Today we are sharing all about some of the ports of call in The Bahamas courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. The last cruise we went on earlier this month, we stopped at Half Moon Cay and then Nassau.
Our first stop was Half Moon Cay which is one of our FAVORITE ports of call in the Caribbean and in general. The water is absolutely beautiful which always makes for great photos. The sand is so soft and fluffy it’s hard to not lay in it all day. Here is a side by side photo of myself and my son making a splash (do it for the grammmmm)!
As you can see, the ship stays tendered away from the island so to get back and forth, they use smaller tender boats to transport guests. I always look forward to getting shots like this where you can see the ship in the background.
Once you are on the island, there are a variety of things to do like water sports, some light shopping and of course there are bars and lunch spots. The buffet lunch is included with your cruise fare however, there are additional lunch spots similar to those found on the ship (like the seafood shack) that you can pay additional for. The CHEERS drink package does not work on the island so be sure to bring extra cash for drinks!
Next, we went to Nassau! Honestly, Nassau is like our home away from home–we go about 3 times a year and have been able to build a relationship with some local spots by now. Our go-to spots include; McKenzie’s Fresh Fish and Conch for the most amazing Bahamian seafood, Senor Frogs for a big time party, Cable Beach, and the Atlantis Water Park. Of course you can’t do ALL of that in one day so we switch it up each time we go but on the list is always McKenzie’s or Fish Fry (more about that one later).
McKenzie’s is right under the paradise island bridge (Potters cay). There is both indoor and outdoor seating including a bar where you can watch the chef make the fish right in front of you. We always go for the Cracked Conch and Lobster (breaded). Make sure you try their Bahamian peas and rice and Mac and Cheese sides!
Atlantis Water Park is one of our favorite interactive stops while in Nassau. You can go on an excursion through Carnival which will provide transportation there and back or you can go on your own which may end up slightly more expensive. You can choose between doing the water park, dolphin encounters, and aquarium experiences. Atlantis is beautiful inside and out (it is also very big) so make sure you take lots of pictures as you are roaming around the resort.
The water park is a 141 acre park with a variety of water slides, a mile long rapids river, 11 pools, 4 different beaches, and a large kids area. Whether you are into thrills or enjoy relaxing, there is something for everyone within the park. There are multiple food/beverage options within the water park such as lunch shacks, bars, and even a Starbucks.
Cable Beach is located on the other side of the island. It is a gorgeous white sand beach with amazing crystal clear blue water. They offer water sport activities that you can purchase once you are there. My favorite thing about Cable Beach is that they have fresh coconut water straight from coconuts and here’s the best part, you can add rum! SO REFRESHING!
Once you leave Cable Beach, you will find the FISH FRY close by which is a collection of small restaurants offering ALL the seafood your heart desires. If we venture over to this side of the island, we typically visit the Fish Fry versus McKenzie’s (just because of easier transportation) but our heart does lie with McKenzie’s!
Last, but definitely not least, SENOR FROGS. We have gone to many Senor Frogs locations in other states, islands and countries but the one in Nassau takes the cake. THEY KNOW HOW TO PARTY! From conga lines where they serve you shots at multiple stops to crazy and wild stage and dance floor games (which I have won in the past)….Senor Frogs has it all!
I hope this helps your adventure through Nassau. It truly is a beautiful island and the people are really so welcoming and friendly.
Stay tuned to the end of March because we will be sailing with Carnival on their Sensation ship stopping at Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman Islands. We haven’t been to either locations yet so we are really excited!
Xo,
Shay & Steph
@SOFLOFOOODIE 