The best of boutique travel.
Sailing the Bahama Out Islands on a Crystal Cruises six-star, luxury cruise ship.
This is such a rare opportunity as so much of Out Island cruising has been limited to the cruise lines that own private islands. In the past, there were vessels carrying 100 or so passengers cruising to places like the Abacos and the Exumas. Only two of the major cruise lines have ever made regular port calls in the Out Islands.
Having known of Crystal Cruises before its first ship, Crystal Harmony, was even launched in 1990, the line is synonymous with luxury - from sumptuous accommodations to elegance at every turn onboard. Gourmet dining, from the dining room to afternoon tea, is a feast for the senses. The atmosphere is one of relaxation, wellness, and rejuvenation whether you take in
the spa, stay fit at sea, or simply soak up the sun on deck.
Of course, movement will be restricted due to COVID-19 protocols, but there's plenty to see and do, such as:
Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island Glass Window Bridge, Eleuthera Stocking Island, George Town Great Exuma Dean's Blue Hole, Clarence Town - Long Island Hamilton's Cave-near Clarence Town Stella Maris Resort, (northern) Long Island Cape Santa Maria, (northern) Long Island
Harbour Island, Eleuthera
The ship is well matched to the ports-of-calls. On Harbour Island, for instance, yachts tie up in the harbors at Valentine's Resort and Romora Bay as their guests explore Dunmore Town while others fly in and stay at one of the many luxury resorts or rent homes. The island is said to be the Nantucket of the Caribbean. Here you'll see quaint homes, pink sand beaches, and golf carts - lots and lots of golf carts. That's a primary mode of transportation on the island.
Popular Resorts
Coral Sands Hotel, The Dunmore Hotel, Pink Sands Hotel, Rock House Hotel and Restaurant, Romora Bay Resort and Marina, Runaway Hill Inn, Valentine's Resort and Marina
Will you have the opportunity to stop at Arthur's Bakery to enjoy everything from breads, pastries, and donuts to sandwiches, breakfast tingums, and other delectables? Is horseback riding on the beach a part of the agenda? Perhaps you will see the contrast between the deep, blue Atlantic and the calmer side of Eleuthera Sound at the Glass Window Bridge after a short ferry ride from Harbour Island.
Long Island...
...is known for blue holes and caves for visitors to explore along with a unique island history. Transportation infrastructure can make getting around the island a bit of a challenge, but then again, that's part of the charm!
The island is known for two well-regarded resorts...
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort
Stella Maris Resort Club (long-standing resort community)
The former has a long beach while the latter has more of a rocky shore with smaller patches of sand.
Great Exuma Island
At George Town there is Stocking Island - a barrier island that protects George Town from rough waves. Great Exuma itself is a mixed bag of Out Island charm along with all-inclusive resorts. There is an island and cay (key) for every day of the year in the Exuma chain! From underwater grottos, to swimming with pigs to exploring the ruins of a former criminal outpost, there's always something interesting to see and do. Great Exuma is a great way to get your feet wet!
Bimini
Bimini also combines Out Island magic with resort-life. The island has hosted the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Dr. Martin Luther King. Ponce de Leon is said to have found the Fountain of Youth here as well.
Being such a small island, some may feel the large Hilton Resorts World complex (pre and post cruise packages available) detracts from the island ambiance. The Bimini Big Game Resort may better fit expectations. Again, with COVID restrictions in place for cruise passengers, you might not get to see it while on the cruise, but you can always plan a trip to Bimini one day.
Guests sailing with Crystal have the option of beginning and ending their voyage at this port. Getting to and from the island wil require extra planning, time, and consideration There is no major international airport, so one must wither catch a flight from Florida or Nassau. A seaplane is an interesting choice of flight.
Crystal Serenity passengers will access The Beach Club at Bimini for an exclusive private, relaxing atmosphere. Now where have we heard that name before? Hmm...
Passengers also have the added choice of cruising from Bimini as opposed to Nassau; if you choose to do so and are not familiar with how to access the island - be forewarned: it'd not as easy as getting to Nassau. You can get there both by plane and by ferry. Make contact and let's chat about that.
San Salvador
This stop is said to be where Christopher Columbus first set foot on land when he arrived on his trek across the Atlantic; there are monuments commemorating this milestone.
Club Med has a big resort and there are other more intimate beach resorts as well. Still, this island is really remote and secluded being farther east than the rest of the isles on the itinerary. Check out this blog for more information about what this destination has to offer.
Photo Credits and Other Usage
Serenity at Sea, stateroom, and map photos courtesy of Crystal Cruises
Photo Credits:
Crystal Lobby and Seahorse Pool photo courtesy of Gary Bembridge https://www.flickr.com/photos/tipsfortravellers/15059031739 and https://www.flickr.com/photos/tipsfortravellers/15059059590, respectively
Mo alterations made
Welcome to Harbour Island courtesy ID 178107081 © Zhukovsky | Dreamstime.com
No alterations made
Seaplane courtesy of cdorobek https://www.flickr.com/photos/cdorobek/7875512478/
No alterations made
Winds of Jane blog used with author's permission
The links in this blog post are not monetized nor do they constitute endorsements; they are solely for informational purposes.
Comments