Scattered across 500 miles of crystalline waters, The Islands of the Bahamas is home to more than 700 islands of startling beauty and diversity. Discovered by none other than Christopher Columbus, who made his first landfall in the New World here in 1492, the archipelago actually got its name from his description of the "shallow seas" surrounding the islands as "baja mar."
The Bahamas' close proximity to Florida and well-traveled shipping lanes attracted a colorful cast of characters—from legendary explorers and adventurers... READ MORE
Scattered across 500 miles of crystalline waters, The Islands of the Bahamas is home to more than 700 islands of startling beauty and diversity. Discovered by none other than Christopher Columbus, who made his first landfall in the New World here in 1492, the archipelago actually got its name from his description of the "shallow seas" surrounding the islands as "baja mar."
The Bahamas' close proximity to Florida and well-traveled shipping lanes attracted a colorful cast of characters—from legendary explorers and adventurers to traders and pirates—to its pristine shores. As the years went by, the sun-kissed islands of the Bahamas acquired an array of quaint and curious names, among them Crooked Island, Big Farmer's Cay and Conception Island.
The Bahamas is perhaps best known for its beaches. These vast stretches of sand—ranging from pure white to the palest pink—offer opportunities for peaceful seclusion as well as adventure and sport. The Bahamas boasts the clearest waters in the world—visibility is more than 200 feet—and the third longest barrier reef.
The nation's capital of Nassau is the hub of economic and cultural activity. The pirate Blackbeard once combed its sheltered harbor, seeking the spoils of shipwrecks. History is beautifully preserved in Nassau, home to stately colonial manors, picturesque cathedrals, bustling Bay Street and century-old fortresses. A must-see is the view from atop the solid limestone Queen's Staircase.
Grand Bahamas, the fourth largest island, is a captivating contrast of lively city life, sleepy fishing villages and quiet cays. Three national parks are located here, and the island is renown its vast underwater cave system. You'll find family fun and authentic arts and crafts at Port Lucaya Marketplace and 10-acre International Marketplace.
The white sand beaches of Coco Cay, part of the Berry Island chain, are reserved for guests of Royal Caribbean Cruises. The recently renovated property features nature trails, volleyball, diving and snorkeling, and a new "floating playground," Caylanas Aqua Park. Make sure to sample the "Coco Loco"—the island's signature drink.
For Norwegian Cruise Line passengers, private Great Stirrup Cay offers an unspoiled island experience, complete with shady hammocks, a beachside barbecue, limbo dancing, kayaking and more. Take a paddleboat or Stingray Vu-board out to glimpse the abundant marine and plant life surrounding the island.
