Cruise to Freeport, Bahamas

Last week my friend and I took a cruise to Freeport, Bahamas. It was the first stop on a cruise out of Miami that also included Nassau, Bahamas and a private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line.

Freeport Harbour

Our ship, the Norwegian Sky, docked at Freeport Harbour on Grand Bahamas Island. When cruisers disembark their ships at the harbor they arrive in the middle of a colorful marketplace full of palm trees. Local vendors sell t-shirts, souvenirs, food, and drinks.

From the harbor it's easy to catch a cab to anywhere on the island. We paid $10 each, round-trip to Port Lucaya, a marketplace with a beach nearby. It was a ten mile, twenty minute ride. There is no actual "downtown" in Freeport, but separate residential, shopping, and beach areas.

Port Lucaya Marketplace

The Port Lucaya Marketplace is a popular stop during a cruise to Freeport, Bahamas. It's a brightly colored marketplace consisting of buildings and tents chocked full of souvenirs such as clothing, jewelry, liquor, and trinkets. Multiple places offer food and drinks. Things can be expensive, but there is some room for negotiation at the straw market.

Sometimes the sales people can be a little annoying, but for the most a simple "no thank you" while you move along will be enough. If you're traveling on to Nassau, Bahamas, you'll probably want to wait to get souvenirs there as things seem to be cheaper.

We got to the Port Lucaya Marketplace early when there wasn't much of a crowd. We walked around the market, took a stroll by the marina, did a little souvenir shopping, and watched people and lizards.

Lucaya Beach

What's a cruise to Freeport, Bahamas without a beach break? After meandering around the market for awhile we decided to find a beach. A quick look at Google maps showed a beach just to the south of us, about a five minute walk, Lucaya Beach.

If you have trouble finding it, ask for directions to Billy Joe's Restaurant. It's a popular spot for conch and beer on the beach. Lucaya Beach is the quintessential Bahamas beach.

It has crystal clear turquoise water, clean white sand, and plenty of palm trees. You can rent paddle boards and jet skis, have a beer at Billy Joe's or just relax and take in the sights and sounds of the relaxing beach.

More to do on Grand Bahamas Island

There's much more to do during a cruise to Freeport, Bahamas then what I've listed.

There are

• glass bottom boat tours,
• horseback riding,
• scuba,
• snorkeling,
• Gambling at a casino, as well as much more.

No matter how you're getting to Freeport, Grand Bahamas, check out this awesome island nation.

Howdy, I'm Karen. I'm an artist, pink. I currently live in Dallas Texas in the United States. I am a fan of photography, travel, and arts. I'm also interested in volunteering and fashion.