Off to Nassau

Lighthouse and the Entrance to the Channel
Nassau, Bahamas
January 6, 2026

 The first port of call for our cruise was Nassau in the Bahamas. I have read that this port is in the bottom ten of cruising destinations by those of us who cruise. And it is rightfully there. 

Royal Caribbean is trying to upgrade that position with their new island experience, but it is so expensive that Chris and I took a pass. We did, however, wander around the recently upgraded Nassau port facility. It is a huge upgrade from the previous port area and was fun to wander around. There is almost no reason to leave the port complex anymore. But, we did. 

The Pirate Bar Banner
Nassau, Bahamas
January 6, 2026

We walked down to the Margaritaville Resort where Patrick found some space to fly his drone, Popcorn II. He got some great video of the new Royal Caribbean Island and of the six, yes, six ships in port. There were three Royal Caribbean, one Celebrity, one Carnival, and a Celebrity ship. The sheer numbers of cruise ships in port is another reason to avoid Nassau town and stay on the ship. After flying Popcorn II, we walked to our favorite in town hangout, The Pirate Bar, for some overpriced adult beverages.

Beck in the Baby Pool
Utopia of the Seas
January 6, 2026

Once back on the ship, we rested for a while and then exposed Beck to his first water experience. He has been in swim classes and is not afraid of the water, but he had a new experience on the ship. Under the watchful of his parents and the two grandparents present, he explored the water area and made a new friend. Even though he was very tired, he was a lot of fin to watch. When we first arrived at the pool, Beck was the only occupant, but as more people decided that the day was perfect, the baby area filled up. The life guards were very good at keeping the older kids out of the baby pool.

Aqua Show
Utopia of the Seas
January 6, 2026

For our evening we enjoyed dinner at Chops Steakhouse and then took in the Aqua Show. The 80's-themed show was fabulous with lots of water and music activity. I got some video of the action and will publish a short video later. I have seen Aqua Shows on four other Oasis-class ships and I believe this was the best. We were lucky to get reservations when we first boarded. That is one downside to Oasis-class ships--the shows require reservations, unlike smaller ships. 

Beck was beyond tired as the show ended, but still in a great mood. While he and his parents headed off to bed, Chris and I spent another hour at the Schooner's Bar singing songs with a pianist. It was a lot of fun and provided a great way to end the day. 

Today we are at Perfect Day at CocoCay. Been here, done that. There are two other ships here with us. Ugh! But it will be nice beach time off the ship with the added advantage of the drink package!

-- Bob Doan, CocoCay, Bahamas