Which Cruise Should You Take: Bahamas or Caribbean?
There is no simple answer here because both the Bahamas and the Caribbean are stunning locations known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cultures.
They have many similarities and some very significant differences that will influence which cruise you should take. It all depends on the kind of vacation you are looking for, so let’s dive into some more details about Bahamas vs Caribbean and help you decide which is best for a cruise in 2024.
Which is better for couples: Bahamas vs Caribbean?
The choice between the Bahamas and the Caribbean for a couples cruise depends on your specific preferences and what you’re looking for in your romantic getaway. Both destinations offer beautiful beaches, warm weather, and a range of activities, but they have some differences to consider like your budget, the amount of time you have, and what activities and experiences are most important to you as a couple when making your decision.
It may also influence your decision if you would rather take an adult only cruise as destinations may be more limited if this is the case.
A Caribbean cruise is usually longer than a Bahamas cruise which allows you to visit multiple destinations in one trip, experiencing different cultures, landscapes, and activities. This can be a great option if you want to tick off more than one country on your travel bucket list. Depending on the Caribbean cruise itinerary you are more likely to encounter different cultures and diversity than you would on a Bahamas cruise because each Caribbean island is a separate country.
The Bahamas is relatively close to the United States, making it an accessible destination for short cruise over a long weekend. In the Bahamas the primary attraction is the pristine white sandy beaches, but if you want to explore you can visit historical sites, go snorkelling, scuba diving, or take a boat tour to see the famous swimming pigs.
Winner: Caribbean Cruise is better for couples
Which cruise is better for families: Bahamas or Caribbean?
Bahamas are often considered better for family cruises because of the shorter distance to travel from the US due to its proximity to Florida. Bahamas cruises are generally also shorter in length than Caribbean cruises so this can help keep the cost down for larger families. Caribbean cruises are often longer in length so this could make it more expensive and you may have to travel further to embark on your cruise.
In terms of things to do on a Bahamas vs Caribbean cruise, the Caribbean offers a broader range of activities, including water sports, historical tours, and wildlife encounters. Whereas the Bahamas activities are mainly focused around pristine beaches with water parks, and aquatic adventures which are more geared to children.
You should also consider which cruise line to go with as some cater more for families like Royal Caribbean which is very family friendly and has plenty of on-board activities to keep children occupied on at sea days. There is also now the option for Disney cruises which are magical for any age group but will be especially appealing to families.
Winner: Bahamas cruise is better for families
Key Differences Between Bahamas vs. Caribbean Cruises
The main considerations when deciding between Bahamas vs. Caribbean cruises are stops along the way, cost, food, culture, landscapes and of course the all important beaches. There are key differences between the Bahamas vs Caribbean so let’s look a little deeper into the two.
The Bahamas is one country made up of an archipelago of tiny islands and cays, located in the Atlantic Ocean, east of Florida. Most cruise companies have a private island to visit in the Bahamas.
In contrast, the Caribbean is a much broader area with thousands of tiny islands and 13 independent countries, 12 dependencies, and 8 overseas territories.
The Caribbean has a wide variety of cultures with influences from Africa and Europe being prominent on the different islands. There are also different regions within the Caribbean, such as the Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean which all have separate cruise itineraries.
Check out this post on the Best Caribbean Islands to visit in January
Stops Along The Way
The main islands within the Bahamas to visit on a cruise are Nassau and Grand Bahama, these will be partnered with islands or Cays which are privately owned by the cruise line and which one you visit depends on the company you are cruising with but include Little San Salvador Island, Little Stirrup Cay, Great Stirrup Cay and Eleuthera.
Caribbean cruises have stops at multiple islands depending on the region your are cruising to and could include countries like St Lucia, St Kitts, St Maarten, or Dominica each with their own culture and traditions. If ticking off countries on your bucket list is the plan then a Caribbean cruise will satisfy this desire better than a Bahamas cruise.
If you want to learn about the history of the Caribbean then a Caribbean cruise will give more insight into how the region has developed and how each country has grown and changed over the years. Whereas a Bahamas cruise will be centred around the beaches and water activities.
