Cruises from Charleston to the Bahamas

The Bahamas are a good destination for a cruise from Charleston because it's a short voyage and always a good time. The islands are only 70 miles off the coast of southern Florida, and about 700 islands make up the archipelago. Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises to the Bahamas from South Carolina; see the schedule of departures below.

Nassau Paradise Island is the main cruise port and is known for warm beaches, duty free shopping and casinos. The sand is soft and the water is clear. The island also has two golf courses and is one of the world's best sportsfishing spots.

Freeport is a city on the island of Grand Bahama. The Port Lucaya Marketplace has plenty of shops and restaurants. There are also white sand beaches, a casino and scuba diving.

Half Moon Cay, also known as Little San Salvador Island, is a private island owned by the cruise line. It has nine miles of beach in a crescent shape. Only 45 acres of the 2500 acre island are developed, leaving the rest to nature. Enjoy a comprehensive water sports program.

Princess Cays is a destination for select Bahamas cruises from Charleston. It's a private resort on the island of Eleuthera, featuring more than a half-mile of white-sand beach, observation tower, beach barbecue, craft market and water sports.