Bahamas Cruise with Freedom of the Seas!

When I go on vacation, I always strive to include locations I have never visited and activities I have never indulged in before. While I had been to Miami before, I never had the pleasure of setting foot on one of the huge cruise ships departing from the port of Miami so far. This was about to change for I had booked a 3 days Bahamas Cruise with Freedom of the Seas!

The Freedom of the Seas in Nassau/Bahamas

 Check In and Boarding

Traveling on board of the majestic Freedom of the Seas from Miami to the Bahamas from July 21st to 24th, 2023 was an experience beyond words. The minute you arrived at the port of Miami, someone took care of your luggage. The check-in and security procedures felt like a breeze and were very well organized. In total, it took us about 30 minutes from arriving at the port to stepping foot onto the Freedom of the Seas. 

 Boarding the ship felt like stepping into a gigantic floating city. As one of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships in the world, it boasted an array of amenities and services to cater to every need. From the moment I stepped on board, I was greeted with impeccable hospitality and a warm atmosphere. Luxury, comfort, and endless entertainment were our constant companions in the three days to follow. 

 Convenient: The Royal Carribean App!

They Royal Carribean App which we installed prior to boarding helped us with orientation and planning our stay on board. A very convenient feature was the possibility to book your shore excursions. The minute we arrived at our cabin, we quickly checked all the offered excursions and trips and quickly booked the ones that intrigued us the most: Swimming with the famous blag pigs on Coco Cay – definitely a bucket list item for me! We also decided for a three hour minivan roundtrip on Nassau. 

On our way to Coco Cay

On Board the Freedom of the Seas – what an experience!

But let’s talk a bit about the Freedom fo the Seas first, our home away from home for the next three days. And what a home it was!

The ship offered an outstanding variety of dining options, ranging from casual buffets to elegant specialty restaurants. One could indulge in mouthwatering dishes from all around the world, truly satisfying any culinary cravings. We usually had breakfast and lunch in the Windjammer with stunning views of the sea and the Bahamas islands. The food was a variety of delicious dishes from all around the world. For dinner, we usually went to the a la carte restaurant on deck 3 where each day you could choose a 3 course dinner from several brand new options. All of the food I tried there was amazing and service was truly superb. 

After dinner, we usually took a leisurely stroll along the Royal Promenade, a bustling hub of shops, bars, and entertainment venues. A lot of the American crowd on board opted for the casino as their favorite form of nighttime entertainment, but we rather watched the musical performances and shows in the grand theatre. 

 

For those seeking relaxation, the ship provided numerous options. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time for the Vitality Spa, but I heard it was a sanctuary of tranquility and offered rejuvenating treatments and panoramic views of the ocean. But we definitely checked out the adults-only Solarium where one could bask in the sun or unwind in the whirlpools. 

 Thrill-seekers were spoiled for choice with an onboard surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and a thrilling zip line. The FlowRider, a surfing simulator, provided endless fun and adrenaline rushes for both beginners and seasoned surfers. 

 

Coco Cay: 

Our first stop on this incredible journey was Coco Cay, a private island paradise exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests.  All throughout the morning, the song “A perfect Day at Coco Cay” was played on board and hyped guests up for the experience to come.

Coco Cay Island

 Coco Cay offered a wealth of activities to explore. Adrenaline junkies could soar above the island on a zip line, while water sports enthusiasts could snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs or take a thrilling ride on a wave runner. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, pristine beaches lined with swaying palm trees provided the perfect spot to sunbathe and unwind. We chose to do the later. It was a somewhat cloudy day, but that didn’t spoil our experience at all. The water was so warm and perfect, and several free of charge lunch options were provided nearby.  

 

Swimming with the famous blag pics

One of the highlights of this idyllic haven was the opportunity to swim with the famous black pigs. From the shores of Coco Cay, we got onto a speed boat that took us to the pig island in a matter of minutes. After some short safety instructions on how to behave around the pigs, how to approach them and what not to do, we were allowed to meet them on the beach. 

Queuing for the swimming pigs experience
Swimming pigs beach

These sweet creatures, known for their friendly nature and love for the water, made for an unforgettable experience. Splashing around with them while taking in the breathtaking surroundings was a true bucket-list moment. I didn’t even mind the rain and the temporary dark sky due to it – the water felt so warm and refreshing and it was a true treat to hang out with the pigs. We also were fortunate to meet and hold some of the baby pigs. 

At the end of our day in Coco Cay, we were completely spent, but happy. It was indeed a “perfect day at Coco Cay!

Vibrant Nassau

The next morning, we woke up in Nassau, the final stop on this remarkable journey. There were three other large cruise ships there already. No wonder! 

Nassau is the vibrant capital city of the Bahamas. Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, Nassau offered a mix of cultural experiences and natural wonders. Many people opted to visit the stunning Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. 

One of the many beaches of Nassau

 We, however, decided to immerse ourselves in the local culture and explore the historic downtown area. From vibrant markets full of local crafts and souvenirs to colorful colonial buildings, this charming area showcased the unique Bahamian spirit.  

We also did a three-hour tour by minivan which took us around the island with several stops at a rum cake factory (with rum cake tasting), a small beach and a local market. I’m so glad we opted to do this tour because it was a very hot day and we would have never seen so much of this island by exploring it by foot. Fun fact: While we were sweating, some locals had put on some jackets and long pants because for them, apparently, it was one of the colder days of the year. 

 

Colorful street art

Conclusion: Memories of a lifetime! 

Embarking on this mini cruise with the Freedom of the Seas to the Bahamas was an adventure of a lifetime. The ship provided unmatched luxury and entertainment, ensuring every moment was extraordinary. From swimming with the black pigs on Coco Cay to exploring the vibrant city of Nassau, the trip offered a perfect combination of relaxation, excitement, and cultural immersion. Undoubtedly, this journey onboard the Freedom of the Seas will forever be etched in my memory as a truly unforgettable experience. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll get the chance to come back to the Bahamas and explore some more islands! 

Enjoying a freshly cut coconut in Nassau