Winner: Caribbean definitely has more stops along the way and is better because of the diversity of the countries visited.
Costs & Prices: Which is cheaper the Bahamas or the Caribbean?
Bahamas cruises are often cheaper because they are closer to the US and offer cruises that are shorter in length. This means they use less fuel and the facilities may not be as grand because most cruise lines use their older ships for short weekend Bahamas cruises.
There are also plenty of options for affordable Caribbean cruises nowadays depending on what level of luxury you want onboard and the length of your trip. Most Caribbean cruise lines do offer shorter cruises of 3-4 days which will help keep the costs down, however most Caribbean cruise itineraries are at least 7 days. One of the downsides of a Caribbean cruise is the embarkation port which could be Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, or even Mexico so you may have to fly to get there.
The Bahamas is usually considered a luxury destination so prices of things on the island will reflect this. On a Bahamas cruise there is also likely to be a day or two where you are on the private cay owned by the cruise line which means you are at the mercy of the cruise line for prices and also means any money you do spend will go directly to the cruise line rather than into the Bahamas economy. Certain excursions on the islands may be included in your cruise fare but research this before hand to know exactly what food, drinks and activities may not be included in your on-board packages to avoid a surprise bill.
Caribbean cruises are usually more expensive than Bahamas cruises initially because they are generally longer and visit more locations. Once you are on the islands though the prices may be cheaper than the Bahamas, it entirely depends on which cruise itinerary you choose and which island you visit for example St Barth’s is one of the most expensive Caribbean islands whereas Jamaica is one of the cheapest. Unlike on a Bahamas cruise though any money you do spend on the Caribbean islands will contribute to the local economy.
Winner: Bahamas is cheaper for a cruise destination
Bahamas vs Caribbean Food
The Bahamas are known for tropical drinks like the Bahamas mama and The Painkiller but food wise there is a diverse choice with Bahamian food being a fusion of West African, European, American, and indigenous culinary traditions.
Seafood is very prominent in the Bahamas with Conch (sea snail) being considered the national dish. Other seafood like spiny lobster, crab, and fish are all very popular amongst locals and tourists and are usually paired with rice or pigeon peas and vegetables or fruit.
Caribbean cuisine is a global fusion of flavours from West African, Creole, Amerindian, European, Latin American, Indian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Chinese cultures. This means Caribbean food has a much wider variety with well known dishes like jerk chicken/pork, goat water soup and West Indian curry. Most islands have their own national dish which varies from seafood to meat usually paired with rice or local vegetables such as breadfruit or ackee.
Winner: Both. The food around the entire Caribbean including the Bahamas is delicious.
Culture, History & Language
History
The colonial history of the Caribbean including the Bahamas has left a lasting impact on the region, influencing its languages, cultures, and social structures. It also continues to shape the region’s political and economic dynamics to this day.
The Caribbean was historically inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Taíno, Arawak, Carib, and Kalinago. These societies had their own languages, cultures, and social structures. However, Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1492 marked the beginning of European contact with the region and the start of a dark time of enslavement and exploitation of the indigenous people.
Unfortunately most of the native population on the islands were wiped out by diseases brought from Europe and so the Europeans started bringing slaves from African to run their sugar and tobacco empires.
The 19th century saw the gradual abolition of slavery throughout the Caribbean and the British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, leading to the emancipation of enslaved people in British colonies. Other European powers followed suit in the decades that followed and emancipation day celebrations are still held on many of the Caribbean islands.
The people that live on the Caribbean islands today are most likely to be descendants of African slaves brought over by Europeans with very few indigenous people left on the islands.
Culture
Most of the Caribbean islands are predominantly Christian in faith with various branches of Christianity being observed. Each island will have its own religious practices and their celebrations and traditions are often reflected in these.
All of the Caribbean islands, Bahamas included have annual carnival celebrations. These are usually based around the African origins of the people and some carnival traditions cross over from one island to the next. Some things you are guaranteed to find at any Caribbean Carnival is lots of music, dancing and brightly coloured costumes.
