South Carolina

The Best Cruises from Charleston to the Bahamas

by Paul Joseph  |  Updated October 11, 2021

Charleston is the perfect gateway for a cruise to the Bahamas, offering the chance to soak in that Southern hospitality, history and cuisine before embarking on a sun-filled adventure.

Best Cruises Charleston Bahamas

(Photo: CruiseDirect.com)

The Bahamas is one of the most popular cruise destinations from Charleston, and it’s not difficult to see why. Power-soft sands, shallow shorelines and crystalline turquoise waters make for an idyllic tropical getaway. The promise of 340 days of sunshine every year helps too. If you’re thinking about setting sail, we’ve rounded up the best cruises from Charleston to the Bahamas, based on itinerary and price.

4 Night Bahamas Cruise

Best cruises Charleston Bahamas

Half Moon Cay (Photo: CruiseDirect.com)

If you’re looking for a quick shot of sunshine on an idyllic tropical island, we recommend this four night cruise. You’ll get to spend a whole day at Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s private island. Stroll along nine miles of white sand beaches, snorkel with turtles and swim alongside dolphins. There’s a 1,700-acre lagoon with crystalline waters to enjoy too. You’ll also have two days at sea aboard the Carnival Sunshine to unwind and enjoy the liner’s amenities, which include a dozen restaurants, a top-deck waterpark and a nightclub. From $299 ($75 per person, per night). 

Book at CruiseDirect.com 

6 Night Bahamas Cruise

Best cruises Charleston Bahamas

(Photo: CruiseDirect.com)

This six night itinerary rolls up the best of the Bahamas beaches, culture and history in one trip. First up is Freeport, a tropical playground on the Grand Bahamas offering a 40-acre national park, beautiful golf courses and pristine beaches. There are dozens of cafes, bars and shops where you can soak up the local flavours too. The next stop is Nassau, the colourful gateway to the Bahamas. It’s the capital city of the Bahamas’ 700 islands, offering pristine beaches, history and a thrumming art scene. You’ll have a whole day at Half Moon Cay, before heading back to Charleston. In between guests have two full days at sea to enjoy the Carnival Sunshine’s top-notch facilities and amenities. From $699 ($117 per person, per night).

Book at CruiseDirect.com

7 Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the Bahamas and dip your toe into the surrounding islands, this seven night cruise is for you. Sail away from Charleston and enjoy a whole day at sea before your first stop – Nassau. From here, you’ll set off for Princess Cays. The private island is one hundred miles long and only two miles wide, mostly comprising unspoiled beaches. Unwind with beach barbeques, snorkelling and local delicacies. From here, it’s a short trip to Grand Turk for swimming with Sting Ray and catamaran rides.  From $609 ($87 per person, per night)

Book at CruiseDirect.com