Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Planners: Honeymoons & Vacations by Vonda

Bahamas

5 Free Things to Do in the Bahamas

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5 FREE THINGS TO DO IN THE BAHAMAS

I call the Bahamas the starter kit to the Caribbean.  With more than 700 islands it is a popular land and cruise destination.  

My first land trip and cruise trip traveled to the Bahamas and I still love the excitement of visiting this property over and over again.  

Since the Bahamas is so easy to reach (especially via cruise) I recommend it to first time travelers often and they have not been disappointed.  The Bahamas is affordable, fun and diverse so it makes it ideal for romantic getaways, family vacations and honeymoons.

 

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By Kavonda L. Rogers

Below are 5 of my favorite must see attractions for a visit to the Bahamas.  

Versailles Gardens

The Versailles Gardens are located on Paradise Island, Bahamas and overloos the Nassau Harbor.  

This is perfect spot to visit if you are looking for a break from the usual beach visits.  This historically garden is a great place to visit and has an amazing view of the sunset.

Also, the garden is rarely busy so you can take as many photos as you wish of the beautiful scenery.  

The Queen's Staircase

The Queen’s staircase of a major historical landmark in Nassau.

Usually, it is called the 66 Steps by the locals and it once provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau, Bahamas.  

paradise beach

There are a lot of beaches in the Bahamas.  They all have varying degrees of interest and beauty.  Paradise Beach is a favorite for many travelers.

This beach is also great for snorkeling but be careful of the strong waves.  

junkanoo beach

If you are traveling to the Bahamas via cruise ship this is the perfect beach to visit.  It is a short 15 minute walk from the cruise ship and it’s free to enter.

During your walk you will get to explore downtown Nassau while you are trekking to the beach.  

It’s not the fanciest beach in Nassau but it is nice.  If you want to splurge some head over to the Bikini Hut and for $35 and you will get a lunch, unlimited shots and tropical drinks, 4 beers and an umbrella beach chair.

Dean's Blue Hole (Long Island)

If you are into adventure with your travel Dean’s Blue Hole is the spot for you.  The Hole itself is 663 feet deep and has gorgeous blue water.

If big holes are not your cup of tea; travel to the beach nearby and let the adventure members of your group have a moment.  

I hope you will consider a trip to the Bahamas. Are you considering any of these stops for your Bahamas vacation? If so let me know in the comments below. Also, if you want more tips and info about all things travel sign up for my newsletter below.


I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Hawaii and the Caribbean.

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The Truth About Cruising

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The Truth About Cruising

I am a self proclaimed travel addict.  This also makes me a cruise addict. (not by default just my opinion).  I have also created several cruise addicts. . i.e my mom, my fiance’ and my best friend.  Yet, I find the most myths and lack of information about cruising than any other form of travel.  There are many myths about all-inclusives as well but that is another post.  Let’s get started!

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By Kavonda L. Rogers

MYTH: There are only a handful of cruise lines.

I hear this statement quite often from people who have taken one or two cruises.  Why does it seem believable because many people base their information on advertisements.  If you only see advertisements for a small number of companies you may assume those are the only ones that exist.  Most advertisements you see are from main line cruise companies such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Holland America.  Yet, currently there are 25 major cruise lines. Virgin Cruise Lines (yep, just like the record company) will launch in 2020 making for 26 major cruise lines.  They fall into the following categories:

Mass Market (or Main Line)- These are the cruise lines most associated with cruising and usually the most affordable cruising options. Also, they have the largest ships to accommodate a large numbers of passengers. Main line cruises start at $399+ per person.  Examples are Carnival,Royal Caribbean, Holland America and Norwegian.

Premium– A step up from Mass Market and usually slightly smaller ships.  If you can call 2-3,000 passengers smaller.  Premium cruise lines focus on longer cruises (7+ days) and more exotic locations.  Premium cruises are more of an investment and start around $799 per person.  Examples are Princess, Disney, Celebrity, and MSC Cruises.

Luxury: Luxury cruise lines are just that.  They usually do not have ships with more than 1000 passengers.   They focus on exotic destinations and often have more overnight stays than the previous two categories.  Often times shore excursions and activities are included in the price.  Private butlers, free wifi are usually included.    Also, balconies, suites and penthouses are the norm instead of the exception. Luxury cruises start at around $2400 per person.  Examples are Crystal Cruises, Cunard,and  Azamara. 

Ultra Luxury: Ultra Luxury takes the Luxury catagory and puts it on steroids.  The ships are smaller housing from 100-800 guests.  The locations are off the beaten path with some occasional big ship stops.  Everything is included from drinks to food to shore excursions.  Butlers and personal concierge are the norm as well as spa packages. These cruises often have themes such as wine cruises, or culinary delights.   This is the best cruising has to offer.  Also, if you live far from the port no worries Ultra Luxury cruises include business class plane tickets in the price.  Ultra Luxury cruises start at $8000 per person and can cost as much as $25,000 per person.  Examples are Silverseas and Paul Gaugin cruises.

Now that you know the cruise levels let’s explore other myths. 

Myth: Cruises just go to the Caribbean

Yes, the majority of cruises go to the Caribbean around 50%, but the ocean cruising world is much bigger.  There are many cruises that go to other destinations.  For example their are Hawaiian and Alaskan cruises.  Not to mention all the European cruises (which also includes river cruises, but that’s another post).  More recently cruise lines are entering Central and South America with cruises going through the Panama Canal and to Rio De Janerio.  There is a cruise for everyone even veteran cruisers who want a bit more adventure with their cruise travel. 

Myth: Been there done that!

