Maximizing 5 Days in the Western Caribbean (Nassau, Half Moon Cay, & TC )

Updated 3/7/2020

Nassau Rule of Thumb

Let’s get one thing straight!

If you’re a frequent cruiser, odds are you will repeat ports!

“IT IS WHAT IT IS!”

One of those infamous ports will most likely be Nassau! The capital of my birth country!!!

Mexico and Key West are not too far behind!

These ports usually offer short itineraries (3 days or less).

Interior cabins with Carnival can be as low as $50 per night.

The great thing about Nassau is there always something to do! It’s very rare for me to stay on the ship on a port day.

If laying on the beach all day is your thing, they’re walking distance from the port.

I may be biased but where else will you find clearer and more beautiful waters?

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It’s Better in the Bahamas

I stopped spending a lot of money on souvenirs! Now I mostly buy shot glasses or magnets.

If you’re one of those travelers that have to walk away with something, there are tons of merchants to choose from once you exit the ship.

For this trip, I chose to do the ‘Nassau and Paradise Island Day Tour’. It was booked through Priceline for $48.

The first stop is the Queen’s Staircase.

There is a fort and locals sell various souvenirs.

Don’t miss going down the steps and taking in the natural beauty.

This excursion is something quick for photo lovers.

To be honest, I booked this tour simply to take a picture in the famed “throne” located just beyond the casinos. Usually, there will be a line of tourists waiting to do the same.

Atlantis is a beautiful albeit pricey hotel.

The grounds are huge so there are many photo ops!

Snap quickly! Time will be up before you know it!

Pictured below is the bridge named after the actor, Sidney Poitier. He is a Bahamian native.

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Half Moon Cay

Half Moon Cay is Carnival’s private island. There’s no dock so tenders take you to shore.

I heard about water bikes being an option on the island. I didn’t see them and can’t confirm.

It wouldn’t matter anyway because this is where I injured my ankle.

What should have been a day of lounging by the beach and eating free BBQ turned into a nightmare!

I was on the island less than 5 five minutes and my ankle twisted from a fall.

It hurt initially but the unbearable pain would come about an hour later.

I couldn’t put any pressure on the ankle.

The day ended with me getting a cast and being “banished” to my cabin with pain meds.

I won’t go into details but let’s just say I almost stopped cruising with Carnival after my “treatment”.

TIP: Report all injuries to staff ASAP.

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The Turks and Caicos

I had a pre-paid Grand Turk Beach Break and High tea party scheduled for $55.00.

The entire excursion was at your leisure.

I brought along my fascinator (tea hat) and gloves (purchased through Light In The Box) and was looking forward to tea-time.

Now I had a wheelchair to consider.

This injury was a very humbling experience! It gave me a tiny glimpse of what the handicapped face on a daily basis.

I couldn’t get around the ship or land without needing help! People stared in mostly pity and impatience.

The staff at Bohio Dive Resort was very accommodating! The dining room where tea is held was not wheelchair accessible so I had to be lifted into it.

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Meanwhile, I was uploading pictures on social media as if all was well.

The wheelchair was cropped out of my pictures. Who wants to look back and see an injury on vacation?

I felt like a celebrity at the resort since a lot of guests stopped to admire my hat.

One lady asked to take my picture. They stopped short at autographs.

High Tea

I was wheeled right up to a table with my name tag.

I didn’t miss a beat. My attitude said, “What wheelchair/ankle injury?”

I felt like the Queen Bee that I am and enjoyed my delicious tea and Rosé.

This wasn’t a completely solo trip though I did the tea party alone.

Once I had my fill of the food and view, I returned to the port’s Margaritaville. My family had been there all morning and the turn up was in full effect.

Someone was nice enough to roll me to their table. I was a little hesitant to navigate around the narrow path along the large pools.

I found a spot in the shade to watch them in the water.

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Most likely I would not have gotten in the pool pre-injury. The only difference with the scene is the wheelchair.

If you have ever been, Margaritaville is quite the party.

The DJ plays all of the latest and there are all sorts of dance-offs and competitions to keep the atmosphere lively.

I was full from the tea party but there is a decently priced menu of wings, burgers and IG worthy drink containers!

I’m so proud of myself for not allowing this injury to ruin my trip. I truly feel my growth with every trip I take.

Have you ever gotten injured on a trip? How did you handle it?

Poof…Bee Gone

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