Language
English is the official language of the Bahamas, which is a significant difference from some other Caribbean countries where languages like Spanish, French, Dutch, and Patois are more commonly spoken.
However, you may still hear Bahamian English, which has its own unique dialect and expressions, this is similar to other English speaking Caribbean islands such as St Kitts and Nevis where the local dialect can often sound like a language of its own.
While there are differences between the Bahamas vs Caribbean nations, it’s essential to recognize that there is also a great deal of cultural exchange and commonality between them due to their shared history, geography, and Caribbean identity. Each Caribbean nation has its own rich cultural tapestry, and these differences and similarities make the region a fascinating and diverse part of the world.
Geography & Landscape
The Bahamas are world famous for pristine white sand beaches and clear turquoise water. The Bahamas also have the world’s third longest barrier reef and around 5% of the world’s coral can be found in the waters surrounding the islands making it the perfect destination for scuba divers.
The islands of the Bahamas are mostly flat but quite rocky with long stretches of powdery sand beaches along the coastline and the highest point is Mount Alvernia on Cat Island which is just 63 metres (206 feet) above sea level.
The climate is tropical with an average of 320 days of sunshine a year and the weather is warm but not usually too hot due to the cooling breeze which comes from the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes are much less common in the Bahamas than other Caribbean islands and hurricane seasons runs from June to November.
The Caribbean islands have much more diverse landscapes with tropical rainforests, lush vegetation, rivers and waterfalls depending on the island you go to. Most of the Caribbean is volcanic in origin meaning that almost all of the islands have a central volcanic peak and mountainous landscape. The highest peak in the Caribbean is Pico Duarte in the Dominican Republic at 3,101 metres (10,174 feet) above sea level.
Due to the volcanic nature of the islands many of the beaches around the Caribbean are black sand beaches, although most islands have some golden sand beaches too, whereas the white sand beaches of the Bahamas are rare in the rest of the Caribbean. The water around the Caribbean is also beautiful and clear and the warmth of the water means it is incredibly popular for water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving.
The weather is the Caribbean can vary depending on the islands you are visiting on your cruise but you can guarantee warm weather and sunshine for most of the year.
Hurricane season in the Caribbean is from June to November and during this time heavy tropical rainstorms can be expected on the islands but in our experience these usually only last around 30 minutes and then the sunshine comes out again.
Winner: We think the Caribbean has more diverse landscapes and that would be our choice but it is a personal preference.
Which has the best beaches Bahamas vs Caribbean?
If you are looking for powdery white sand that is instagram-worthy then the Bahamas are where you need to go. In the Bahamas you can find a wide variety of beach types, from secluded, intimate coves to long stretches of untouched shoreline perfect for a romantic stroll.
The Caribbean also has beautiful beaches but they are usually golden sand or black sand due to the volcanic nature of the islands which some people find disappointing. Caribbean beaches are often better for water sports and activities like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing.
Whichever destination you go to you are sure to find palm trees and hammocks to relax in and plenty to see in the underwater world if you decide to go snorkelling or diving.
Winner: Bahamas clearly has the best beaches with the long white sand stretches which are hard to find on the Caribbean islands.
Bahamas Cruise: 3 Best Things To Do
When it comes to things to do on a Bahamas cruise you won’t be short of options. The main stops on a Bahamas cruise will be either Nassau or Grand Bahama island where you can find plenty of great tours, and one or two days of your cruise itinerary will usually be on the private island owned by the cruise line you are on.
You can book tours directly through your cruise ship however we don’t recommend that because it is usually much more expensive than booking directly with the tour company. Here are our top recommendations for Bahamas cruise tours.
1. Swimming Pigs Tour
Swimming with pigs is a bucketlist item on many people’s agenda when going on a Bahamas cruise and this tour is perfect for your day docked in Nassau. Pick up is in the morning so you can enjoy breakfast on the ship first and you will be whisked away to Rose Island home of the swimming pigs.