 

Many people feel that once they go to a specific port then they should never go there again.  Many times the ports where cruise ships dock are not close to the hub of the island.  I have been to several locations where I really didn’t get a feel for the area until my 3rd or 4th visit.  If you are doing a repeat visit to an area definitely contact me and I can give you some ideas to have a better island experience.  There is always something else to see when you don’t live there.  

Myth: All Inclusive Resorts are Better, Right?

 

I will admit that all inclusive resorts are amazing.  Especially, when you want to have time to dig deep and really immerse yourself in a particular destination.  Yet, as far as exploration of several locales in a short period of time cruising wins hands down.  The value of a cruise especially for 5 day plus cruises is exceptionally high.  My suggestion is to cruise to a destination to see if you like it.  If you like it and want to see more then go back and stay at an all-inclusive. 

I’m so glad you took a moment to read the truth about cruising. I tried to touch on issues that I have personally heard from clients over the years.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings/Romance Travel, Group Travel and First Time Travelers. I am also a Destination Specialist for the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Central and South America.

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8 Things to Do in the Bahamas

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8 Things to Do in the Bahamas

I call the Bahamas the starter kit to the Caribbean.  Why?  Because it is one of the most easily accessible islands in the Caribbean.  The issue starts when people assume that because they stopped there on their first cruise they know it all and saw it all.  Oh, my dear friend you are so wrong!

The Bahamas is a collection of 700 islands.  Yes, 700 not one.  Out of that 700 only 30 are not inhabitable. That leaves 670 islands for you to explore.  The Bahamas is a big place with a lot of activities.  I will explore 8 places in the Bahamas you probably didn’t know about.  Let’s get started!

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By Kavonda L. Rogers

Eat Fish at Arawak Cay

While there are plenty of fine dining opportunities in all over the islands; one of the best authentic Bahamanian experiences is at Arawak Cay.  The Fish Fry is a short walk from the Western Esplanade of Nassau. If you are on a cruise it’s a quick $4 can ride.  Here you will find a cluster of shacks that whip up some of the best traditional Bahamian fish fry. If you go on a Sunday, you will also get the chance to be entertained by wonderful local bands and some gracious poetry readings on the pavements around the fish fry joints. It is very much worth the trip to be immersed in Bahamanian culture. 

Ride the Leap of Faith Waterslide

Imagine riding an almost vertical water slide through a shark-infested tank!! I will pass but children and adventurous adults love it.  Yes, at the 141-acre Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark, you will get to do just that and more. There are several waterslides on premise, but it is the sheer drop of the “Leap of Faith” that is the most thrilling.  Atlantis offers day passes to their water park for guests who are not staying at the Atlantis resort. 

Snorkel at Andros Great Barrier Reef

 

This is also an amazing place to scuba dive.  Filled with submerged shipwrecks, underwater blue holes and the third largest barrier reef in the world make the waters around Andros Great Barrier Reef some of the best and most scenic for water activities.  The underwater blue holes are home to some of the most colorful trumpetfish, parrotfish and speckled scorpionfish in these seas. Here you will undoubtedly find the most beautiful marine life. 

Ride in a Personal Underwater Sub

Apart from the 700 islands, the Bahamas has about 2,400 cays (coral reefs). These reefs are home to some of the most colorful and spectacular marine life known to man. One of the most unique ways to explore some of these reefs is in a personal underwater Sub, which looks like a moped with a helmet.

After a quick lesson on how to pilot your submarine you will then be released to explore the reefs.  You can even feed the fish, which is a great way to get them to slow down so you can get some amazing photos.   If you want to ride in the personal submarine let me know.  I can help plan it for you. 

Stay at Breezes Bahamas

Many of my clients are all inclusive junkies so I had to throw something in for them.  

If you are looking for wonderful white sand beaches and fabulous water activities not to mention great food; Breezes is an option for you.  This all inclusive resort is along the beautiful Cable Beach. It is a family friendly resort with activities for kids and adults alike. 

With 5 dining options on site there is no shortage of food options.  There is also free flowing snacks and beverages. If you are cruising to Nassau you can also purchase a day pass to visit during your port day.

Walk the Pink Sands on Harbor Island

Everyone has seen pictures of beautiful white sand beaches across the Caribbean, but what about pink beaches?  Pink beaches are a bit more rare and are found in Tahiti and Bermuda.  Yet, you can also find a pink beach at Harbor Island in the Bahamas.  

This is three miles of picture perfect pink sand fading off into aqua blue waters. This phenomenal pink color comes from a micro-organism called foraminifera and minuscule pieces of coral and shells that are washed ashore. You really must see it to believe it!  Don’t miss it. 

 

See the Swimming Pigs

 

Out in the Outer Exuma Islands is Big Major Cay is an island run by pigs.  Yes, pigs.  It is one of the most visited sites throughout the Bahamas.  The pigs swim out to the boats when they approach and even will swim with you in a playful manner.  If nothing else it is interesting to witness. 

Swim in Dean's Blue Hole

Most often if you see a photo of the Bahamas it is of Dean’s Blue Hole.  It is an amazing natural wonder that is a fave of scuba divers. 

What is a Blue Hole? A “Blue Hole” is a sinkhole that is not only filled with water but has a submerged entrance found beneath the surface. While there many blue holes in the world, Dean’s Blue Hole stands out because it is the deepest known to man. At 663 feet (202 meters), Dean’s Blue Hole is just west of Clarence Town on Long Island and on good days, the water is so clear that you can see up to 115 feet. It is an amazing site to behold and if you are brave take a dive. 

I’m so glad you took a moment to read about the wonderful things in the Bahamas and all it has to offer. Trust me it was hard to chose just 8.

I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings/Romance Travel, Group Travel and First Time Travelers. I am also a Destination Specialist for the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Central and South America.

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