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Bahamas Cruise Vacations

Nassau Bahamas

Nassau BahamasOne of the busiest cruise ports in the world, Nassau has a population of nearly 210,000, which swells by the thousands when cruise ships line the wharf. Sidewalks are packed with tourists, and traffic jams are a daily occurance. Located on the island of New Providence, Nassau is actually one of two islands (the other is Paradise Island) joined by the Paradise Island Bridge. On Nassau, the most sophisticated of the Bahamas' 700 islands, tourism is the No. 1 industry with offshore banking close behind.

Arrival: The first glimpse of Nassau that cruise-ship passengers get of Prince George Wharf is one of low-slung, multicolored buildings that line the port in a blend of Old World and colonial architecture. After walking down the gangplank through the gauntlet of shops and stalls in Festival Place passengers are just a few steps from the downtown area, where they find bustling Rawson Square, the Straw Market and more shopping.

Nassau Attractions

Because the island is only 21 miles long and seven miles wide, getting around is a snap. A two-hour taxi tour provides an overview and highlights. A metered rate or negotiated price is advised for all taxi rides. A typical tour through Nassau to CAble Beach and Montagu should cost about $60 for a party of four. A ferry from Prince George Wharf downtown to Paradise Island is $3 per person. About eight miles from Paradise Island is Cable Beach, one of Nassau's most popular strips of soft sand. A taxi from Prince George Wharf to the beach is $12 per person.

Must-See Attractions: The elegant Atlantis resort, which dominates Paradise Island permits cruisers who visit its casino and restaurants to also enjoy its private beach and pools. The casino, the largest in the Caribbean, offers 1,000 slot machines and an assortment of gaming tables. The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas houses the national collection of paintings and sculpture. Ship-shaped Fort Fincastle, built in 1793, has a landmark water tower with an elevator to the top, the highest point on the island. Other scenic views of the harbor, Nassau and Paradise Island can be seen from Fort Charlotte, about a mile from downtown Nassau.

Shore Excursions: A variety of excursions covering the island's major attractions are available from several cruise lines, with rates starting at under $50. Typical excursions include catamaran sailing, snorkeling, glass-bottomed boat rides, high-speed powerboat rides to Blackbeard's Cay and dolphin encounters at Blue Lagoon Island.

Nassau Restaurants

Follow the locals to some of the island's most popular restaurants. Native dishes at the Bahamian Kitchen, just north of Bay Street on Frederick, gets a big thumbs-up from local bankers (there are 400 banks on the island) and other business people. The Poop Deck is favored for conch dishes and specialty red snapper. Budget-conscious passengers may enjoy the moderately priced My Place Restaurant, housed in a former post office. Senor Frog on busy Bay Street is the local edition of the popular Mexican restaurant chain.

Best Souvenirs: Expect the typical island fare - native handmade goods, T-shirts and conch shell souvenirs - in shops along Bay Street and on the port-area's side streets. Bargain hunters will find a selection of straw hats, purses and placemats at the Straw Market, but check the labels to make sure the goods are made locally.

Who Cruises There: Carnival Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn Cruise Line and Pirncess Cruises are among the major lines scheduled to make port calls.

For more information visit: www.bahamas.com.

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