What comes to mind when you think about the Bahamas? Do you picture sparkling azure waters and pristine pink-sand beaches? Perhaps you conjure up images of the legendary pirates who once plundered and pillaged throughout the land. Either way, you're right. From its stunning natural beauty to its exciting history, the Bahamas is unlike any other place in the world. Fortunately for you, Norwegian Cruise Line offers many cruises to the Bahamas each year. 

From swimming with dolphins and parasailing over the ocean to visiting historic attractions and bartering at bustling marketplaces, the Bahamas offers plenty of fun activities. Stop thinking about taking a once-in-a-life cruise and start planning your 2020 Bahamas vacation now. 

Explore the Bahamas

The sparkling waters of Nassau beckon

The Bahamas is an archipelago of more than 700 islands and thousands of cays and rocks. It covers more than 100,000 square miles, starting 50 miles off the southern tip of Florida and stretching to northeastern Cuba. People inhabit only a few dozen of the islands, with most Bahamians living on Grand Bahama and New Providence. Both islands feature many exciting things to do, and they act as great jumping-off points to visit other parts of the country.

Norwegian Ships and Itineraries

The ships are as much a destination as the ports themselves.

Norwegian offers dozens of Bahama-bound cruise itineraries each year. If you only have time for a short break, choose one of the many three-, four-, or five-day Bahamas cruises that set sail from Miami or Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida, throughout the year. For cruisers with more time on their hands, extend the fun with a seven- or 10-day cruise vacation departing from New York City. 

When you cruise with Norwegian, the ships are as much a destination as the ports themselves. Some of the largest and most impressive ships in Norwegian's award-winning fleet cruise to the Bahamas, including Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore. Every ship features up to three main dining rooms, a buffet, and a selection of casual eateries. You'll also discover many specialty restaurants for a distinct culinary experience. Thanks to Norwegian's unique Freestyle Dining program, you won't face set dining times or preassigned seating. 

Norwegian keeps the party going all day and night long with live entertainment all over your ship. Start your cruise at the sail-away party on the pool deck. Dance the night away in one of the up to 22 bars and lounges on each ship. You can also enjoy everything from dazzling Cirque du Soleil performances on Norwegian Getaway to the Legends in Concert show on Norwegian Pearl. 

But the fun doesn't stop there. All Norwegian ships feature a spa, shops, and youth programs. You can find plenty of fun cruise ship activities such as bowling, mini-golf, and a rock-climbing wall that hovers over the ocean. 

Ports and Activities

Adventure, relaxation, shopping -- you can have it all in the Bahamas!

Each of Norwegian's three ports of call in the Bahamas offers its own features, personalities, and activities that you won't want to miss. From historic sites and cultural heritage to exotic wildlife, some of the world's most stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine, you'll find something for everyone to enjoy. You can choose to make your own fun or join one of the dozens of shore excursions that Norwegian offers. Either way, you can't go wrong.

Located on the island of New Providence, Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is known for its well-preserved pastel-colored colonial buildings, beautiful beaches, and offshore coral reefs that are popular for diving and snorkeling. If you love to shop until you drop, Nassau offers some of the best duty-free shopping from the waterfront to the end of Bay Street. 

Many cruisers enjoy spending the day at the Atlantis Resort on nearby Paradise Island. You can lounge on the beach, shop at the resort's cute boutiques, head to the casino, or visit a water habitat that features more than 50,000 marine creatures. You can also rent a paddleboat, kayak, and snorkeling equipment from the resort or visit Aquaventure, a one-of-a-kind 141-acre waterscape. Other popular activities in Nassau include dolphin and stingray encounters, beach breaks, and snorkeling near Blue Lagoon Island and Balmoral Island.

Grand Bahama Island offers experiences you won't find anywhere else. Journey to Deadman's Reef at Crystal Beach to swim with the friendly and adorable wild pigs that live in this part of the island. Afterward, enjoy a stop at Port Lucaya Marketplace, the largest open-air shopping and dining venue in the Bahamas. If you love getting back to nature, check out the Lucayan National Park. You'll paddle along a creek through the mangrove forest and take a guided nature walk before diving into the clear blue waters at beautiful Gold Rock Beach.

Every Norwegian cruise to the Bahamas makes a stop at Great Stirrup Cay, a private island paradise reserved only for cruise guests. Enjoy endless fun relaxing in a private cabana on the white-sand beaches or taking part in one of the many local activities, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can also take a WaveRunner tour of the nearby Berry Islands. 

Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's Private Island

It's never too early to start thinking about your next cruise. If you're looking for a tropical escape, what better place is there to visit than the Bahamas? With many great things to see and do for all ages and interests, the Bahamas is the ideal destination for sun and adventure seekers alike. What are you waiting for? Stop dreaming about your tropical island getaway and plan your 2020 Bahamas vacation now. Sign up for the Norwegian newsletter to learn about all the latest cruise deals and itineraries.