Cruises to the Bahamas From South Carolina

While the Bahamas is one of the most popular stops on the Caribbean circuit, given the archipelago’s proximity to Florida, the vast majority of cruise lines leave from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, with the East Coast ports of New York and Baltimore also featuring as departure ports for longer cruises. That leaves only one cruise line operating out of Charleston in South Carolina. However, the lack of choice does not translate into lack of quality, and the short cruise offers a refreshing fix of tropical fun.

Carnival Fantasy

• The only Bahamas cruise departing from Charleston is operated by Carnival Cruise Lines, whose 855-foot Carnival Fantasy home ports in South Carolina year round. At more than 20 years old, the Fantasy is comparatively old stock, but a recent refurbishment more than caters to the needs of its passenger capacity of just over 2,000. The Fantasy is the only cruise ship sailing round trip to Charleston and packs in a water park, comedy club curated by George Lopez and poolside Guy Fieri Burger Joint.

Cruise Itinerary

• Carnival runs two cruise itineraries, a five-day cruise uniquely to the Bahamas, and a seven-day Eastern Caribbean trip which also visits Grand Turk, and stops off at Half Moon Cay. The five-day Charleston to Bahamas cruise incorporates two “Fun days at sea” between South Carolina and the Bahamas and heads directly to Nassau and Freeport, making it ideal for those who want to treat themselves to a perfunctory blast of winter sun without straying too far afield. These short cruises are also among the more economical -- it is quite possible to subsist entirely on complimentary dining and entertainment, without the cost of onshore excursions.

Bahamas Basics

• Although the Bahamas stretches across some 700 islands and more than 2,000 cays, cruise activity is focused around two areas only: Freeport in Grand Bahama, which is less than a hundred miles from the Florida coast; and Nassau on New Providence Island, home of Paradise Island and Atlantis. Both islands offer outstanding opportunities for snorkeling, diving, shopping and dining; however, Freeport distinguishes itself through its casinos while Nassau is famed for its straw market and waterpark at Atlantis, an oasis of water slides, artificial rivers and pools.

Private Islands

• As well as the frenetic delights and full-on activity of Freeport and Nassau, Carnival also maintains a private island in the Bahamas where passengers can relax at a steadier pace, if not exactly escape the crowds. One hundred miles from Nassau, Half Moon Cay is a natural bird sanctuary, but otherwise home to a 2.5-mile crescent beach served by bars, restaurants and activities. Passengers can enjoy free buffet dining on shore and the use of beach loungers, but typically pay for extras including excursions, alcohol and souvenir purchases. These can be charged to the onboard account, however.