoint.
Boarding a cruise from New York to the Bahamas destinations is another appealing option. Choosing the Big Apple as an embarkation port opens the door to a whole range of itineraries, as well as bringing into play New York's iconic architecture, world-class dining scene and all the other attractions the city has to offer. From New York, enjoy cruising through Bermuda's beauty and delving into Caribbean life in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Where are the Bahamas?
The Bahamas is an island country located roughly 60 miles southeast of Florida and 50 miles northeast of Cuba. Despite its geographical standing, the Bahamas is widely recognised as a member of the Caribbean, and shares similarities with other Caribbean countries when it comes to climate and landscape.
This means that booking a Bahamas cruise is, quite simply, one of the best ways to fully explore the Caribbean - known the world over as one of the most desirable holiday destinations on the planet. See for yourself by securing your dream Bahamas holiday with MSC Cruises.
