Cruising the Caribbean waters from a Florida port of call down to the Bahamas is so relaxing it borders on therapeutic. Geographically, the Bahamas tend to be the first or second stop on a cruise departing from Florida. As a result, whether your itinerary stays in the Bahamas or hops over to Caribbean destinations like Antigua and Puerto Rico, the Bahamas stop really sets the cruising tone. And with sparkling blue waters, endless excursion options, and multiple ports to explore (Exumas, Long Island, and Nassau are just the beginning), the Bahamas is a perfect tone setter.
Cruise in style this year aboard one (or more) of these luxury Bahamas cruises.
Regent Seven Seas Splendor
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Splendor debuts in February 2020 with the largest suite currently aboard a luxury vessel. The Regent Suite features an expansive wrap-around balcony, a glassed-in solarium, a private spa with sauna and steam room, and personalized butler service. It also has the most expensive bed you’ll find on international waters—a $200,000 mattress handcrafted in Köping, Sweden by Hästens—and a $5 million art collection onboard, which includes a Picasso. Their Bahamas cruise itinerary stops in Key West, before setting out to their Bahamas port of call, Great Stirrup Caye.
Silversea Cruises Silver Wind
Silversea Cruises Silver Wind is a smaller-scale luxury ship with only 296 passengers. The 11-day Bahamas cruise hits multiple Caribbean destinations starting in Long Island, Bahamas. Silver Wind is getting a luxurious refurbishment in summer 2020, and is currently home to their stunning Owner’s Suite, which can become a two-bedroom suite when combined with the Vista Suite. The ship also has four high-end dining options for every palette, Zagara Beauty Spa for on-board treatments, and Connoisseur’s Corner, where guests can enjoy cognac and a cigar in the evenings. The Bahamas port of call is Clarence Town, Long Island, which is known for Dean’s Blue Hole, the second largest blue hole in the world. Silver Wind then continues to San Juan, Nevis, St. John’s, St. Bart’s, and the British Virgin Islands.
Crystal Cruises Serenity
The Crystal Serenity stops in Bimini as their Bahamas port of call before heading to destinations like St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. Refurbished in 2018, Crystal Serenity offers “six-star service” with “one of cruising’s highest staff-to-guest ratios.” All penthouses and suites aboard Crystal Serenity come with butler service and on-demand amenities like in-suite massages and afternoon tea service. The biggest-ticket penthouse comes in at $31,698 (brochure fare) for this nine-night cruise. The Crystal Penthouse with Verandah features two walk-in closets, a Swarovski chandelier, an ocean-view jacuzzi, and a built-in bar, among other over-the-top accents.
Oceania Cruises Riviera
Oceania Cruises’ Riviera ship sails a 10-day “Palms and Paradise” route—departing from Miami, their Bahamas port of call is Nassau. Beyond Nassau, the Riviera continues to destinations like St. Lucia and Punta Cana. From the Lalique Grand Staircase to the Owner’s Suite furnishings by Ralph Lauren Home, the elegance on the ship is curated impeccably. Their most opulent suites are the Owner’s Suites, Vista Suites, and Oceania Suites—the latter two of which were done by chic New York designer Dakota Jackson. The feeling of refined class is tangible throughout the ship—particularly at La Reserve, for wine tastings, Martinis, for jazz night, and Aquamar Spa for holistic wellness treatments.
Virgin Voyages Fire and Sunset Soirées Cruise
Virgin Voyages four-night Fire and Sunset Soirées tour cruises from Miami to Key West to Bimini. The Virgin Voyages’ Bahamian luxury experience provides a private beach set-up in Bimini; The cruise spends an entire day (from 10 a.m. to midnight) at The Beach Club, Bimini. Virgin Voyages’ Bahamas cruise is aboard the Scarlet Lady, which is Sir Richard Branson’s stunning interpretation of a luxury cruise ship. The Scarlet Lady will set sail on her inaugural voyage in 2020. Look out for luxe anticipated features like Richard’s Rooftop and the cabanas on Deck 16, and book a Mega RockStar suite to go all-out.
Holland America Line Nieuw Statendam
Holland America Line brings guests to Half Moon Caye, their private Bahamas island. While docked in the Bahamas at Half Moon Caye, guests can book private villas, enjoy grilled lobster at the Lobster Shack, kayak, snorkel, or even horseback ride along the beach. Holland America Line’s seven-day Eastern Carribean cruise starts in Fort Lauderdale, then ventures to Half Moon Caye before sailing on to St. Thomas. Passengers sail aboard the Nieuw Statendam, home to the chic Neptune suite. The Neptune suite allows guests access to the ship’s exclusive Neptune Lounge and comes with a private verandah, whirlpool tub, and access to a private concierge.
