The Bahamas, an archipelago compromised of about 700 different islands, is a popular year-round cruise destination. With sailings offered from Florida, it makes for a quick 3- or 4-night getaway! You can, however, also opt for a longer cruise from ports along the eastern coast, such as Baltimore or Cape Liberty, New Jersey.
The best time to cruise to The Bahamas is dependent on a few factors, such as weather, price, and crowds. The answer may vary, too, as some people may value getting a better deal over ideal weather and vice versa.
Even if you are not taking a cruise specifically to The Bahamas, there is a good chance that you spend at least one day of your 7-night Caribbean cruise here. Often, Royal Caribbean will include a stop at their private island Perfect Day at CocoCay on their longer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries that sail to ports like Cozumel, Roatán, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.
Related: Bahamas cruise guide
Overview of Bahamas ports
The Bahamas are known for their world-famous beaches. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at the crystal-clear beaches, such as relaxing on a lounge chair, booking a day pass to a five-star resort, sailing on a catamaran, or snorkeling with the marine life.
The two most popular ports of call are Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay; however, it is not uncommon to find sailings that visit other places, too, including Bimini and Grand Bahama Island.
Nassau is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and recently, they opened the first phase of the port expansion. While they're known for turquoise beaches and famous resorts (i.e., Atlantis and Baha Mar), there are plenty of activities for all interests, including boat tours, snorkeling and scuba diving, food tours, museums, and shopping.
You will want to make sure that you plan your time in each port in advance, as certain excursions can sell out, especially the Coco Beach Club at CocoCay. Plus, many cruisers find that they are disappointed when they try to wing their day in Nassau.
Related: Nassau, Bahamas opened the first phase of its cruise port revamp. Here's what's new and different
Perfect Day at CocoCay is Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas that underwent a massive $250 million renovation in 2019. The new building isn't done, either, as Royal Caribbean is currently building a new adults-only section called Hideaway Beach.
It is a favorite port for many cruisers, as it is packed will activities for all interests. There's a water park with the tallest waterslide in North America, complimentary beach loungers and umbrellas, a zip line, an exclusive beach club, and even the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.
The great thing with Perfect Day at CocoCay is that the island offers enough to do without spending anything extra. Plus, there is complimentary food available throughout the day.
Best time to cruise based on weather
Since The Bahamas is located further north than most Caribbean ports (think Jamaica and St. Maarten), the islands are more prone to temperature fluctuation. In fact, The Bahamas is not even located within the Caribbean.
The driest weather can be expected between November and April, with the wettest months being June through September, which is also Atlantic hurricane season.
While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30, you are most likely to encounter storms in August and September. Do not let this stop you from booking a cruise during this time, though. If a storm does pop up, the cruise ship captain will do everything they can to ensure smooth sailing, meaning that it is more common for itineraries to be changed instead of being flat out cancelled.
If cruising in the winter -- think December and January -- you might be subject to colder temperatures due to the possibility of a cold front. When this occurs, the seas will get a little rougher than usual, and temperatures will be in the 60s and 70s.
In January, for instance, the average high in Nassau is in the high 70s, while the average low drops to the mid 60s.
Earlier this year, I sailed to CocoCay twice in January. Both times, the weather was not as warm as I would have preferred. Once I got in the water, I had to stay submerged, otherwise the wind chill made it uncomfortably chilly!
When I returned mid-February, though, it was pleasant, and I did not mind sitting in my swimsuit, rather than feeling like I had to bundle up in a towel to hang out on the beach.
The weather is subject to change; however, the months of March, April, May and November are the most likely to see comfortable temperatures with the least chance of rain.
Best time to cruise based on crowds
The Bahamas is a popular cruise port and tourist destination year-round. On February 27, 2023, Nassau set a new single-day record with 28,554 cruise ship passengers in port in a single day!
Regardless of when you choose to sail, you are likely going to be in port with more than one ship. In fact, thanks to Nassau's recent port expansion, they are now able to accommodate 30,000 cruise passengers per day. By the end of 2024, it is estimated that Nassau will see four million cruise visitors.
The busiest times of year coincide with American school holidays. Not only will ships be sailing close to maximum capacity, but the island's themselves (excluding CocoCay) will also see more tourists. These holidays include spring and summer break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Three day weekends, such as Memorial Day and Labor Day, are subject to seeing more crowds, too.
Best time to cruise based on price
While you should never book the cheapest cruise you can find without doing additional research, you can find great deals on cruises to The Bahamas, especially those that are only 3- and 4-nights. The price per night will be more expensive than longer cruises, but the overall cost will be lower.
At the time of writing, a 3-night sailing on Allure of the Seas is advertised at $282 per person for The Bahamas cruise that leaves on November 1, 2024. In comparison, a 7-night Bahamas & Perfect Day cruise onboard Radiance of the Seas starts at $565 per person. This amounts to a difference of roughly $15 per day, before taxes, port fees, and gratuities are even added, for the shorter cruise.
You are more likely to find a cheaper sailing if you cruise during the following times:
- January (with the exception of New Years' week and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend)
- February (with the exception of Presidents' Day Weekend)
- May
- September
- October
- First two weeks of November
- First two weeks of December
March and April see an increase in pricing due to spring break, while three day weekends (i.e., Presidents' Day) are popular since they require one less day off of work.
A 4-night cruise onboard Allure of the Seas that departs on February 19, 2024 (Presidents' Day) is currently priced at $543 per person for two guests staying in an interior cabin. If you sailed two weeks earlier on February 5, you could book a balcony cabin for roughly the same price!
Other factors that will impact your price include the stateroom category you choose, as well as the age of the ship. Sailings on the brand-new Utopia of the Seas, for instance, will be more expensive than those on Allure of the Seas.
Of course, the best way to ensure that you are getting the best price on your cruise vacation is to book it as soon in advance as possible. If you notice that the fare does drop, you can either consult your travel agent or call Royal Caribbean, and they will honor the lower price. If you book after a price increase, however, there is no way for you to get price that you missed out on.
Related: How to get the best cruise deals: 15 easy tips
What is the best time to take a cruise to the Bahamas?
When taking into consideration the weather, crowds, and cost of the cruise fare, the most ideal time to sail to The Bahamas is either May or early November.
In regard to the weather, the average high and low in Nassau during the month May are in the mid-80s and mid-70s. November tends to be similar, with the average being a few degrees colder than in the spring. Either way, you will avoid the peak humidity and high temperatures that accompany sailing in the summer months.
Similarly, both May and early November fall outside of the peak season for crowds. While neither the cruise nor port of Nassau will be empty, there will be fewer travelers than in the summer since the majority of American families will be preoccupied with school and other obligations.
Fewer crowds means that there is less demand, too. Less demand means a decrease in cruise fares, which is great for those looking to sail on a budget or stretch their vacation fund as far as possible.
You cannot go wrong with a cruise to The Bahamas, though, regardless of when you are able to sail! Just make sure you do your research in advance, so you know what to expect.
