Travel DreamScapes: Bahamas: Nassau/ Paradise Island (*)

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Bahamas: Nassau/ Paradise Island (*)

I remain steadfast in my belief that the best way to travel is by cruise ship and the port of call known for its bright, warming sun and balmy breezes is a great way to begin your lifetime of sailing adventures!

Yes, I am referring to Nassau, Bahamas!

The city of Nassau with its tropical, tree-lined streets and a range of duty-free shops is one of the most popular and often congested cruise ports in the Caribbean and Bahamas. Located on the 21-mile long island of New Providence, the capital of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas is steeped in history.

Formerly known as Charles Town, it was burned to the ground by the Spanish in 1684 only to be rebuilt and renamed Nassau in 1695. By 1713 the Bahamas had become a haven for pirates and they proclaimed Nassau a pirate republic. However, when the British sought to regain control of the islands in 1718, the Royal Governor, Captain Woodes Rogers clamped down on the pirates and restored commerce, cleaning up Nassau and rebuilding the fort with his own money.

Nassau is connected by two bridges to Paradise Island, another popular tourist destination. The first bridge was built in 1966 by Resorts International and the second was constructed in the late 1990s.

Paradise Island, formerly known as Hog Island, was developed almost exclusively for tourism. Its 685 acres are devoted to resorts, hotels, restaurants, shops, nightlife, a golf course, an aquarium and a Vegas-style casino.

The Atlantis Paradise Island resort is the jewel of Paradise Island. Officially opened in 1998, the luxury resort features the Aquaventure waterpark, lagoons, pools, waterfalls and a giant subterranean aquarium. The waterpark includes a five-story Mayan Temple with a 60-foot vertical drop slide that ends in a clear tunnel inside of a shark-filled lagoon.

Furthermore, this lavish resort has one of the most expensive hotel suites in the world known simply as The Bridge Suite. A one night’s stay can cost $25,000. Famous people including, Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates and Donald Trump have all stayed in the suite.

So sail to Nassau and spend your days sunbathing, snorkeling, shopping, or just unwinding. There is so much to do here!

Nassau/ Paradise Island Official Tourism Guide: http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/