Ahoy again, Kara! So glad to see you back again at planDisney with another question! I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS GOING TO BE YOUR FIRST CRUISE!!!
::Hands you and your crew First Visit Buttons::
Whew - couldn't get much farther without those! Now that those are all squared away, and I know you're looking to have an amazing time in Nassau, let's dive in - don't worry, no snorkel required!
Nassau is one of those ports that many seasoned cruisers have experienced numerous times, so it's absolutely great to be able to give some first-timers some suggestions on the options that exist on this vibrant island destination! When it comes to the
beach and Port Adventures, you're most likely to get what you're looking for with either the
Pearl Island Beach Escape with Lunch or the
Blue Lagoon Island Beach Day! Both give you the opportunity to experience a Bahamian beach, along with a lunch sure to make that mid-day hunger go away - at least until you can get back on the ship and order some complimentary 24-hour room service for a pre-dinner snack or Mickey Premium bar, haha!
Note that you'll have to wait until your booking window opens to verify which Port Adventures are available on your sailing, but here's my take on these options!
In my opinion, Blue Lagoon Island is larger, has a bigger beach area and more places to try and find a spot to call your own for the day, but attracts larger crowds and if there is more than just your ship in port that day (which is almost always the case) will be attended by other cruise lines' guests as well, especially since one of the big draws in the dolphin encounters options available. But since you're not looking to do that part of the island, you can take the time to enjoy the rest of the amenities as you see fit!
Pearl Island's beach is smaller, perched atop a rocky bit of land with lounge chairs all along surrounded by beautiful Bahamian water. only a few of the lounge chairs are sandy-beach-facing, but since the island is so much smaller, the smaller beach area can be less crowded - of course, that all depends on how many people book this Port Adventure! You'll still have beautiful surroundings, but without animal encounters, this can be a more relaxation-and-sun-centric option!
Of course, you can always book third-party excursions, but personally,
my family and I always go with Port Adventures through Disney Cruise Line because of the peace of mind that comes with them. No worries about missing the ship's departure and having to find your way to the next port - something other excursions just can't guarantee - and in a busy port like Nassau, this can be critical at the end of the day when the all-aboard time comes and everyone is on transportation back to the ships!
No matter what you decide, I'm sure you'll have an incredible time in Nassau! The people are friendly, the weather is almost always beautiful, and the experiences you'll share will make for magical memories as you head off into the horizon bound for
Disney Castaway Cay!
I hope that helps you make a few short list plans for your port day, Kara! Thank you again for sailing my way with your question, and if you have any others surface while planning for this fall, please drop me another line here at planDisney!
SEA ya real soon!
Andrew