ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
Any excuse to cruise works for us! When my cousin announced her wedding plans with a Florida venue, immediately my brain began churning with thoughts of an escape to sunshine on a Bahama cruise adventure!
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“Travelling in the company of those we love is home in motion”
– Leigh Hunt.
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
Reconnecting with family
Is there any better way to spend your days? We are all way too busy, right…
When the opportunity presents itself for a large family gathering in one location, what is a better idea than to extend that opportunity by adding a few days onto either the beginning end of the vacation dates or the tail end of the vacation dates to work in additional bonding time to reconnect with our loved ones. The ideas is that another family member will also want to extend the travel opportunity for additional family time. Let’s be real, life is hectic in a busy family with growing children and sometimes family relationships suffer. This idea is a perfect solution to provide additional extended family time!
It becomes much needed in the midst of our busy lifestyles. Now that our eldest son is away at college and our youngest is in his last year of high school, this special precious time with extended family is becoming a bit easier to schedule. When the venue is near a cruise port…it becomes even easier to book a few days this way without any hassle. As long as we remember those most important TOP 10 THINGS TO PACK for a cruise, all should go as planned!
My cousin and her husband LOVE to explore right along with us and didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity to explore the Bahamas on this long weekend trip before a family wedding with a Florida venue. We easily talked them into accompanying us on this cruise. It was a blast and easy to coordinate. I can list 10 reasons to cruise easily!
Each couple had different preferences for daytime entertainment. I love to lay in the sun with a book and be left alone. My cousin and her husband had never cruised before and really enjoyed exploring the ship or soaking up sunshine rays. My husband enjoys people watching in the shade around the pool area in between naps, but in the evenings we reconnected over dinner and enjoyed the evenings entertainment together.
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
TRANQUILITY at SUNRISE!
PIN IT #17 
SUNRISE…my favorite time of the day while cruising! There is no more peaceful moment that I can begin to explain than this exact moment. Do you enjoy a SUNRISE or SUNSET? I put my order out the night before for an early morning tray to be delivered while it is pre-dawn. I usually pick a pot of coffee with cream and croissants with jam to nibble on while I watch the sunrise over the waves and listen to the sounds of the sea.
I read, enjoy the moist, humid air, and soak up the warmth of the southern climate. Complete tranquility! So amazingly great! Usually the night before the steward will leave the next days activity list out for us to study to determine what we want to do, or not do, the next day. I bring a highlighter to mark my preferences. So much entertainment available, if I choose!
These precious moments are priceless to me. It provides me with those stolen chunks of time to feed my need for INNER STILLNESS. This is necessary every day!
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
OH THE FOOD!
The food! Oh the food! Nothing prepares you for the Lido deck! When you embark on Day 1 you go straight to the Lido deck as a place to wait while the final touches are placed on your room. Picture the never ending buffet line. Stations exist. You name the type of food…it is present, section by section, from one end of the ship to the other on the 9th level of most carnival cruise ships.
Evenings you have the option to dine in one of the dining rooms! Picture chandeliers, white linen and two levels with a cathedral ceiling! Very impressive. We were seated on the second level overlooking the downstairs dining room next to the rail. Great view! Each guest is assigned a table in a dining area. The menu is formal and starts with drinks and appetizers, salad and soup course, then the main course, followed by coffee and dessert. Many nights before dessert the servers put on a “SHOW” for you while you dine. It is a highlight and we always look forward to this experience. Elaborate breakfasts are also an option!
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
SHOPPING & PEOPLE WATCHING
Who doesn’t like to people watch and relax? Never a dull moment here! From the BIG screen to the pool activities…something always has your attention on a cruise. Watch a movie under the stars on deck with the BIG SCREEN all the while with the ocean breeze blowing!
We LEARNED THE TRICKS TO CRUISING FROM TRUSTED FRIENDS and have enjoyed every minute! The most valuable tip that they gave us was about motion sickness. We are avid boaters at home, so we were sure we wouldn’t have any problems with this. WRONG!
