When Christopher Columbus first set foot in the New World, he did so in the Bahamas. With a total landmass of more than 5,000 square miles spread over 100,000 square miles of water, the Bahamas chain is larger by far than any of the Caribbean island groups yet only 30 of its 700 islands are inhabited. Swimming, fishing, scuba, and snorkeling enthusiasts love the Bahamas as they occupy two shallow marine plateaus separated from each other—and from North America and the Greater Antilles—by deep ocean trenches. When the sun’s rays reflect off the white sands and waters, the blue tones are breathtaking! Very unique outgrowths to this amazing island archipelago are its 2000 islets called cays and pronounced keys.
Princess Cruises passengers often stop at the historic pineapple cays of Eleuthera for a relaxing white sand beach afternoon in a 40 acre parcel called Princess Cays. This flat, arid land mass has no streams or rivers which means no run-off into the surrounding brilliant clear turquoise waters. Princess Cays offers a lot of fun-filled activities and amenities, while carefully preserving the natural paradise. If you have never snorkeled, this is an perfect opportunity as the calm shallow waters are ideal to experiment with flippers, a face mask, and air snorkel to capture a glimpse of colorful marine species.
But, if going underwater is not your thing, hitch a ride on the glass bottom boat to see frolicking fish and underwater creatures. Other water sports include sailboats, kayaks, 3 wheel aqua bikes, and even wave runners. Check with your ship’s excursion desk to see what activities can be booked in advance to allow you to make the best use of your time on the islet.
Back on the shore you can climb the observation tower, join a beach volleyball game, hike a few trails or visit a local craft market. Your ship’s crew will stage a beach barbeque for your casual carefree day in the sun. Be sure to leave enough time to relax on the beach though. There is nothing better than sipping a cool drink while listening to the waves, and soaking up a few rays.
Remember, at any time you can pack up your beach bag and return to your ship on the small tender boats to enjoy a massage, shower, or snooze before the ship sails off to the next port of call.
7 Reasons to Cruise with Princess®
Starting at $1099* | $50 Onboard Credit
Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Antigua, Antigua & Barbuda | St. Lucia | Barbados | St. Kitts, St. Kitts & Nevis | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | Princess Cays, Bahamas | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Starting at $699* | $50 Onboard Credit
Category IF, Rate Code RDA
Ports:Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Princess Cays, Bahamas | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | St. Maarten | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Starting at $279* | $50 Onboard Credit
Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Starting at $554* | $50 Onboard Credit
Category IE, Rate Code RDA
Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Princess Cays, Bahamas | St. Maarten | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | Nassau, Bahamas | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Starting at $749* | $50 Onboard Credit
Category IF, Rate Code FIT
Ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Princess Cays, Bahamas | St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | St. Maarten | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Interested in other dates or destinations? Call or stop by our office and we'll help you choose the perfect vacation and plan an unforgettable experience customized just for you.
*Please note that prices are listed per person, non-air cruise-only and based on double occupancy. Launch Fares are offering fares and may not have been in effect for the past 90 days or resulted in actual sales in all categories. Intermediate discounts may have been taken and fares may remain at discounted levels after this promotion. Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses are subject to change and Princess reserves the right to collect any increases in effect at the time of sailing even if the fare has already been paid in full. Prices are subject to change based on availability. Stateroom views are considered unobstructed unless noted otherwise. Photos, floor plan diagrams, and amenities represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship. Obstructions do not include certain nautical items like handrails, dividers or ship hardware. For balcony staterooms, the view is determined from the perspective of the balcony railing. Prices shown in USD. Please review Passage Contract for Cancellation Policy. Ships' Registry: Bermuda.