A Tale of Two Bahamas: Nassau and the Private Islands

The Bahamas has been one of those recurring destinations for me, with stops across different seasons and cruises. Each visit has had its own personality, but they all tend to fall into two camps: exploring Nassau or spending the day unwinding on a private cruise island like Princess Cays. Both offer something different depending on the kind of energy you’re after.

Nassau has a bit of everything. Some visits, I’ve just wandered solo through the downtown streets, taking in the pastel buildings and the rhythm of local life. Other times, I’ve joined a guided bus tour for a quick history lesson or headed over to Atlantis for a little casino action. One of the more memorable stops was Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre. It’s home to flamingos, tropical birds, and a quiet little zoo tucked among lush greenery. It’s not flashy, but it has charm and gave me the chance to get closer to the wildlife than I expected. Even in a heavily touristed port like Nassau, there are still pockets of realness if you take a moment to look for them.

The private island days are something else entirely. Princess Cays is the one I’ve visited most often, and it really is the postcard version of a beach day. The ship anchors offshore and you tender in to soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and rows of beach loungers waiting under swaying palms. Some days I’ve splurged on a clamshell or a shaded cabana, other times I’ve just found a quiet stretch of beach and stayed there until it was time to go back. There are always things to do, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just watching the clouds drift by. If you’re lucky with the weather, it can be about as close to perfect as a port day gets.

Lunch is part of the experience, usually a barbecue-style buffet with burgers, chicken, hot dogs, and sides. It’s casual, but it hits the spot after a swim or a nap in the shade. The only downside is that the weather can shift quickly, and when the clouds roll in, the island loses a bit of its magic. But on the good days, it’s exactly what you hope for when you picture a private beach in the Bahamas.

Whether I’m exploring Nassau or stretched out on the sand at Princess Cays, the Bahamas keeps finding its way back onto my itineraries. It’s not always a showstopper, but it’s dependable, beautiful when the sun’s out, and familiar in the best kind of way.