With around 340 sunny days a year, the Bahamas is a popular year-round destination, though the best time to visit is after the end of the hurricane season, which runs from July to the end of November. Peak season is usually between mid-December and mid-April, when the weather is at its hottest. The period from late April to June is also warm, but can see lots of rain.
The busiest months for a Bahamas cruise are undoubtedly during peak season, with the weeks that coincide with Spring Break being particularly popular. The temperature remains warm throughout the year - generally between 70 and 80ºF, with a high level of humidity - and the region does not have an off-season.
Visiting the Bahamas anytime between mid-December and mid-April can be expensive, but it can be cheaper to visit between early January and late February. The cheapest months are May through to November, when there is the highest chance of experiencing one of the area's rare rainy days.
As an archipelago, there are numerous ports, marinas and natural harbours located throughout the Bahamas. The biggest and most important ports are Freeport and Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama Island and the marinas of New Providence Island. Each of these services cruise ships from the continental United States and elsewhere.
The tropical climate ensures that the water temperature rarely drops below 72ºF, which means that visitors to the Bahamas can enjoy year-round fishing, snorkeling and diving. Boat trips and excursions to the remote, unspoiled mangrove forests of Andros are a popular attraction, and many cruise passengers spend time in the bustling and vibrant capital of Nassau, with its colorful blend of old world and colonial architecture. With sumptuous beaches, rich forests and plenty of different leisure activities to choose from, the Bahamas really do have it it all.
Walking tours of Nassau are always popular and enable visitors to explore the rich culture of the city while sampling the local rum and an array of food. More intrepid visitors can enjoy a day of adventure snorkeling in the crystal blue waters off Nassau, with a chance to swim with sharks and colorful shoals of fish. For some speed, there are power boat excursions from the tiny island of Exuma. The Lucayan National Park, includes one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world, and is a popular shore excursion for many cruise lines.
When it comes to cruise lines for a once in a lifetime trip to the Bahamas, travellers have plenty of choices. Carnival Cruise Lines are great for those looking for a luxurious trip that won't break the bank, and they even offer a special rate for senior citizens. The enormous new Carnival Horizon will enter service in Spring of 2018. Royal Caribbean also has a number of Bahamas cruise packages leaving from Miami. The line even has a private island for tourists, with dining and recreation facilities including skydiving and scuba diving. Families love the Disney Cruise Line, which departs to the Bahamas from Miami.
