Bahamas vs. Caribbean Cruises
You're looking for a fun warm-weather cruise that's close to home, and it turns out you have lots of choices. Both Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries appeal to first time cruisers, as well as experienced sea dogs, and are perfect for travelers looking for an easy getaway to sun, sand and sea. But which is best for you? See below for the basics on Caribbean versus Bahamas cruises.
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Similarities Between the Bahamas and Caribbean Cruises
Both destinations offer similar activities, including sunbathing, shopping and water sports, such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, flyboarding and personal watercraft excursions. Local cuisine incorporates common ingredients like conch, plantains and other tropical fruit, as well as fresh fish and seafood.
Friendly islanders take things at a slower pace, due to both high temperatures and their desire to enjoy life. It's not uncommon for people there to run late; set times are often rough guidelines only. (This is called running on "Caribbean time.")
Additionally, Bahamas and Caribbean cruises are ideal for first timers, those with limited budgets or anyone who doesn't have an abundance of vacation time.
Differences Between Caribbean and Bahamas Cruises
Geographically, the Bahamas is located in the Atlantic Ocean, while the majority of other Caribbean territories are located in the Caribbean Sea. Although both are considered warm-weather destinations during the summer months, the Bahamas becomes more temperate in the winter.
When it comes to cruise itineraries, the Caribbean cruise region can be broken down into sub-regions that include the Caribbean, Bahamas and Southern Caribbean. The Caribbean includes ports in Mexico, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Jamaica, Cuba (for non-U.S. residents) and occasionally ports in Central America, including Roatan and Belize City.
Sailings to the Bahamas often feature the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, the French West Indies, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, Grand Turk, San Juan, Key West, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis. There's some overlap between the Eastern and Southern Caribbean; southern itineraries also feature St. Lucia, Grand Turk, Antigua, San Juan, St. Kitts and the French West Indies. St. Barts, St. Vincent, Bequia, Dominica, Grenada, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao can also be found on southern voyages.
Longer Caribbean sailings sometimes include calls on the Bahamas, too. Most of the cruise lines' private islands -- land owned or leased by cruise lines for exclusive use on their itineraries -- are located in the Bahamas and are likely to appear on a variety of Caribbean sailings.
Because the Bahamas has only two major cruise ports -- Nassau and Freeport -- Bahamas sailings are usually short in duration and, therefore, less expensive. Most Bahamas-only sailings last three to four nights, and voyages departing from Florida homeports are plentiful. Longer sailings include stops in the Bahamas and Florida (typically Port Canaveral or Key West), and depart from homeports outside of Florida.
Southern and Bahamas itineraries tend to attract more repeat cruisers, whereas Caribbean and Bahamas voyages often draw those who are relatively new to cruising.
Caribbean vs. Bahamas Cruises: Bottom Line
When it comes to Bahamas versus Caribbean cruises, you'll get a comparable vibe, but the overall experience in the Bahamas will be far less varied. If you're looking for a short, affordable sailing, try the Bahamas. If what you seek is a warm place to escape during the winter, or a more diverse look at the Caribbean and its people as a whole, check out a voyage that includes calls on several territories via Western, Eastern or Southern Caribbean itineraries.