The islands of the Bahamas (located a mere 48 miles off the south-east coast of Florida) boasts some of the most luxurious beaches in the world. The water is crystal-clear and hosts exotic sea-life. As a matter of fact, the two reasons most cited by travelers for visiting the 
Bahamas are the beaches and diving excursions. So, if you are avid about one or both, this is definitely the place for you.
Nassau and Paradise Island are by and large the two “hot spots,” for most tourists. Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas. Paradise Island is a short jaunt away and connected to the city via a toll bridge. Activities are numerous at both locations and are quite diverse. The Bahamas offers something for everyone. In the mood for something energizing? Try swimming, diving or snorkeling at some of the world's most beautiful reefs. Like walking about? Try historic sight-seeing, shopping and interacting with the island locals. Want to flirt with Lady Luck? Try gambling in the mammoth casino at the Paradise Island Atlantis Resort.
We began our Bahamas adventure at the Prince George Wharf. After filing off the cruise ship and going through the processing station/Welcome Center we exited into Nassau proper. We were immediately hit with a torrent of well-intentioned capitalists encouraging tours, taxis, carriage rides, etc. A young girl walked up to hubby and me and asked in a lilting British tone: "Pretty lady, braid your hair?" As I could not picture myself looking like Bo Derek in "10" I politely declined and smiled. The air was warm and clean and not too humid.
We wove up and down the streets focusing on the shopping district near Bay St. We shopped for postcards and souvenirs and found 
some great bargains in the smaller "mom and pop" shops. Soon our wanderings led us to the Straw Market.
We love to shop and we love to “haggle” when we shop and the Straw Market offers the best of both worlds. We entered the tent-covered market. True to its name it is full of authentic straw-made merchandise, something the Bahamas is known for. The Straw Market gives the tourist-shopper a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich cultural atmosphere of the Bahamas. Among the handmade items you will find beautiful delicately-woven purses, photo albums made from natural materials and jewelry made of seashells. Quality varies from merchant to merchant as do prices and most feature the same wares so don't be afraid to look for other vendors if you can't get your price. I bought a couple of straw purses from a lady who was weaving them right in front of me. They were exceptional. One of our favorite things to do as we travel is collecting large conch shells for my "seaside" garden back in Newnan, Ga. They can be quite expensive when purchased in costal stores, but on this occasion, I found a rather large one for just $5.00. It was so fresh from the sea that when the merchant gave me my change from a ten-dollar bill, it was soaked with seawater. He had just been diving for the shells.
One of the most interesting aspects of our trip was our historical sight-seeing tour on New Providence Island where Nassau is located. Did you know the entire island is only 7 miles wide by 22 miles long? We took a quick taxi ride to Fort Fincastle. On top of the fort you can nearly see the entire island.
Built in 1793, the front of the fort is shaped like the bow of a ship and provides a good spot for a lookout. Its cannons have never been fired in battle. Located on Elizabeth Avenue, you can reach this fort by way of the Queen's Staircase a few blocks up from the harbor on East Street.
There are two ways to get to the Bahamas, sail or fly. My preference, and in my opinion, the most relaxing, is via cruise ship. My husband surprised me with a Carnival cruise for our 10th wedding anniversary, hence the trip to the Bahamas. Cruising, of course is not for everyone, but there are many advantages to booking travel on a cruise line versus air travel if one is looking for a restful and rejuvenating vacation.
Everything you need is at your fingertips and excellent customer service is the heart of the cruise experience. There is plenty of “down time” such as relaxing poolside on the ship's deck, reading in your ocean-view cabin or just sitting in one of the many lounge areas catching up with friends and family. The food is plentiful, so I made sure I lost a few pounds before we boarded. The ship's cuisine features just about anything from simple hamburgers, french-fries and pizza to beef Wellington and gourmet desserts.
The three-day cruise we took from Port Canaveral, Florida just did not seem long enough to be able to soak in the vast culture, relaxing atmosphere and unique experiences that the Islands of the Bahamas offer. But it was fun for a quick get-away in the middle of winter when most everywhere else in the States the weather was bleak and cold.
I was so impressed with the cruise experience that, upon returning, I promptly booked a five-day cruise for the entire family aboard the Carnival Holiday Ship for an excursion to Mexico over Christmas week. It is our gift to our children which we feel is worth so much more than a box of “whatever” which will be quickly forgotten (and finds its way into the next summer's yard sale). This trip will offer our kids a brand new experience that can never be sold in a yard sale nor forgotten and will be time well invested in further enhancing our family relationships. We are so looking forward to it!
For more information on cruise vacations and the islands of the Bahamas, click a link below:
http://www.carnival.com.
http://www.bahamas.com/bahamas/index.aspx
