Curator’s statement
This was my first Carnival Cruise and part of a pre-planned trip I used to surprise my husband. I selected Half Moon Cay and the Bahamas specifically because we have never been there. Carnival Cruise Line gets mixed reviews, but you don't appreciate the experience until you're actually on board. I would definitely encourage people to step outside of their comfort zone and try a Carnival Cruise. We were there in January and the weather was perfect, hot but comfortable with a pleasant breeze.
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Image 1: Wynwood District ; Image 2: Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen
Pre-Cruise Stay:
Prior to embarking on our cruise, we stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites, located near Miami International Airport in Miami Springs, FL. Upon arrival, we took an Uber to explore the vibrant Wynwood district, known for its colorful murals and artsy atmosphere. For dinner, we dined at Dukunoo Jamaican Kitchen, where we enjoyed authentic Jamaica cuisine and vibrant flavors, setting a wonderful tone for our trip.
Departure information:
Cruise line: Carnival Cruise Line
Ship: Carnival Conquest
Departure Port: Miami, Florida
Itinerary: Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Day one: Embarkation day
Once on board the Carnival Conquest, we were welcomed with the ship's lively atmosphere. Our first meal included delicious custom burgers from Guy's Burger Joint and freshly prepared tacos from Blue Iguana Cantina. The day was filled with refreshing alcoholic drinks from the various bars around the ship. For dinner on our first night, we opted for the main dining room, where I indulged in a garden salad followed by a delectable 12-hour braised short rib, an incredible start to our dining adventures onboard.
Day two: Sea day
Our second day was a relaxing Sea Day. We spent our time lounging on the Lido Deck, dancing and enjoying the sun. We frequented Guy's Burger Joint for more delicious burgers and treated ourselves to ice cream cones from the buffet. The day included attending comedy shows and taking refreshing naps in preparation for dinner. As it was formal night, my husband and I dressed in our best attire and had professional photos taken at the onboard studio, which turned out beautifully. Dinner in the main dining room was a nice affair, filled with exquisite dishes and charming service and another great performance by the waitstaff.
Day three: Half Moon Cay
On the third day, we arrived at our first port of call, Half Moon Cay, a stunning private island owned by Carnival. Known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this tropical paradise offers the perfect escape. We boarded a tender boat to reach the island and immediately enjoyed splashing around in the warm ocean and walking along the soft, white sandy beaches.
After some beach time, we hopped on a tram to our pre-paid excursion, where we had a memorable experience swimming with stingrays. Interacting with these majestic creatures was a highlight of the trip! After returning to the ship, we had just enough time to unwind and freshen up before heading back to the main dining room. This evening’s dining experience was topped off with an engaging and entertaining show put on by the waitstaff — a fun way to end the night!
Day four: Nassau, Bahamas
Our final port of call was Nassau, Bahamas. We embarked on a guided city tour that allowed us to soak in the local culture and history. Our first stop was the Bahama Rum Cake Factory, where we sampled delicious rum cake treats. Next, we visited Paradise Island and crossed the Sidney Poitier Bridge, witnessing some of the island's beautiful scenery.
Our tour continued to Fort Montagu, where we learned about its historical significance and were able to grab food and drinks — some of the people in our group ordered conch fritters — a local delicacy. We then made our way to the Queen’s Staircase, had a brief lesson of its history and significance of the limestone walls, where I tackled the 66 steps to the top, and was rewarded with panoramic views of Nassau and the multiple cruise ships docked at the part. From there, we visited Fort Fincastle, taking plenty of photos and videos of the stunning surroundings.
Image 1: Queen-s Staircase - 66 steps ; Image 2: Queens Staircase
The day wrapped up with a stop at Graycliff, where we sampled chocolate and ice cream, and we posed for photo-ops in the street under colorful umbrellas before concluding our tour at the John Watling Rum Distillery. Here, we got a brief history of John Watling, the rum factory and the rum-making process. We also learned that the opening scene of the 2006 James Bond film — Casino Royale was briefly featured when actor Daniel Craig jumped over the Buena Vista wall and landed on the property. The spot where he landed is now considered James Bond Corner and has a small marker to signify its existence.
Image 1: James Bond Corner ; Image 2: Conch Fritters
After returning to the ship, we unwound, started to pack our luggage in anticipation of our return to Miami the following morning — got dressed and prepared for our final dinner in the main dining room, where we reflected on our wonderful trip.
Conclusion:
Our cruise aboard the Carnival Conquest was truly a memorable experience filled with adventure, fantastic food and the breathtaking beauty of Half Moon Cay and Nassau. Each day provided us with unique moments to cherish, and the friendly service from the Carnival team made our journey even more delightful. We returned home with wonderful memories and a longing to explore more destinations in the future!
I would definitely do this itinerary again, there is so much to explore and each trip is a different experience.
Need to know
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Bahamas. In need of further inspiration? Check out Alaina Gregerson’s guide, Discovering Eleuthera: Your Ultimate Bahamas Escape.
Travel Advisor
Sharon Millen
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