During this 4 hour excursion you can spend the morning swimming with them taking the perfect instagram photos and videos and then enjoy a delicious lunch included in the price. Also included in this tour is complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, towels, and beach chairs while on Rose Island.
Prices start from $195 per person. Check availability and book your tour here.
2. Nassau Island Sightseeing Tour
One of the best ways to get to know a place is to take a tour with a local guide. In this 2 hour 30 minute tour you will discover all the best things Nassau island has to offer including Queen Victorias staircase, John Watling’s Distillery, Graycliff Chocolate Factory, and the world famous Atlantis resort.
You will get food and drink samples along the way and full commentary during the drive from the tour guide who is more than happy to answer any questions you have about the island.
Prices start from $80 per person. Check availability and book your tour here.
3. Bahamas Snorkel Adventure
The Bahamas is renowned for its crystal clear warm water so what better way to spend a day than in the underwater world on a snorkelling tour. This 5 hour tour includes all snorkelling equipment including life vest, boat tour, bottled water and transportation to and from the cruise port, you will need to buy or bring your own food and any other drinks.
You are guaranteed to see some beautiful colourful tropical fish and coral and you also have the option of swimming with local sharks under the supervision of your snorkel guide if you want to. If swimming with sharks scares you, you can always stay on the boat and see them from the safety of the deck.
Prices start from $144 per person. Check availability and book your tour here.
Caribbean Cruise: 3 Best Things To Do
On any Caribbean cruise itinerary there are going to be so many things to do on board the ship to keep you occupied on at-sea days. When we went on our cruise in 2022 we were blown away by the amount of onboard acitvities and entertainment options from laser tag to roller skating, the usual pool, spa, shopping and casino areas and amazing shows like comedy, opera and circus acts.
When not on board the ship you will enjoy making the most of your time visiting different islands by booking cruise ship excursions that will really help you get to know the places you are visiting. Like with a Bahamas cruise it is much cheaper to book tours and excursions directly with the tour operator than through the cruise chip. The excursions you take will depend on what islands you are visiting but here are some of our favourite things to do on a Caribbean cruise.
1. ATV Island Tour
Every Caribbean island we have visited has had the option for an ATV tour of the island. We have found this to be one of the best ways to explore the landscapes of the islands, enjoy the scenery and find hidden places off the normal tourist trails.
ATV tours are usually around 4 hours and usually include bottled water and sometimes include lunch. Check with your tour operator what is included in your booking.
Find and book the best ATV Tour for you here.
2. Half Day Catamaran Cruise and Snorkel
One of our favourite things to do living in St Kitts is to go on a catamaran trip to Nevis and we highly recommend going on one wherever you are in the Caribbean. Catamaran trips are great fun enjoying the island scenery as you sail by to the top snorkelling spots around.
At the snorkelling spot you can immerse yourself in the underwater world and see lots of brightly coloured fish and coral and if you are lucky you might see turtles or rays.
Catamaran trips are usually around 4-5 hours and include snorkelling equipment and drinks on board the boat. Check with your tour operator to see what is included in your trip.
Find and book a catamaran cruise and snorkel trip here.
3. Island Tour with Local Guide
No two Caribbean islands are the same so we highly recommend going on an island tour of each place on your cruise itinerary to get to known the history and culture of each country. Island tours are one of our favourite things to do because we usually end up in off the beaten track bars or local eateries that are full of wonderful people to talk to and delicious food and drink offerings.
Island tours can be half or full day tours so chose which one suits you best, some include food and drink. Check with your tour operator to see what is included in your trip.
We also wrote a self-guided walking tour from St Kitts cruise Port Zante around the capital Basseterre which is a good alternative to a paid tour if you only have a few hours to explore.
Find and book your guided island tours here.
Final Thoughts: Bahamas Vs. Caribbean
If we had to decide between Bahamas vs. Caribbean as a couple it would be a Caribbean cruise for the diversity and the different countries with their unique cultures and history. No matter which cruise you choose to take in the Bahamas vs Caribbean debate you will be sure to have an amazing time with some beautiful scenery, tasty food and friendly local people.
Overall Winner: Caribbean Cruise
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