The motion of a large cruise ship is so different than our usual boating at home. Our first cruise we encountered rough seas. The boat was really rolling in the ocean waves. My husband suffered the first night terribly. Our friends had told us to take natural ginger tablets a couple of days prior to cruising. We had not, thinking we knew better! BIG MISTAKE! Immediately when my husband began feeling ill, we both took the natural ginger tablets and sucked on ginger candies that I had packed “just in case.” WHEW!
By the next morning we started to feel better and both of us learned our lesson! We take the ginger now 2 days prior to sailing and throughout the duration of being at sea on vacation. Never have we had a problem with motion sickness since!
Consult your doctor first before taking any supplements, I am simply relaying what worked for us! Great advice from our trusted friends!
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS!
Water slides are not just for kids! They are for the young at heart who can climb a lot of stairs, repeatedly! Other entertainments can be found strolling from deck to deck, multiple performers can be found in different lounges throughout the ship at the same time. The beat of the bass can be heard coming from the dance clubs nightly. Teenage dance clubs and arcades provide ample entertainment for teens. Comedy Clubs and comedians are stand-out memories when I think of favorites from past cruises.
Family friendly performances are offered earlier in the evenings and adult only performances are offered later in the evening. Outstanding talent is certainly provided. The shows performed by the singers and dancers are really good as well. It reminds me of “Young American” style performers. The entertainers switch out at ports, so new talent can be seen by the guests on board ship. The cruise directors lead interactions with the passenger by playing games like “the Newly-wed Game”, or the “Hairy Chest” competition around the pool, allowing passengers the opportunity to laugh at oneself and give people watchers a great show! So much fun!
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
EXCURSIONS ~ SNORKELING OPPORTUNITIES PLENTIFUL!
Each port offers the opportunity to debark and explore the port. Excursions can be booked based on your interests at each location. We tend to gravitate towards snorkeling experiences. We have booked catamaran rides and private island get-aways for a day of relaxing on a beach too!
Crystal clear, turquoise blue, refreshingly soothing, salt water, calmness, tranquility, buoyancy…so many thoughts come to mind when considering snorkeling. Exploring under the surface of the water to find God’s inspiration in all creation! It’s fascinating. Antigua, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Hawaii to name a few, each snorkel destination holds different adventures and underwater microcosm. Make sure to pack your SNORKEL & FINS to ensure a great snorkeling experience. The freedom afforded the underwater explorer provides extensive opportunities to experience nature in many new ways. Like the photos? Try this WATERPROOF CAMERA on your next snorkeling adventure! Don’t forget an UNDERWATER VALUABLES POUCH to secure your phone & wallet.
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
CRUISE-SHIP VIEWS BAHAMAS
As the cruise ship enters a new port, the views are always excellent and vastly different at each harbor. Lighthouses come into view, commerce of that country is exposed, and the downtown commerce is usually visible to the anxious shoppers looking for a souvenir. Interesting stories are left for the visitor to discover from dilapidated ruins found along the way.
Nassau Harbor Lighthouse in the Bahamas
The lighthouse on Paradise Island at the west entrance of Nassau Harbor was built in 1817, making it the oldest in the West Indies. It stands 69 feet tall, has a whitewashed, brick base with a red lantern and was originally called the Hog Island Lighthouse.
I particularly enjoy the lighthouses that can be found at most ports. Imagine all of the ships that have traveled in and out of these harbors using these lighthouses as points of navigation. Think of the all the people that have laid eyes on this lighthouse!
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
RELAXATION & TRANQUIL SUNSETS
Cheers to sunsets at Cocktail hour
We tend to enjoy the sunset pre-dinner time along with a cocktail hour in our cabin on our private balcony or out on public deck space. The spectacular sunsets set the mood for a most enjoyable evening! We have been so fortunate to have excellent weather on our cruises and fabulous experiences with sunsets!
PIN IT #29 
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
LAST MORNING AT SEA TOWEL ART SURPRISE!
