If you’re looking for a short and relaxing cruise with a mix of adventure, beautiful beaches, and cultural experiences, a 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Jade is a fantastic option.
We recently sailed on this itinerary and had an amazing time enjoying the ship’s amenities, exploring the islands, and soaking up the sun.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our trip, including highlights from Nassau, Freeport, and Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay!
Day 1: Embarkation & Setting Sail
Embarkation day is always exciting! As soon as we stepped aboard the Norwegian Jade, we were greeted with friendly smiles and an atmosphere of fun and relaxation. We took some time to explore the ship, checking out the dining venues, pool deck, and bars.
Highlights from Day 1:
• Lunch at Garden Café – The buffet had a variety of options to choose from, including fresh salads, international dishes, and delicious desserts.
• Sail Away Party – We grabbed drinks and enjoyed the lively atmosphere on the pool deck as we set sail.
• Exploring the Ship – We checked out the bars, lounges, and entertainment venues, making mental notes of what we wanted to experience during our cruise.
We ended the evening with a delicious dinner at the main dining room and enjoyed the show at theater before heading to bed.
Day 2: Sea Day – Relaxation & Fun at Sea
A sea day is the perfect opportunity to unwind and take advantage of everything the ship has to offer.
How You Can Spend Your Sea Day:
• Breakfast on the Balcony – Nothing beats waking up to the sound of the ocean while enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
• Pool & Sunbathing – Spend time lounging by the pool, soaking in the sun, and cooling off in the water.
• Norwegian’s Famous Drinks – Try a few fun cocktails at the poolside bar. The Piña Coladas and Peach Bellini’s are a must!
• Casino & Entertainment – Test your luck in the casino and see an afternoon comedy show.
• Dinner & Live Music – Enjoy a delicious meal followed by live entertainment at one of the lounges or theater.
It was the perfect way to recharge before busy port days!
Day 3: Nassau –
We Explored the Island with a Private Driver
We opted to hire a private driver for the day, allowing us to see the best of Nassau at our own pace. This was such a great decision because we got to explore multiple landmarks, taste delicious Bahamian flavors, and learn about the island’s rich history.
Stops & Highlights:
1. Parliament Square & Government House – A beautiful pink historic building that showcases Nassau’s colonial past.
2. Rum Cake Factory – We got to sample and purchase some delicious rum cakes (so good!).
3. Atlantis Paradise Island – We stopped by this iconic resort to admire its grand architecture and take some photos.
4. Fort Montagu – A small fort with historical significance, offering great views of the harbor.
5. Fort Fincastle & Queen’s Staircase – We climbed the historic Queen’s Staircase, a must-see attraction with a fascinating backstory.
6. Bahamian Moonshine Company – Sampled locally made moonshine flavors.
7. Bahama Barrels by Graycliff – A unique winery where we tasted Bahamian wines.
8. Umbrella Street – A colorful and vibrant spot that’s perfect for photos!
9. Straw Market – We browsed local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.
After an amazing day of exploring, we returned to the ship, relaxed, enjoyed a delicious dinner & watch the show in the theater.
Day 4: Freeport – Beach Day at Taino Beach (Pirates Cove)
For our day in Freeport, we chose to have a relaxing beach day at Taino Beach in Pirates Cove. This was the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the Bahamas.
What We Loved About Taino Beach:
• Affordable Entry & Rentals – It was $16 per person to enter and an additional $28 for two chairs and an umbrella—well worth it for a comfortable beach day.
• Crystal Clear Water – The turquoise waters were calm and inviting, perfect for swimming.
• Laid-Back Vibes – Compared to Nassau, Freeport felt more low-key, making it ideal for relaxation.
• Beachside Drinks & Food – We enjoyed a couple of drinks and some local bites while lounging by the water.
After a few hours of beach bliss, we headed back to the ship, showered, and enjoyed another great evening onboard.
Day 5: Great Stirrup Cay – Norwegian’s Private Island
Our final stop was Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island. Since this was a beach day, we made sure to rent an umbrella for $29, which provided much-needed shade as we relaxed on the soft sandy shore.
How We Enjoyed Great Stirrup Cay:
• Lounging & Swimming – The water was gorgeous, and we loved the laid-back atmosphere.
• Drink Service to Our Chairs – One of the best perks! We didn’t have to leave our spot to grab a drink.
• Snorkeling & Exploring – Some passengers went snorkeling to check out the marine life, while we opted to take a stroll along the beach.
• Casual Island Lunch – Norwegian provides a beachside buffet with burgers, salads, and tropical fruit, which was great for a quick bite.
This was the perfect way to end our cruise—soaking up the last bit of sunshine before heading back to the ship.
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This 5-day Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Jade was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. From exploring Nassau with a private driver to enjoying relaxing beach days in Freeport and Great Stirrup Cay, we loved every moment.
If you’re considering a Bahamas cruise, here are some key takeaways:
• Book a private driver in Nassau for a customized island experience.
• Taino Beach in Freeport is worth it for a peaceful and beautiful beach day.
• Rent an umbrella at Great Stirrup Cay for extra comfort.
• Enjoy the sea day! Take advantage of the ship’s amenities before the busy port days.
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