Cruisin' to the Bahamas

I recently took a five-day cruise to the Bahamas on the Norwegian Gem with stops on Grand Bahama Island, the Great Stirrup Cay private island, and Nassau. Embarkation was easy and completed online prior to boarding, and our balcony room was ready by 2:30 p.m. We purchased the Free At Sea drink package, which included premium spirits, cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, and soft drinks.

Food options included the main dining rooms (Grand Pacific and Magenta) with free-style dining and no assigned eating times. There was a buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with different stations to choose from. The Great Outdoors café was also available for lunch, with choices including hamburgers, hot dogs, and salads for casual dining by the pool. O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill also offered pub food with casual dining. For an additional fee, Norwegian offers specialty dining, with steak, seafood, Italian, and hibachi choices.

We also purchased the Thermal Suite pass, and it was worth every penny for quiet relaxation without the noise and crowds. The spa included heated tile loungers, a whirlpool, and a jetted therapy pool. There were separate changing rooms for women and men; the women’s included lockers, plenty of towels, and a single whirlpool, sauna, and pool loungers with an ocean view.

The first island stop was at Freeport, Bahama (Grand Bahama Island), where we docked. We chose to take a taxi to Pirate Cove’s Beach, where we rented chairs with beach umbrellas, relaxed, and enjoyed the amazing view. The $16 entry fee included all non-motorized sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. For an additional fee, drinks and lunch could be purchased at the beachside bar and restaurant.

The second island stop was at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, which required a tender. There is something to do for all ages—you can chill out at the pool and have a drink at the swim-up bar or check out the beach area, and kids can enjoy the splash pad area. Poolside cabanas can be rented for an upcharge. Food options included a complimentary buffet, taco bar, hamburgers, or hot dogs.

The third island stop was Nassau, where we docked at the port. We took a taxi to the Atlantis Resort, checked out the casino, and enjoyed the glass art by Dale Chihuly and the lobby areas. Note: The purchase of an Atlantis Day Pass is required to access the water parks, beach areas, and pool areas on site. On our way back to the port, we visited the Straw Market for last-minute souvenirs, including hats and T-shirts.

The Bahamian dollar is the local currency, but the US dollar bill is accepted. Small vendors are sometimes cash only.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bahamas page.