Each cruise I am so excited to see this display! We get coffee and walk around in amazement! The creativity is superb! If you are lucky enough to have been assigned a GREAT steward you may find towel art in your room daily too!
I LOVE walking around the morning of the last day of the cruise to enjoy the towel art! It is so much fun! The staff are so creative! This little special touch is so AMAZING for the guests!
ESCAPE TO SUNSHINE ON A BAHAMA CRUISE ADVENTURE
RECONNECTING ROMANCE
Every relationship requires time and attention to thrive. My husband is my best friend. We require time away from the stress of daily life to reconnect and try to make that a priority. We try to “date” weekly and keep our marriage growing each day. A cruise is a great opportunity to really focus on each other and truly enjoy spending time in each other’s company!
Life can be hectic! I wouldn’t trade my boys for the world, but let’s be real! Children can be draining! We all need “our person” to feel whole. God intended for husband and wives to be two halves that when together make a whole for fulfillment. My husband and I try to nurture that promise that we made together many years ago when we said, “I do!” Cruising is a fun and easy way to carve out special time for each other! Give it a try too! Even if it is only a long weekend before a family wedding! Carve out that special time with special people to escape to sunshine for a Bahama Cruise Adventure! It is worth it!
Leave a reply comment below on how you feel about cruising. Where are the ports that you’d like to discover? What are your favorites on a cruise? Have you taken a long weekend cruise to the Bahamas?
I look forward to hearing from you!
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Inspirationally Yours,
Barbara
BIO: https://www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com/about-us/
About Me
A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
WEBSITE: www.inspirationaltraveladventures.com
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Barbara Robinson
TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞 Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
50 Comments
Linda Egeler
Your lovely photos make me yearn to go on a cruise again. We did a family Disney cruise, and it was such a great way to bond with our nephews who live across the country. Our highlights resemble yours: incredible food, towel out, off to separate excursions during the day and reconnecitng for dinner and entertainment in the evening. Such wonderful memories!
Barbara Robinson
I agree! It is the perfect way to spend time with extended family!
kmf
What a great way to optimize your getaway!
Amber
I haven’t been on a cruise since our honeymoon, but this has my wheels turning. We loved our cruise so much that I cried when we had to go home. We had a smooth sail, but I’ll definitely remember ginger tablets for our next cruise.
Cindy
A Bahamas cruise sounds perfect! Cant wait to do a cruise.
Holly B
I love cruising and when you can do it with extended family it’s truly an amazing experience! We did Alaska, but the warm and sunshine of the Bahamas would be perfect..
Barbara Robinson
Yes! It makes vacationing with extended family very easy and super enjoyable!
Marianne
I think I am finally at a point where I am brave enough to try a full cruise! I suffer from motion sickness, so a cruise has always been a tough sell. In 2019 we did a short cruise through the Greek Islands (smaller boat), and I didn’t do too badly!
Barbara Robinson
The cruise through the Greek Islands sounds superb!
Emi
This is a great overview of what going on a cruise entails and was fun to read! We’ve been on 4-5 ourselves, all on Carnival. Have you cruised with another line? I’m wondering how Princess or Royal Caribbean compare. I would love to take our boys on a Disney cruise.
Barbara Robinson
I have stayed with Carnival for my cruising experience…they offer such incentives to continue cruising with them that we seem to gravitate in that way!
Carey
We absolutely love cruises and can’t wait to take another one. They are the best vacations.
Siobhan
Love all of the great photos! I’m itching to travel again too.
Sabrina DeWalt
We have not been on a cruise. Maybe once the Corona craziness passes we’ll give it a shot. Great tip on the ginger beforehand.
lisa manderino
What a great trip! I want go on a cruise!
Debbie
So much to enjoy about cruising! Can’t wait for it to open up again. Bahamas is in my list.
Chantelle
I miss cruising! I haven’t been to Freeport, but the Bahamas are wonderful!
