We all know the reasons why 2020 has been a difficult year so far. But, as most of us have already accepted and adjusted to the “new normal”, why not trying to look through rose-coloured spectacles, and start dreaming again and planning a safe vacation?
The Origin of the Cruises:
The Cruise ships originate in Italy, with the first cruise experience called “Francesco I”, in June 1833. It was restricted to the aristocracy of Europe and sailed for three months from Naples, with stops in other parts of Italy, Malta, Greece and Constantinople, while delighting the passengers with guided tours, dancing, card tables and parties.
Floating hotels, with complete hospitality services, dining and entertaining on board, the passenger ships used mainly for vacationing, typically embark on few days round trip voyages to various port-of-calls, where the guests can enjoy tours known as “shore excursions”.
Until 1975-1980, cruises offered shuffleboard games, deck chairs and, as they advertised, “drinks with umbrellas and a little else for a few hundred passengers”. After 1980, they offered increasing amenities.
There have been nine or more new cruise ships added every year since 2001, and nowadays city-sized ships have dozens of facilities.
As of March 2020, there are sixty-one passenger ships over 120,000 GT in service, the maximum capacity onboard being of 6,700 people. The first ships to over the size were the Voyager-class ships from Royal Caribbean International.
Research First:
When it comes to choosing the right type of cruise, there are so many options: sail longer on a big vessel, floating on world’s seas and having the beach as your destination, embarking for a music festival, booking a cruise ship on Europe’s canals for a more cultural journey, or themed voyages for different interests and age groups, adults only or accompanied by children, the decision is up to you. Choose wisely!
Life on Board:
Once on board, you have to know that most of the ships do not accept cash or credit/debit cards for the extra facilities you will want to purchase. Therefore, if needed, the Guest Services will help you, by adding your money to a “Sail” individual account and given card, that will be used all over the ship, and presented at the end of the cruise.
Also, on the day of the embarkation, all the cruise lines, perform the mandatory Passenger Master Station Drill. For about half an hour, all passengers, guided by the crew, will be shown each Muster Station/ meeting point and lifeboat used in case of a real emergency or evacuation.
All the ships have plenty of restaurants and food options. Usually, the meals are included in the cost of the cruise, but you will always find more eccentric restaurants on board, with a la carte menus and wine selections, that you can order at an extra charge. Make sure you have the Sail Card with you!
There is live music entertainment, as well as bingo nights and dancing and/or talent shows.
Depending on the size of the cruise ship, you can also find indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, themed bars, night clubs, casinos, Spas, bakeries, coffee and gift shops, and the smiling crew is always able to answer to all your questions and requests.
The tip is always very appreciated, but it may come as a (very expensive) surprise at the end of your cruise: some cruise lines automatically add it to the final bill of the passenger. Luckily, it can be adjusted.
“Shore Excursions” desk gives you guidance in booking different adventures and trips at the shore stops. Booking and paying on board can be more expensive than the excursions you will find directly on land, but they are safer and guarantee that, in case of any delay of the trips, the ship will not leave without you.
Yes, the cruise ships leave behind, at the port-of-calls, the passengers that fail to come back on board, on time, at the hour requested by the Captain.
Destination: The Bahamas
The Caribbean cruising industry is one of the largest in the world, in 2012 being responsible for over $2 billion in direct revenue to the Caribbean islands, with an estimated 17 million passengers.
Some of the cruise lines operating in the Caribbean include Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity and Disney Cruise Line.
The busiest port of call in the Caribbean is The Bahamas, where in 2013 there were registered approximately five million passenger arrivals.
The Bahamas are known for the first landing of Christopher Columbus, the history of the pirates, pristine white sand beaches, fantastic scuba diving and snorkelling, the swimming pigs of Exuma, and spicy Bahamian cuisine such as Cracked Conch or Rock Lobsters.
The Best Time to Go
The Islands of the Bahamas make a great cruise destination almost any time of the year, although if you want to avoid the busy season with crowded ports, the best time for a vacation is April-May and then again, mid September until mid November. Be aware that between June and September is the hurricane season.
Also, you may want to know that The Caribbean is very popular among youth during March, for the Spring Break.
The warmest weather in the Bahamas is during August with average high temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wettest month of the year is June, during the hurricane season.
When it comes to saving money, the cruises rates are generally lower during off-season -late April, early May, September, October and early November. The most expensive are the holiday cruises and during the high-season, December until February.
Another way to save money on a Bahamas cruise is to find the closest home port of embarkation, preferably at a driving distance. Booking a flight to get there rises the cost of the vacation. For example:
Carnival Cruise Lines offers two up to ten plus days duration cruises year-round from Charleston, South Carolina, USA, at a 14 hours driving distance from Toronto, Ontario, or
Royal Caribbean International offers longer Bahamas cruises from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, at a 8 hours driving distance from Toronto, Ontario.
Bahamian Ports:
Just fifty miles off the coast of Florida, the Bahamian ports such as Nassau and Freeport are included on many Caribbean cruises.
Nassau:
From the 18th-century pirates to the Confederate steamers smuggling cargo past the Union blockade during the American Civil War, the capital and largest city of the Bahamas, Nassau has long seen daring tricksters on the make. The make-a-buck spirit of this global tax haven animates the duty-free shops and cigar salesmen on the Bay Street, while the historic wealth of the upper classes can be found in the Georgian government buildings and homes. Whether you go there to shop, eat, party or sightsee, Nassau represents the Bahamas urban excitement.
Things to Do: Shopping on Bay Street, The Museum of the Pirates of Nassau, Junkanoo Beach, the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, Paradise Island, Atlantic Casino.
Favourite restaurants: Caffe Matisse, Bahamian Cookin’ Restaurant & Bar
Freeport:
The second most populous city in the Bahamas, found on the Island of Grand Bahama, Freeport was founded in 1955 as a centre of tourism, and recently has undergone redevelopment, offering nearly every amenity an island visitor could hope for: pristine beaches, golf, water sports, diving, gambling, duty-free shopping, boating, nightclubs and fishing.
Things to Do: Freeport's International Bazaar, the Pirates of the Bahamas theme park, Port Lucaya marketplace, Garden of the Groves botanical garden, the Rand Nature Centre or Lucayan National Park.
Favourite restaurants: Tony Macaroni's Conch Experience and The Stoned Crab, both on Taino Beach.
Whether you chase the crystal clear blue waters and the white sand beaches, local restaurants and cuisine, or shopping for clothes with unique Caribbean design, the Bahamas have numerous exotic cruise port-of-calls worth visiting.
You can find more information and the latest news regarding cruise ships on cruisecritic.com and cruisemapper.com.
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