The Bahamas Carnival Cruise from Miami, Florida, was life-changing!
The moment I stepped aboard, I was swept away by the energy!
Everything from pool movie nights to themed parties happens right on deck. Inside, there’s tons of Caribbean food and luxe spa treatments to indulge in.
But the real magic happens when you hit up the cruise ports: Kick back on pristine beaches, swim in the clearest waters ever, and go on some seriously cool adventures!
Here’s my unsponsored review of The Bahamas Cruise from Florida:
Note: I was not compensated for this cruise or this review in any way. I paid out of pocket, and this review is completely unsponsored.
What is the best time of year to go on a Bahamas cruise?
The best time to set sail on a Bahamas cruise is from December to mid-April.
This is the peak season, with perfect weather for enjoying the cruise and island activities.
- December to April: Comfortably warm with minimal rainfall, this is the best time for sun-seekers to enjoy outdoor excursions.
- May to November: Off-peak season with higher chances of rain and potential hurricanes.
Special Events:
- Keep an eye out for the Bahamas’ annual events, like the Junkanoo Festival in the winter or Carnival in the spring.
Is Carnival a good cruise line?
So, is Carnival a good cruise line? Well, from my experience, yes! My experience was fun, affordable, and without hiccups.
My ship was decked out (*ship pun!*) with tons of awesome amenities and activities from sunrise to sunset.
So, if you’re thinking about booking a cruise, I’d definitely recommend giving Carnival a try!
Do you need a passport on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas?
If you’re wondering if you need a passport on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas, the answer is… kinda:
- Closed-loop cruises (beginning and ending at the same US port) do not require a passport.
- You can use a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate.
However:
- I highly recommend a passport for re-entry to the United States and to expedite the embarkation process.
- If an emergency happens and you need to fly back to the US, a passport will be necessary.
My Bahamas Carnival Cruise Itinerary
I chose this particular cruise ship itinerary because it had the best of both worlds:
- Authentic culture, history, jungles, and good food in Nassau.
- The pure bliss that can only come from lounging on a beach at Half Moon Cay.
Nassau, Bahamas
Most Carnival cruises to the Bahamas begin their journey in this little beach town, and that’s great because Nassau has a ton of cool stuff to do!
While in Nassau, you’ve got to check out the iconic Queen’s Staircase, it’s like stepping back in time. You can also swim with pigs without heading to Exuma. And don’t even get me started on the amazing Caribbean food in Nassau!
Oh, and the architecture and historic forts? They’re like something out of a movie!
Read More: Nassau Cruise Port 1 Day Itinerary
Read More: 31 Fun Things To Do in Nassau
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Choosing Half Moon Cay was my reward for making it through all the epic adventures (and food) of Nassau.
Half Moon Cay is Carnival Cruise Line’s private island paradise, and it’s all about chilling out.
Between digging into some seriously tasty Caribbean BBQ from the free buffet and laying on the private beach, the sun’s healing rays washed away all the stress I didn’t know I was carrying.
Read More: What to Do in Half Moon Cay 1 Day itinerary
How much does a Carnival cruise cost to the Bahamas?
Carnival cruise prices to the Bahamas will vary depending on the season, how long you sail, and the type of room you pick.
You can snag a deal starting at around $200 per person for a simple interior room on a short cruise, but you’ll pay more if you’re looking for something fancier, like a suite on a longer trip.
What part of the Bahamas does Carnival Cruise go to?
Carnival Cruise lines frequently visit the stunning ports of Nassau, their private island of Half Moon Cay, and a private beach resort on the island of Eleuthera.
What I Packed for My Cruise
Packing for any trip is always an adventure for me. I love taking cute pics for my blog, but I also know it’s important to be practical (read: comfortable).
I made sure my suitcase had a mix of essentials and little luxuries to make the most of my Bahamas Carnival Cruise experience.
My favorite maxi dresses, sun hats, cute sundresses, and long-line beach coverups were must-haves for this trip!
How many bags can you take on the Carnival cruise?
Just like airlines, there’s a limit to how many bags you can bring on a cruise.
Carnival suggests packing one bag per person for voyages lasting 3-5 days and two bags per person for cruises lasting 6 days or longer.
Read More: What to Pack for a Bahamas Cruise
Inside the ship
Setting sail on the Bahamas Carnival Cruise truly exceeded my expectations.
To be honest, I hadn’t heard the best things about this cruise line.
Here, I’ll share my (unsponsored) experience on the Carnival cruise to the Bahamas from Florida, from the ship itself to the activities, and food:
Cruise ship overview
Carnival cruise ships have both luxurious suites and budget-friendly staterooms.
I booked a basic stateroom with an ocean view and had zero complaints.
Cabin Comforts: My cabin was cozy, and being able to look out at the sea at any time of the night was a strange comfort I didn’t know I needed in my life. The shower and water pressure were surprisingly amazing.
Culinary Delights
- Main Dining Room: Caribbean-focused dishes with multi-course meals.
- Lido Buffet: Ever-changing options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Specialty Restaurants: Italian trattoria, sushi bar, and steakhouse selections.
Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina were my favorite places to eat.
What is free to drink on Carnival Cruise?
On a Carnival Cruise, you can grab free water, lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, coffee, and some juices in the morning. If you’re craving soft drinks or booze, though, you’ll have to pay unless you snagged a pre-purchased beverage package.
Do you get free food on Carnival Cruise?
On Carnival Cruises, passengers get free dining options from the main dining room buffet. There are also complimentary restaurants like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. If you’re feeling formal, specialty restaurants are also onboard, but you’ll have to pay a little extra for those.
Entertainment onboard
Entertainment on the Bahama’s Carnival Cruise is nonstop. There’s something new going on every night, from comedy shows to themed dance clubs with cover bands (I had to hit up the 80s night!).
Here’s an idea of what to expect:
- Live shows: Musicals, magic shows, and comedy clubs light up the evenings.
- Sports: Mini-golf, basketball courts, and a ropes course for the active traveler.
- Spa and fitness: Gym, facials, massages, and even Botox were available.
Departure port experience
The Carnival Cruise embarks from the lively Port of Miami.
Storytime: On my disembarkation, I was stopped for a random ‘search’ and taken back in a special room. It went quickly, but it was irritating.
Read More: 15 Top Souvenirs to Buy in The Bahamas
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Carnival cruise cost to the Bahamas?
Carnival cruise prices to the Bahamas will vary depending on the season, how long you sail, and the type of room you pick.
You can snag a deal starting at around $200 per person for a simple interior room on a short cruise, but you’ll pay more if you’re looking for something fancier, like a suite on a longer trip.
What part of the Bahamas does Carnival Cruise go to?
Carnival Cruise lines frequently visit the stunning ports of Nassau, their private island of Half Moon Cay, and a private beach resort on the island of Eleuthera.
What is free to drink on Carnival Cruise?
On a Carnival Cruise, you can grab free water, lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, coffee, and some juices in the morning. If you’re craving soft drinks or booze, though, you’ll have to pay unless you snagged a pre-purchased beverage package.
Do you get free food on Carnival Cruise?
On Carnival Cruises, passengers get free dining options from the main dining room buffet.
There are also complimentary restaurants like Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina.
If you’re feeling formal, specialty restaurants are also onboard, but you’ll have to pay a little extra for those.
Haven’t booked your cruise yet? Use Expedia for the best deals!
