Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Cruising the Bahamas? What to Do in Every Port Without Booking an Excursion.
For US travelers, the Bahamas is one of the busiest and most popular cruise destinations in the world. Nassau Cruise Port alone welcomed 5.6 million cruise visitors in 2024, with nearly four ships docking every day.
That popularity comes with a catch: cruise excursions can start to add up fast. The good news is that most major Bahamian ports are easy to explore independently. Beaches, food, and culture are often just steps from the pier, with no pricey excursions required.
Here’s how to make the most of every Bahamas cruise stop without booking a single ship-run tour.
T R A V E L
7 Vintage Train Rides in the US That Go Where Cars Can’t
The Durango and Silverton Railroad/Facebook
From redwood forests to remote mountain canyons, these historic train routes travel through landscapes unreachable by road. And deliver a dose of American history along the way.
D E A L S
HotelTonight’s Best Last-Minute Steals Right Now
Photos: HotelTonight
Our favorite HotelTonight* finds for spontaneous trips:
W E L L N E S S
How Los Cabos Is Becoming Mexico’s Top Wellness Escape
Photo: Rulo Luna Ramos
Where desert meets sea, Los Cabos blends boutique hotels, top-tier dining, and a calmer pace than many beach destinations, all with easy access from major US cities.
T R A V E L
In Chile’s Elqui Valley, Follow a Route of Pisco, Poetry, and Stars
Photo: Hannah D. Cooper
Less crowded than Patagonia and easier to navigate than the Atacama, Chile’s Elqui Valley offers cosmic night skies, Gabriela Mistral history, and one of South America’s most relaxed road trips.
S T A Y S
These Airbnbs Near the Eiffel Tower Offer Some of the Best Views in Paris
Photo: Airbnb
Paris turns up the romance year-round, but these stylish Airbnbs near the Eiffel Tower make any city break feel extra special, especially for Valentine’s Day.
Where to Stay
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The Matador Editorial Team
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