Barbara Robinson
We also stopped at Nassau on several other cruises and this one too, but it was raining that day and we cancelled our excursion for a refund on this particular cruise.
Magan
I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise, but have never been. Your pictures are amazing and make me want to go!
Keirsten
You have such great full hair! Looks like you had a wonderful time. <3
Tiffany
Personally, I think the entire world has earned a cruise after the year we have had – we all deserve some fun and sun! Can’t wait to adventure like this again!
Liz
I cannot wait to get back on the high seas! Love the Bahamas!
Tricia Snow
I am definitely ready for this to be over so we can cruise again!
Chelsea
I haven’t been to the Bahamas but visiting it via cruise would be the way I’d want to do it!
Suzan
Yes, please!
Sandi Barrett
Cruising to the Bahama’s is so much fun.
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
I like smaller ships, and there, the motion is much more pronounced than on the big ships. I try for amidship and athwart to avoid a lot of motion. Luckily, motion sickness hasn’t been an issue for me…I’m a tad worried about the Drake Passage though!
Barbara Robinson
I think everyone even the heartiest would struggle with Drake Passage!
Sandra Whitmore
Enjoyed reading about your cruise and can’t wait to get back on the seas!
Barbara Robinson
Me too! We cancelled a spring break cruise…hoping to reschedule!
Tiffany
I want to go on a cruise someday, it looks like so much fun!
Kristen W Allred
I’ve never been on a cruise so I loved hearing about your adventures – especially the food!
Melissa Jones
I am so ready to get back on a cruise again! We’ve had three canceled with COVID-19…gave up and replanned for 2022
Barbara Robinson
Same! After canceling another spring break cruise, we are just going to wait and see… BUMMER!
Lisa S
Your photos are magnificent. We have never been on a cruise and you had us right there with you!
Kendra
I’ve never been to the Bahamas, but cruising is so fun, so hopefully, we can do that when we decide to go there. I just love all of the food, adventure, and fun towel animals on cruises!
Pam
A cruise sounds like the perfect getaway right now – I could definitely use the warm weather and sunshine. Someday soon I hope!
Misskorang
Right now anywhere with sand and lots of sunshine would be awesome. The Bahamas would be perfect.
Leigh
So fun!! And what a great way to enjoy some time for your marriage. I got to tour the Carnival Liberty on a travel agent tour a few years ago and I’ve wanted to cruise on it ever since.
Cindy
I’d love to cruise the Bahamas! I hope travel restrictions ease soon.
Lynne
Wow you guys really know cruising. what a great guide on what to expect as well as some key tips. Love it!
Teri
Enjoyed your blog! You did a good job with the links to related topics! I miss cruising and hope we can get back to it soon! Thanks for the read!
Alicia M
I have never been to the Bahamas nor a cruise but it looks so fun!
Angie
Looks and sounds like a fabulous time. We have only been on one cruise, on the Carnival Victory. Since it was our first time, we chose a 3 day that took us to Key West and Cozumel. So much fun. We can’t wait to go on another. And next time we’ll choose 5+ days for sure.
Alyssa
Looks like an awesome time! I’m not a big cruise fan but I’d like to go to the Bahamas!
Amanda
Fabulous idea to squeeze in a bit more family time!
Alicia
This cruise looks amazing! I love the Caribbean! Such blue water! And thanks for the advice about ginger tablets. I used to get motion sick as a kid, had no problems in my teens and 20’s, and have started noticing it creeping back as I get older. Our ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park about did me in! haha. I took Dramamine an hour before getting on, but it didn’t help enough. I’ll have to try your friends’ trick of taking it a few days in advance!
Cecile Leger
As much as I love travelling, I never had the chance to experience a cruise. It’s on my “to do” list. Bahamas sound amazing!
Angela
The whole adventures looks amazing. I think the water and snorkeling would be my favorite.
Sandra Whitmore
I love cruising and miss it terribly. Have 2 scheduled for the end of the year. Can’t wait!